A California House Almost Completely Covered in Tile

published Jun 20, 2016
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Atlas Obscura)

It’s a sort of maxim in design that moderation is always best, but sometimes, taking things to extremes can have magical, even mind-bending, results. Case in point: this home in Venice Beach, California, which is (almost) completely covered in tile.

(Image credit: Atlas Obscura)

This outrageously colorful space is the home of two artists, Cheri and Gonzalo, who besides creating paintings have made it their life’s work to cover their entire house, inside and out, with mosaic tiles.

(Image credit: Atlas Obscura)

What began as a weekend project 19 years ago has since spiraled a bit out of control, in the best possible way. Cheri and Gonzalo’s project pushes the boundaries of what we consider acceptable decor, and also pushes the boundaries of what we consider tile. One of my favorite little moments in the tour of the house, spotted on Atlas Obscura, was the image of a ceramic bunny clinging to the side of a window frame.

(Image credit: Atlas Obscura)

The bathroom takes the ‘what is tile’ question even further, with a wine bottle, a Coke bottle, and even buckets grouted into the wall. It’s a strange and wonderful moment, where the decor of the house merges with the walls and becomes part of the house itself. Of course, this balls-to-the-wall approach to decorating is not for everyone, and neither is covering your whole house in colorful tile. But hopefully these photos have provided a bit of an escape — maybe one that will shake up your idea of what a house should look like, and ecnourage you to pursue your decorating passions, no matter how wild.

You can read more about the Mosaic Tile House, and see more photos, at Atlas Obscura. Want to visit? Check out the house’s website to make a reservation.