Modern reproductions just wouldn't do for our cottage bathroom. We wanted the real thing – genuine Victorian encaustic tiles with all their imperfections and character.
The Hunt
Architectural salvage yards became our weekend haunts. After months of searching, we found a batch of original geometric tiles from a demolished church – enough for our small bathroom floor.
Preparation and Installation
Each tile needed careful cleaning to remove a century of grime. Some were damaged and couldn't be used. We sorted them like a puzzle, planning the layout to use every viable piece.
A professional tiler who understood historic materials laid them on a traditional lime mortar bed, allowing for the natural movement these old tiles need.
The Final Look
The warm terracotta tones and cream geometric pattern give our bathroom the authentic period character we wanted. Every imperfection tells a story.
