Modern terracotta tiles are often an overlooked design element that can transform your kitchen into a new space. In this article, we reveal how to use terracotta tile colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes to bring an organic yet sophisticated feel to your project.
The modern terracotta tile lineup has changed dramatically in the last 20-30 years. The traditional combination of fire, water, earth, and air is still an indispensable building block of the product. However, modern technologies now allow a client to select from a wider range of finishes. These include matte, polished, textured and also, glazed terracotta tiles.
What Exactly is a Terracotta Tile?
At Country Floors, we never get tired of sharing information about the cotto tiles. Terracotta, in the simplest of terms, means “baked earth.” There are two significant variables in that definition. In certain instances, “baked” can mean tiles that are sun-dried to harden. In other cases, the material is kiln-fired at high temperatures which yields denser tiles.
The second variable is the region of the world the “earth” is taken from. Mexico is famous for Saltillo-type tiles that have an extreme range of color, that skews toward lighter hues. The Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese producers are capable of deeper, redder offerings.
Flooring tiles, paving, interior wall covering, and exterior facades are great historical examples that date back thousands of years. Outside of the tile format, bowls, urns, pots, and figurines, like the Chinese Terracotta Army, are found in museums worldwide.
Terracotta Tile is Elegant – Especially the Natural Ones
Trends come and go, but terracotta tile has a timeless, elegant quality that is hard to measure. A modern kitchen that has terracotta floors has a far more flexible design surface than you might think at first glance. The color palette of warm reds, light browns, and cool tans will obviously work well if you prefer the “natural home” style in all its iterations. Pairing your terracotta floor tiles with cut stone, thin brick, multiple species of wood, plants, and light fabrics is effortless.
According to Architectural Digest‘s point of view on terracotta: “has piqued the interest of artists and designers, who are now delightfully experimenting with its functional range and decorative appeal in modern interiors.” Perhaps the most important takeaway from the AD comment above is to gather an understanding that the modern terracotta tile floor is a wonderful backdrop for a client and their design team to work above. It is capable of holding its own across a wide range of design themes.
Modern Terracotta Kitchen – Colors and Variations
The path of least design resistance is to pair a terracotta floor tile with traditional earth-tone color values. It is hard to go wrong using the comfortable staples of mixed browns, pale yellows, earthy oranges, tans, and bones. But the true genius of modern terracotta tile is the ability to play second fiddle to more powerful color themes that may include green, blue, pink, red, and even black.
Furthermore, nowadays terracotta comes in a variety of unexpected and unusual colors and finishes. As an example, using a terracotta mosaic tiles design with marble together in your kitchen backsplash can sound interesting. However, we are pretty sure that you and your guests will be amazed by the final result.
On the other hand, why don’t use a terracotta backsplash tile that has some abstract vibes? You can just easily pair your backsplash with white kitchen cabinets and create your dream desert and earthy atmosphere around your modern terracotta kitchen. By the way, don’t forget to add some cactus plants, just a suggestion.
Modern Terracotta Kitchen Shades and Mood
In terms of mood, with terracotta tile, we have the perfect example of a design neutral. Want to lighten the vibe of your kitchen? Choose a terracotta tile that drifts more towards a tan-blond color. Then let in more natural light, use lighter woods, playful fabrics, and paints, and you are on the way. Use light-colored porcelain floor tiles to shine your airy kitchen design and some beige linen kitchen curtains.
Are you thinking of a darker color scheme? Select a richer brown to red terracotta. Match that with heavier, darker furnishings and similar area rugs. A brown floor tile with your terracotta tile backsplash may create the moody kitchen that you want. Also, using black kitchen cabinets in your modern terracotta kitchen may create the dark vibe that you have dreamed of.
Different Shapes for Your Modern Terracotta Kitchen
Shape, or form, is an important aspect of any design plan and is another strong suit of terracotta tile. We have previously discussed interesting shapes beyond just square terracotta tiles and rectangle terracotta tiles.
Hexagons, pickets, stars, crosses, octagons, and chevrons can be used as tools for personal expression and help to change the feel of your kitchen. But don’t let any particular shape overwhelm you. It doesn’t have to be the entire floor tile. Instead, the shape might simply be a floor inlay or even a focal point feature wall.
On the latest modern kitchen design trends, the star and cross terracotta tiles gained popularity. By using a star cross tile design on your modern terracotta kitchen, gaining a unique kitchen design will be inevitable.
Last but not least, what about some classics? A modern terracotta kitchen does not have to be always unpredictable in shape and color. Then, it’s time to try a terracotta subway tile design on your backsplash. Match the kitchen subway tiles with your navy kitchen cabinets and see how two contrasting colors will pop your design up!
In Summary
The internet is a wonderful source of information and inspiration. However, sometimes a more hands-on approach might be helpful. If that is the case, we can offer a luxury showroom experience in a bespoke setting. Country Floors has showrooms across the USA and Puerto Rico. We are ready to help, don’t forget to contact us!