decorating with terracotta tiles UPDATED with photos

[abseptember17]

The house we just bought has a ton of terracotta tile.  It's in the entrance, kitchen, dining, and main level bath.  I like the tile but have no idea how to decorate with it.  I tend more towards grays, blues, and greens and don't really get how to incorporate other colors with such a strong red/orange/yellow influence from the tiles.  The tile grout is a medium-dark gray.  The walls are currently Sausalito and applesauce cake.  The Sausalito is ok, more yellow/gold than I'd prefer, but I don't really care for the applesauce cake.  I am willing to repaint.  The kitchen cabinets are currently a dark brown but one day will be refinished a lighter color.  Any advice/suggestions?   


www.voiceofcolor.com/digital-color/paint-colors/applesauce-cake-316-5

www.voiceofcolor.com/digital-color/paint-colors/sausalito-214-2

[munkii]

Terracotta as in saltillo? If yes, you can use any color you want, IMO. Just treat the color of the tile as a neutral--I know this sounds weird, but it's really not.


ETA: Because I fail at helpful all.the.time. let me try to expand on this. Think about all the colors people use in talavera when mixing it with saltillo. Also think about ways you can complement the earthy tones of the existing tile. Blues and greens will often act as a good equalizer to terracotta.

[bunnymendelbaum]

Totally agree w Munkii.
I don't like the yellows and creams with terracotta. I think a more pure white looks better and then allows you to use blues & greens.
Think more Greece and Mediterranean than Tuscan.

[abseptember17]

May 3, 2013 10:02:25 GMT -5 munkii said:

Terracotta as in saltillo? If yes, you can use any color you want, IMO. Just treat the color of the tile as a neutral--I know this sounds weird, but it's really not.


ETA: Because I fail at helpful all.the.time. let me try to expand on this. Think about all the colors people use in talavera when mixing it with saltillo. Also think about ways you can complement the earthy tones of the existing tile. Blues and greens will often act as a good equalizer to terracotta.

This photo is very similar to our tile. 

www.fwbrickandtile.com/products/bauer_saltillo_living.jpg

I should also mention that our trim is medium brown.

[bunnymendelbaum]

[downtoearth]

I too think it might be hard without repainting more white or maybe a cream color.  I would lean towards white walls and lighter furniture choices on the tile areas.  But now you can bring in accent colors like orange and red without too much trouble. 

Here are some images that might help.





Here's a kitchen with dark cabinets and the same color floor, but with that gray/blue you are looking for.  I think it looks good, except the lights are too big for my liking.


This houzz gallery has some good color combinations (scroll down to that one bathroom with the blue and terra cotta). 
www.houzz.com/terra-cotta-tile

[munkii]

Ignore the couches in the first!

    

[simpsongal]

My family room has terra cotta accents - the walls are taupe. There are 'spa blue' accents, neutral beige, etc. I agree with OP about avoiding yellowish & red colors with terra cotta -- it just reads too Southwest to me.

Our adjacent kitchen is a gray blue color like the PIP above. The problem w/combing those dark colors is it really darkens the room. I'm planning on painting the kitchen a lighter color to lighten it all up.

[abseptember17]

Here's some photos from my house.  Please excuse the clutter, lack of furniture, and bad lighting!  The living room leads into the kitchen/eat in area.  Obviously we need to do decorating in here too!

[abseptember17]

And here's a few more...

Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted

[simpsongal]

You have a similar "problem" to me - though more terracotta. I think you need to keep the wall color light b/c there's a lot of darkness going on in those rooms - and it doesn't look like you get a ton of natural light.

I might experiment with a light gray blue (like BM harbor haze). Definitely buy a light area rug too. What were you thinking for window treatments? Canvas or burlap curtains might add a nice rustic flair.

[abseptember17]

May 3, 2013 14:09:11 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

You have a similar "problem" to me - though more terracotta. I think you need to keep the wall color light b/c there's a lot of darkness going on in those rooms - and it doesn't look like you get a ton of natural light.

I might experiment with a light gray blue (like BM harbor haze). Definitely buy a light area rug too. What were you thinking for window treatments? Canvas or burlap curtains might add a nice rustic flair.

The rooms all get a lot of natural light; today is really overcast so that probably doesn't show through in the photos.  There are "pockets" throughout the house that I don't think get a lot of light.  One of those areas is by the stove and oven in the kitchen which is why I would love to lighten up the cabinets.  I think keeping it light is a good idea.  I'm not sure I'll convince my H to go with white, although I love the look others have posted.  I'll look into color you suggested.  I'm actually not planning on any window treatments.  The windows have a UV protectant and no one can see into the house from these windows.  The wood floors were just refinished.  I had thought about going darker but thought that would be too dark... hoping we made the right choice!  As for rugs.... in the living room, I was thinking of something with some color to make the room more interesting; in the dining, I was thinking something light.... maybe with gray to pull the color from the grout?  I tend more towards a contemporary style and it seems like I see more traditional rugs with terracotta, so I'm really struggling there!  I'd love to see what you've done or any ideas you have!    

[TBM]

Just because you have only seen certain styles and colors with the tile, it doesn't mean that it can't be done differently.

I have seen every style, every color, and seen them done well, with that type of tile. I have seen them with very modern looks, ranging from neutral colors to some pretty bold color choices and patterns, and I have seen them with fairly formal furnishings, traditional styles...you name it.

I think they are far more neutral and versatile than you think.

I think you need to think of them more like wood floors....they are pretty neutral, but often there are tones and undertones that might be a consideration, but don't have to rule your design choices.

I would post pictures, but I am on my phone and it is not letting me.

[simpsongal]

I would probably start with the rug. Try to find one you love, from a place you can take it back if necessary. Buy one with the colors you like, live with it, and see how you like it in the space. Yuo can build a palette from there with throw pillows, accents, etc. Good luck!

[downtoearth]

I agree with them being more neutral - more like hardwood.

Here I dropped your pic into powerpoint and colored over your walls with a white, a light gray, and a blue to show that all could go with those floors.

(I also changed the art and the light for fun)

[EloiseWeenie]

It's hard to tell by the photo, but we painted a pale aqua in my parent's beach house. 

[abseptember17]

May 3, 2013 17:34:34 GMT -5 downtoearth said:

I agree with them being more neutral - more like hardwood.

Here I dropped your pic into powerpoint and colored over your walls with a white, a light gray, and a blue to show that all could go with those floors.

(I also changed the art and the light for fun)

That's really cool! Thanks for doing that! I think I like the gray the best. Isn't our current light just awful? Can't wait to replace it!