International Inspiration: Portuguese Tiles

Though neutral subway tiles have been the dominant choice in contemporary homes, there is a new, more colourful trend on the rise. Azulejos, or Portuguese tiles, have been a trademark of Portuguese homes, churches, and public buildings for centuries

and they are now appearing in kitchens and bathrooms around the world. These gorgeous ceramic tiles are gaining popularity for good reason: they provide a tasteful splash of colour to any room in the home. We love how azulejos can complement almost any décor style and pair beautifully with a variety of natural materials such as wood or quartz.

If you feel inspired to incorporate azulejos into your home, keep in mind that not all tile is created equal. When looking for a quality tile, be sure to do your research and ask questions about the manufacturing quality and correct application. Aesthetically, the tiles’ design should have precise lines with minimal bleeding. You should also look for consistency in colour and pattern throughout the batch. This is especially important when you are placing a row of identical tiles, for example, along a kitchen backsplash.

We also recommend that you ask about the quality of the glaze. The material, and glaze, should be able to withstand the reasonable wear and tear of the chosen space. If you are placing the tiles in the bathroom or shower, you will want to be certain that the tiles have been treated correctly to reduce the rate of deterioration. If you are placing the tiles in the kitchen, it will be important to make sure that the tiles have the appropriate level of chemical resistance to avoid staining or deterioration. No matter where you will be placing the tiles, ask for the durability, scratch hardiness and any restrictions on where they should be used. There are many fantastic local tile shops in Victoria to help you in choosing the perfect tile for your space. Decora Tile on Quadra Street has a great selection of beautiful ceramic tiles.

One of the great advantages of tile is that, once installed, it is low maintenance and easy to clean. To keep your tiles looking beautiful, it is important to clean spills and dirt before they have the chance to stain the grout. You can use one of the many natural tile cleaners for daily maintenance while we love Norwex cleaning paste and hand pad for cleaning stubborn grout.