8 Times Tile Brought Architectural Charm to an Otherwise Regular Exterior

A Craftsman’s low-sloped roof, a Spanish Colonial’s arched front door, a Queen Anne’s prominent turret—when we spot architectural details like these, our first thought is: charming. But what about all the regular houses that need some help in the looks department, like your run-of-the-mill split-level or traditional brick row house? If there’s one thing that can make an otherwise boring facade stand out, it most certainly is tile. 

You’d use durable porcelain or ceramic tile in your bathroom or kitchen, so why not on your exterior? Earlier this year, the launch of OuterClé, a website fully dedicated to Clé Tile’s outdoor-friendly products, got us thinking about using terracotta and even terrazzo in new ways, from patios to garden pathways. Then we saw how interior designer Abbie Naber put trendy handmade zellige to work around a firepit and swimming pool, and we were convinced: We need more tile outside. 

Turns out, a number of architects are way ahead of us. They’re cladding entire facades—or sometimes just slivers of an addition—in bold porcelain, ceramic, and cement. Here are eight tiled exteriors that pack just as much personality as a historic Victorian or cozy Craftsman.

Build Your Own Pattern From Simple Rectangles 

Vibrant shades of green and blue are Flamingo Estate founder Richard Christiansen’s thing (just take a look at the tub and sink designs he recently created for Kohler). Naturally, at his home-slash-HQ in Los Angeles he clad the garden office in turquoise tile, positioning the rectangles in various directions to create a patchwork-like effect.

Take Your Roofline to New Heights

Writer and photographer Christine Chitnis dedicated a good chunk of her book Patterns of Portugal to the country’s famous tiled facades. And while she notes that many of them often depict scenes of battles, sea voyages, conquests, and village life, in the town of Costa Nova, some of the residences are clad in simple stripes. Combined with a high-pitched roof, the pattern makes the house look taller than it already is.

Run for Cover

All you need is a small overhang or covered patio to re-create this dreamy green scene, which is also, to no one’s surprise, located in Lisbon, Portugal. The key for architecture firm Ricardo Bak Gordon was not to forget the ceiling—that’s how you get that completely cocooning feel. All this space is missing is a shallow daybed and a rainy day.

Get Inspired by Public Transit

London-based designer Malcolm Simmons once told us he finds endless inspiration in the city’s tube stations, and we almost didn’t believe him until we found out he isn’t the only one. Office S&M replicated the curved corner tile found in London’s Underground along this Victorian terrace house. Even more impressive, the tile makers at Teamwork Italy and Materials Assemble copied the same pink glaze used in the Hammersmith and City Line stations.

Make the Job Easy With KitKat

Designed by Dan Gayfer, this two-story Victorian in Melbourne gained an entirely new interior, but all that new natural light doesn’t come cheap or quickly. KitKat-style tile is the answer to saving time and money: It is mosaic, meaning it comes in large sheets, and you can get a whole case at the hardware store for around $100.

Tack on Seating

After framing this Buenos Aires home in large gridded windows, Estudio Florida kept the theme going on the rooftop by cladding the entrance in basic white square tile. Working a built-in bench into tiled siding is one way to make use of surplus material.

Mix Two Tones

One reason to go with cement tile on your facade? It’s super-durable and meant to withstand chips, scratches, dirt, and moisture. Better yet, it comes in an endless range of colors. We love the idea of pairing two similar shades together like DeDraft architects did for this U.K. home. The random arrangement of blues makes the surface appear weathered, as if it’s been there for decades. 

Frame the Windows, Too

At this care home in Zoersel, Belgium, the surrounding forest inspired the combination of minty green tile and light gray-green plaster. While the house is very flat-looking, Felt Architecture and Design added much-needed definition to some of the windows by lining them in dark-dark green tile. Boxy architecture doesn’t have to be boring.