Tile is a distinctive element in Spanish/Moroccan/Mediterranean style design, and tile selection is the one thing I’ve spent the most time on throughout the design process. In this house, the tile will make a statement in every room:
Last week, you saw the reveal of the Star & Cross red clay tile in the primary bathroom. Today, I want to share the rest of the tile selections for this house (inside and out!) and get your opinion with the last choice I’m stuck on.
After nearly a year of searching, here’s the official Hacienda Hideaway tile lineup:
Let’s start with the decision that took the longest…
Front porch & back patio
For simplicity’s sake and cohesiveness, I decided to use the same tile for the front porch and back patio. It was challenging enough finding an outdoor-safe tile that I loved—and I actually changed my mind since announcing my original decision back in June’s progress update:
One benefit of slow renovations is that you have tons of time to think it over, and wait for new products to hit the market. The latter is what ended up happening, and this ceramic patterned tile checked all the boxes:
These durable and low maintenance tiles have a naturally aged look which should wear well over time, the colors are spot on, and do you notice the star & cross pattern? That’s a recurring theme in this house—this tile was meant to be.
The only problem? We have steps both on the front and back patio, and there’s no coordinating bullnose or stair nose tile (and I’m not a fan of metal edge strips). I’ve been searching for a solution for the better part of a year, and I finally found it just last week:
These terra-cotta floor tiles are handmade in Mexico, the perfect color, reasonably priced, and most importantly: the same thickness as the patterned ceramic tile. Every other stair tread or bullnose I found was too thick, so it would be near impossible to use them as a border tile. I haven’t decided if I’ll use the stair treads or the bullnose on the steps, but they will at least line the perimeter, with the patterned tile in the center.
Finding a solution to this problem was such a huge weight lifted off my shoulders! Now I just need to hurry and order it before it’s discontinued 😉
Kitchen backsplash
The kitchen tile selection isn’t news if you’ve been around for a while—I shared it in my Kitchen Kickoff post back in August:
Unlike the patio tile, I decided on this Harmonia Grove ceramic tile the moment I laid eyes on it. When you know, you know. The muted earthy colors, the hand-painted look and traditional Spanish design are everything I wanted in a backsplash tile. And with these paint colors? So dreamy…
PS: we’re still working behind the scenes on this kitchen! I haven’t shared any blog updates in a while, but you can find our progress in my Instagram story highlights.
Bathroom 2
For the second ensuite bathroom, I’m channeling more of a Moroccan feel. Keep an eye out for the design plans after we finish the kitchen—but for now I’ll share that I landed on this stunning sea glass Miabella tile mural on the floor:
Truly a work of art, don’t you agree?
The shower tile will play a supporting role with traditional 4×4″ zellige tiles in natural white:
That’s all I’ll say for now… but this bathroom is gonna be a special one.
Bathroom 3
I’ve gone back and forth quite a bit with this room—debating between dark and moody, or light and playful. I’m still working out those details, but I recently came across a tile that I haven’t been able to get out of my head:
Have you seen this? It’s a maple wood-look porcelain ribbon tile, and it’s one of the most interesting ideas I’ve seen in a while. Not prohibitively expensive either at under $12/sf (especially for a small shower), and perfect for a minimalist-spa-resort vibe.
It’s currently on backorder (no surprise) but I’ve already purchased it, in hopes that it will arrive this year!
To pair with the organic/minimalist shower tile, I’ve rounded up a handful of patterned floor tiles I’m considering. Check them out below, and let me know your favorite:
- Bedrosians Matte Ceramic Casablanca // This was actually the first tile I landed on (hello again, star & cross!) but now I’m wondering if it’s too bold and geometric (aka trendy).
- Merola Tile King’s Clay Blossom // I love the subdued colors and pattern, and it’s also from the same collection as our outdoor tile (yay for cohesiveness!)
- Merola Tile Mirambel // This was on my shortlist for the patio last year. The traditional pattern and hand-painted style have a timeless appeal.
- Bedrosians Antique Cotto Bloom // I’ve had this tile saved for years, and am drawn to the simple and sweet pattern.
- Merola Tile Llanes Perla // Fun pattern, super low maintenance, budget-friendly.
- Merola Tile Imagine Botanical Tropic // This one is a little wild—but I love trying something I’ve never seen before! A small area in a vacation rental would be the place to use a statement tile like this. Certainly the most unique and memorable option. I’m also eyeing this tropical leaf mural.
What do you think? Or is there another floor tile you’re in love with and willing to share? The star of this show will be the wood tile shower so I’m not too stressed about finding the one “perfect” floor tile (any of the above would be great!) I also like to have more fun and take more risks with our vacation rental designs—as you’ve seen with the Riverside Retreat 😉
And now, it’s back to work on this kitchen project. We’ve made some good progress over the last few weeks—head on over to my Instagram story highlights in case you’ve missed any of the fun!
Linda Tyler says
Will you send a link to the ribbon tile? Please. It would be perfect for my minimalist new bath! I’m also in love!
JACQUELINE says
Jenna,
I usually watch from the wings. I like your tile selections #6b (but the floral would be better as a wall tile than a floor tile) and #4. While #5 would have been my favorite overall, I think keeping it simple would be best. I love the dramatic simplicity of the wall tile you chose, and since you have so many patterned tiles already, I’d select #4 for the floor tile.
I so want to cover my master bathroom tile with micro cement!
Thank you for continuing to blog.
Allison says
That wood look ribbon tile is amazing!
I would love to see it paired with #6 for a tropical organic feeling. #2 would be my second choice.
Now I’m thinking about where I can use that ribbon tile and #6 – I love them so much!
KG says
That wood-look porcelain ribbon tile is gorgeous!!! Of the floor tile choices I’d say 2 or 5 – something about their colors connect to the ribbon tile to me the most and those patterns seem a bit more mild to me. Generally though I feel like that ribbon tile is quite modern (warm, zen-like but modern) so I wouldn’t think to do a busy Spanish style floor tile. I think spa and my mind goes to a crisp white in like large rectangles. Or what about a concrete look? Big tile like: https://www.tilebar.com/basic-cement-silver-24×24-matte-porcelain-tile.html, or since you want something pretty funky, this one is kinda cool with the wood tone in it:
https://www.tilebar.com/pergola-wood-graphite-12-5-hex-matte-porcelain-tile.html