Reimagining Mangalore Tiles in Modern Interior Design
Mangalore Tiles: Not Just for Your Grandma’s Roof Anymore!
Remember those distinctive red Mangalore tiles that have been keeping our coastal homes cool since forever? Well, folks, it’s time to bring them down from the roof and into your living space!
Growing up in my ajja’s house, I’d spend hours watching sunlight dance through the perfectly aligned roof tiles. Today, as an interior designer, I’m seeing these heritage pieces transform into stunning wall art and conversation starters.
Here’s what’s cooking in the world of tile-meets-style:
Feature Wall Magic
Picture this: A living room wall with Mangalore tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern, their natural terracotta hue warming up your Netflix binge spot. One of my clients literally gasped when we installed it – and trust me, it wasn’t because of the dust!
The Coffee Corner
Remember that Pinterest-worthy café in Balmatta? Their genius move of using broken Mangalore tiles to create a mosaic backsplash behind the coffee counter? That’s upcycling with a kadak chai twist!
Bedroom Dreams
Last month, I helped a young couple frame old Mangalore tiles with LED strips for their bedroom wall. The play of light on the curved surface creates patterns that beat any fancy wallpaper. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter – “Oh, these? They’re probably older than my marriage!”
DIY Alert: Want to try this at home? Start small. Create a simple frame with 4-6 tiles for your entryway. Warning: Your neighbors might “accidentally” drop by more often to check it out!
Pro Tips:
- Clean vintage tiles gently – they’ve survived decades of monsoons, don’t let your enthusiasm be their downfall
- Mix whole tiles with carefully broken pieces for texture
- Consider sealing the tiles if using in moisture-prone areas (bathroom goals, anyone?)
The best part? These tiles tell a story. Each weathered edge and sun-baked surface carries a piece of Mangalorean history. Now that’s what I call decor with depth!
Remember, while your ajji might be skeptical about using roof tiles indoors (“What next? Coconut shells as chandeliers?”), show her some photos. Mine now wants a tile installation for her prayer room!
What’s your take on this trend? Have you spotted any creative Mangalore tile installations around town? Drop a comment below – I’m always hunting for fresh ideas!
#MangaloreanHeritage #InteriorDesign #UpcycledDecor #CoastalVibes #TileArt