Style matters

For longevity – important with a fixed finish such as tiling – steer clear of short-lived trends and aim for a simple design. In classic white, there are lots of subtle finishes and inviting shapes that give the monochrome look interest. “Marble is a timeless stone which will never date and it’s being used more broadly,” says Naomi Nimmo, referring to emerging colourways such as dusty pink and spearmint. Terrazzo’s return to glory shows no sign of abating, while our taste for metallic details is hitting tiling territory, with finishes from silver to rose gold adding glint and glamour. If you’re planning for the long haul, use metallics sparingly, as highlights rather than in swathes. Coloured grout has been having a moment, and can lift plain white tiles but, for a timeless look, match grout to tiles.