The company
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We are the team that breathed new life into cement tiles, also known as Portuguese tiles, in the 21st century. These handcrafted tiles, elevated to an art form, have awakened a great passion in us, and today they can be found in every corner of the world. The truly authentic patterns of yesteryear have given way to cheerful, trendy
Variants in different color combinations have given way to cement tiles, ultimately turning them into designer tiles. And it wasn't just cement tiles! Over the years, we have -
We specialize in Moroccan tiles such as Zelliges, Bejmat, and Plattas. You won't find the beautiful colors of these tiles anywhere else. When we visit our factory in Morocco, we are continually amazed by the beauty of these handmade tiles. In addition to the tile types mentioned above, our collection also includes beautiful Spanish wall tiles in hundreds of colors and shapes, marble mosaics, Italian tiles, and many tiles and patterns designed by us.
Did you know...
We regularly visit our factories to ensure close and direct collaboration. These visits not only allow us to verify product quality but also ensure we stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the world of tiles. Furthermore, these trips give us the opportunity to discover new materials and experiment with innovative designs. This collaboration with the factory allows us to continually develop creative ideas and unique concepts. This sets us apart from other tile manufacturers and strives for originality and quality in everything we do!
Pictures: Factory visit Morocco
Only what we like ourselves!
We've always said: We only do what we love! And that remains our guiding principle. Whether selling our products or decorating our showrooms, we let our creativity run wild! This enthusiasm and passion for tiles is at the core of who we are. And today, we continue this mission with a creative, energetic, and enthusiastic team of tile lovers: The DesignVlegels!
This creative club of tile lovers from Breda, Utrecht, and Berlin is always there for you, both in the showroom and online. Our website already offers a good overview of our unique products, but nothing beats a visit to one of our showrooms. We're not called the "Tile Shop of the Netherlands" for nothing. Here you'll find not only the most beautiful tiles, but also plenty of inspiration and personalized advice to make your space truly special.
Our team is ready to work with you to explore color combinations, styles, and applications. Whether you're looking for a unique wall tile or a stylish floor tile, you'll always find something that suits your style. Stop by for a little happiness, Hapiness is Handmade!
How it all began
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When Ramon Huigen drove three and a half thousand kilometers back from North Africa to Utrecht in 2003, his old VW bus was suffering. In the back seat lay a stack of colorful, real cement tiles. Ramon had discovered them by chance during his surfing holiday in a small tile workshop in southern Morocco. He was immediately captivated. And so were the tiles. The motifs, the colors, the traditional, natural manufacturing process, and the rich history fascinated him so much that Ramon decided to take some crates back to the Netherlands for his own use.
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At home, he installs a beautiful new, colorful cement floor covered with patterned tiles in his kitchen and on his terrace. This doesn't go unnoticed by his family, friends, and acquaintances. They want it, too. Ramon decides to use his last savings to have a container of cement tiles shipped from Morocco, and when, some time later, his entire circle of friends feels at home in Mediterranean climes, he knows he can't deny the rest of the Western world this joy, too. It had to be made bigger.
Own production
Together with his then brother-in-law, Martijn Dijkstra, Ramon began looking for ways to produce the tiles himself. They ended up in countries like Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Vietnam also proved to be a good option. Not only is the production process cheaper there, but the craftsmanship and quality of the raw materials—cement, pigment, and marble powder—are also better. After many trips, discussions, phone calls, emails, and faxes, www.designtegels.nl went online in 2006. Containers full of high-quality cement tiles found their way to the Netherlands. All feature a colorful Moorish design and are given the new brand name "Azule." Designtegels.nl was born.
From the garage box to the wholesale supplier
The first orders were processed from a small garage on Duurstedelaan in Utrecht. Demand was so high that Ramon and Martijn had to rent a new garage every six months. It was clear: this hobby was getting out of hand. Designtegels.nl could no longer be combined with a steady job. The two budding entrepreneurs therefore decided to follow their passion and work full-time to expand their business. Today, Designtegels.nl is one of the largest suppliers of cement tiles, also known as Portuguese tiles, in Europe. In recent years, new products such as Spanish and Italian wall tiles and Moroccan zelliges have been added to the range. With over 450 different tiles and deliveries to more than 20 European countries, the company has become a leading player in the niche market of floor and wall tiles.
Designtegels.nl currently employs 20 full-time employees in the Netherlands, while more than 100 craftsmen use their expertise in workshops overseas to produce the most beautiful and best tiles. In the Netherlands, Designtegels.nl has two branches: one in Breda, where stocks are managed, designs developed, and production coordinated, as well as a fantastic showroom. We also have a cozy and inspiring showroom in Utrecht where customers can admire our collection and discover the latest trends. In addition to our Dutch branches, we also brought a piece of our passion to Germany a few years ago with the opening of a cool showroom in Berlin. This branch has quickly become a favorite place for our German customers to find tile inspiration.
Volkswagen T2A 1969
Hidden away in the shed behind the recently completely remodeled showroom in Utrecht, lies a special piece of "design tile" history: "The" gray Volkswagen T2A from 1969. This charming van isn't just any oldtimer, but the van that started it all back in 2003. Since then, the more than forty-year-old van has been lovingly restored and looks as if it could once again drive around a ring. But you know what the best part is? If you look closely (and maybe bring a magnifying glass), you might just spot a lost grain of sand from the Sahara. This sand is a silent witness to the adventures this iconic van once experienced. Cool, right?
Ramon Huigen & Martijn Dijkstra Designtegels.nl