It always sets off Tile Addict’s trend alert when an ultra-cool retailer, such as Lapicida, sends in a release on a particular product type. When I received Lapicida’s info on antique terracotta, the alarm rang particularly loud because this has been a trend that has been bubbling under for the past couple of years in the mainstream tile market. Of course, Lapicida is talking about the real thing; and thus the top end of the market. However, if premium retailers are experiencing growing demand for genuine antique terracotta, it will only spur manufacturers on to produce better and better reproductions, using the latest digital decorating techniques, advanced glazes and sophisticated moulds to replicate the patina, texture and care-worn looks of genuine reclaimed materials. So Tile Addict is expecting to see many more antique terracotta effects at Cersaie in September.
Lapicida reports that terracotta floors are now gracing some of the smartest interiors with their warm, natural appeal. The epitome of relaxed living, they come in a wide range of pinks, reds and creams – reflecting the clays native to the regions from which they hail. Lapicida offers a wide selection of original antique terracotta tiles, salvaged from 18th and 19th Century buildings, mainly in France. Authentically aged by the passage of time, they have both tonal and textural beauty. Carefully lifted, cleaned and hand-matched by Lapicida, each antique terracotta floor is a complete one-off. Retail prices start from £119 per sq. metre, but head north of £300 for the more exotic items.
This montage shows, from left to right, Antique Lyon Terracotta, Antique Nimes Parefeuille Terracotta, Antique Dubrovnik Red Terracotta and Antique Orleans Terracotta Hexagons.
A new post by Joe Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, July 2017.