Nolla Mosaic

One of the hallmarks of modernism

These mosaics are an element of identity of modernism; the tile or hydraulic pavement is one of the main characteristics of the houses of the time.
Having one of these floors and knowing how to maintain and respect it is undoubtedly an added value to a home. However, sometimes, due to the popularity of this type of flooring, we tend to confuse hydraulic tiles with their predecessor, Nolla mosaics .
Nolla mosaic is a high-quality ceramic paving material that began production in the mid-19th century. It originated in England in 1850, but it was Miguel Nolla who popularized it in Spain in 1863 in Meliana (Valencia).

This type of mosaic increases the value of a home due to its unique characteristics.

It is made up of geometric monochrome ceramic stoneware tiles, mainly in 5×5 or 10×10 format, unlike hydraulic tiles which have a 20×20 format. Sometimes we can find inlays of motifs for the creation of more elaborate designs.
It is clear that working with this type of paving was more expensive and laborious than with hydraulic tiles, since it is laid piece by piece to form the design. We are currently experiencing a resurgence of the Modernist style, and this has led to a growing awareness of the importance of restoring and preserving the defining elements of Modernism .

The increased value that some of these types of flooring bring to a home makes it truly a valuable gem.

An interesting feature is that the production system makes its surface matte , allowing the mosaic to be seen perfectly even in bright light.
As a characteristic of the pavement, we must say that its resistance and easy cleaning stand out, which further highlights its potential.

Nolla mosaics should be combined with simple furniture.

When renovating a home with this type of flooring, we must be very respectful of the interior design, as the floor should be the focal point. We see the significant visual impact of the Nolla mosaic within the space, which will lead us to select furniture in more neutral colors to balance the chromatic intensity, occasionally incorporating oil paint.

We can distinguish two types of compositions based on their patterns. The first, called a ” carpet ,” typically features a central design surrounded by a border, with a narrow buffer zone between this design and the walls, usually achieved with tiles of the same color or a checkerboard pattern. The second type covers the entire surface of the room.

Therefore, it is important to know how to differentiate this distinctive type of paving from the more familiar hydraulic tile . Currently, leading interior designers and architects are highlighting and reclaiming the value of this type of mosaic.
recovery.