UPPING THE TILE STAKES
Why tiles are becoming designers’ secret weapon for today’s on-trend interiors
For the longest of times, tiles have largely been confined to two main areas; the kitchen and bathroom. But as tile manufacturing has advanced, ensuring tiles are easier to maintain – keeping them looking better for longer – and install, they are fast becoming the go-to for wall and floor coverings across the entire home.
THE ENTRANCE HALL
The entrance hall is the first glimpse most people get into the inside of your home, so here, you really are going to want it to pack a punch in the style stakes. And tiles are a great way of achieving this.
Porcelain tiles are a fabulous choice for this area. Not only are they easy to install, they are extremely hard-wearing, which is a must in such a high-traffic area.
Plus, the wealth of porcelain tiles on the market means you are going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the perfect flooring.
Whether you want something traditional, like a faux parquet, or modern, think bold monochrome patterns, there is something to suit all tastes.
Personally, I love small, rectangular tiles in an entrance hall. They are unashamedly classic and will complement most interiors, but they can also be used to create some fantastic patterns. For a timeless look, stick with herringbone.
THE FEATURE WALL
Bold paint colours and patterned wallpaper have previously been the go-tos when it comes to feature walls. Now there’s a new kid on the block. 3D and textured tiles hit the interiors market a few years ago and have been huge ever since. They are effortlessly chic, and really bring walls to life.
The thought of creating your own work of art from tiles can be daunting, so for firsttimers I would recommend keeping it simple. Choose a square tile with an effortless pattern, such as a sweeping curve, forgo any attempt at a planned layout and hang in a haphazard manner. It will create a unique wall covering bespoke to your home.
OTHER AREAS
You might think tiles in the living room, dining area or bedroom would be a little cold, but not with the wealth of tiles now available. The choice in endless, and you can use them to great effect.
Flooring wise, a patterned tile can be used to frame specific furnishings or create ‘zones’ within an open plan living area. It also draws attention meaning you can leave walls relatively simple. Just remember when choosing to pick something classic, not something you will fall out of love with in a few years. Tiling a floor is a big job and not something you’ll want to repeat too many times.
The bedroom is the room which allows you more freedom so anything goes. One of my favourite looks here is when different textural tiles from the same collection are used across the entire room; on both the walls and the floors. This looks particularly good in wood or stone effects. Not only does it give the room a unified look but by using different tiles from the same collection you can create points of interest which truly draw the eye.
Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling.