5 Groovy and Glam Tile Designs

Bold surfaces that have us floored
DO LOOK DOWN
Something’s afoot on social media. Instagrammers have moved on from latte art pics and are now pointing their camera phones at the ground to take “selfeet” shots. Many of the most-liked examples capture the photographer’s feet standing on high-impact tiled flooring. Search “#Ihavethisthingwithfloors” to see takes from around the world. Local restaurant Bar Isabel (797 College St) is right on point. Imported from Mexico’s Original Mission Tile, the eatery’s brightly coloured, wildly patterned Classic concrete tiles were laid out spontaneously by design firm Kruisbuilt (which is also behind the nautical design of new seafood eatery The Commodore). Below, four other tile designs sure to make for standout photos. $25/sq ft, at originalmissiontile.com
GLITZY GLOBETROTTER
With its brushed brass accents and antique finish, Moscow Petite by Montreal’s Mosaique Surface captures the Old World opulence of Russia’s capital. The pattern is also available in a scaled-up Grande version. $290/sq ft, at Versatile
SHUFFLE PLAY
Mutina’s glazed porcelain Tex tiles adorn the floors of Mediterranean resto Byblos. The rhombus-shaped design is available in eight colour collections, each of which includes a mix of tones to encourage eclectic combos. $25/sq ft, at Stone Tile
UNCOMMON THREAD
Ornamenta’s porcelain Weave tile playfully recreates the look of traditional wicker furniture. The cartoon-y pattern is in line with one of the surfacing industry’s current obsessions: pop art–inspired designs. $25/sq ft, at Mettro Source
SWEET TOOTH
Mut Design looked to the candy aisle to design Peronda’s modular Onza ceramic wall tiles. Available in three colours, the chocolate bar–esque pattern with invisible joints would be at home in Willy Wonka’s factory. Call for pricing at Mettro Source
Check out our selection of The Best Tile Stores in Toronto