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Ceramic

Transform Your Home with These 8 Ideas for Integrating Mosaic and Patterned Ceramic Tiles

Mosaics and patterned ceramics have been popular in decor for ages, especially in the last decade. Many people find them beautiful but worry about using them in their decor for fear of making a mistake.

It's true you should use these designs in small amounts unless you want a really bold room. If you want to add vibrant patterned ceramics at home, here are some ideas.

What are mosaics and patterned ceramics?

Patterned ceramics are medium to large tiles with printed or carved designs.

Mosaics, on the other hand, are small pieces (tesserae) pre-assembled on nets, making it easy to cover large areas quickly. They're also perfect for irregular or curved surfaces.

Used for backsplashes, showers, decorative friezes, or wall accents, they offer a wide variety of materials, colours, and patterns, making it possible to create elaborate designs, even for DIY enthusiasts.

Multiple design options

Here are some general choices of mosaics and patterned ceramics and their associated styles:

  • Play with shapes for a modern look: geometric shapes like hexagons, triangles, or diamonds create a contemporary and sophisticated look.
  • Multiple colours: use mosaic patterns with subtle colour gradients, transitioning from white to light grey, for added depth and visual interest in your space.
  • Marble effect ceramic: tiles imitating marble can give an elegant and luxurious appearance. You can opt for veins in different colours, like gold!
  • Floral or arabesque patterns: for a more traditional or Mediterranean look, choose tiles with delicate floral patterns or arabesques. This will bring a touch of exoticism to your interior.
  • Chevron mosaic: arrange rectangular tiles in a chevron pattern for a dynamic and modern look.
  • Mix and match: combine different types of tiles to create a unique design. For example, alternate solid tiles with patterned tiles for a wow effect!
  • Textured ceramic: choose tiles with subtle reliefs or textures that catch the light in an interesting way, adding depth to the room.
  • Patchwork mosaic: create an eclectic look by mixing different patterned tiles in a patchwork style.
A living room with arabesque patterns tyles for a Mediterranean look

A bathroom with mix and match tiles type for a unique design

1. The entrance hall: impress your guests!

An entrance hall floor or an accent wall in mosaic can make a huge difference when you have visitors. Combine it with other materials like wood, stone, or metal to create a unique entrance floor.

For example, frame a central mosaic area with strips of light wood for a clean Scandinavian look. Or alternate mosaic tiles with natural stone slabs for a more rustic and authentic style.

2. A prestigious ceramic fireplace mantele

Got a fireplace with a mantel? The mantel is a key focal point that can set the style and mood of a room. Its design can really transform the whole atmosphere.

However, if you choose a patterned tile, it's better not to overdo it. Instead, create a single strip, for example, at the front and leave the rest of the mantel in wood. It will look stunning!

Coordinating the fireplace mantel with the rest of the decor (furniture, accessories, etc.) creates visual coherence and a warm ambiance in the room. It's important to maintain a consistent colour palette for a harmonious result (unless you love the eclectic style!).

3. The bathroom: a safe bet!

Want a unique bathroom? Instead of covering all the walls, try using patterned tiles on just one accent wall, like behind the sink or bathtub.

The shower is also a perfect place for mosaics. You can choose a patchwork pattern or vibrant colours for the walls, floor, or even the ceiling of your shower. Avoid overloading the space by not repeating the patterns elsewhere in the bathroom.

A bathroom with wood-effect ceramic tiles for the shower

A bathroom with terrazzo ceramic tiles on wall for added texture

4. Ceramic headboard, why not?

Let's go beyond the usual wall mosaics and use them in your bedroom for a unique headboard.

Create a framed patterned ceramic headboard. This will add a unique and artistic touch to your bedroom, turning a functional element into a decorative centerpiece.

5. A kitchen backsplash: the classic

Mosaic ceramics are super popular in the kitchen, and for good reason! They set the vibe for your kitchen and protect your walls from moisture and splashes.

  • Choose a variety of ceramic tiles with ethnic, floral, or geometric patterns for a bohemian and eclectic look.
  • Opt for simple geometric patterns in a neutral colour palette for a clean and minimalist Scandinavian style.
  • Choose ceramic tiles with irregular patterns or raw textures for a rustic style.

6. Stair risers for details that make a difference

Yes, ceramic mosaics work great on stair risers. While quilt or patchwork style is the most popular, for a more traditional and romantic style, go for mosaics with floral patterns.

Choose a pattern that harmonizes with the rest of the room for a cohesive and elegant look.

7. The kitchen floor: a timeless choice!

The kitchen area is always more practical with ceramic flooring rather than wood or vinyl!

Often, a neutral floor covering is chosen with a more vibrant backsplash. That’s a great idea! But you can also do the opposite.

Focus on simple cabinets, countertops, and backsplash, then draw attention to the floor. Patterned tiles can come in various dimensions and colours.

A kitchen floor with patterned tiles that draws the attention

8. Your ally for dividing a room into two zones

Patterned ceramic can also help divide a room into distinct zones. If a room has two functions, it's a good idea to design it in a way that shows this split.

For example, a work corner in a bedroom can be visually delimited by a rug under the desk.

Patterned ceramic can do the same job. Or, in the family room, cover a third of the floor with patterned ceramic: this part will become the kids' play area, the reading space, or the bar corner.

Ceramic mosaic or patterned tiles can truly transform your decor by creating a unique and trendy ambiance. For more ideas and advice, contact our specialists!

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