Saltillo tile, with its warm terracotta hues and handcrafted charm, has long been a staple in Southwestern and Mediterranean-inspired homes. However, as design trends evolve, homeowners may wonder if this classic flooring option still has a place in modern interiors. To answer the question, we’ve consulted with home design experts and flooring professionals to get their take on this timeless material.
The Enduring Appeal of Saltillo Tile
Saltillo tile is a type of terracotta tile that originates from a specific region in Mexico. These tiles are named after the city of Saltillo in the Mexican state of Coahuila and are handmade by artisans using clay sourced from local riverbeds.
The manufacturing process has remained largely unchanged for generations, resulting in tiles with unique characteristics and variations. The outdoor drying process makes it not uncommon to find tiles with imprints from local wildlife, such as puppy paw prints or bird feet. Many homeowners consider these marked tiles to be lucky.
In regions such as the American Southwest and areas influenced by Spanish or Mexican architecture, Saltillo tiles remain emblematic of the cultural and architectural preferences that define these locales. The tiles provide a way to preserve this cultural heritage, while still allowing room for modern adaptations and innovations in design.
Related: What Does Saltillo Tile Cost?
What Do Experts Think of Saltillo Tile?
We reached out to several industry professionals to get their perspective on Saltillo tile’s place in modern home design.
Gromes Floor Service
Gromes Floor Service has been installing and refinishing floors throughout the Southeast for over 15 years. Their experience with various flooring trends gives them a unique perspective on the longevity of different materials.
Jordan, a custom tile installer at Gromes, shared his thoughts:
“I think Saltillo and terracotta tiles are classic. They don’t really “date” or belong to a specific period like some other tile styles do.”
Jordan F., Gromes Floor Service
Jordan noted that many homeowners and businesses in the Southeast choose Saltillo tiles for their cooling properties during hot, humid summers. He recommends professional deep cleaning and resealing to maintain the beauty of Saltillo floors, emphasizing the importance of proper care over the years.
KJG Building and Remodeling
With over 25 years in the residential remodeling business, KJG Building and Remodeling has seen its fair share of flooring trends come and go. Owner Barry Selwon offered his perspective on Saltillo tile:
“Always keep Saltillo tile. It’s a coveted, classic flooring option that never goes out of style.”
Barry Selwon, KJG Building and Remodeling
Barry’s experience with historic building conservation has shown him the enduring appeal of Saltillo tile. He notes that these tiles are found in older homes and incorporated into newer constructions. Many admire and seek out the natural patina these tiles develop.
Design Co
Chris and Tina, the husband-and-wife team behind Design Co, are known for their ability to blend various styles in creating unique interiors. They’re based in San Francisco but work on projects across the country, which offers them a broad view of design trends.
Tina shared her thoughts on Saltillo tile flooring:
“I work on homes in Southern California, so I have come across a lot of Saltillo tile and knockoff versions. If I see true handmade Saltillo tiles from Mexico, I do my best to get customers to keep them! It adds a richness to the home decor that just can’t be found in other flooring options. Now, if it is just a knockoff manufactured tile floor made to look like Saltillo, I’m less partial to keeping it as it won’t age in the same way. But true Saltillo? A keeper!”
Tina, Design Co
Tina and Chris have incorporated Saltillo tiles into various design styles, from eclectic and boho to traditional. They emphasize that Saltillo tile’s versatility extends beyond Southwestern decor, making it a flexible choice for many interior designs.
Rustic Home Designs
Rustic Home Designs—a stone and tile dealer operating since the 1980s—has extensive experience with Saltillo tiles. Melanie, the company’s purchaser, offered her insights:
“Everything has a season, right? The trends come and go, but terracotta like Saltillo doesn’t go completely out of style. It just gets less popular for a while. Then there will be a stretch of years where everyone is looking for it.”
Melanie, Rustic Home Designs
Melanie explained that Saltillo tile remains a constant in their inventory, even if its popularity fluctuates over time. This cyclical nature of its popularity means that Saltillo tiles often find new audiences with each resurgence.
A+ Flooring Services
Jose and his brother bring 20 years of combined industry experience to A+ Flooring Services in the Atlanta metro area. Jose shared his perspective on Saltillo tile:
“Saltillo is a good choice. It last forever. It can make the home look soft and warm.”
Jose, A+ Flooring Services
Both brothers often advise homeowners to restore rather than replace their Saltillo tiles. They note that with the right wall color and decor, these tiles can remain timeless regardless of current flooring trends.
What Are the Advantages of Saltillo Tile?
Saltillo tile offers numerous benefits that contribute to its enduring popularity. Understanding these advantages can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your space.
Durability and Longevity
One of Saltillo tile’s biggest advantages is its durability. Properly sealed and maintained tiles can last for decades, making them cost-effective in the long run. Saltillo’s robustness offers peace of mind that you won’t need to replace it frequently.
Natural Cooling Properties
Saltillo tile’s natural cooling properties make it an excellent choice for keeping indoor temperatures comfortable in warm climates. The porous clay helps regulate humidity and temperature, creating a pleasant living environment.
Unique Character
The handmade production process makes each Saltillo tile unique. This individuality adds character and charm to any space, creating a one-of-a-kind floor that can’t be replicated with mass-produced materials.
Building on Saltillo’s Unique Character
Architects and designers view Saltillo tiles as part of a broader narrative within a home. Through strategic design and thoughtful choice of surrounding materials, you can amplify the aesthetic appeal of Saltillo tile.
Highlighting Space
Incorporate lighting that plays with the tile’s shadows and textures to emphasize their depth and natural color variations. Putting this eye-catching detail in the spotlight lets Saltillo tiles become a room’s focal point.
Creative Layout Patterns
Different layout patterns, such as herringbone or basketweave, can lend Saltillo tiles a contemporary edge, showcasing their adaptability to fashion-forward designs. This counters any preconceived notions of Saltillo being suitable only for traditional settings.
How To Incorporate Saltillo Tile in Modern Design
Saltillo tile has strong associations with traditional Southwestern and Mediterranean styles, but it can be successfully integrated into various modern designs. Here are some ways to keep Saltillo feeling fresh and contemporary.
Minimalist Approach
Pair Saltillo tile with sleek, modern furniture and a neutral color palette to contrast rustic and contemporary elements. This juxtaposition emphasizes the beauty of simplicity and celebrates each tile’s natural appeal.
Eclectic Mix
Combine Saltillo tile with eclectic decor pieces from different design eras to create a unique, personalized space that showcases the tile’s versatility. The timeless quality of Saltillo tiles becomes even more apparent when you blend it with different styles.
Indoor-Outdoor Continuity
Use Saltillo tile to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This will enhance the overall flow of your home and connect it to the natural environment. The continuity creates harmony and retains a natural yet refined appearance.
Related: 5 Saltillo Tile Stain Ideas
Tips For Saltillo Tile Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance keeps Saltillo tile looking its best and ensures its longevity. Here are some tips for caring for Saltillo tile:
- Clean it regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner.
- Promptly clean up spills to prevent staining.
- Reseal periodically to maintain protection against moisture and stains.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the tile’s surface.
Final Thoughts About Saltillo Tile
Saltillo tile has proven its staying power in the world of interior design. Far from being outdated, this classic flooring option continues to captivate homeowners and designers alike with its warmth, character, and versatility. The experts we consulted overwhelmingly agree that Saltillo tile remains a timeless choice that can adapt to various design styles and preferences.
