Trend Alert- Why we Love Patterned Tiles

Patterned tiles are becoming increasingly popular in interiors the world over, with designs varying from bold, achromatic styles to brightly coloured patterns and more discreet tones for a subdued look. There are many different materials and styles to consider when selecting your new patterned tiles; our guide looks at all the various options to help you decide on the best fit for your intended application. 

What different types of patterned tiles are available and what is the difference?

When selecting your new patterned tiles, there are a few key terms to take note of in order to better understand each option. You will also find more in-depth information about tiling terms here and here.

Rectified: Rectified tiles are machine made to feature a sharp 90 degree edge on porcelain tiles that allows for minimal grout lines when laid. Thanks to this quality, they are perfectly suited for use as bathroom tiles and all areas of the home for that matter, where keeping a low maintenance finish is especially a priority.

Handmade-look Tiles: Handmade-look tiles feature the same rustic, organic qualities normally seen in traditional handmade products, offering a cost effective alternative for use in the home. Available in decorative ceramic wall tiles or low maintenance porcelain varieties, handmade-look tiles are most often used on vertical surfaces as their textured finish isn’t always suitable for horizontal applications.  

Encaustic: Most commonly made of concrete, encaustic tiles are renowned for their intricate and heavily stylised patterns and bold use of colour. They can be used as both a floor and wall tile making them a flexible and durable choice.

The perfect pattern for a period styled bathroom design, our porcelain Relic collection includes an array of bold, monochromatic designs to choose from. Suitable for both floor and wall use, Relic offers rectified edges and is made of high quality porcelain, allowing for a greater flexibility in your design.

Porcelain: Always a popular choice, porcelain tiles provide a non-porous and extremely low maintenance surface finish with a multitude of choices available, from stylish bathroom tiles to general use and outdoor collections. High quality printing technology has opened the door to an immense availability of porcelain designs, from encaustic-look patterned tiles to natural stone replicas and more. 

Kitchen tiles: Kitchen tiles include ranges of floor tiles and wall tiles that are best suited to the busy (and often messy!) environment of the home kitchen. Patterned porcelain floor tiles make an excellent choice here, providing a simple to clean finish while more decorative patterned wall tiles can be used to create a stylish and timeless splashback in your design.

Encaustic Tiles vs. Porcelain Tiles – What are encaustic tiles and how do they differ from porcelain tiles?

Steeped in history and tradition, encaustic tiles (initially known as inlaid tiles) were commonly made of various layers of coloured clay with an inlaid pattern. Colours would run up to six millimetres deep, leading to a surface that would keep its colour and design even after many years of wear. Modern encaustic tiles however, are most commonly made of cement, providing an extremely long lasting and durable finish in any application. Cement is a porous material however and as such, will require sealing at installation and every couple of years thereafter depending on the surface’s use and wear. Renowned for their intricate patterns, bold use of colour and smooth matte finish, encaustic tiles provide a timeless elegance in any design project, whether they are used as wall or floor tiles.

Greg Natale’s luxurious encaustic tile Cubo collection includes a range of stunning monochromatic patterned encaustic concrete tiles that are suitable for use as both a floor and wall tile.

Our beautiful Atlantic Butterfly encaustic tiles on the floors of the ultra chic Kenny Lovers Ice cream shop

Porcelain tiles on the other hand, provide a non-porous surface finish that will not require sealing, making them an excellent fit for designs where ongoing maintenance is a key concern. This quality makes them a perfect choice for areas with an increased amount of moisture or humidity (such as the bathroom or laundry), especially when paired with an epoxy grout that will further assist in preventing the build-up of dirt, grime, mould and mildew. Thanks to their immense flexibility, you will find an impressive amount of designer looks available in porcelain tiles, from natural stone lookalike products to encaustic styled reproductions and even stunningly realistic textured timber tiles, each of which offers you the distinct look of a natural product with all the added benefits of a porcelain material. 

A porcelain tile collection that has been specifically designed to offer the look and feel of a traditional encaustic tile, our Colori collection boasts bold, trending colours in stylish and timeless patterns to create an energetic design.

How to use patterned tiles in your design scheme

Patterned tiles can be used in many different ways around the home, creating a stunning feature in every application. From creating a feature floor or wall, to using patterns in your kitchen or laundry room as a splashback, these tiles inject any design with a sense of luxury and drama. The key to creating a harmonious look when using these stronger patterns is to provide a sense of balance in your colour scheme with the use of solid colours and more discreet finishes that will allow for your patterned tiles to take centre stage. Opt for solid coloured tiles that use similar tones as your patterned tiles to tie the look together while also pairing natural finishes such as timber grains to create a sense of warmth and harmony. Stone benchtops should be minimal in pattern so as not to distract from the luscious patterns of your chosen tiles and complement the overall palette rather than competing with it. 

Why are patterned tiles so popular?

Patterned tiles are steadily growing in popularity due to many reasons. The often intricate patterning of these tiles creates a warm and inviting look in the home that provides a dramatic and timeless look, allowing for a bold touch of creativity in any design. Thanks to the vast range of colours and styles available, you have the ultimate freedom in choice when it comes to putting together the balance of your interior design scheme, from cabinetry finishes, benchtop materials and even decorative accessories, as the various tones present in patterned tiles make it simple to coordinate a cohesive colour palette.

Our delightful Patroon collection includes a select range of bold, timeless and elegant patterns to assist you in creating the exact look you are after in your next design project, from vintage styles, to Art Deco tiles and more.

Another reason for their immense popularity, patterned tiles provide an especially perfect fit for revamping period style homes. Particular designs and patterns have the ability to blend into a strong vintage or classic inspired scheme or alternatively, can be used in conjunction with more modern materials and finishes as a nod to the home’s heritage while still retaining a contemporary vibe, allowing for greater flexibility with your intended design direction. 

Perini Tiles has a large and ever growing collection of exquisite patterned tiles, including encaustic tiles as well as porcelain options to help you create the perfect colour palette in your next design project. Contact our design team to arrange for an in-showroom or virtual design consultation where we can curate your project’s entire colour palette and assist you in the selection of your new tiles.