I chose this seemingly outdated tile for my kitchen flooring and I love it – here's why I think it's time to reconsider terracotta tiles

When it came to my kitchen renovation, there was one detail that I was deadset on from the beginning. And it proved to be a bit of a divisive decision.

Kitchen flooring ideas aren't typically your mood board jumping-off point, but as those who have done a remodel will understand, aside from utilities your floor is one of the first things to go into the room and really sets the tone for the entire space.

So when I found myself drawn to the seemingly dated kitchen floor trend for terracotta tiles, let's just say it took a little convincing. But these warm, earthy, and organic tiles have proven to be the perfect choice for our home. Here's why I urge you to consider the terracotta tile comeback too.

Are terracotta floor tiles back on trend?

Over the years, these organic tiles have taken a backseat to more contemporary tile ideas like porcelain, marble, and wood-effect tiles. But because I am renovating a period property (dating back to 1910), I knew I wanted something with character that brought authenticity to the space rather than a sleek, modern finish.

So I kept coming back to terracotta. My chosen kitchen cabinet color is a warm, sandy, off-white that I've paired with an unexpected red pantry cupboard and a vintage butcher's block island. Which meant I wanted to lean into warmth and decorating with vintage in all details.

My kitchen cabinet hardware choices were easy: unlacquered brass with its living, patinated finish makes the perfect accessory for my cabinetry. Adding a rich, reddish tone and rustic, sun-baked feel with terracotta underfoot was a less-than-obvious but wonderful choice too.

Reminiscent of sun-drenched European villas, Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra says: 'Who doesn’t picture the Mediterranean at the sight of terracotta?'

'Terracotta is experiencing a resurgence, offering everything we desire in our homes,' she continues. 'Its warmth and rustic charm create an inviting atmosphere, while its rich tones evoke a connection to nature and distant landscapes. Versatile and timeless, it complements every interior style and property type effortlessly.'

'With fresh innovations in layouts and shapes constantly emerging, terracotta remains a trend that continues to evolve, ensuring it never fades from the spotlight.'

Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL is also a fan of the revival of terracotta tiles. 'They have gotten a bad rap over the years because orange mass-produced terracotta tiles were in every country kitchen in the eighties. Cheap and instantly unappealing, they are a great lesson in how something can be so right or so wrong, simply because of its quality,' she explains.

As a big fan of vintage materials, Helen encourages using reclaimed or proper handmade terracotta. 'Terracotta tiles are relatively cheap to buy now and have a lovely natural, earthy quality to them. They often have markings of cats’ paws or leaves from their time outside baking in the Spanish sunshine. That in itself is enough to make you want to buy them!' Plus, since they're made from natural clay, they only get better with age, developing a beautiful patina over time.

'I love the simplicity, the color, the variations, and the humble look they impart – a no-brainer on every level.'

Another vote for reclaimed terracotta tiles comes from Merlin Wright, design director at Plain English, who sourced the tiles for the small kitchen seen above from a reclamation yard.

'They add a wonderful warmth of tone to a kitchen and with a reclaimed option there is an added sense of history too,' says Merlin. 'We laid the more worn tiles in the main walkway to give the feeling that they had always been there. Brick flooring and terracotta are certainly due for a revival,' he adds.

'Reclaimed terracotta tiles offer an unparalleled charm, bringing warmth, character, and a sense of history to any home,' Grazzie agrees. 'While they are often supplied in a raw state, requiring intensive cleaning, sealing, and careful installation, the effort is well worth it.'

'Each tile boasts unique variations in tone, texture, and patina, ensuring no two floors are ever identical. This individuality creates a truly bespoke aesthetic that cannot be replicated with modern alternatives. Reclaimed terracotta makes a standout choice for those seeking a floor rich in heritage and personality,' adds Grazzie.

Alternatively, for a slightly more modern look, you can try different tones of terracotta to create a transitional, old-meets-new feel. Consider opting for a more muted, matte finish in softer, sun-washed tones like pale clay, blush, or even a cooler, taupe-leaning terracotta.

Or look for darker hues, as favored by deVOL, and seek out deep and rich-toned terracotta that has burgundy and chocolate brown running through it. The added benefit of this natural tile is that each and every one is unique, with varying colors and shapes to create a lived-in look.

The layout can also make a huge difference, as Grazzie explains. 'There are several ways to create a traditional or modern look in your kitchen using terracotta tiles; a lot of this is down to the layout and shape of the tile.'

'For those seeking a more traditional look, choose either a chunky brick in two different sizes, or octagons & cabochons as it doesn’t get more stately or historic than these shapes,' she explains. 'If modern is more your thing, then say yes to a hexagon shape as geometric shapes can work wonders.'

'That being said, don’t be scared to style more traditional versions on terracotta tiles in a modern way,' Grazzie advises. 'While Bejmat terracotta is traditional, it can look super fresh when it is styled in an understated way – think polished plaster walls and minimal accessories, and your kitchen will never look better.'

Or, like me, you can try square tiles. Similar to the kitchen above by @the_home_reform and British Standard (a sister brand of Plain English), I chose to go straight and square with my kitchen floors for a more modern feel.

People are moving away from the overly perfect, factory-finished look and embracing materials that feel storied and lived-in. And that’s exactly what I love about my terracotta kitchen floors, they don’t just look good; they bring a sense of history and warmth that can be hard to achieve with newer flooring trends.

Choosing terracotta tiles for my kitchen felt like a bold move at first, but now I can’t imagine my space without them. Their rich, earthy character brings a sense of warmth and authenticity that modern flooring often lacks, and with the right styling, they can feel effortlessly fresh and current.

If you’re looking for a timeless yet vintage option for your home, it might be time to reconsider terracotta.