Bathroom floors
It pays to be practical in the bathroom. Where possible choose hard flooring that can be teamed with underfloor heating to ensure warmth and comfort underfoot, alongside compatibility with the latest energy-efficient solar panels and heat pumps.
Well-sealed stone is a natural companion to most house styles as well as to underfloor heating, and traditional travertine, limestone or slate are popular options, while marble is best for a luxurious hotel look according to Hamish Smith, managing and creative director at Artisan of Devizes. “As, whether crisp white, dramatically dark or perfectly pink, each tile offers unique intricate veining,” he says. Whatever the choice, “do be aware that matt and textured finishes are more slip-resistant than polished stone,” advises Jason Cherrington, director at Lapicida. Decorative mosaics offer natural grip underfoot, however, opting for larger tiles and uniform finishes will help compact areas appear larger.
Where weight is an issue and reinforcing floors is not possible, stone can be substituted for robust, lookalike porcelains, with precision-cut tiles offering an almost grout-free finish in grander or urban homes. Timeless timber planks that defy eras or more formal parquet are also prime candidates for porcelain replication. “However, don’t dismiss the real thing,” says Ted Todd’s Robert Walsh, “as with the right care and finish, engineered hardwoods are a viable option and suited to underfloor heating. Select wide boards to stretch smaller rooms visually.”
Investing in reclaimed ceramic, encaustic or terracotta tiles can also bring added detail and authenticity to rural or smaller properties. Patterned ceramic, geometric and border tiles tend to work well in cottage-style or Victorian homes. “The key is to think about scale and balance,” says Roby-Welford. “As a general rule, larger rooms can take bolder designs that might otherwise crowd a smaller space.”