Unconventional Uses for Terracotta for a Modern Spanish House
Is there anything more synonymous with traditional Spanish architecture than terracotta? Used to create everything from unique, undulating roofs to warm, welcoming steps, this historic building material seems to encapsulate the Spanish culture itself.
The trouble is, modern production methods have meant that conventional terracotta design features have lost much of their charm and distinctiveness. With this, homeowners are less inclined to stick to old-world architecture and instead reach for contemporary shapes and materials that reflect their modern lifestyle.
Is it possible to have the best of both worlds? Can you feature the earthiness of terracotta without making your home feel dated or cliché? We think the answer is “yes, absolutely”, and here’s how.
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Quirky shapes
There are some good reasons why terracotta is such a popular choice for floors – it’s hard-wearing, easy to clean and are great for co-ordinating with all kinds of colour palettes. So, why stray too far from a classic?
If you simply feel that traditional tiles are overdone and don’t fit with the quirkier aesthetic of your property, just try a more unusual shape. Rectangular tiles offer an update on the conventional square, while hexagonal or diamond-shaped tiles provide an even more modern twist.
With a bit of searching, you can find terracotta tiles in all sorts of linear and curved designs, which will add a subtle “something different” to your home.
Terracotta Trencadís
Trencadis is a style of mosaic made from broken shards of coloured glass, china and ceramic. It is perhaps most widely-known because of its use by famous Catalan artist, Antoni Gaudí. You can create very striking architectural features by using trencadis made from brightly coloured tiles with contrasting patterns and textures. You can also use simple, monochromatic pieces of a single material (like terracotta) to create a more understated-yet-modern look.
Incorporating trencadis into a contemporary home can be challenging, so make sure you discuss your ideas with an experienced builder (such as ProMas) that is familiar with Spanish styles to help you achieve it.
Terracotta tableware
Do you champion a minimalist aesthetic? Could your home be mistaken for a spacecraft? If so, it’s understandable that you don’t want the traditional texture of terracotta spoiling the look. That being said, even astronauts miss home, so why not incorporate a literal piece of earth into one of the most human routines there is – dining?
Mediterranean-style plates and cookware are a beautiful way to serve up sharing dishes, bringing warmth and life to your dinner table. Even enjoying a little terracotta dish of olives (while you soak up the sun on the patio) offers just a little taste of Spanish life, without ruining your ultra-contemporary vision for too long.
Painted terracotta
If it’s the intense blanket of colour that you want to stay away from, have a look at painted terracotta, which provides the same rustic, earthy feel without the colour monotony. To create a beautiful patchwork effect on floors, walls or stairs, you can mix plain, coloured and patterned tiles. Alternatively, you could choose brightly painted geometric shapes to embrace a Moroccan influence, or hand-painted organic designs to draw inspiration from India.
These quirky tiles have a big impact in any space, so use them sparingly. Try using them as a feature around a fireplace, window or doorway.
Terracotta coloured fabrics
On the other hand, if you love the rich hue of terracotta but don’t want such a rustic material in your home, why not give it a nod by incorporating the shade somewhere in your décor? The reddish orange looks particularly vibrant against a neutral background, and could be used in rugs, blinds or cushions to add the finishing touch to your interior design.
