Spotlight: Spanish Tile

By Kate Riley May 19, 2022

Hola from Barcelona! Today I’m walking La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter and seeing all kinds of beautiful Spanish tile. There’s so much of Gaudi’s influence around me but also classic architecture in this region. I’m sharing images on my Instagram stories as I travel the east coast of Spain.

In design, what we refer to as “Spanish tile” references a wide range of tiles with roots in Spanish or Mexican historical symbolism. In modern times, they are made from ceramic, cement, or clay. Each tile in combination with its neighbor creates a pattern of geometric motifs and floral flourishes on repeat. Paired with white stucco, iron hardware, bright paint colors, or wood textures, this old world aesthetic is one that will never go out of style.

Here’s a peek at some elevated looks using Spanish tile, notice it can be bold and cover an entire floor or backsplash, or it can be used in smaller installations on islands or staircase risers or fireplace surrounds to act as a subtle nod to Mediterranean style.

svz interior design

tracy lynn studio

style me pretty

timber trails development

blackband design

kitchen design group

 

kitchen design group

ultracraft cabinetry

julia chasman design

savvy interiors

kitchen design group

tile warehouse

 

thompson custom homes

tim barber architect

 

santa barbara stairs print

 

If you love the look but don’t want to commit to a permanent tile installation, consider wallpaper, stencils, linens and tablescapes, to give you the look in a less permanent way.

terracotta floral peel & stick wallpaper

peel & stick wallpaper

prepasted wallpaper

tile stencil

blue spanish tile pattern plates

 

melamine plates

 

 

spanish tile wall art

One comment

  1. All the pictures are so lovely. I live a little south of you in Salinas, and before I moved here, I lived in San Luis Obispo for 11 years and worked as a historical guide at Hearst Castle. Have you ever been there? You would love all the tiles throughout the grounds and inside the buildings. Some are antique from Europe, and some were designed by his architect, Julia Morgan.

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