Modern trends show that traditional patterned tiles find
their use in contemporary homes, boutique hotels, restaurants, heritage
buildings, and designer spaces. The appeal of these tiles comes not from
nostalgia but the unique craftsmanship and design language they embody.
Flooring Tradition with a Long History
The story of patterned encaustic tiles begins several
centuries ago. According to Bharat
Floorings & Tiles, encaustic tiles were invented by Cistercian monks in
England in the 12th century – the coloured designs were created in the
structure of the tile rather than being just painted on the surface. There was
another revival in the 19th century, when Henry Minton popularised decorative
tiles with geometric and floral motifs.
The advancement of coloured cement in Europe during the late
19th century saw the emergence of another fundamental moment. The invention of encaustic
tiles enabled one to create patterned flooring which is colourful and
long-lasting, and acquires its unique appearance with the passage of time.
This tradition developed in Europe and later found its own
peculiar embodiment in India.
The Role of Bharat Floorings & Tiles in the Introduction
of Heritage Tiles into India
Bharat Floorings & Tiles remained a key player in
bringing flooring of this kind to India. The company was founded in 1922 in
Mora, Uran, which is a town near Mumbai. The founders of the company travelled
around European countries and the U.S. to study flooring practices and brought
certain elements of the craft to India.
But the aim was not to merely replicate European designs.
The methods of production and designs were changed according
to local preferences, architectural styles and geographical conditions.
Therefore, new patterns were created; colours were altered, and production
methods underwent improvements. Over time, Bharat tiles became very popular
among Indian kings and queens, rich people, and even British people residing in
India.
The Craft Behind Every Tile Design
The visual beauty of heritage tile patterns lies in the
interplay of shape, hue and repeat.
A single tile could show up as a flower, leaf, star, circle,
diamond or different interlocking geometrical shapes. Still, when combined with
other tiles, all of these components amalgamate into one big whole.
The outcome can look like a woven fabric, an intricate rug
or an architect's art.
It is crucial to realise that the design is not simply
applied to the surface of tiles. In traditional encaustic tile making, various
colours are arranged in the mould pattern before the tile is pressed. Hence,
the design is incorporated in the tile and becomes a part of it.
Bharat Floorings offers its Heritage tiles as a product of
manual labour and carefully chosen components that form rich colours.
The manual process makes the end product quality superior to
mass production.
The Advantage of Handcrafting
In the era of total mechanisation, handmade flooring is very
special due to its individuality. Rather than being defects, these subtle
differences are part of the character of an artisanal product.
It is important to note that the Heritage tiles from Bharat
Floorings are created by hand and then processed to provide durability. The
company explains that small differences in shape and colour are a sign of a
handcrafted product.
This means that heritage flooring may have a warmer and more
personal feeling than an artificially created surface.
There are several steps involved in making a tile. The
person who makes the tile has to prepare raw materials, create the tile's
pattern, and mix colours.
This means that the creation of the tile is not the only
evidence of artisans' craftsmanship.
One of the most interesting features of patterned tile is
its ability to change the whole area.
A regular room can turn into an interesting one. The floor
makes it special by using a carefully designed pattern. A hallway becomes
rhythmic, a courtyard obtains its typical Indian character, and a modern
kitchen combines modern furniture design with a traditional floor.
Heritage tiles can also be employed in unconventional applications. They can
enhance the appearance of walls, backsplashes, entrances, stairwells, porches,
washrooms, and similar spaces when incorporated into designs drafted by
architects or designers.
Bharat Floorings' Heritage Collection offers a variety of
designs, such as the Flower Fern design, available in 20 cm × 20 cm and
suitable for both flooring and wall applications.
Moreover, working with different combinations of colours and
patterns helps designers personalise the space.
The Beauty of Imperfection
One of the main characteristics of traditional masterwork is
that it never seeks technical perfection.
For example, a tile printed digitally can replicate an image
many times in a row, whereas a handmade tile contains tiny details of the
person who made it.
These minute peculiarities create a surface that changes
slightly depending on the light and angle. Instead of looking like a product of
mass production, this flooring appears like an authentic existing item.
This feature is important in modern interior design because
more and more people want to make their living spaces unique.
A Legacy That Continues to Evolve
The essence of heritage flooring rests not in reproducing
the past but in forging connections between the craft of yesteryears and
contemporary ways of design.
The process of manufacturing patterned and decorative tiles
and changing materials has continued at Bharat Floorings and Tiles. The
Heritage range is custom-made, making it possible to adapt design and colour
schemes to every particular project.
This property of the tiles makes them applicable and
suitable for modern architecture. A designer can use traditional motifs and
designs in a limited colour spectrum, pair grand patterns with minimalist
furniture, and design an entirely bespoke flooring composition.
That is how the space becomes a place where tradition and
modern decor come together in harmony.
Why Heritage Pattern Tiles Still Matter Today
The revived interest in heritage flooring shows the renewed appreciation for
craftsmanship. Contemporary interior design does not require choosing between
modernity and traditions.
Indeed, heritage tile flooring matches the design of the
furniture, fixtures, and architecture in the room, creating interesting
combinations through contrast.
More importantly, these tiles carry a story.
They signify the legacy of master craftsmanship, interaction
among various cultures, changes occurring in India's architecture, and the
ongoing importance of handmade designs.
Bringing Heritage into Modern Spaces
Actually, a heritage pattern tile is much more than a
material used in flooring. It is the place where art, architecture,
craftsmanship, and history meet.
The story of patterned floor covering can be traced from its
invention centuries ago to its adaptation in India, proving that traditional
practices can be used in new designs.
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