How to Incorporate Outdoor Tile Into Your Exterior Design
By: Mackenzie
Creating a captivating and functional outdoor space is the pinnacle of exterior design, and incorporating outdoor tile can elevate your curb appeal to new heights. Outdoor tiles offer a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for patios, walkways, pool areas, and more. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary look or a whimsical, delicate ambiance, the right choice of tiles can transform your outdoor area. Read on to find out more about our favorite ways to incorporate outdoor tile into your exterior design to create a stunning, cohesive outdoor environment.
Your exterior design goals don’t have to be tremendous to enlist our expert designers. Whether you want a total exterior overhaul or you’re thinking of tackling a smaller project, we can help. Learn more about what we do!
Are outdoor tiles a good idea?
If you’re looking to add an elegant flair to your exterior, outdoor tile might be just the thing you need to welcome into your design. These materials are both beautiful and durable, making them an ideal addition to exterior environments. With the right approach — from placement to pattern choice — these tiles can make a huge difference to the overall appeal of your home.
Highlight unique features
Since outdoor tile often features intricate (and beautiful) patterns, it works wonders on small features and spaces. The Spanish-style exterior shown above embraces a neutral palette with off-white stucco and deep brown trim. Even the accents fall into the neutral realm, with brown roof tiles, clay planter pots, and natural stone and wood elements.
We added a planter box to the stucco section of the house that has no windows. This box helps fill in the blank space of the wall it’s mounted on, so we called attention to it, covering it with patterned tile. The blue shades seen in the tile blend with the color of the foliage, infusing the aesthetic with intention. This subtle pop of color adds a breath of fresh (and fun) air to the design.
Just as we drew the eye to the planter box with outdoor tile, we used a similar tactic for the fountain on this Spanish-style house. This time, though, we added the tile to the background of the element we wanted to call attention to. The tile showcases a subtle pattern fitting of the design style. Behind the black fountain, it’s a truly stunning design choice that emphasizes contrast.
Use outdoor tile as cladding
Not all outdoor tile features dainty patterns and subtle hints of color. The granite tile we used in this design exudes a modern, luxurious aura, and it leans into the influence of natural materials like stone. For this type of tile, it makes sense to cover more real estate.
Cladding choice is crucial in exterior design, especially if you’re seeking to achieve a particular style. Blended materials, for example, are quintessential to both modern and contemporary styles. For this exterior, we used a mix of stucco, wood siding, and granite tile reminiscent of natural stone. The modern tile adds both texture and elegance to the façade, all while staying true to the design style.
Emphasize the walkway
If a concrete walkway feels too plain for your exterior, consider using outdoor tile instead. Here, we opted for a lovely black-and-white patterned tile on the walkway and front stoop. We appreciate how the layout of the tile melts from one area to the next. The eclectic tile also amplifies the glass front door, planters, and other modern elements.
Tile, since it is a sleek surface, tends to be more slippery than elements like concrete or brick, so we embraced additional safety features for the walkway. We used hedges and landscape lighting to enhance visibility and define the edges.
Bolster a bohemian flare
This bungalow is bursting with a bohemian essence that our designers enhanced from every angle. From the staggered stairs and landscaping to the transom window and frosted glass panels by the door, the supporting details are spot-on. We wanted to remain true to the design style and incorporate plenty of interesting accents. We placed a large Corten steel planter by the stairs, a mix of white planters on the porch, and a modern awning above the entryway.
All of the accents we used feature solid or sleek surfaces, so we chose to bring a bit of pattern to the mix with outdoor tile around the house numbers. Here, even though the tile is subtle, it stands out among the other textures in the design. This design is proof you can still make a statement with smaller details.
Get creative with placement
We see plenty of outdoor tile on patio walls and flooring, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay within those confines. For this design, we had some fun with the placement, using a patterned tile on the inside edges of the patio steps. Against the wood surface of the patio and stairs, the pattern brings exciting contrast that draws the eye.
We complemented the black-and-white color combination of the tiles with black-and-white furniture just above the stairs. The wood ceiling above the patio, along with its recessed lights, caps the space off in a seamless way.
Throughout this design, we embraced different textures. We used pavers for the driveway, walkway pavers, and cultured stone surrounding the landscaping by the house. Among the other textures, the pattern on the tile adds a funky flare.
Make your entrance stand out
As the bridge that connects the outside of your home to the inside, your entryway should stand out and make a statement. The flat roofline and uniform windows of this home made way for some creative liberties with the entrance. Our designers carved the patio out by placing a wide portico above the two sets of double doors. This space exudes symmetry — with a twist.
To the outer edge of both sets of doors, we added the same mounted lights and three windows. Breaking up some of the uniformity, we used different seating options on each side of the patio. Here, the intricate pattern of the outdoor tile on the patio floor creates more contrast, making the space all the more compelling. We especially enjoy how the pattern provides an artsy jolt to disrupt any monotony.
Go for an eclectic aesthetic
If you want to move away from a mundane exterior, embracing patterns and textures is a great way to achieve a more eclectic look. For this design, we covered the entire patio floor with outdoor tile. The delicate pattern of the tile adds a bit of whimsy to the space, and the patterned rug adds another interesting layer.
Thinking it’s tile time?
Incorporating outdoor tile into your exterior design is a fantastic way to enhance the beauty and longevity of your outdoor spaces. From selecting the right materials and styles to exploring placement, thoughtful planning, and execution can create an outdoor oasis that reflects your personal taste and complements your home. Whether you choose to update your patio, create a welcoming walkway, or add a splash of style to your façade, outdoor tiles offer endless possibilities. If you’re ready to tackle some tile, our designers are here to help!
Feeling inspired to go forth and conquer your greatest goals for you exterior? Even if all you want to do is see what your home would look like in a different paint color, we’ve got you covered. There’s no sense holding off on accomplishing your dream home. Get started today!
Subscribe for more content like this!
