If the idea of white subway tile seems a tad predictable, patchwork tiles take the material to a whole new level with mix and match patterns and colors. Europeans have long mixed tile patterns, and now the ability to use inkjet technology on porcelain tiles has allowed for more detailed patterns and designs. Read on for ideas and sourcing.
Above: A backsplash made from handmade cement mosaic tile from Purpura.
Above: A kitchen backsplash of Made a Mano tiles from Copenhagen-based; shown here, their Novecento line of lavastone tiles.
Above: A backsplash created from Made a Mano tiles in a blue palette.
Above: A colorful floor configuration in a kitchen; you can source similar tiles from Exquisite Surfaces. Photograph via Indulgy.
Above: Colorful patchwork tiles in a Dutch kitchen; photograph via Eenig Wonen.
Above: Black and white mix and match tiles provide contrast to an otherwise all-white kitchen. Cle tiles offer a collection of Moroccan Handmade Encaustic TIles in black, white, and gray patterns. Photograph via Mechant Design.
Above: Mix and match kept simple: horizontal tiles from Made a Mano form a striped backsplash.
Above: A blue and white backsplash from Odyssey's Blue Tapestry Collection.
Above: The blue-tiled floor of the restaurant Maritim Barcelona features a mix of patterns; Granada tile in Los Angeles offers a selection of graphic blue and white cement tile designs from their Echo Tile collection.
Above: A villa in Umbria designed by Paola Navone features a mix of Moroccan tiles of her own design, from Carocim. Photograph via Dwell.
Above: Milan-based Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola mixes patterns, forms, and shapes in her Azulej Tiles collection for Mutina; photo via Azure Magazine.
Thinking of ways to introduce tile at home? Have a look at all our Tile posts, including 10 Unexpected Uses for Tile. Love the look of patchwork? Check out DIY: 10 Patchwork Curtains Made from Vintage Linens.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on May 22, 2013 as part of our Color Therapy week.