Mosaic tiled stairways are set to change your thinking about this home and garden feature. One of the latest mosaic trends, tiled risers and steps are getting a lot of attention. We thought we’d do a little bit of California dreaming this week, as we stalk the Los Angeles area for inspiration.
Turns out that tiled embellishments have been spicing up LA for years. In an area that’s heavily influenced by Mission, Spanish, and Spanish Revival architecture, they’re a perfect addition to indoor and outdoor spaces. The plentiful Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes of Southern California are full of gorgeous mosaic tile looks.
Ready for some great ideas? Let’s explore what greater Los Angeles county has to offer, and how mosaic tile stairs can provide a major impact.
Public Spaces As Showcase
Any type of public space undergoes a lot of wear, tear, and even vandalism. However, city planners and communities have long realized how mosaic art can survive heavy use. Add to it that tile designs are easy to use with conventional materials like cement - instant magic!
The Redondo Beach Ocean Steps were a volunteer effort that transformed a public stairway that leads to the boardwalk. The swirling design is packed with ocean colors and peppered with depictions of local sea life.
Image Source: Mozaico
A similar approach has been realized in this cool Mediterranean look. Here, the owners used our Freckle Wave Border to enliven their patio steps. Borders are one easy way to design your own look, and this design has an easy charm.
Down in Laguna Beach, on Brook Street, lucky visitors can enjoy "Third Reef" by artist Marlo Bartels. This artsy seaside village is filled with ocean influence - something captured in this lively mosaic art installation.
A similar effect can be achieved on your own stair risers by using mosaic art such as our Electric Blue Ocean Waves design. Our design team can assist you with adapting your mosaic art to the correct dimension.
Image Source: Mozaico
Homes That Showcase Mosaic Stairs - and More!
As you might expect, some Los Angeles area homes have become travel destinations on their own merits. We’ve talked about Southern California mosaic showcases such as the Mosaic Tile House in Venice in previous blogs. We’ve found some new gems for your viewing pleasure!
As seen above, the Garden of Oz, located in the Hollywood/Beachwood neighborhood, is a bit legendary. Although it’s not open to the public, it offers some fantastic views into its mysteries from the sidewalk. Peer in, and you’ll see plenty of yellow bricks, charming mosaic art, and yes - some beautifully tiled stairsteps.
Using a multicolored border design like Mozaico’s Ayten II is a way to add this look to your own steps and stair risers. Installation is easy, with our custom sizing that will fit your space perfectly.
Image Source: Mozaico
Way up in the Hollywood Hills, you’ll find the George Ehrling Mosaic House. It’s about to become famous, as it will be featured on HGTV’s new show “Battle of the Bling”! Get ahead of the rush, and make a point of visiting it now.
First built in 1927 Spanish castle by cinematographer Oliver Marsh, the home was transformed after George Ehrling purchased it in 1967. Over the next decades, he coated almost every inch of the property with a mix of traditional and original mosaic patterns crafted from salvaged tiles he found in dumpsters — and a few prime specimens purchased on his world travels. Indoors - outdoors - the mosaic art traveled up and down walls, columns, archways - and yes, stairways. Check out the glorious mix of tiles on the interior staircase above!
Image source George Ehrling Mosaic House Facebook
Ehrling was a master at mixing his tile colors and motifs, but we think that our Cinque Geometric Mosaic Medallions art is very much in the spirit of Ehrling’s aesthetic.
Image Source: Mozaico
Here’s a recent installation of a Mozaico design in a home. These soft-washed color schemes are also beautiful with Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes. They blend beautifully with terra cotta pavers and natural textures.