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Tuesday, February 6th, 2018
The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table derives its rich colors from a terracotta palette.
Are you familiar with terracotta? This is a kind of clay that comes in the most interesting colors (often orange or red) and has the beautiful qualities to boost. The term terracotta originated from the Italian translation of baked earth.
The earliest reference to terracotta was in prehistoric art where some of the ancient potteries were dated as far back as 24,000 B.C. These pieces were dated to be Paleolithic which were used as figurines instead of cooking vessels.
Terracotta, therefore, was and is a natural piece of art. The Chinese terracotta army is a collection of huge figures consisting of 8,000 soldiers plus 520 horses. These were found in Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, he happens to be the first emperor of the Chinese nation.
Terracotta is also widely used as a sculpture material. It is its thickness and malleability that make it the perfect moldable material for art pieces.
Terracotta is also used in some architectural pieces mostly in roofs and brickwork. This is a durable material that also has a beautiful color. It may be easy to obtain but it is definitely not a cheap sort of material.
The Terracotta Properties
Terracotta is a distinct kind of clay with a rich, rust-like hue. The reason for its unique color is that it has iron content and this reacts to the oxygen that gives it the rich orange, red, or even pink color.
Terracotta is porous and can be easily worked with. It can be glazed or it can come beautifully even in its unglazed look. A coat of glaze makes the work of art invulnerable to moisture.
A glazed terracotta figurine, for instance, can be made with bright, interesting color. In fact, a lot of people favor the brightly-colored terracotta pieces. To make these amazing pieces, it takes low-fire heating which is approximately 1,100 to 1,200 degrees Celsius only. This should create a noticeable contrast with the orange or red body.
Majolica wares can be made with terracotta. This is done by bisque-firing terracotta. It is then painted with an opaque, white glaze before it is fired again. At times, the manufacturers add nothing but a single clear glaze to enhance the natural color and beauty of the art pieces.
The oldest pieces of terracotta were allowed to harden and were baked under the searing heat of the sun. The latter pieces were fired right in the ashes of an open fire.
Another amazing property of terracotta is that it is able to withstand temperature changes. It is one of the materials that – even though made of earth, is not easily cracked.
One of the best things about terracotta is that it is readily available anywhere. Terracotta is, after all, just plain clay and mixed with minerals with lots of iron oxide.
Uttermost Accessories Frederico Rustic Vases
The Terracotta Trend
Since the year 2014, people have been seeing a lot of terracotta pieces. This is because of the emergence of industrial chic which uses a lot of natural, earthen pieces; and minimalism which showcases simplicity.
We also saw a lot of photographs of fresh rooms with monochromatic color schemes with – you guessed it right – pops of red or orange terracotta pieces. Country homes also use a lot of this material since they want to set up a home that is warm and welcoming.
Terracotta is widely used in many kitchens where it offsets the sterile looks that are offered by marble countertops. What could be a more stylish and inviting element than this?
Terracotta is also welcome in a Moroccan bathroom. Just imagine the turquoise blue walls being complemented by the rich terracotta textures.
If you want to have a unique bedroom, then go for a terracotta-inspired color palette.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, terracotta, terracotta colors, terracotta design, terracotta in interior design, terracotta material
Posted in Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Terracotta Uses for Your Home
Friday, September 30th, 2016
This Accessories Uttermost Tobia Burnt Terracotta Planter 20069 will sit beautifully on terracotta tile flooring.
If you have started kitchen renovation or remodeling, then you know how overwhelming it can be. There are kitchen fixtures to worry about, pros and cons to consider, flooring to install, and a color scheme to decide on. Today, you are going to consider one material that will make your decision-making a whole lot easier – terracotta.
The wonderful world of tiles shows a wide array of patterns, colors, finishes, styles and textures. The material that you pick for your floor tile often determines the aesthetics. Consider terracotta to fulfill not just the aesthetics part of the project but also the durability, budget and style issues.
Stone and wood flooring are popular choices but terracotta is another timeless classic that you could look into. You can even achieve the look of a Spanish Revival home by simply using these tiles.
Terracotta and Its Distinctive Features
Terracotta literally means baked earth. It is hard because it is fired, unglazed clay. What makes it standout is its reddish-brown hue which is why it is linked to styles such Southwest, rustic, Old World and Mediterranean.
Terracotta tiles have long been around. For hundreds of years, this material has provided a uniqueness that is difficult to equal. It is a homeowner favorite because it can be used in both traditional and contemporary settings.
Terracotta is made of natural materials that are quite durable. It comes in a variety of finishes from zero to high gloss. Terracotta also offers an earthy and warm feel which makes it suitable both indoors and outdoors. It is a material that’s resistant to bacteria and mold.
Terracotta is porous, it absorbs moisture quite quickly. This is also why it is susceptible to alcohol, citric acid, vinegar, and oils. Terracotta tiles must be sealed each year so that stains, cracking and discoloration can be prevented.
Installing terracotta tiles can be a bit more difficult compared to other flooring materials. It is highly recommended that professionals would do the job.
The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table 43622-740 is equally rustic which is why it would go well with terracotta flooring.
Terracotta Maintenance
Clean terracotta tiles with a mild dishwashing liquid, tepid water, and soft cloth. Use this for spills and stains. You can also use a damp mop, just make sure that you dry the spot immediately.
Grout is also prone to staining so you need to scrub it off as soon as possible.
Terracotta in the Bedroom
If kitchens and central courtyards have an endearing look because of terracotta tiles, then the bedroom can have the same charming look.
Terracotta tiles in the bedroom means having a relaxing and comfy sanctuary. There are reddish hues to look into and finishes to consider. Your bedroom style is never an issue with this material since it can work in just about any setting where you install it.
Terracotta in the Living Room
Finding the right terracotta tiles for your living room may not be easy – back in the day. In the last years, homeowners have been looking for a unique material to use inside their living rooms and terracotta just couldn’t be passed up.
Terracotta isn’t for everyone, though. This is just the material to use if you want to stray from the obvious styles. Use it to blend rustic and contemporary, timelessness and classic beauty.
Mediterranean and Versatile
Your home can make good use of terracotta tiles if you want the Mediterranean, farmhouse, eclectic or rustic look. Many homeowners who have used them in the past can vouch for this material’s durability, beauty and overall quality.
Just make sure that you buy your terracotta tiles from a reputable seller. Be ready for annual care, too, in terms of yearly sealing. This is pretty small to ask for something so beautiful. These tiles are also less taxing on everyone’s feet because of its porous nature.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Mediterranean interior design, Mediterranean interiors, Mediterranean style, rustic, rustic charm, rustic elements, rustic look, rustic style, terracotta, terracotta design, terracotta floor, terracotta flooring, terracotta material, terracotta tiles
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