Apr 08, 2024
You're renovating your home in Tamil Nadu and have to make the call: traditional or modern tiles? This is a major decision for the overall look and feel of your home. Do you retain a connection with the warm terracotta tiles your grandparents had, or do you go with the sleek new porcelain now? There is much to consider: from the price to the maintenance versus the look. We take you through the pros and cons of each, although.
So, read on to find the best of traditional versus modern tiles for your Tamil Nadu home in terms of durability, colors and designs, pricing, and vibe you decide on. We will even throw in some beautiful examples of them, so you can start envisioning them in your place. Let's dive in and make this important design choice from a place of knowledge.
Traditional Tile Materials in Tamil Nadu Homes
- Terracotta Tiles
- Granite Tiles
- Athangudi Tiles
- Chettinad Tiles
- Kerala Mural Tiles
Normal households in Tamil Nadu have been adopting various tiled looks for many centuries. Terracotta, granite, and ceramics have always been the most popular materials. All three of that list require different levels of maintenance to retain their good looks.
Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta, or clay, terracotta tiles come in a range of earthy red shades. These are rustic and economical tiles, besides being kept very durable for keeping your indoors cool in this hot climate. Geometric and floral patterns are common, with each tile hand-carved by skilled artisans.
Granite Tiles
Granite tiles have been common in homes in Tamil Nadu for many centuries. There are several granite quarries in the region. The stone is used in all heavy-duty applications that require natural and prestigious-looking stone finishes. The additional colors are naturally pink, grey, and beige, in addition to its natural veining features and high hardness. However, maintaining its good look requires sealing and polishing the stone occasionally.
Athangudi Tiles
These are handmade tiles, originating from the Athangudi village in Tamil Nadu. Known for their bright colors and geometric patterns, artisans from the Athangudi village use a unique mix of local materials. They hail in a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns: from traditional Athangudi tiles to modern prints. Granite is easier on your pocket and more durable compared to ceramic, but it needs grout to avoid water damage and staining. While selecting ceramic tiles, observe how the color and patterns will complement the general style of your house.
Chettinad Tiles
Chettinad tiles are related to the heritage of the Chettinad region. They mostly come with intricate, hand-painted patterns and motifs, which are inspired by nature, mythological stories, and cultural symbols.
Kerala Mural Tiles
Originating from Kerala but often found in homes across Tamil Nadu, mural tiles are known for their intricate, hand-painted designs that bear testimony to scenes of Indian mythology and Indian folklore.
Each of the tile materials used inside the homes of Tamil Nadu speaks about its rich history and cultural significance. Be it the traditional terracotta, the prestigious granite, or the vibrant ceramic choice of tiles will simply boil down to a perfect balance that keeps your style, your wallet, and maintenance in check. Choosing well-made tiles that reflect your regional heritage is a great way to bring authenticity to your living space
Modern Tile Trends Popular in Tamil Nadu
- Minimalist Porcelain Tiles
- Marble-Effect Tiles
- Large Format Tiles
- Patterned Tiles
- Eco-friendly Tiles
Modern or contemporary looks: These days, homeowners in Tamil Nadu are inclined towards tiles that offer a modern look.
Minimalist Porcelain Tiles
The modern home in Tamil Nadu mostly features sleek and minimalist porcelain tiles in neutral shades like white, beige, and gray. They create a clean and contemporary look, ideal for a minimalist setting.
Marble-Effect Tiles
Marble-effect tiles offer the luxurious look of natural marble with the practicality of porcelain or ceramic. They are popular in modern Tamil Nadu homes for their elegance and timeless appeal.
Large Format Tiles
Large format tiles like 12 by 24 inches or larger create a sleek, minimal look. These oversized tiles work well for flooring in open-concept homes. Fewer grout lines make the space appear more open and airy. Porcelain tiles that mimic natural stone are ideal for large format and high-traffic areas.
Patterned Tiles
These tiles add visual interest to any space. Geometric patterns, including hexagons, triangles, and diamonds, are popular. Floral and nature-inspired prints also provide organic beauty. For a subtle touch, choose patterned tiles for a kitchen backsplash or bathroom floor. Combine patterned tiles with solid-colored grout to make the pattern pop.
Eco-friendly Tiles
These types of tiles are made from recycled materials and are in high demand. Tiles produced from recycled glass, ceramic, and porcelain are attractive and sustainable. Recycled glass tiles come in a variety of hues and produce an artisanal quality. Porcelain tiles made from recycled materials provide the same durability as traditional porcelain at a lower environmental cost.
Choosing tiles that reflect the latest styles and support eco-friendly practices allows homeowners to create a stylish space that aligns with their values. By combining current trends like metallics, large format tiles, patterns, and recycled materials, you can design a home that is both modern and meaningful. Focusing on high-quality, durable, and versatile products helps ensure that your home will stay on the cutting edge of style for years to come.
How to Blend Traditional and Modern Tiles for Your Tamil Nadu Home
Ancient terracotta and ceramic tiles have been around in homes in Tamil Nadu for centuries. However, modern tiles could be used for this purpose and should provide a dynamic visual interest. The traditional and modern mix of tiles in your house takes a little careful selection and placement.
Choose Tiles with Matching Colors
Find traditional and modern tiles in shades of red, brown, and orange that go well together. Working with red terracotta tiles is a real treat when combined with ceramic tiles in warm colors and tones of the earth. Check out the collections of modern tiles with traditional Indian patterns in these color families. Using tiles from the same palette brings out how traditional and modern elements are balanced.
Repetition Patterns
It is very good to repeat a pattern of tiles across different rooms in your home, as it flows the space together. For example, you can use terracotta floor tiles in your entryway and modern ceramic wall tiles with a similar geometric pattern in your kitchen. This brings repetition of the shape and form of tiles to unify traditional and modern tiles.
Balance Proportions
The balance in all spaces was key, between either the traditional or modern tiles. For example, in a bathroom, terracotta floor tiles contrast interestingly with a modern ceramic accent wall behind the sink. Here, the terracotta floor tiles represent tradition, and the ceramic tiles punch the visual contrast. The key is in balancing the proportions, not allowing one style to overpower the other.
Consider the Size and Layout of the Tiles
Large terracotta tiles will ground a room, for example, and smaller-sized ceramic tiles with an intricately detailed, contemporary pattern will add interest. Think about how the size of the tile will work within the design as a whole. Small ceramic tiles with a highly decorative pattern work well laid on top of a floor of large, terracotta tiles. Select a pattern for each tile design that will complement its features.
Blending the traditional terracotta with modern ceramic tiles in any of your Tamil Nadu homes will mean an interesting mix of colors, patterns, proportions, and layouts. When you get it right, you will have an overall effect of a harmonious fusion of traditional and modern styles in your home. Your home will reflect the rich culture and craftsmanship of the past with a nod to current decor trends.
Conclusion
So what's your call? In tiles for your place in Tamil Nadu, it's all about personal preference. Think of your style, budget, and how long you want them to last. Though traditional tiles have that timeless beauty, modern tiles are more diversified and maintain an easier process of maintenance. At the end of the day, it's your house; so just go with the one that makes you happy! And don't forget to mix traditional tiles with modern tiles in different areas to have both! Whichever way you go, just remember: get in touch with a good tile company to get installed correctly. With the right kind of tile, you will have that wow factor in your home. So let your style genes flow and start designing your dream home!
