The art of tile drenching

Tile drenching, a term you may not be familiar with yet but a technique you are sure to recognise.

Designers and home owners are once again embracing tile drenching as a way to draw the eye across surfaces with fluidity and ease.

An unbroken sweep of tiles, across the wall or floor (or both!) transforms the functional perception of tiling into a statement of style and sophistication. 

In today's article we share some of our favourite tile drenched spaces to give you inspiration for your own tiling project.

Embracing maximalism to it's fullest, this kitchen showcases the very best of hand painted Delft tiles. Covering the walls, worktops and sink with rustic, handmade Delft tiles, this kitchen is the visual definition of tile drenching.

Hand painted in our Marlborough workshop using the traditional majolica technique, each tile features a classic Delft image or corner motif on a handmade terracotta biscuit.

For the floor in their Victorian terraced home, customers Harriet and Oli chose terracotta effect hexagon porcelain tiles in Granada, from our Andalucia collection. 

“We opted to run the same floor tiles through the hallway and into the bathroom to create the illusion of space, says Harriet. “They complemented the wall tiles beautifully, really warming the space. Just as importantly, we knew that once they were down we wouldn’t need to fuss about the tiles because porcelain tiles are so practical. There’s nothing worse than having to be precious about your home. You’ve got to use it and enjoy it.”

So often will we tile simply what needs to be tiled; an area behind a sink, the space behind the range cooker. This kitchen embraces colour and style, taking our deep emerald green Iona tiles from the Isles collection all the way to the ceiling.

Notice how they even feature behind the glazed cupboard, a classic touch for added interest.

By tile drenching this kitchen we experience the subtle variation of tone and texture across the tiles, in their full glory.

When designer and colour consultant Emma Diaz decided to renovate her Georgian cottage bathroom, she sought out a cosy, characterful space that was truly original.

"The tiles were the first piece of the puzzle. I had been searching for a tile that would feel just right with the time period of our Georgian home, yet still be up-to-date. The Wilding collection from Marlborough Tiles offered the perfect balance. We love nature and a lot of the renovation work we do here is inspired by the environment around us.

"The hand painted wild creatures in Delft blue are so charming, it just felt right to bring them into the space. I love that they have a decorative intricacy without being overly detailed, and adore the border tiles for the same reason - the pattern is simple yet beautiful."

Emma drenched her space in tiles, from bath to ceiling, incorporating charming Wilding animals and a handpainted border. She also carried this across the space to the basin, where the delicate border tiles provide a functional and beautiful backsplash.