ON THE TILES

Covering the end panels or sides of an island unit with beautifully coloured or textured tiles is a clever way of making a feature of what can often be a forgotten area. For continuity try using the same tiles in a paler shade as a splashback on the wall above the hob or sink.

Dyroy Green tiles, £49.99/sq m; Dyroy Blue tiles, £49.99/sq m; both CTD

Mix surface textures for maximum effect – such as contrasting glazed tiles with an ultra-matt surface, as here