'Classic' or just old fashioned?

kmmr

Hi,

I live in a row of nice old victorian terraces, much like this, http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=sinclair+rd&sll=51.499947,-0.213836&sspn=0.003947,0.009645&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sinclair+Rd,+London+W14,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.499339,-0.213118&spn=0.00354,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=51.499858,-0.213736&panoid=1p0UEe3boGMgs8X4V1qhfQ&cbp=11,41.75,,0,5

and I am trying to decide how to tile the front. In the area most houses seem to have this ugly tar covering, although some are tiled. There is a mix of styles, some red, some sandstone and the odd one in black and white tiles.

My idea is to go with black and white tiles - in a way that I think looks traditional, and perhaps how they used to look. However, my English boyfriend (I am Australian) tells me they were never like that, and it's a bit of 'faux' history, and is just old fashioned.

Like this: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=sinclair+rd&sll=51.499947,-0.213836&sspn=0.003947,0.009645&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sinclair+Rd,+London+W14,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.49795,-0.211444&spn=0.00354,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=51.497946,-0.211443&panoid=XXNel9Uvrs1hn1Q0bqlJFw&cbp=11,42.55,,0,5

Obviously I also need the opinion of the other freeholders (it's share of freehold) but as I live in the basement, I am more impacted, as I have to ensure that my stairs and front entryway match the main front of the house.

Any opinions here?
thanks
KMMR

Norma_Desmond

Black and white tiles are classic to this sort of Victorian property - what do men know about taste?

madget_2

I think that the black and white tiles look wonderful. Monochrome tends to look classic, in any case, but I think they really enhance those Victorian terraced properties.

jonewer

OP has remarkably good taste for an antipod!

It always makes me shake my head when I see how many houses had their tiles ripped out and some tacky crazy-paving put in instead.

Doesnt have to be black and white though. The victorians were quite baroque, look here

http://www.londonmosaicrestoration.co.uk/gallery.php?id=6

Your boyf maybe confusing black and white 'tudor' houses and tiles.......

laurel7172

You sometimes see, as the tar wears away, that it has been laid ON TOP of the lovely Victorian tiles! You might be able to solve the argument if there's anywhere you can get down and have a look...

The black and white looks lovely, though I'd say black and quarry-tile red was a more typical combination.

But I definitely vote for classic over old-fashioned!

dander

If you are going to go with a black and white combination you would need to use small tiles to get the look right - to my mind that will make the difference between an authentic look and a faux look (although there's no reason why larger tiles shouldn't still look smart).

This page has some good examples of original paths http://www.londonvictorianmosaicrestoration.co.uk/Victorian-mosaic-pathway-restoration.html

kmmr

Hi all,
Thanks for the responses, I will have the confidence to stick to my guns now!

I just have to convince the rest of the freeholders now. The first one I mentioned it to wanted to go with sandstone steps. She seems to think the tiles will be very expensive - but in my mind if we are spending the money, may as well do it right!

Sexy_Legs

Hi

I also live in a Victorian house and the original tiles are in bad condition with some broken.

Do you know where these can be purchased or where are you buying your black and white ones. What sizes will you go for and how much will it cost.

I really love the look of the tiles.

Thanks

D

kmmr

I don't know yet - still in early stages. If you link to this thread I will update when I make a decision.

My friend did the same thing to her place. All the tiling for her basement landing area, the stairs down to the basement, and then the whole front area including the steps, and it cost something like £3000 I think. So - not cheap, but depends how much you are doing and the quality.

That was in West Kensington, but I don't know the company, but I suspect there was the normal West London premium thrown in!