Fired clay tiles for a pool bar in Menorca

Sometimes we come across misconceptions or preconceived notions about terracotta: that it isn’t suitable for outdoor use, that it isn’t suitable for kitchens, that it’s best not to use it in humid environments… At todobarro, we work to educate people about the properties and the aesthetic and architectural possibilities of the material we work with. But on some happy occasions, the projects speak for themselves. Such is the case with our salmon-colored rectangular terracotta tiles, chosen by Anna Mir’s studio for the two kitchens in a renovated home in Menorca.

This isn’t the first time we’ve worked with this Balearic interior design firm. In this case, the interior designer chose our salmon-colored rectangular tiles laid vertically for the two spaces dedicated to food and drink in this spectacular summer home: an outdoor bar by the pool and an indoor kitchen with an island.

Outside, the tiles cover both the counter and the wall of a pool bar, which, as Mir herself explains, was a non-negotiable request for the renovation. By using the same tiles for the island and the wall of the indoor kitchen, the two spaces are visually connected. The salmon color of our tiles—achieved through a blend of local sands and clays—adds warmth and texture to the natural color scheme, dominated by the building’s white, which is complemented by the vegetation, the browns of the wooden furniture, and the blue of the pool.

Handmade products and materials

One of the distinctive features of this particular project is the use of handcrafted materials and products. As the interior designer points out, details such as the overhead lamps that illuminate the outdoor kitchen make all the difference. These are lampshades handmade by Pakistani artisans working from refugee camps. The intricate weaving and the exceptional conditions under which they are created make each lamp different and unique.

A standout piece as striking as this one—or three, in this case—could only be accompanied by a backdrop that enhances the craftsmanship and the value of its uniqueness. And just as with all items handmade by master artisans, no two todobarro pieces are exactly alike: there are always small irregularities and imperfections that give every wall, every floor, and every kitchen island its own unique and irreplicable identity.

Rectangular fired clay tiles for indoor and outdoor kitchens

As we mentioned at the beginning, one of the most common questions we receive about our terracotta pieces is whether they’re suitable for use in kitchens—both indoors and outdoors. On this page, you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive, but the truth is that the best place to address all these concerns is on our Projects page.

It’s in projects like these—where a single piece is used in such diverse settings—that the versatility of terracotta is best demonstrated. It’s a pleasure to work on projects so full of sensitivity, which push the boundaries of our craft and use our terracotta walls and floors to bring out the best in each project.