This vintage tile pattern appears everywhere – and it is easy to love

When it comes to traditional flooring styles, the charm and the sophistication of the Cabochon floor stand out. This simple tile pattern conveys both nostalgia and elegance and is suitable for a French country for a cozy American house.

What are cabochon floors?

“A cabochon floor is a classic tile layout with octagonal tiles that are separated from small square embossing embossing, which are known as cabochons,” says interior designer Ellie Stein. “Traditionally, a cabochon floor uses a 12-inch square tile, with each corner creating an octagonal shape. Then a small 2-inch cabochon tile is set into the negative space where the corners were removed.”

The small cabochons traditionally consist of a different material or a different color than the main tiles. This divergence creates the typical light -dunkle color scheme of the floor and improves the overall pattern.

Traditional and modern interpretations

Cabochon floors have been around for centuries, with origins from French architecture and a remarkable presence in Georgian houses. The attraction of cabochon floors lies in its timeless design and simple coloring, which causes a feeling of history and assensity-an installation, which is striking but unpainting. Several variations of the style include modifications to the classic pattern, the materials used as well as the scale and installation.

Materials

Limestone and marble are the usual main tile materials that are paired with slates as deep cabochon. “One of my favorite methods to achieve a successful cabochon floor is the variations of the limestone. A falling limestone, paired with a contrasting black or gray limestone cabochon, can only be died,” says Stein.

Travertine and darker marble tones are usually used as stone cabochons. Tiles with decorative patterns and metallic surfaces can also be used as cabochons for stone installations.

But stone is not the only material option. Bright and dark porcelain or ceramic tiles as well as ready-made mosaics are often used to achieve the cabochon look. In bathrooms, glass tiles can serve as an alternative to conventional cabochon materials.

“For a more modern appearance, I love a painted version of the Cabochon pattern that is applied to the wooden floors of a house,” says Stein. “This is particularly striking in a foyer or circulation room and is a creative and unexpected turn of such a timeless concept.”

Variations

You can also play with coloring for a fresh setting, which is still comfortable in traditional interiors. Black marble with gray or white marble cabochoons creates a drama, while a monochromatic pairing – or even a cabochon pattern that has been laid in the same tile – has a subtle geometry.

The traditional style places cabochons between the cut corners of every tile. A common way to vary the pattern scale is to lay four square tiles and treat them as a single square and to cut the outer corners for the cabochon. Similarly, tiles of different sizes can be used to create a pattern with different effects. You can also find square tiles with painted corners that seem to have the same cabochon pattern as a whole.

Where cabochon floors shine

“Cabochon floors are generally found where durability, versatility and visual effects of the keys are – think after receipt, foyers, kitchens, mudrooms or bathing rooms,” says Stein. These rooms often offer the opportunity to inspire guests and at the same time benefit from strong and easy to reduce floor covering.

However, cabochon floors do not fit well with bedrooms or casual assembly areas such as family rooms. “Due to the natural coolness of materials such as stone and tiles, an environment that is intimate and cozy can be undesirable,” advises Stein.

Cabochon floors are ideal for traditional interior. “Cabochon Flooring is historically a French style,” says Stein. It is at home with demanding French land decoration as well as relaxed, contemporary and new rustic styles. ”

The materials can also add other styles. “A beautiful terracotta cabochon is absolutely breathtaking in a Spanish style house,” says Stein, who also suggests that a painted cabochon pattern easily fits in English inspired interiors. While the pattern is mostly traditional, a high -gloss finish and a dramatic color in a cabochon floor can also compensate for more modern interiors.

Plan to install a cabochon floor

Careful planning is essential before installing a Cabochon floor. Since the cabochons are small, it is important to ensure that the layout of the tile maximizes the number of full cabochon on the edges of the room, the doors and the transitions between different floors. “A tiny half-inch splinter at the end of the job can be the curse of the existence of a perfectionist,” says Stein.

The orientation, such as B. whether the cabochons appear as diamonds or squares can also affect the perception of the flooring.

“If you think about whether you should bring the Cabochon floor to your home, my greatest advice is not to force it. The beauty of a Cabochon floor is naturally in the timelessness that it brings it into a room,” says Stein. “This only works if it is in line with your architecture. Take your time to evaluate your space and to select a version or interpretation that complements the bones of your house.”