South of the Border Feel with Talavera Tile

Few tiling materials have more character or beauty than talavera tile. Talavera is traditionally hand painted in Mexico, one tile at a time, to produce festive, colorful, and stunning tile designs. Whether installed as countertops, backsplashes, floors, or wall murals, you can’t beat the south of the border flavor of this unique tiling tradition.

Talavera Tile Design

The fun of tiling with talavera lies in the design possibilities. Individual tiles are often decorated with bright, simple pictures of birds, flowers, and people, and can be arranged together to create larger, repeating patterns. And if you desire something a little larger in scope, you can purchase groups of tile that are decorated with more intricate and extensive design. These tiles are graced with abstract patterns that become part of a larger whole when installed as flooring or wall murals. Either way, your new tile is sure to turn heads and cause guests to take notice.

Uses for Talavera Tile

Talavera is great for any room of the house, though some applications are more popular than others. Countertops and backsplashes are excellent areas for installing these ceramic tiles, primarily because they provide a nice, raised stage on which to show off your talavera design. Bathrooms, including showers, baths, and walls, come in a close second. And finally, decorative talavera wall murals are a wonderful addition to any area of the home that boasts a southwestern or south of the border motif.

Don’t Overdo It!

The only caution when it comes to installing talavera is to beware of overdoing it. It is so distinctive that it’s often better used in small doses. A talavera tile countertop or backsplash adds color and character to your home. A kitchen that is decked out from top to bottom, however, can look overwhelming and busy if it isn’t designed very carefully.

Combine Talavera with Other Mexican Tile

Because talavera can overwhelm a room, some of the best southwestern or south of the border tile motifs incorporate the use of talavera alongside other popular Mexican tile. Saltillo tile, calavera stone, and travertine are all more natural options that look great alongside the bold and bright look of talavera tile. By combining the two you get a festive feel along with the warm, pastoral feel of more natural toned tiles. The result is a southwestern charm that’s tough to beat.

Consult the Experts

If you’re interested in purchasing talavera tile for your home, it’s wise to talk to a retailer, importer, or installer experienced in working with the material about choosing the right design and tiles for you. Talavera offers so many possibilities that choosing the right images, patterns, and designs can be overwhelming for some homeowners. Talavera retailers and installers have the experience under their belt to help guide you in making the right decision for your specific design needs.

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