Saturday, August 20, 2011

Saltillo Tile

Some call it terra cotta.  Others say saltillo.  Having grown up in New Mexico, I prefer the latter.

via
This age old tile is earthy.
via
It's rustic.

Cottage 52 Foyer & Stair Hall mediterranean entry
 via

But classic enough to use in traditional interiors.

Cottage 52 Foyer & Stair Hall mediterranean staircase
via

It's durable.

Hacienda Kitchen mediterranean kitchen

via 

A great alternative to hardwoods.
via
(I love pattern and color used here.)

via


via
Saltillo is epecially great in the kitchen where it hides dirt like no one's business, although don't drop a plate on it.

This tile is so hard-wearing, you can even use it outdoors.
via


via

via

Avila Valley Estate mediterranean landscape
I can say all of this with authority because I have lived with it. 

How do you feel about saltillo tile? 
Would you ever use it in your home?

20 comments:

  1. Before I die I will have a home with saltillo tile all down stairs. My Dad has it in his house in Mexico and I love the warmth it gives off even being a hard surface. If we are still in our house for the next few years, we will put it in. Amazing photos Camille

    ReplyDelete
  2. We have it in our entry and powder room. It's fabulous! We have a rustic timber-frame house so it fits in perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful pics! I used terracotta in my last home, but not as well as these pics show, unfortunately.
    Beth x

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is a bit rustic for my taste, but I think it looks beautiful in the right setting.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's not my current taste, but I remember once when I was growing up, I saw a picture of a kitchen with saltillo tile floors and blue & white pottery on the counters. And for the longest time, that was my vision of a "dream kitchen".

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love it! had it in my old home in the Florida Keys and it looked fantastic all the time, was great with the dogs, and added that wabi sabi element I adore. Only down side is sometimes it reads too red in cooler toned rooms. Otherwise its the perfect flooring choice. Great post : )

    ReplyDelete
  7. C....that staircase shot blew me away! One day (when I win the lottery)...I'm going to build a home, and all the floors will be terra and terrazzo....great post!...k

    ReplyDelete
  8. I LOVE them and this is such a great roundup. I think they look good in every one of these photos. Thanks so much for stopping by - it's great to discover your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  9. At first thought, I would say absolutely no to ever using it in my home. :) Simply because of the stereotypes and generalizations that are made when you hear terra cotta. Not sure why I have an aversion to it, but I do. But you've shown some pictures here that make me think I could like it. I always appreciate when something is sort of used out of context. It adds so much interest. So I think really think I could like it as long as the room had plenty of cool colors (grey, blue, etc) and a mix of styles.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is an especially great flooring to use with radiant heat. Maybe that is what we will do in the study and bedroom when we get around to doing the radiant.

    ReplyDelete
  11. We stay in a beach house that has terracotta tiles all over and it's fabulous...warm, beautiful and functional!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I do love it and would definitely use it. I think it requires the right home so I'll keep it tucked in my vault for later.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Camille,
    I just read your comment on my blog and I am so excited to meet you!! A blogger after my own heart living near my "new" neighborhood!!
    I can't wait to meet you in person. I promise to let you know when the grand opening is...
    should be any day now, things are really moving along now and we're filling it with tons of treasures. Thank you so much for introducing yourself. I think we are destined to become great friends!!!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've never had it but it always looks so warm and inviting. It reminds me of some of the most charming homes in other lands...having some would be like being on vacation! I love that hexagonal shaped tile. It's gorgeous!
    Kelle
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think it looks very warm and inviting even though it is not my style. Great inspirations as usual!

    P/S: By the way, I am hosting a fab giveaway. Come by and enter for a chance to win a beautiful and personalized necklace courtesy of SimaG Jewelry!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have seriously dreamed of floors like these! Unfortunately I don't think they woud fit in very well in my house, not during a cold Canadian winter at least :(

    ReplyDelete
  17. me gusta mucho! That earthy, quixotic theme makes me think of spanish haciendas in mexico- reddish floors with pops of painted blue tiles, i adore! I can just imagine my horses are out in the corral out back :) I came to your blog via Centsational Girl for your post on painting your rental cabinets (lucky girl to get that permission), and bravo! I'm happy to become a follower :) Corinna

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love the staircase. Great pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love the staircase. Great photos!

    'Please visit our new website www.tableandtop.com'

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love it--but in a kitchen I prefer hardwood; the tile is much too hard for someone who cooks a lot!

    ReplyDelete

I enjoy reading every comment.