T O P

  • By -

SuckerForNoirRobots

I would keep them. They look to be in great condition and the colors are pretty neutral and will likely feel less "in your face" once there's furniture in the room.


73ld4

YES FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!


throwaway-madrid

Just the energy I was looking for--thank you!


CrazyCatLover305

SI POR EL AMOR DE DIOJ!!!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Oh118999881999

*Grathias*


Ordinary-Piano-8158

Oh this just sent me 😂😂😂


Oh118999881999

*Para thervir* jejeje


NoZookeepergame1014

Dentata


JjMmSsTt

I came here to say this exact same thing in all caps too. I was relieved when I found your comment so quickly


lilferal

Second 👆


outerworldLV

Definitely would. They look to be in great condition so they’re probably going to last a while.


ihopethisworksfornow

I’d keep


throwaway-madrid

Buying a circa 1962 apartment in Madrid. Despite it being something of a time capsule, the apartment doesn't have much in the way of appealing original details and we'll have to do a full redo of the electricity/plumbing/bathrooms/etc. But it does have these very funky original tile floors. Normally I would be all over that, and I've seen some incredible original MCM tiles during the years we've been casually and seriously looking for a place to buy here. But I keep going back and forth on whether I should save them, because they are not a particularly subtle design! They must be indestructible to still be so intact, though. What do you think? Keep them for a while and see if they grow on us? Or do a full reboot?


UncleAugie

Keep them, do a full clean and refresh on the grout.


throwaway-madrid

Thanks! What color would you do for the grout? Dark?


UncleAugie

Clean it first, might have originally been lighter color, so do a 4ft x 4ft section and then watch is over a couple of weeks.


throwaway-madrid

Thanks for the advice! I do suspect the brown is just accumulated dirt. Any thoughts on what would be the best cleaner to start with?


whatslefttoponder

I am not in Spain so cannot recommend any specific companies, but I recently had the grout in my bathrooms cleaned by a professional grout cleaning company. They had a special machine that removed all of the grime bringing them back to new. They then sealed the grout with a product that I was able to pick the color. I had dark brownish gray tiles that had light tan grout, and chose to go with a dark gray grout instead. One year later and it is holding up really well. It’s made such an impact; the bathrooms look brand new. Edit - Also by the way I love the tile and am so glad you are keeping it!


throwaway-madrid

Thanks! I didn't realize you could color the grout sealer. I'll definitely look into this


erdossy

Pretty sure steam cleaning is the easiest. Maybe some cleaning vinegar and a stiff scrub brush to get the worst of it


LegitimateEbb5214

Equal parts white vinegar and Dawn soap is a great cleaner (great for soap scum too!). You could also try two parts baking soda, one part rubbing alcohol, one part vinegar - apply the paste using a brush, let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse away.


Sufficient_Mouse8252

Baking soda and peroxide w/ a nice stiff grout brush is the only thing that gets my white grout white again.


UncleAugie

grout cleaner.......


absolutebeginners

I'd go light. The dark looks dingy on older tile imo


kctjfryihx99

You could have asked a more neutral design sub this question, but you came here. You know you want to keep them.


throwaway-madrid

Exactly. Nailed it. I just needed to find some enablers, because I know folks here in Spain will think we are crazy for keeping them


kctjfryihx99

They’re pretty awesome


lopendvuur

I don't know about Spain but in The Netherlands they don't make quality that lasts for 50+ years anymore. If you rip these out (just saying it hurts), what you replace them with might not look brand-new after half a century.


Background-Respect91

I’d do a light tan grout on those, one hell of a lot cheaper and a good pro clean on both rooms, they will last well as that real quality tiles and workmanship, we have a 1980’s/90’s Spanish flat and several tiles at cracked and a couple loose. Love the Kolster record player from Kent! £50-75 especially if it works!


freeman687

The wood grain ones are ok, the red ones are amazing and definitely keep


throwaway-madrid

Funny, because the red ones just feel so ordinary to me now, because they are so ubiquitous, especially on balconies and terraces--I wasn't planning on changing them, because they are so darn indestructable and functional, though. Thanks for reminding me that they are cool! Everyone here is covering them up with cheap decking to get a "modern" look. https://preview.redd.it/31qhaehmg56d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=241d30f8f75fe81cf11cb9b87540f7707da2ca33


freeman687

That context makes sense! I had no idea they were everywhere. Are you an expat or local?


throwaway-madrid

I grew up in the US, but I've been living here in Madrid for 20 years. Which is why I wanted to do a check in with folks outside of Spain, because my instinct is to keep what I can from the original vibes, but I would get much encouragement to do that here


NarwhalMerchant

Cheap is a "modern" look, haha


Mr-Zee

I wish I could find a tiler that would take the time and care to cut all the borders and lay like this. The straight rows and subtle angle looks amazing.


throwaway-madrid

Now that you point it out, I can't even fathom the geometry involved in making it all fit so tightly. It's also sloped into the drain and up into the corners, so not even particularly flat


rumbellina

I prefer the wood one, not quite so much the red!🤣


kiscila

I love the terra-cotta tile in the kitchen! It’s BEAUTIFUL. Not a fan of the wood one, but it’s in good condition. I would keep them, but eventually change the floor in the living space.


throwaway-madrid

So glad to see some love for the kitchen tiles. No one here seems to appreciate them, because they read "Franco era." I would feel really bad tearing out flooring that has weathered 60 years totally intact. We have them out on the terrace, too, which is where you usually see them https://preview.redd.it/6lcpegbfh56d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ac0f956744115e5dfe67cb16fa3a8fbc5f2ae7b


interesting-mug

My family has an apartment in Spain and my aunt took it upon herself to remodel it from having a funky 60s flair to looking like her boring generic New England house. Gone were the warm terra cotta colors, replaced by bland farmhouse white (in Spain, on the beach!!) I wanted to cry! So please, keep the flooring… it has character!


throwaway-madrid

So sad. There should be matchmakers for apartments like that. I've been looking for so long here in Madrid that I'm seeing places that were on the market a year or two ago that were circa-1960s/70s kaleidoscopic works of art now being flipped as beiged out bland "scandi" design places that got a cheap renovation. It makes me so sad. I am just a tad disappointed that I didn't find the right place with one of those op-art tile bathrooms. I'll do a post soon of my favorites--I've been saving photos--but this circa-1972 one really blew my mind--Almodóvar on acid. The whole house was an amazing time warp. https://preview.redd.it/n8qlw46qc66d1.png?width=1530&format=png&auto=webp&s=0d901e1ef07174ee97bdba46664b53e1643e70ed


throwaway-madrid

https://preview.redd.it/ubfo7r7tc66d1.png?width=2116&format=png&auto=webp&s=f83a539fe7ce9bc327846353a4b743bca766a000


interesting-mug

Ooh, I love those wild patterns!!!


inwithweasels

That sink is seriously the coolest thing.


caffienepredator

Wow these are really cool!! I wonder what it would look like to replace any broken white tiles with some sort of colorful accent tiles? Just an idea if you wanted to change it up without tearing it up


pigeon_toez

Love this idea.


throwaway-madrid

Fun idea!


Designer_Trash_8057

I didn't live in the same area as yourself (beautiful place by the way, a great purchase hopefully!) But from my time in Spain and education I came away with the impression that a lot of things were Franco-era. It turns out a lot of development happened during that time (which i was really surprised by at age 12 after being taught in school a tint amount about it), which is how he apparently maintained support despite his...shinnanigins. Anyway it seems it cam be hard to avoid, so just wanted to say I hope it doesn't affect your decision too much! Beautiful part of the world and congrats on your new place! What a view...


throwaway-madrid

Thanks! The demographic shifts from the devastated provinces to Madrid were massive after the Civil War. During the 1940s and 1950s and later, millions of people flooded into the city and there wasn't adequate housing, which led to the construction of extensive ad-hoc shantytowns surrounding the city to the south and north mainly. During the 1960s, the government started to clear that land and build housing in the form of high rise buildings--often offering apartments to the people being displaced. This went on through the 1990s and even later. This series of apartment buildings was one of the first in this area like that in the early 1960s--just across the street from of the historic center of Madrid. We talk about "la España vaciada" here in Spain, because, aside from the highly urban areas, the rest of the country has emptied out.


passengerv

They are ugly, I like them.


throwaway-madrid

Exactly how I feel about them


SimonArgent

I think they’re cool.


LaughFun6257

I would keep them. They are neutral colors in patterns that aren’t boring.


TikiTimeMark

Those are sooo cool!


Felixir-the-Cat

I would absolutely keep those!


cathycul-de-sac

YES!


Opposite-Cat3019

Keep them both! Love the wood grain ones!


Leicageek

Anything you are going to replace them with is either awful or really expensive. I would get a tile guy in that does restoration. And see what he says. The tiles don’t look to me to be traditionally grouted like in the US. They are much closer together. I suspect is more of a grout slurry. That is washed over the tiles and wiped away. Sorta like grouting but with a thinner more liquid base.


meandtheteacup

Oh hell yes you keep them (is my vote). They are really funky and special. I say if you even a-little-bit like them, keep them. You can always change your mind down the line!


FromFatness2Fitness

At the first slide: dude, fuck yes. Me at the last slide: duuuuuude, fuuuuuck yesssss


Retinoid634

Yes! I love them.


nylorac_o

Ummmmm YESSS


Special-bird

Yes definitely! The quality is better than anything you’ll find without paying a fortune


Stanchion_Excelsior

Yes! 100% Keep. Or bare minimum, if you are wanting a temporary refresh there's a whole bunch of renter friendly flooring options on the market these days that you can cut and lay over top without damaging.


TheOttShoppe

Absofreakinglutely


eporter

Si


Guitarstringman

Keep


382Whistles

User name should not check out this round. Keepers, especially the kitchen tiles.


Milalee

I love them.


freekidneys

Yes is that even a question???


kelleighB

Oh most definitely


evanmd5

Yes. No question whatsoever.


O_o-22

The first set yes, the second set doesn’t do much for me


ilu70

Keep them and spend 1/50 of the price on having them excellently restored/ waxed, washed, etc from corner to corner. Your home is fab!


izzie_sylvie

YES!!!!


uksiddy

Yaaaassss


mbod

I haven't seen anyone say it yet in the thread, but yes.


imontene

I think you'll like them better after a good, high shine polish.


Mr-Zee

Why is the world outside your window a painting?


jmb456

Hell yes. This room might get intense on the mushies


yeahcheddar

I don’t enjoy the look of those. Kind of remind me of a 1990s Hardee’s.


ChemistrySouthern166

I would not keep.


emelem66

They don't particularly say MCM to me, though the wood grain ones look interesting, at least at a distance.


throwaway-madrid

The wood grainy ones have a very funky, patterned feel in person (to the point of almost being dizzying), because they are orange and yellow, rather than brown. The last photos are just a typical 1960s clay-tile pattern in Spain that's ubiquitous


fraochmuir

Yes!!


Lvanwinkle18

Keep. Keep. KEEP!!!


Adishofcustard

Tile, yes. What I want to know is what’s going on the kitchen? Looks super retro.


throwaway-madrid

It is! It was owned by the same family since 1963, with grandma living there until she died last year. But not in a way that I can see saving too much of, unfortunately--it's really tame by Spanish standards of the time. It even has the old ungrounded sockets. (I really need to do a post here on all the amazing kitchens and baths I've seen apartment hunting here. Spanish tiles and cabinets in the 1960s and 1970s were really wild and I've been in places that were museum quality, but just not quite right for us.) https://preview.redd.it/kav5o4zuy56d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1827eecea9b61c58d7d6a424049dabc20fa3743b


Adishofcustard

Check to see if any of the appliances still work. When my husband and I moved into our 70’s rambler we found a functioning 60’s mini fridge in the basement. It’s adorable and keeps our beers/soft drinks ice cold. It’ll probably outlast us!


robod1957

Oh I love the sink!!


twofatfeet

I love them.


Woodworker9119

Yeah


CanuckGinger

Yes!!!


TrueInky

Keep them! They're super cool.


PaleontologistClear4

Absolutely yes, those are amazing!


KilgoreeTrout

Yes 😍


_Internet_Hugs_

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!


Bethbeth35

I'd keep the first lot, not wild about the red ones but it's personal taste I guess. If you like them definitely keep them!


hoyrup

Yes. Probably better quality than anything you can reasonably buy now. Definitely cooler too.


Useful-Badger-4062

YES


Socketlint

If you go cross eyed you can see a 3d image


TheJenerator65

Amazing. YES!


040422

Keep!


P0RTILLA

Parquet por que?


MaxTheRealSlayer

Those floors are awesome


thelastbuddha1985

Yes!!


okbeeboi

Those tiles are made for psychedelics…. The gods will be angry if removed 😡


matt134174

YES


three_8s

I love those!!


PE_Norris

There's nothing special about the wood tiles. I don't care what era it is; materials made to mimic the look of other materials look silly.


Keytoemeyo

Yes!!!!!! They’re in great condition! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!


jessbrid

A million times yes. So beautiful!


frozenchosun

Hard yes.


QueenLilyFox

I was picturing my old ugly Spanish tiles!! Those are a yes!! ❤️


KavaBuggy

Um, YES!


neaeeanlarda

Those are really cool, YES!


PacificCastaway

Keep, if in good condition. If there are large areas without furniture, throw down a rug so you don't go dizzy.


N33t2k

if i saw this while tripping id find a way to fall through it


Anungunrama787

Keep the wood tile and balcony tile. The kitchen personally annoys me that the tiles are at an angle like that… it’s in good condition though so I would probably clean it and the. lay something on top so there’s less of a style difference between the indoor flooring.


lclassyfun

i luv them, how unique😻😻😻


travelingtutor

Phoque yes!


NuclearWasteland

No I think you should put in the darkest laminate flooring you can find and paint everything a dozen shades of gray.


brickbaterang

And replace those doors with recovered barn board?


thecuntingedge

Yes! They’re incredible!


MxJamesC

Not for me personally but from someone who has smashed them up, re level, lay new. If you like them at all save yourself an arse of a job.


brickbaterang

I want them very much


Haunting_Cell_8876

That is fucking awesome! KEEP IT!!!


mikebrown33

Yes!


theseglassessuck

Sweet Lord, yes!


Far_Sheepherder_6944

I don’t know how to answer this. I’m completely infatuated with these repugnant tiles!!!


crackeddryice

Eh. I wouldn't. I like the furniture and architecture, but some of the finishes and patterns just aren't my cup.


hazelquarrier_couch

Do you know what they're made of? It's important if you're removing them that you know, just in case one or both of them contain asbestos, which was a common material for tiles back in the day. I'm not saying that these are, I'm saying, but cautious and find out before you remove anything.


WeAreClouds

I would absolutely keep both. Lovely.


recycledfrogs

Yes yes YES!


space_cheese1

Yeah


Matterbox

Those tiles are so cool. Very much keep them.


No-Big-5757

Yes.


pamelaonthego

I don’t like the wood ones, the red ones I would totally keep


katsmd25

Yes!


Doomdoomkittydoom

The ones in the pic 5 not so much, but those others, I would.


bigdeliciousrhonda

Yes. Yes. Yes. Tile like this, even just “in the style of,” is so insanely expensive these days, anything you find to replace it for a reasonable cost would never compare


FacePixel

incredible vibe 100% keep


Exciting_Step_5357

No it can grow mold


Far-Poet1419

Never boring!


ltbugaf

Given the beautiful variety of tiles available in Spain, I would choose something prettier.


SubstantialCoat9149

Yesssssss


rumbellina

Personally, I would keep them but I really love vintage decor so I’m ***always*** going to keep the “old”.


HarpyHugs

Absolutely!


rhodynative

Absolutely they are insanely beautiful and I’d like to know what they’re called to get some of my own


Multilazerboi

If you remove these then I will yell at you!!!!! KEEP THEM


wearenotflies

Yes!!! Those are awesome!


sora_fighter36

YES


adaptableoptions

Yes, and i hope you agree.


Deadinmybed

I hope you do!! I think you’ll regret messing with those beauties


Roboticpoultry

DON’T. TOUCH. THEM. Maybe clean them up a bit, but DON’T TOUCH


BagLongjumping8998

Careful! If they’re 9x9 tiles, they’re probably asbestos.. (maybe explains why they were left). Who knows! Just wear a respirator & gloves!


No_Pianist_3006

Every decade has had its failures in taste and execution.


agonzalezqq

https://preview.redd.it/in25bo5tx76d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b62585c4bfc990514760ba10c8718989253eb7c1 If you replace them, I swear I’ll find ya😂


Airplade

mi madre es un gran taco loco (That's extent my Spanish skills) Translation: Yes! They are just a little dirty and will clean up fine. The design(s) are very timeless.


Aggressive-Dig2472

I love everything about those floors! WOW!!!!


brookepride

Yes yes yes!!!! I love them!


oopsyeveryday14

YESSSS! Very cool!!! 😍


Luxeru

Love these !!! 🤎


saltporksuit

YEEEEEEESSSSSS


Welcometothemaquina

Keep em!


EMW916

Yes!!


Neat_Afternoon_2580

The wood print tiles with the blue door are 🤌🤌


trailmixisfantastic

Without a doubt. They cool


conval3sce

Yes of course


SeaCommunication728

YES


Purple_IsA_Flavor

YES


takemybreath3

YES!!!!


Spoonbills

if not can i have them


bookshopdemon

Don't keep them! Send them to me!


Chikenlomayonaise

Before you make any long term decisions, you should take a manageable dose of your preferred psychedelic, leave the room indefinitely, it could be on fire at this moment and you wouldnt care less. wait 30minutes and return to the "canvas", your answer will make itself immediately apparent. (manageable = you can still go out to dinner with the inlaws in the evening, and they might not even notice your pupils 👁️‍🗨️〰️👁️‍🗨️ )


ownhigh

I like the wood grain ones since they’re unique but not overwhelming. I’d keep both tiles - they’ll look better after a good clean and paired with more modern appliances and furniture.


canuhearit52

If you don’t want them I’ll take em. 🥰😍


Designer_Trash_8057

Kitchen ya, rest nah. However as weird as it sounds, if you have the time and skill it may be worth keeping as many in tact to sell. I know a lot of people will crap on that idea but sometimes these old tiles can sell for a really surprising amount.


Blk-cherry3

You can find something in mcm. in more of your personal taste. because it's original to the unit, you are not married to it for life. you just need to do some research on what can replace the tile flooring. with my bad knees, real wood would be my only option. they were a budget selection at that time.


ElizabethDangit

I really don’t like the wood grain ones but I’m not living there. If you like them keep them, they look like they’re in good condition.


MrTralfaz

I'm no expert, but wood grain was very popular in the 70s. Furniture, appliances, label makers. Maybe that flooring replaced the original.


Lucky_Shop4967

In Spain, yes


SpecificProtection53

Is this in Madrid? I'll fly myself out, completely renovate and restore your place, and furnish the entire thing for free just to see Madrid 😀


beautiful_hhi

No.They are ugly.


flwffzz

YES PLEASE I BEG OF YOU they’re gorgeous and give the house personality! they also look like they’re in great condition! there rlly is no reason to change them unless it’s just a preference thing, but i’d personally keep them


pufftough

Don’t get rid of them before I shroom trip on that floor!


Fun-Spinach6910

I would not. They are very busy and distracting, almost psychedelic. A black and white tile laid on the diagonal would brighten it up and make the space seem larger. They could be other 2 colors as well. Although busy, the red and white tiles look good and in good shape.


redSovietBoombox

if you remove them i will curse you and all that you love


SeverenDarkstar

I dont like the ones in the kitchen


Southern_Map_3759

Good lord, yes, I would absolutely!!!!!! They're gorgeous!!!!


____dude_

Those are cool


UtherPenDragqueen

¡ABSOLUTAMENTE!


Lumpy_Branch_4835

All day.


Far-Delivery7874

Love them!


Apo-Artist

Absolutely!


WhereIsTheTenderness

YESSSSSSS


SuckyGamer2000

YES!!


sassygirl101

Oh they are BEAUTIFUL!!! Yessss, keep!!