The phrase “Everything old is new again” has been credited to everyone from Mark Twain to Winston Churchill, but it could just as easily have been referring to the resurgence of true encaustic tiles. Once the preserve of cathedrals, villas and hotels across Europe, these beautifully textured and coloured floor tiles are now making an appearance in contemporary homes as well. The trick to bringing this type of tile into the modern era is all about balance – balancing the size, pattern and colour of the tile with the surrounding spaces.
Encaustic tiles combine the best of traditional design with contemporary style, making them equally at home in a light-filled modern bathroom as they are in a character-laden Victorian living room or an eclectically designed kitchen. They are also incredibly hardwearing, making them perfect for floors and walls in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, splashbacks and hearths.
Unlike standard porcelain or ceramic hand painted tiles, the colours and patterns are baked into the clay in an encaustic tile, meaning they will not fade or crack with age. As a result, many of the tiles that were installed in churches and palaces hundreds of years ago are still in use today, often with no maintenance or repair required.
Encaustic tile production is now primarily based in Vietnam, where artisans produce a wide range of styles from classic to modern. With a huge selection of colours and designs on offer, there is something to suit every taste, from cooler shades such as blue, green and purple to warm hues like red, pink and orange. The availability of such a wide range of options has made these tiles an increasingly popular choice for both homes and commercial spaces.
The biggest draw to encaustic tiles is the artistry that goes into their creation. The process involves using cement, mineral pigments and a stencil-like mould to bring the tiles to life. Because they are handmade, each one is different, and minor chips, tonal variations and other imperfections should be seen as beautiful characteristics rather than a fault. Many artisan suppliers will also take bespoke orders for customers who want a truly unique tile design.
While it can be tempting to add lots of patterned tiles, this can be overwhelming for the eye. Marish advises keeping the number of patterns used to a minimum, adding that it is very European to mix and match patterns but that it is important to create a balance. The colours of the encaustic tiles should also harmonise with the other materials in the space, such as wood or stone, for a harmonious effect.
Alternatively, if you choose to go with a more neutral palette for your patterned tiles, it can be a good idea to use them as accents in smaller spaces. She suggests a backsplash in the kitchen, for example, where they can be used as a focal point to really show off their beauty and texture. She also suggests combining encaustic tiles with plain subway tiles or even pressed metal, which will provide a low-key background for the patterned accents.