Looking back, I think it probably all started with this bohemian bathroom in Norway. What began in the bathroom has spread to almost every room in the house as my love of patchwork tiled floors has grown to almost alarming heights. Anyone else find themselves afflicted?
{unknown via Pinterest – please get in touch if you know the source}
{via Houzz}
{via Lovely Life}
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{Wichmann + Bendtsen via Dwell}
I know this is probably one of those short-lived trends that will have us all regretting our passion in a couple of year’s time as we’re on our hands and knees trying to chip out grout and desperately looking for some sort of tile paint that won’t peel. But then again, the Spaniards have been using encaustic tiles as their flooring of choice for centuries so perhaps this trend is a little more enduring than I might think.
If you’re considering it, here’s where to buy patterned floor tiles in the UK:
Alhambra Home (alhambrahome.co.uk) – just a stone’s throw from my old flat in Sydenham, Alhambra sells imported encaustic tiles traditionally made by skilled artisans in Spain. They’re not put off if you only want a handful and will give you guidance on creating your own perfect patchwork.
Fired Earth (firedearth.com) – a tasteful collection of tiles, mainly in soft colours to blend in with your heritage paint brand of choice. Styles range from authentic Victorian to elaborately Moorish. It’s well worth downloading the beautifully-photographed tile brochure which contains some lovely design ideas.
The Reclaimed Tile Company (reclaimedtilecompany.com) – is the place to head if only the real deal will do. They have a gorgeous selection of designs salvaged from historic buildings in Spain, France and Italy. You’ll need deep pockets if you plan to tile a whole room however – expect to pay around £250 per metre.
Original Style (originalstyle.com) – take a look at the Odyssey range for lovely patterned tiles in subtle shades. You’ll also find a good selection of borders which can be combined with cheaper plain tiles and the odd patterned accent to get the look on a budget.
eBay (ebay.co.uk) – with a bit of luck, eBay can be a treasure trove of tiles, from odd bits salvaged from Victorian fireplaces to job-lots of designer tiles left over from upmarket interior design projects. ‘Encaustic tiles’ and ‘Minton tiles’ are good search terms to try but don’t forget to check the item location before you bid!
Decorator's Notebook blog 
Hi Bethan – thanks for the mention, and what a lovely blog you have! If you have a minute, please check out our new tile designs at Alhambra Tiles: http://alhambrahome.co.uk/collections/contemporary-tile-designs/Contemporary-Tile-Designs and we now have a fabulous porcelain range, too: http://alhambrahome.co.uk/collections/porcelain-tiles
Great post. I’m a big fan of patterned floor tiles. I don’t think they will ever go out of style, they are ancient. I used encaustic tile for my bathroom floor. Cuban tile. There is a specific style that developed in Cuba and Villa Lagoon Tiles in the US has recreated the designs. There is also a book called Havana Tile Designs you might like. Here is a link to my bathroom tile: http://loisaidanest.com/2011/11/04/bathroom-floor-is-in/
Thank you for your comment – I love your bathroom floor!
Yes, I’m afflicted too. One of the things I do within my decorating business is to paint faux tile patterns onto canvas floorcloths, as was done in the days before lino was invented. All the floors in my house are painted geometric tile patterns. The one pictured here was done for a customer.
Wow, that looks amazing! I love a statement hallway – every house should ‘make an entrance’!
Very lovely floor pattern.
Hi there
We have followed suit and laid those very Fired Earth tiles in our hallway with a kind of mock runner down the centre using the border ones. Love it! My heart leaps every time I see them! Pics can be found here…(scroll through post for hallway ones….)
Melanie
Your hallway is stunning – such a great example of how patterned tiles can transform a space. I’ve left a comment on your blog too – hope to hear back from you soon.