Fit to be Tiled: Get Some Pattern on the Floor for Excitement Underfoot

Perhaps the oldest patterns that can be found underfoot are tiles. Prized by the Egyptians, exalted by the Romans and Turks, and popular among the Victorians in their conservatories, tile floors can be an exciting alternative to carpets or wood.

There are myriad choices when it comes to tile. It can be a shiny ceramic that allows precise, brilliant patterns, or a more subdued encaustic tile made of pigmented cement. Whatever your preference, when it comes to tile, pattern rules underfoot. Whether it’s used for a damp application or a high-traffic zone, tile flooring with a pattern directs the eye downward, offering visual delight to you and your guests.

In a clean white space. These pistachio and terra-cotta tiles provide a balanced, steady pattern in this otherwise austere space. Most of the walls and surfaces are bright white, allowing attention to be focused on the floor.


Patchwork. This kitchen floor laid with one-off tiles has a quirky, artsy charm. (Think the Bloomsbury Group when working with patterns like this.) A look this exuberant can be tricky, but with a steady hand, the floor can become as personal as a quilt.


X marks the spot. The pennant pattern dates back to medieval days, conjuring thoughts of castles and turrets. So it’s a good choice for this bathroom sheathed in rough stone tile.


Mud-hiding help. This dramatic floor in aubergine and white tiles complements the bright white walls of this transitional space. Bold patterns work well in areas used as passages or transient areas, because they’re good at hiding soil and wear.


Roman holiday. Inspired by historical Roman mosaics, this bathroom floor packs a classical punch; two patterns are used to great effect. Limiting the marble to three colors keeps the floor from becoming overwhelming.


Bright loggia. Intricately patterned Mediterranean tiles create a welcoming floor in this loggia. A weather-resistant floor is a great way of adding pattern when an area rug isn’t practical.


Herringbone suits. Superelongated slate-gray tiles create a very graphic floor in this bathroom. Herringbone is a classic pattern that works well in small spaces, and this new interpretation is especially nice in this narrow space.


An inlaid rug. A play on an area rug, this sprightly set of tiles anchors the seating arrangement with a bold pattern in sunny, tropical colors.


Mad for plaid. Itsy-bitsy ceramic tile was transformed into a graphic plaid in this power room. Notice how the surrounding walls were kept plain, so nothing can upstage what’s underfoot. A floor like this can be easily achieved with graph paper and a little imagination.


All in the details. An ornate space needs an ornate floor. This intricate marble mosaic is a quiet showstopper that doesn’t compete with the architectural detail, but enhances it through its subtle shades of white, cream and beige.


Walking on glass. This innovative floor of shattered back-painted glass gives a whole new dimension to walking barefoot. The subtle pattern of grouted glass shards adds depth to an otherwise standard bathroom.


Crazy quilt. This mad pattern isn’t for everyone, but it’s impossible to look at and not smile and just wonder who came up with this crazy paving.


Go for Gaudí. This Gaudí-esque entry covered in mosaic shards is a real labor of love. It gives an organic feeling to the entire space, whose walls appear to grow up from the flamboyant floor. This free-flowing tilework can inspire you to create your own custom application.


Welcome them in. A vibrant black and white tile pattern is used to great effect on this entry stoop. The wavy lines lead the eye and the feet to the double door. A very nice welcome indeed!


Mosaic that’s not prosaic. A central sun medallion is classic — sometimes overused but still a classic. Here it’s the only pattern in this modern entry, providing a fresh take on a centuries-old standby.


Unexpected op art. This zinger of a floor is not for everyone. A look like this works well in small doses — like in a powder room where you really want to pull out the stops.

More:
Your Floor: How to Shop for Tile
17 Gorgeous Ways to Work In a Patterned Area Rug

URL: Fit to be Tiled: Get Some Pattern on the Floor for Excitement Underfoot http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-22692.html