Miles of tiles to choose from
Designer and blogger looks at the latest trends in bathroom and kitchen tiles.
Designer and blogger Alana Broadhead looks at the latest trends in bathroom and kitchen tiles.
Roughing it
If you’re a fan of the subway tile look, but agree it’s been over-used in recent years, textured subway tiles offer a fresh take on the trend.
Tiles with a rough, slightly uneven surface add texture, softness and depth to a space.
Where plain glossy tiles can look rather sterile, textured tiles have a handcrafted character. For a look that still reads as clean and simple, stick with textured tiles that are otherwise plain in colour, pattern and layout. Team with glossy tapware for delicious contrast.
Colour du jour
Pink continues to be huge in interior design, and the colour obsession has now spread to tiles.
For a more grown-up aesthetic with better longevity, choose ‘‘muddier’’ pinks, like clay and dusk tones, and team with warm timber cabinetry.
We’re also loving greens at the moment, specifically very deep forest greens, olives and light sage greens. Deep greens can lend a sophisticated air, while muted, soft greens create a sense of sanctuary.
When it comes to tapware, matte white or brass is your best bet with green.
Mermaid tile
Best used in bathrooms, the soft shape of a scallop tile (also called a mermaid or fish scale tile) adds fun and femininity. Simple white mermaid tiles make a dynamic alternative to the subway tile.
Tiny tiles
Teeny tiny tiles add lovely texture and fine detail. We’re seeing tiny grids (1cm x 1cm square tiles), and penny tiles (charming little round tiles) popping up on more and more kitchen and bathroom walls.
It’s hip to be square
A simple side-by-side tile pattern with square tiles creates a grid that can be soft and subtle (low contrast between tile and grout) or bold and brave.
High contrast grids (brighter tiles with white grout, or white tiles with bright grout) give a super modern look that works well with clean shapes and crisp angles.
Terrazzo
Everything old is new again, and terrazzo – first created in the 16th century, popular in the art deco era and big again in the 70s – has come back around. Terrazzo brings a