CREATE AN INVITING ROOM USING TILE
Today’s tile trends extend so far beyond their traditional use as a staple of bathroom design that you may not recognise them. While once the most attractive and innovative tiles had to be imported, contemporary handcrafted tile and stone products for home design are now being made everywhere.
Homeowners and interior designers alike are always seeking distinctive visual touches to make each home special. Here are five ways tile design can enhance a room.
Elevate small spaces
Use tiles interchangeably to create a unique design. The Ann Sacks Radius Collection by designer Barbara Barry based in the US has five distinct modular designs that can be used independently, or combined to create patterns to delight the eye. Creative use of a variety of tile shapes like these can easily elevate small spaces such as baseboards, fireplace surrounds or backsplash areas in a kitchen.
Make a colour statement
Whether you choose a single colour or mix colour to create a pattern, the choices can overwhelm. “I enjoy the soft juxtaposition of watery blue tones, soft green tones and the neutral colors of gravel,” explained Barry. While Barry is known for her love of soft colors, you may choose colours that best complement elements already in the room. If you’re not working with a designer, consider traditional complementary colour pairs when making decor choices, such as red-green, blue-orange or yellow-purple.
Create a calm mood
The latest trends in interior design reflect the desire for homes to be sanctuaries. Inspired by the clean lines, appropriate scale and exacting proportion prevalent in Midcentury Modern architectural design, Barry describes her collection as “soft modern, defined by a curved edge for a sensual feel.” Barry adds, “In this busy world, I want to come home to calm rooms and quiet spaces.” Choosing colours, lines, shapes and scale with simplicity in mind can help contribute to a feeling of calm.
Personalise your space
Find what appeals to you, and work with a designer or manufacturer who can meet your requests. In her collection, Barry provides tools for consumers or designers to customize patterns. Designed to spark the imagination, five distinct patterns in varying scales punctuate interiors with personality. Smaller manufacturers can personalise your project with their flexibility, customising colour choices and resurrecting a retired pattern or colour, or even by recreating tiles present in a home refurbishing or renovating project. Make your space your own.
Create visual interest
Choose different textures through materials like wood, glass or tile to break up an otherwise ordinary surface in a room. Matte and gloss colour can be installed as a singular colour statement or mixed to evoke a unique, personalised design, whether to create a captivating statement-making wall or to cover an entire floor. The choice of tile adds a textural element to a room that can’t be duplicated by any other material.
Whether you choose to use tile in a more traditional way in your bath or kitchen, or to elevate another space inside a home with a more innovative style, use a customized design and select colours to create a unique environment anyone would want to call home.