Tile a good path to follow
Give a decorator an inch and if they’re savvy, they will take a tile.
Wall tiles are having a moment, and there are several trendy ways to make a statement with them in your home. First, a couple of notes.
While their easy-to-clean nature makes them great for kitchens and bathrooms, tiles can venture into any living space. And though you can use floor tiles on walls, you can’t do the reverse — floor tiles are normally made of a sturdy porcelain, and wall tiles are usually a not-so-hardy ceramic.
Use grout strategically. Matching grout will give a seamless effect, whereas contrasting grout renders a more piecey, funky look. The Ideal Home website offers some other ways to add style with tile:
1 Go full tilt:
Instead of orderly horizontal lines, angle your tiles for an offbeat look. And while you can experiment with patterns, textures and finishes here, stick to complementary shades and matching grout to keep it from looking too haphazard.
2 Think big:
Oversized tiles mean fewer grout lines and offer more of a wallpaper look. Plus, they’re easier to clean.
3 Try a sassy backsplash:
Wake up a neutral kitchen with a backsplash featuring high-impact designs or striking colours. You’ll create a focal point for an alcove or range cooker, and provide a wipe-clean surface.
4 Enter the marble universe:
Marble is more accessible than ever and no longer needs to be restricted to the chi-chi among us. “The tones of natural stones may change, but it’s always classy
— the perfect anchor material for a modern country bathroom,” says Rob Whitaker, creative director at tile company Claybrook.
5 Mix and match patterns:
Create oodles of visual interest by designing a wall that combines solid-coloured tiles and ones with patterns. Tip: A limited palette will keep the space from looking disjointed.
6 Give metro tiles a twist:
Plain, flat, rectangular metro tiles are classic, but you can also get them bevelled, which will add texture. You can also switch up the finishes by alternating matte and glossy.
7 Rock the casbah:
Moroccan tiles are typically bold and bright, but you can tone down the colours for a more subtle look.
“The traditional handmade process and ancient glazing technique results in an intricate network of small hairline cracks and edge chipping, reminiscent of the original finish,” says Damla Turgut, founder of Otto Tiles & Design.