Biselado Tiles
When it comes to interior design, the London underground is not an obvious source of inspiration. Yet the biselado tile, which is named after the tiles that decorated the walls of the underground and New York subway in the early 1900s – is an exception to the rule. These tiles have remained dominant in the interior design world since the late noughties, and there are no signs of any real challenge to their status.
Those of you living in London will undoubtedly see these on your daily commute without really taking in the design statement they are making. Just stop for a second the next time you visit any of the underground stations and take a look around. The brick bond patterns in bold colours and bright white bring a light to the stations that couldn’t be achieved with strip lighting alone.
The biselado tile became hip partly because of its use in restaurant interiors and in particular those with open kitchens, when chefs wanted to assert that they were offering down-to-earth food. The style was copied by the younger generation who did not associate biselado tiles with public conveniences, after the closure of such services in towns and cities. As a result, the biselado tile became the defining characteristic of industrial chic – an aesthetic that creeps into even the most grand of interiors.
The gloss biselado – bevelled or flat – is very versatile and shows no sign of backing down from the forefront of interior design. They seem to have gone hand in hand with gloss cabinetry again. Coloured biselado tiles are also on the rise, with blacks, blues and greens coming to the fore as the tones of kitchen cabinetry have deepened. White however, has seen an improvement. With flat, matt and mini tiles available they are both effective and lost cost.
The most traditional tile layout has to be the brick bond pattern, which is a favourite for a good reason – it’s simple but creates a stunning design that complements any style. The herringbone pattern is also a firm favourite and is perfect for adding interest and impact to a small space.
The grout colour will also dictate the aesthetic of the room. If you stick with a shade that is similar to the tiles, such as pairing white with white – it will create a softer look. The alternative is to choose a contrasting grout, such as pairing white tiles with black grout – this will help to define the pattern you choose.
