There are many things to love about the legacy of Spanish architectural design and the textiles that support it. The first things that come to mind include sensual arches and curves, a plethora of colors and textures, and a plethora of natural daylighting that yields a 24/7 indoor/outdoor ambiance.
One way to enjoy all of those tenets is to get on board the 2022 trend towards modern Spanish revival tiles.
9 Ways to Use Spanish Revival Tiles in Your Home Remodel
We’ve been so excited to share this revival with you. Whether you’re planning to renovate or remodel your existing home, are planning a custom home build, or are adding an extra room or outdoor living space, these examples are bound to inspire you.
1. Replace your roof with wind-resistant metal tiles
Modern home enthusiasts are blown away by the authentic look of metal Spanish “tiles.” If you’ve recently purchased an older home or your roof is due for replacement, embrace a contemporary take on an ancient design.
Spanish tiles are energy-efficient, and the ultimate in “cool roofing,” but metal versions are even better. In addition to offering superior weather resistance (ideal for high-wind and hurricane-prone climates), they also come in various shades and reflective properties. Plus, their longevity – easily 40 to 50 years or more – is an ultimate saving in lifetime roofing costs.
Revival metal Spanish roofing tiles are the way to go to help the exterior of your home reflect its new interior and reap ultimate style and cost benefits.
2. Tile flooring (indoor/outdoor)
Spanish tiles were predominantly known for their earthy colors, typically lending themselves towards the browns-red of terra cotta. Today’s engineered tiles blow those restrictions right out of the color palette. Tiles available in this new era of Spanish tile come in seemingly infinite color ranges and geometric patterns.
Tile flooring has multiple benefits, including durability, easy maintenance, and resistance to wear and tear by kids and pets. They’re also cool on the feet in a hot and humid environment. Weather resistance means Spanish-inspired tiles work well as a continuing thread between a kitchen, living room, or open concept design – flowing into outdoor spaces with the same or a complimentary tile.
3. Accent the stairways
We’re big fans of including modern revival of Spanish tiles in a home remodel. One of our favorite ways is to use them on stair risers. You have so many options.
You can:
- Use the same tile on all the risers.
- Alternate tiles on different sections of risers between landings.
- Create an every-other-riser pattern effect.
- Use completely different tiles, so no tile repeats, for an eclectic effect
- Do the same thing on a front entryway or outdoor patio design for exterior/interior continuity.
If a riser’s worth of tiles feels overwhelming, consider using a single tile as an accent in the middle of each riser. It’s a hint of style, texture, or color without visual busyness.
4. Add color to a natural design
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the Spanish tile motif is coming back as earthy, Mediterranean-influenced colors are also trending. Visit our post, Grays Are Out! Here Are the Paint Trends We’re Seeing…, and notice how easily these color trends can be adapted to a home remodel design with Spanish tiles.
For example, Farrow&Ball’s Breakfast Room Green is a perfect pairing with a verdant bathroom design, while Behr’s Peace Yellow is picked up by any multitude of tile options, such as this gorgeous full kitchen backsplash.
5. Create a dynamic backsplash accent
Speaking of backsplashes, that’s a perfect segue to another of our favorite ways to use Spanish tile in a home remodel. Some clients love the tiles as an art piece but are visually overwhelmed by too much color or pattern in one place. If that resonates with you, a kitchen backsplash accent is a perfect way to showcase the unique artistry and craftsmanship inherent in Spanish tiles.
Your home remodel design team can help you work out your own, custom design based on color preferences or vision. Or, we can show you a myriad of pre-designed backsplash accents available to you.
6. Around the fireplace
Another way to use Spanish tiles as an accent is to incorporate them into your hearth or fireplace design. Like a kitchen backsplash, they make an attractive focal point. A fireplace accent is a simple and engaging way to incorporate color or texture in a neutral design.
7. Rustic wood beams and tile
Many of our area’s older homes include rustic wood beams. Or, perhaps your home design includes the installation of heavy wood beams as architectural accents. Wood and tile have been paired together for thousands of years and make a beautiful contrast to one another.
8. Temporary (faux) Spanish tile decor
Love the look of revival Spanish design but aren’t sure you want to commit to permanent tile installations? Here are examples of how to create the look with a more temporary design approach.
Area rugs
This living room has all the look of a Spanish-tile design – without a single permanent tile. Instead, designers accomplished this using a patterned area rug with a dense weave, appearing more like a hard-surface tile floor pattern. Even the accent pillows look like hand-painted tile.
Hire an artist to paint the design
This is a gorgeous tile fireplace design. Its essence would look amazing just about anywhere, from a fireplace to a kitchen backsplash or as an outdoor area wall accent. Instead of committing to tile, your home remodel professional or an interior designer can refer you to artists who can create this look for you in the area of your choice. Then, when you’re ready for a new look, you can paint right over it.
Tile-inspired textiles and fabric
While some homes’ floors are laid with more neutral and timeless travertine, homeowners can capitalize on the modern Spanish revival trend by hanging curtains with a tile-inspired design.
9. Tiled mirrors or framed mosaics
Continuing with a more transient design approach, look for tiled art or mirrors to hang on the walls of your living spaces. Framers can use tiled murals to create a work of art. Then, make sure heavy framed art is suspended safely using structural studs and adequate supports.
Would you like to incorporate modern Spanish revival tile designs in your home remodel? Schedule a consultation with Fogle Constructors. Our design team is budding with ideas, and we can’t wait to brainstorm with you.
