Trendy tiles
British Ceramic Tile’s Head of Design Claire O’Brien discusses the latest trends in flooring as well as what is set to be extremely popular for new builds in 2015
finishes within flooring that will add impact to any room in the home.
W Why choose tiles
When embarking on a self-build project, one of the most important decisions to be made is what materials to use. Self-builders want a cost effec- tive option without compromising on design or quality of the finished product. Over the course of the last few years, ceramic
tiles have firmly cemented their place as a go to product when choosing flooring for a home. Not only are they cost effective, but very easy to clean – all they require is a simple wipe with a damp cloth. Ceramic tiles can also be used with underfloor heating, giving that warm feeling under foot as they are a great conductor of heat.
Another benefit is the wide range of colours
and patterns that are available today due to innovations in printing and manufacturing tech- niques, as well as the range of sizes – from traditional 30x30cm to larger format tiles that help recreate the open plan living look. Tiles are also very durable and will last for many years once they have been installed correctly, partic- ularly useful in busy family homes.
Types of tiles
From ceramic tiles – which are easy to install and work well with underfloor heating – to porcelain that is incredibly hard-wearing and suited to high traffic areas, flooring options have their advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic tiles are the easiest material to install, and are simple to cut, making it easier when you have rooms that vary in size. Stone and wood effect ceramic tiles are
extremely popular at the moment, offering the same design and effects as the real thing, but often able to be purchased at a fraction of the cost. What’s more, ceramic tiles don’t require any special sealing or maintenance so installa- tion costs remain low. They also make a practi- cal option when selecting a floor covering as they are hard-wearing with no on-going maintenance required.
Latest trends
Flooring is now much more of a design state- ment, with homeowners reflecting their person- ality on smaller rooms in the home, while often
hether your new build is more con- temporary or traditional, there are a wide range of colours, textures and
choosing calmer, more timeless options for larger areas. Homeowners are becoming more adventurous in the use of tiles, no longer con- fining them to the kitchen and bathroom, but bringing them into other rooms within the home such as living areas and hallways. With the floor increasingly being seen as the ‘fifth wall’, patterned floor tiles in classic and
contemporary designs are being used to create a real wow factor. If you make the floor the cen- tre stage, it’s a good idea to keep walls neutral to maximise the impact of the flooring. Offering the same design aesthetics as natural
stone yet just a fraction of the cost, stone-effect ceramic tiles are extremely popular at the moment as they are perfect for every room in
selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk Continued overleaf...
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