What comes to mind when you think of Taiwan? Maybe it is the Taipei 101 Tower, night market foods such as stinky tofu, lantern festivals, or even their famous pineapple cakes. Tiles are not something that is typically on the top of that list. However, during my recent trip to Taiwan, I was struck by the beauty and intricacy of the tiles I saw throughout the island. From the ornate roof tiles of ancient temples to the colorful mosaic tiles in modern buildings, there was an endless array of patterns and textures to admire.
Sheng Ming Gong Temple, Jiufen, Taiwan
Taiwan is a vibrant island nation in East Asia renowned for its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and modern infrastructure. When I think of Taiwan, I often envision the bustling streets of Taipei, the picturesque mountains, and the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. Taiwan is also home to some of the most delicious street food in the world, with night markets offering an array of unique and flavorful dishes.
Turquoise colored breezeway tile on a balcony in Bopiliao Historial Block Taipei, Taiwan
While many people might not immediately associate Taiwan with tiles, there is a rich history of tile-making. The art of tile-making in Taiwan dates back to the Qing Dynasty when the Taiwanese were skilled in creating decorative roof tiles for temples and other buildings. Today, tile-making in Taiwan has evolved to include a wide range of styles, from traditional ceramic tiles to more modern and innovative designs.
Stone tile squares create a pattern within a pattern at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall’s Liberty Square, Taipei, Taiwan.
As an interior designer, I find inspiration in my surroundings. One thing I noticed from my recent trip to Taiwan was the use of tile around the country. From traditional ceramic tiles showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage to modern mosaic tiles incorporating innovative and contemporary designs, I found that the Taiwanese tiles offered a vast range of styles to suit any design aesthetic.
Key design under the walkway of the Daxiao Gate as you enter the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall grounds, Taipei, Taiwan.
White marble walls with brushed brass inlay design paired with taupe marble floor. This picture was taken of the outside area of a random building as I was walking.
Textured stone in various sizes to create a modern design on the wall of the hot springs at the Grand View Resort Beitou, Taipei, Taiwan.
Green and white marble mix in an angled brick-set pattern. This was a floor outside of an old shop in Taiwan, Taipei. We noticed that every shop was responsible for the sidewalk space outside of their stores. This really caught my eye for the classic style and patina.
Terrazzo tile in contrasting colors outside of Din Tai Fung Taiwan, Taipei
Not technically a tile, but I loved how the bring had a pattern on the surface, and a variety of sizes were used next to it which adds interest. Bopiliao Historial Block Taipei, Taiwan
Back to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall grounds, Taipei, Taiwan to highlight how the same tile was used next to each other but in different patterns. I am loving the mix here.