If you have been coming here for a while, you will know that our thing is to elevate the everyday. In fact, it could be said that it is a kind of mantra at the headquarters of Sublime Alicante. We believe that mirrors, lamps and art have as important a place in the kitchen as knives, cutting boards and pepper mills. When you spend as much time as most of us in the kitchen, it makes sense to design a space you want to be in. And this also applies to any other room in the house. We always look for decorative elements that convert a functional area into a felt area. From vintage containers with patinated surfaces, artisan pieces that reflect the charm of the hand, and natural materials such as marble, stone and terracotta decorations to add depth and meaning to the home.

The latter is what we dive into today. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, terracotta is all the rage, a moment well deserved! Whether you’re painting your walls this earthy hue or choosing a vase to decorate your shelf, we can’t get enough of fired clay. If you feel the same way, read on to shop for some of our favourite terracotta decorations.

Terracotta is a natural material that has been used in design for centuries. With its rustic charm, it still brings pleasure to many interior settings.

Throughout time, terracotta has had many uses, such as sculptures, earthenware, bricks, and tiles. However, designers are now using it in new ways, working not only with terracotta as a material but also as a colour. The different levels of tone when using the colour add a beautiful appeal with a touch of effortless splendour.

Terracotta brings warmth to any space and enhances even the coolest colour themes. Also, it is important to keep this trend fresh and contemporary by combining it with elements such as botanicals and bold prints.

Terracotta in interiors: How is it used?

This precious material can be used creatively and functionally in your home design. It is highly regarded for the rustic charm and warm, welcoming atmosphere it adds to any space. Here are some ideas that you can steal for your home.

Floor tiles

Terracotta tiles are very pretty, have a warm feel and age beautifully. The natural firing process results in different shades of warm, rich colours, and no two tiles are perfectly alike. The earthy colour palette these tiles bring to any room ranges from deep red to earthy brown to muted ocher to burnt amber. These tiles are available in a variety of sizes and designs ranging from square to hexagonal to curved shapes that can add an exotic touch to your floors.

Professional tip: As tiles can vary in size, it would be a good idea to use spacers when laying the floor. This will ensure line consistency and a neater appearance. Make sure the tiles are well sealed to prevent staining. Terracotta is porous, so it’s not a good choice for kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.

Terracotta tiles for the Wall

Not only on the floors, the terracotta is also beautiful on the walls. Exposed terracotta brick walls are charming and widely used in low-cost architecture. These walls need no frills and create a timeless look that will never go out of style. There are also wall cladding tiles that can recreate the same look. You can even consciously choose to use chipped and imperfect tiles for the shabby chic look that is all the rage these days.

Professional tip: You can choose between raw and matte, matte or glazed finishes to suit your decorating theme. Classic French-style interiors use highly glazed, perfectly finished tiles, while rough, scruffy tiles would go well with farmhouse themes. Terracotta tiles look great in the kitchen, but they should not be near the cooking area as they can be damaged by exposure to moisture.

Use of terracotta colour on the walls

If you don’t want to go as far as covering your walls with tiles, then using colour in different shades with the use of paint is a great idea.

While your neighbours use the traditional colour palette, surprise your guests with unusual combinations of terracotta tones in the interior! This colour is a great compromise between originality and restraint.

Terracotta statuettes and accessories

Sublime, interior design & real estate - San Juan, Alicante

La magia de la terracota puede aportar la mezcla perfecta de rusticidad y estilo a su hogar. Los jarrones, figuras, estatuas y esculturas de terracota quedan bien en cualquier entorno, tanto en interiores como en accesorios de jardín. Acompáñelos con lámparas de vidrieras, alfombras de colores en telares manuales o fundas de cojines con espejos para dar un toque de distinción al conjunto.

Keep terracotta like new

Terracotta needs care and attention to keep it looking its best.

  • Floors should be swept and mopped daily with a non-chemical cleaning solution or just water on a microfiber cloth. The older the floor, the brighter it will shine with regular cleaning.
  • Never use acids, ammonia or vinegar to clean the surface as it will discolour.
  • Wall tiles should also be cleaned with water or a non-chemical detergent regularly.
  • All tiles should be sealed once every three years to prevent staining and prolong durability. The sealer can be applied with a brush and takes up to 72 hours to dry completely.
  • Any spill must be cleaned up immediately.
  • Terracotta that is not glazed attracts dust very easily, so be sure to establish a regular vacuuming routine.
  • Terracotta is very brittle and can be easily scratched. Make sure all furniture has padded feet and nothing is dragging on the floor. Terracotta vases, pots, and accessories should be handled very carefully so they don’t chip or break.