Create panache and flamboyance with trendy tile styles...

WHAT do Roman mosaic, metallic, London underground style, and black and white retro style have in common? They’re all tiles that make boring bathroom décor more exciting. Bathrooms are the most practical and utilitarian rooms in any home, but that’s no reason why they can’t be trendy and stylish. Tiles are a great way of restoring your home’s panache and flamboyance.

Decorative tiles offer ample scope for the creative homeowner willing to inject some new life into old furnishings. Bathrooms suites are often the first priority when deciding on a revamped bathroom, and while suites range from vintage Victorian sinks, to French chic style tubs, tiles remain the most important purchase you’ll make in your bathroom.

Tiles are often what commands the most attention at eyelevel and therefore a deeper thought process when choosing them is wise. For example, if your bathroom is small (which most tend to be) then choosing brighter tiles will make it feel bigger.

Some tile experts insist on the ‘three rule’ when choosing tiles: floor, walls and feature. This basically means that one main tile is picked for the three main areas of the bathroom. The reason for this is avoiding combining too many different tiles which may give a more untidy and confused look.

The composition of tiles also matters with ceramic and porcelain offering durability and functionality. Some opt for stone and slate tiles which look incredible but due to the porous nature of stone they will absorb more grime and need more maintenance.

Tiles are also a fantastic way of revamping a bathroom if you don’t want the added expense of changing the entire bathroom suite. Just a couple of square meters of new tiles can add an entirely new dimension to a bathroom that is both visually appealing and practical.

Tiles matter, so spent time mulling over the style that suits you. Whether it’s a total makeover or just an attractive splash wall - deliberation and planning will pay a handsome reward for your bathroom.