About Designtegels
The company
We are the team that brought cement tiles, also known as Portuguese tiles, back to life in the 21st century. These handmade products, elevated to an art form, have ignited a great passion in us, and today you can find these tiles in every corner of the world.
The authentic traditional patterns of the past have made way for lively, trendy variations in different colour combinations, making cement tiles ultimately become Designtiles.
And it has not stopped at cement tiles! Over the years we have specialised in Moroccan tiles such as Zelliges, Bejmat and Plattas. The beautiful colours of these tiles are found nowhere else. Every time we visit our factory in Morocco, we are once again filled with wonder at the beauty of these handmade tiles. Our collection also includes beautiful Spanish wall tiles in hundreds of colours and shapes, marble mosaic, Italian floor tiles, and many tiles and patterns designed by ourselves.
Only what we love ourselves!
We always said it: We only do what we love! And that remains our guiding principle. Whether it is selling our products or designing our showrooms, we let our creativity run free! This enthusiasm and passion for tiles form the core of who we are. And today we continue that mission with conviction, with a creative, energetic and enthusiastic team of tile lovers: The DesignVlegels!
This creative club of tile fans from Breda, Utrecht and Berlin is always there for you, both in the showroom and online. Our website already gives a good overview of our unique products, but nothing beats a visit to one of our showrooms. We are not called the tile sweet shop of the Netherlands for nothing. Here you will find not only the most beautiful tiles, but also plenty of inspiration and personal advice to make your space truly special.
Our team is ready to help you think about colour combinations, styles and applications. Whether you are looking for a unique wall tile or a stylish floor tile, you will always find something that suits your style. Come and visit us for a little happiness, because happiness is handmade!
Did you know..
We regularly visit our factories to ensure a strong and direct collaboration. These visits not only allow us to check product quality, but also keep us up to date with the latest trends and developments in the world of tiles.
Moreover, these trips give us the opportunity to discover new materials and experiment with innovative designs. Through this collaboration with the factory, we can always develop creative ideas and unique concepts. This is how we continue to distinguish ourselves from other tile companies and strive for originality and quality in everything we do!
How it all began
2003 - The Journey through the Sahara
Ramon Huigen drives 3,500 km back from North Africa to Utrecht in a Volkswagen van full of colourful cement tiles. During a surf trip in Morocco, he had come across these vibrant tiles in a small tile workshop and was instantly captivated. He decided to take a few boxes back to the Netherlands for personal use.
Back home..
Back home, he covers his kitchen and terrace with these artisanal cement tiles. The tiles do not go unnoticed by family and friends. They want them too! Ramon decides to spend his last savings on a container of cement tiles from Morocco. When shortly after his entire social circle feels as if they are living in a Mediterranean atmosphere, he knows he cannot deprive the rest of the Western world of this pleasure. This had to be taken to a bigger scale!
2006 - Designtegels.nl goes live!
Together with his then brother-in-law Martijn Dijkstra, Ramon looks for ways to have the tiles produced himself. They land on countries like Portugal, Spain and Morocco. Vietnam also proves to be a good option. After much travelling, organising, calling and emailing, www.designtegels.nl goes online in 2006. Containers full of high-quality cement tiles find their way to the Netherlands. All of them have a colourful Moorish design and receive the own brand name 'Azule'. Designtiles is born!
From Breda and Utrecht to Berlin: our growing team and showrooms
Designtegels.nl now has 23 employees in the Netherlands, while more than a hundred skilled craftspeople at our foreign workshops apply their expertise to create the most beautiful and best tiles.
In the Netherlands, Designtegels.nl has two locations: one in Breda, where stock is managed, designs are developed and production is coordinated, and where a fantastic showroom can also be found. We also have a cosy and inspiring showroom in Utrecht, where customers can admire our collection and discover the latest trends.
In addition to our Dutch locations, in 2012 we also brought a piece of our passion to Germany, with the opening of a great showroom in Berlin. This location has quickly grown into a beloved destination for our German customers, who can immerse themselves in tile inspiration there.
The legendary T2A
In the warehouse, hidden behind the recently fully renovated Utrecht showroom, you can still find a very special piece of 'Designtegels' history: the grey Volkswagen T2A from 1969. This charming little van is not just any classic car; it is the van with which everything began in 2003. The now over forty-year-old van has since been lovingly restored and looks immaculate once again.
But do you know what the best part is? If you look very carefully (and perhaps bring a magnifying glass), you might just find a lost grain of Sahara sand. That grain of sand is a silent witness to the adventures this iconic van once experienced. Pretty cool, right?
Ramon Huigen & Martijn Dijkstra Designtegels.nl