Time To Tile.
One of the things I love most about living in Lisbon is that it is nearly impossible to go a day without passing a building or hallway not adorned with a rich array of beautiful tiles. The tiles of the city come in many forms, shapes and colours, and more traditional ones depict themes and stories. They are made of ceramic and are painted and glazed to withstand weather and wear. Come rain or shine they make the city sparkle in splendour.
Here’s a gorgeous photo from blog whatifwewalked? who have designed a walk around Lisbon with their picks of the best tile viewing route.
The tradition to decorate with tiles is a long standing ancient one in Portugal. “Azulejos” is the Portuguese word for tiles. Its origin is, of course, Arabic, and it means “small polished stone”.
Tiles and marble slabs also adorn the interiors of most buildings interiors here in Lisbon, even the most humble looking of properties has an enchanting ‘Azulejo’ peeking somewhere. So it is with great delight that I have seen a growing trend of tiles used to clad feature walls and reface fireplaces especially.
Project by: Studio Ett Hem, Varenne Residential Project 2022 Photos by: BCFD studio
Tiles are as much about light and reflection as patterns or colours. The tiles used here by Studio Ett Hem are doing both, they have been placed with an undulating configuration which gives a gorgeous jewel like glow when the daylight bounces off it at different angles.
You can get the look using Claybrook’s Scolpito Verde Gloss tile. The light reflective surfaces of the glazed tile option create a dynamic movement for walls, while the matt tiles provide a quintessentially chic texture.
In this Lisboan Duplex, Ateliê Maison Amarande present a more natural tone using tiles from Equipe Cerámicas. The neutral colour choice still allows for some texture and drama but sits so coolly in the backdrop.
Project by: Ateliê Maison Amarande, Photos: Francisco Nogueira
Most of these examples work best with a more modern fireplace fixture that allow for clean lines, so would be a great idea if you’re thinking of revamping your existing fireplace, or, if you have a new build that you’re seeking to add more character to. But even in older properties, with a more traditional mantel, a pattern like this grey chevron tile is beautiful way to elevate the focal point of this room.
Photo by Tiles of Ezra – Discover living room design ideas
ID# 101206 | Houzz.com – Credit | Tiles of Ezra | © Derek Swallwell
We’re so fond of tiles and the properties they bring to our projects, They’re such a reasonably affordable solution for a vivid embellishment. Get in touch with us if you’re loving this idea too or if you have a project that you think this would be great for. We have great relationships with fabulous tile suppliers and we’re sure we can help you get the look.
