Pep Up With Patchwork Tiles

If you love patchwork quilts, try mixing tiles of various patterns and colors for a similar effect. The result will be a stunning design that recalls Moroccan and other Mediterranean styles, and this can be a great way to utilize all of your favorite colors and patterns in one place. Use the method on your backsplash, entryway floor or worn tabletop, and the patchwork pattern will certainly turn heads.

A Denver kitchen nook takes on a dramatic yet playful backdrop thanks to a brilliant collage of patterned Cuban tile. An asymmetrical assemblage works especially well in contrast to the tight symmetry of the space, and the wall area covered by the tile is just enough to host a beautiful collage without overwhelming. This is patchwork tile perfection in my book.

Tip: Choosing tile for your home can be overwhelming on account of the endless sea of options. Focusing on a patterned tile that you love (and might use sparingly) could be a great starting point for choosing a color palette and a style direction.


The simplest way to work with a patchwork pattern is to choose square tiles that are all the same size and in colors that play off one another. The look here is bright and joyful, works especially well with a white or light interior, and could play off modern furnishings or a spare interior as an unexpected and dramatic twist.

Tip: Patterned tile in traditional and not-so-traditional designs is now widely available in porcelain, terra-cotta and encaustic cement, and the designs may be hand painted, hand built (as with fine encaustic tiles) or machine applied.

Tiles: Luxurystyle


Here the patchwork look goes traditional, evoking the French countryside with patterned and smaller porcelain tiles. Choosing tiles that are restricted to a simple palette, blue and white in this case, creates a sea of interesting pattern without the added distraction of color.

Tip: Patterned tiles come in a wide range of depths, so you'll need to choose tiles that are appropriate for your needs. If you're replacing tile, you'll very likely want to use tile that is a similar depth. If you're doing patchwork for new construction, talk with your contractor if the tile of your dreams is thicker than standard. Tiles that are very thick, such as encaustic tiles or some terra-cotta tiles, may impact cabinet placement and other structural details such as door trim.

Tile: Filmore Clark


Stair treads, like in this Dallas Meditterranean-style home, are the perfect place to work with patterned tile, especially if they're outdoors. Patterned stair treads indoors do make a stylish statement, but take into account from where the stair is seen and choose tiles that complement the existing interior style.

Tip: Make sure you understand the conditions for which any given tile is appropriate, and don't fall in love with a tile for your floor until you're certain that it's suitable for the floor. In other words, stay away from tile that's designated for light traffic, because who knows when you may need to move in a piano? You don't want to have to worry about breaking floor tiles.


This café in Jerusalem has wall tiles in an interesting combination of pastel colors, sizes and patterns; the look provides interest but doesn't make you crazy. And no, the pattern here does not follow any rules as far as I could figure out; it was installed as a work of true random art.

Tip: To figure out how many tiles of each pattern to purchase, it is wise to do a layout by hand or on the computer. The salesperson at the tile store can also help you with this. Ordering equal amounts of each pattern is the easy way out, though the very best option is to plan the placement of each and every tile, order accordingly and give the diagram you worked out to the tile installer. Order extras to account for breakage, which is bound to occur.


A patchwork floor tile treatment like this encaustic tile installation is a true eye popper. But only the very brave should consider patterned patchwork tile on the floor in their home, because it really takes over the space. Personally, I love this look. But it probably would works best in a small bathroom, a railroad kitchen or a tiny hallway.

Tip: How many different patterns does it take to make a successful patchwork tile installation? It really depends on the look you're going for, but the results that are the most pleasing to my eye are those that use around 10 or so different patterns. That way there's much more room for creating something truly random looking and for creating visual space between different patterns and colors.

Tile: Luxurystyle


Outdoor eating areas are the perfect places for experimenting with playful mixes of tile. The built-in counter area in this Brazilan courtyard is playful and easy to keep clean, one of the great benefits of tile.


The bathroom is a great place to take chances, too, as the look is contained, and one experiences it on a limited basis. The eclectic mix of bright colors, textures and materials (as well as vintage tile) in this home in Manhattan's Greenwich Village neighborhood is unique.


Love the idea of patchwork tile but are afraid to commit to covering a large area? A section of patchwork tile set amid a field of nonpatterned tile is a great way to enjoy the look without its stealing the show.

Tile: CIR


A strip of patterned tile set as a wide decorative border is stunning and modern.

Tile: Iris Ceramica


Encaustic Tiles - GBP 3.80 » I absolutely love the pattern and color combination here. But while it looks great in a four-by-three format, it would probably be too overwhelming for me on a larger area. Scaling pattern is something that applies to wallpaper, fabric or tile. So while it's great to take a chance with a unique design, it's best to proceed with a clear idea of what the end result will be.

Tile: Terrazo Tiles

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