Encaustic Tile Floor in Green and Cream

Green and cream tiles cover the floor in alternating rosettes and leaf shapes. The border runs down the left side with diamonds, curls and smaller floral marks, so the edge has a different rhythm from the central grid. Sunlight grazes the tiles near the wall.

The age of the floor matters as much as the pattern. Fine cracks cross several cream squares, and worn patches expose warmer clay tones under the glaze. Dust has settled into the grout lines, making each tile a little uneven. Start with the left border and the darkest green rosettes, then work through the repeated flowers by following chips, stains and broken corners.