verandah & path
The humble front porch or verandah is an iconic feature of Australian heritage architecture. Distinguished as the all-important first impression of a home, it's no surprise that tessellated tiles were chosen historically as the hallmark feature of an Australian entrance. With their extraordinary geometric intricacy and harmonious medley of colours, tessellated tiles are the most historically respectful and visually expressive choice for the entrance to your home.
From Victorian terraces to humble Federation bungalows, we bring over 50 years of laying experience, historical knowledge and technical know-how installing non slip tessellated tile outdoor floors across Sydney, Melbourne and the rest of Australia.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This very small project in Marrickville in Sydney's Inner West, is noteworthy despite its modest size, as there are a number of particularly interesting features: the unconventional setout, plus the colours, both the choice and placement.
The Fitzroy pattern, shown here, is a complex pattern with a large pattern repeat, usually chosen for large spaces where the pattern can be seen to best advantage, but this path is quite narrow. Conventional wisdom would suggest a very different layout, with the black pointed star in the centre of the path. However, after inspecting the site, the head of our installation team realised that this would result in a cluttered, congested, more fragmented appearance, so he advised the less conventional setout, and by choosing a colour scheme that emphasised the vertical/horizontal grid and played down the diagonal grid, he was able to achieve a result that was richly detailed without being excessively busy. The muted, tone-on-tone colour scheme reinforces the result and is the perfect entre to the bright red front door.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
"If you own an art gallery that represents some of Australia's best known artists, then an eye for aesthetic excellence is crucial. If you own an art gallery on one of the most prestigious shopping strips in NSW, then every aspect of your business will be held to the very highest standards. Therefore, if you own a gallery in Woollahra, you can't afford to allow the roots of a nearby tree to compromise the integrity of the verandah tiles of your grand Victorian terrace. After all, in the world of Art, appearances are everything.
Sam Dickerson, owner of the Dickerson Gallery, established in 1992, had undertaken a complete renovation, inside and out, of the Queen Street property, and contacted Olde English Tiles to be involved. Our brief was to repair & restore the large tessellated entrance hall, and exactly replicate the original tessellated pattern on the verandah - a modified version of our Leeds pattern, plus a custom border. Also, two fireplaces in the main gallery area required hearth tiles that continued the period feel; a Baby Windsor with Richmond border was chosen.
This commitment to quality and beauty, married to a respect for the traditional and an active encouragement of the new, are values shared by the two companies - the Dickerson Gallery and Olde English Tiles. The results of this balanced approach are clear to see."
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This verandah in Sydney's Inner East is a fantastic example of a custom designed pattern in collaboration with Olde English Tiles. The unique pattern and colour scheme was created from scratch to suit the space at hand. We think the result is wonderful, and a testimony to the customisable nature of Olde English Tiles tessellated patterns.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
"Some innovate, others imitate." This is the story of one of those rare cases of innovation.
In a suburb as richly endowed with elegant homes as Woollahra, creating something that literally stops people in their tracks is no mean feat, but this modest project has managed to pull it off.
The owner wanted to create a strong positive statement with the new verandah tiles for her 1870's terrace. The existing sandstone pavers had seen better days. They were badly worn and shabby; something practical and easy maintenance was required. She opted for the Glasgow pattern with a Norwood border, a fairly popular combination, but the devil is in the detail. Unlikely as it may seem, her inspiration for the devilishly simple colour scheme (white + parma) came from an unusual source - her turquoise coloured front door. It may be a highly unconventional combination, but there's no denying that it works. It also makes the space appear much larger.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Architectural firm KDE Group recently approached Olde English tiles to restore the front path and verandah on a 2 storey Victorian terrace in Glebe, the final stage of a total restoration of the house undertaken by KDE.
The brief was to create something that was both classic and contemporary. The 'classic' was achieved by selecting the Manchester pattern paired with a special Norwood border featuring encaustic strips as well as encaustic diamonds, plus alternating blue & grey triangles. Carrara marble treads & edging add to the impression of classic grandeur. The 'contemporary' part of the equation was achieved by slightly tweaking the colour palette - playing down the traditional earthy tones and giving more prominence to grey and white.
The success of the new pavements has generated quite a buzz in the area, with numerous locals stopping to admire the finished result.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
"This elegant Victorian terrace in the heart of Woollahra has undergone a significant refurbishment. Apart from the striking pathway & verandah pavements, internally the bathroom and fireplaces have also been given some TLC. The pattern shown here is the Leeds in black, white & blue, with a Norwood border. Worth noting - to enhance the visual unity of the facade, the front door has been painted to match the blue tiles in the pavement."
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
"The transformation of the front of this Federation cottage in Stanmore is truly spectacular. In the 1970's orange brick pavers had been installed over the
entire area, resulting in a heavy, dull, unsympathetic and unwelcoming feel - the exact opposite of what Federation architecture represents. So the
brick pavers had to go. After a visit to the showroom the client was still unsure whether the house's street presence could be rehabilitated, but a site
inspection by our fixing manager convinced her that we could realise her vision. With his assistance, and reassurance that her instincts were sound,
the client opted for a tessellated pattern that was full of life, optimism & strength - the Custom Paddington Continuous with a Norwood border, in black, white,
grey & jaune (yellow) - which was suggested by the existence of original amber coloured glass panels in a screen on the verandah. Steptreads and
bullnosed edging were executed using Carrara marble, not slate, which was the preferred stone for Federation homes. We also created a small, but
visually important garden bed, which adds life, quite literally, and vitality to the house's street presence. On seeing the completed work, all the client's
reservations were instantly dispelled; she was thrilled with the result and said it was worth every cent."
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The owners of this Federation era Arts & Crafts influenced house in Mosman undertook a complete renovation of the front section of the property prior to selling it. They were after something fresh, stylish and suitable for outdoor entertaining. They chose the Annandale pattern + Norwood border in black, super white & ardoise. The project also included all the steps in limestone. Despite, or perhaps because of, the significant challenges posed in setting out the pattern on the Z shaped verandah and making it flow from one section to another, the clients were delighted with the result and intend to continue working with OET on future projects
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Having completed a comprehensive renovation, both inside & out, of their gracious Federation cottage in the leafy Sydney suburb of Mosman, the owners felt the need to create a fully integrated appearance by redoing their verandah, which was now looking tired & shabby by comparison with the rest of the house. By reproducing the original floor & border patterns in a thoroughly modern colour scheme they succeeded in achieving the best of both worlds - a period look with contemporary appeal.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Commanding spectacular views over Manly, this grand Victorian Italianate style residence had, at some point, been converted into apartments. The strata residents felt the building required a major face-lift, including new pathway tiles. The old terracotta-look porcelain ones were chipped and damaged, and did nothing for the visual appeal of the property. They contacted us, seeking advice on tiles that would be appropriate to the style of the building as well as durable and safe when wet. We suggested the Windsor pattern framed by a Norwood border in colours that harmonized with the new paint scheme. Slate steptreads plus gloss charcoal riser tiles completed the transformation - to the satisfaction of all the strata members ... and the admiring glances of passing locals.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The owners of this cottage in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs plan to put down roots here; this will be their home for the long-term, so cutting corners was never an option. Quality products and tradesmen were paramount. Red Cedar Constructions were engaged to undertake a complete renovation top to bottom, inside and out. Naturally Olde English Tiles were part of the construction program. The client has chosen the Woollahra pattern - a highly complex design with an almost tapestry feel, realised in a simple monochrome scheme which acts as a strong foil to the rich red tuck-pointed brickwork.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The metamorphosis of this Federation bungalow in Mosman is nothing short of spectacular, largely achieved through the transforming magic of the geometric 'old English' style pathway and verandah tiles. The home owners had undertaken a complete renovation of the exterior of the house both front & back. However, they felt that the original verandah tiles failed to strike the right note and looked shabby, but they didn't want to depart too far from the Federation aesthetic. Essentially, they were after something that was in keeping with the architecture of the home, something that provided a fresh perspective on the traditional tessellated concept, and would open up the front garden area and make it look bigger. Enter the Bristol pattern & Norwood border in black, white & charcoal - a neutral palette that perfectly suits the paint scheme of the house and achieves a wonderful sense of unity between the two zones.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
When you have a house as beautiful and unique as this Arts & Crafts inspired gem in leafy Croydon, you need to match it with something equally unique and stylish. Having undertaken a meticulous renovation of the exterior of the home, including cleaning and re-pointing the vast expanse of brickwork, the owner felt that he needed a geometric tile pattern in colours that would complement the walls but at the same time provide a strong contrast. Too much red would have been cloying. He opted for the Kent pattern paired with the Bristol border, patterns that are entirely appropriate to the period and style of the architecture. "As much as I love the clean and simple lines of a modern home", the client said, "there is really nothing quite like the warmth and family-friendly atmosphere of a traditional home". The client is delighted with the look of his new verandah, which achieves the strong impact he was after.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
To repair or replace? This was the dilemma confronting our client when faced with the problem of the badly damaged pathway and verandah of her late Victorian cottage in Stanmore. After a site inspection it was felt that the tessellated pavements had deteriorated to such an extent that repairing them was not feasible. The client was advised to replace the existing floors with new tiles that exactly replicated the original colours and pattern - a customized Manchester with a custom border. Dilemma solved. Her confidence in Olde English Tiles' reputation for skilled restoration tiling was not misplaced, and she is thrilled with the end result.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Our Fitzroy pattern in a monochromatic colour scheme exemplifies the increasing trends towards blending the essence of heritage with the freshness of contemporary design.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The owner of this recently renovated Victorian terrace in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs wanted to update the appearance of her tessellated verandah & pathway which had originally been tiled in the standard earthy tones of the period - red, brown & oatmeal. Her aim was to create a 'modern' Victorian aesthetic by adopting a fresh, contemporary colourway that coordinated with the paint scheme of the facade, with particular emphasis on the door, fence and cast iron lace. The choice of the ever popular Fitzroy pattern featuring black & white encaustic tiles, and the Norwood border, is ideally suited to the style of the 1880s terrace and provides a well judged balance to the ornate detailing of the Sydney lace.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This Lilyfield home is every shade of iniviting thanks to a stunning combination of Olde English III pattern on the floor and teal riser tiles on the stairs. The flower and pomegranate decorative wall feature compliments a warm and welcoming exterior.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This quintessentially Australian Edwardian home features our popular Baby Nottingham pattern with 100mm Octagon unlike Nottingham which has 150mm Octagon. With it's earthy tones and simple geometry, the color scheme pairs beautifully with the immaculately tuck-pointed, deep red brick facade. The heritage risers and feature tiles tie it all together to form a modest, yet stunning heritage entrance.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Our Glasgow pattern and Norwood border at this striking Randwick home compliment the red brick exterior of the house. The yellow Waldorf riser tiles add an art deco feel to compliment the beautiful period inspired doors.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The Glasgow pattern and Norwood border welcome guests into the home, tied together by our sleek black subway tiles on the stairs.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The owner of this home on Sydney's lower north shore was keen to reinstate the original mosaic pattern including border on the verandah of her gracious turn-of-the century house. Her unwavering commitment to authenticity continued into the bathroom & en-suite. She opted for 150x150mm vanilla wall tiles with hand-glazed capping, trim and skirting in brown, combined with the Algonquin 25 mosaic pattern in white, charcoal & havane for the floor. She was seeking a timeless, classic look - and she certainly achieved it." Mosaic bathroom Cremorne – Olde English Tiles™
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The owners of this late 19th century Victorian-Federation transition style cottage in Sydney's heritage precinct of Glebe undertook a complete renovation, both inside & out, with meticulous attention to detail and quality workmanship, evident not only in the impeccable tuck-pointed brickwork, but in the tessellated pavements. Both the pathway and verandah are exact replicas of the original floors. What is so fascinating about this charming cottage, and what lends it its unique character is the blending of Victorian & Federation architectural elements, such as the Victorian cast iron fence and valance, sash windows, decorative gable ends, rendered walls with moulding above and tiles below the window, which combine with the Federation tuck-pointed brickwork, door and chimney. The clever colour scheme manages to unify these disparate elements. The final product is a beautiful, character-filled home that catches the eye of passers-by on the street.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The landscape designers for this imposing two storey Federation home in Sydney's leafy Bellevue Hill - Growing Rooms Landscape Design Experts, approached Olde English Tiles to help them create a tessellated verandah to coordinate with their landscape design and complement the building's facade. After much discussion the clients chose the Fitzroy pattern in black/white/grey/pale blue & green with a matching Norwood border. Bluestone edging & steptreads complete the look. The muted colour scheme of the verandah floor connects the colours of the building's facade, including the blue door, with that of the pale grey stone of the front area, while the complexity of the Fitzroy pattern subtly reinforces the decorative detailing seen in the turned timber posts, valance, balustrading and gable ends, to deliver a fully integrated and visually balanced result.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This young couple only recently moved into Annandale and have set about establishing themselves in this leafy heritage suburb by rehabilitating the front path and verandah of their late Victorian 'Boom Style' cottage. They have bucked the fashionable trend of choosing modern colours or monochromatic neutrals for their tessellated floors, instead electing to replicate the original pattern in the original, earthy Victorian colours. These, they felt, would create a warmer, more welcoming feel, and coordinate with the existing original Victorian glazed ceramic tiles used on the stair risers and inset into the building's facade. Sometimes it pays not to reinvent the wheel.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
"One of the attractive features of Sydney is that many of its suburbs are generously dotted with period houses. Not all Victorian and Federation homes are to be found in the inner west, eastern suburbs or north shore. This late Victorian cottage is part of a row in the leafy southern suburb of Bexley, not far from Botany Bay.
The cottage had been neglected and suffered from exposure to the elements, as is evident from the condition of the lower section of the front wall. As part of a complete renovation project the clients needed to replace the original verandah which had collapsed, but were keen to replicate the original pattern and colours exactly. By modifying our standard Annandale pattern and combining it with our Windsor border and a bullnosed slate edge, we were able to offer the clients precisely what they wanted."
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The young couple from Dulwich Hill were keen to rejuvenate their Federation cottage by preserving and reinstating its historical detailing, while simultaneously making it more responsive to the needs of a family with young children.
Their attention to the building's period detail was meticulous, extending to the repointing of the facade brickwork, restoration of the Art Nouveau leadlight windows, and the reinstatement of the tessellated path & verandah plus the slate steptreads. They chose the Bristol pattern with a Norwood border in colours that effortlessly blended with those of the bricks and paintwork. By laying the pattern on the diagonal the verandah not only appears deeper but has a greater energy and flow, connecting the two arms of the 'L' shape.
Having young children meant that safety was a major consideration in their decision to choose tessellated flooring. Our vitrified porcelain tiles made in France are slip, scratch and frost resistant, making them the obvious practical and aesthetic choice for the project.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This couple from Sydney's lower north shore decided to upgrade the exterior of their Federation cottage in time for spring. They are passionate about authentic products with timeless appeal, so choosing tessellated tiles for their verandah was a logical one. The couple were keen to have something that made a unique statement and was eye-catching from the street. They went for the Glebe pattern combined with a Bristol border using a palette of fresh, bright colours that complement the heritage paint scheme.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The young couple wanted a tessellated pathway and verandah that would suit their Federation cottage in Ashbury in Sydney's inner west; one that would coordinate with the building's new colour scheme. By visiting our Annandale showroom they found something they loved - the Dover pattern, and combined it with a Norwood border. To complete the picture they chose slate steptreads and dark blue riser tiles that echo the blue pieces in their Art Nouveau style front window
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
A sun-drenched pathway in this beautiful light filled Sydney front yard. The light colour scheme is modest and unassuming, and beautifully complements the features of this heritage home.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This graceful Victorian terrace features the Leeds pattern and Norwood border on the path, verandah and main entrance. Designer Dee Cotter chose a traditional pattern to honour the vintage of the house, (and customized it with her favourite colour - green - as the key element in the colour palette). Using the same pattern and colours throughout, creates a unity to the entire project. The paint colours of the hallway have been determined by those of the floor. Read Q & A here.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The Liverpool pattern and Norwood border are a profound match and symbolise a warm welcome after a hard day's work.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Cosy and quaint, the Glasgow pattern and Norwood border invites guests into a cozy home, accentuated by a charcoal wall tile on the stairs.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This glowing Glebe residence features our Enmore pattern, creating an inviting pathway to a beautiful home that awaits on the other side.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The famous Fitzroy pattern combined with a Norwood border creates a warm and inviting entrance at this stunning Sydney home.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Our Glasgow pattern and Norwood border make for an eye-catching verandah at this cozy Stanmore abode.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Simple yet striking, our Fitzroy tessellated tiles and Norwood border adds a sophisticated finish to this beautiful Darlinghurst verandah.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This lovely little Victorian Terrace features our Devon Pattern with a surprisingly modern take – the vibrant colour scheme pays homage to the past, whilst remaining pleasantly relevant to the present.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
When the Demos' purchased their Federation home in leafy Drummoyne, it was in need of a lot of love. Once the DA come through, they chose the classic Killara pattern in a light colour palette as the focal point of the facade of their new home.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The Fitzroy pattern and Norwood border sculpts a beautiful verandah and pathway at this beautiful home in inner Sydney.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
When Alex and Tobin decided to renovate their Federation property in Neutral Bay they were left with hidden clues from the house about what to do next. After taking up the floorboards in the front vestibule, they were revealed with the original verandah's tessellated tiles, a hint as to its original design. This property is a true celebration of federation styling with contemporary functionality.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Interior design firm By Sabine customised the traditional Paddington pattern with colours that compliment the original stained glass around the front entrance of this Federation gem. The finished work on the verandah and front entrance is consistent with the era of the home but modern and in line with the client's sophisticated taste.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
When Matt and Christina bought their Rosebery property it was their intention to build a home that perfectly balanced the traditional with the modern. Taking inspiration from the local area's period properties, Matt and Christina built a home that not only looks traditionally beautiful but is functional for a modern lifestyle.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This spectacular heritage home in Sydney’s Inner West features our Bristol pattern.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The Devon pattern and Windsor border creates a pathway that is timeless, inviting and welcomes friends and family into a homely sanctuary.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Our Annandale pattern gets a shout out at this Inner Western suburb home – the clean, light colour scheme and simple geometry pair well with our Norwood border, making this path a welcome addition to this humble heritage abode.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Eyes are instantly drawn to the Raglan pattern at this Darling Point home. It's framed beautifull by our Norwood border and makes for an inviting entrance.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The veranda at this South Melbourne home is far from ordinary thanks to the Fitzroy pattern and Deco Nottingham border. The result is a charming and welcoming entrance.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Far from ordinary, this prominent Strathfield entrance is home to the stunning Liverpool pattern, with bluestone edging surrounding the fountain.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The Bath pattern and Newcastle border are simple yet eye-catching features that warm up the red and cream coloured brick exterior at this Sydney home.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The Westminister patter framed with a custom border adds character to a beautiful heritage home on Sydney's north shore.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
The Liverpool pattern and Norwood border reflect the artistry and creation that Melbourne is known for and bring this help to bring this beautiful home to life.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Our York Pattern and Bristol Border sit at the entrance of this modern brown brick home in Sydney's Putney suburb.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
This path at Lilyfield with Toorak panels highlights lead to the Paddington pattern verandah.
-
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this: -
Pin this:
Decked out in a checkerboard pattern and classic colour scheme, this lovely little verandah at a home in Sydney's Inner East will sing forever timeless.