ask the expert
The lowdown on tile trends
Jayne Adamson of British Ceramic Tile looks at some of the upcoming trends in tiles for new builds in 2017
Which material
Choosing what material to use on walls and floors is as important as planning room layouts or selecting kitchen cabinetry and bath- room sanitaryware. It provides the foundation for each room, setting the tone for the overall look and feel. Builders and interior designers are looking for a cost effective option that doesn’t compromise on design or quality. Materials need to be simple to maintain and durable in order to keep up with the busy pace of family life, and easy to install to save on labour costs. Ceramic has firmly cemented its place as a go-to material when choosing tiles for a new build, and ticks all of the above criteria. Well suited to domestic settings, a wide range of designs and styles are on offer. Not only are they cost effective, they are also easy to maintain. Another key feature is that ceramic is a perfect partner to underfloor heating, giving that warm feeling under foot. Innovation in printing and manufacturing techniques has pro-
duced ceramic tiles that push the boundaries of design. Creative and trend-led, ceramic tiles come in a myriad of colours, finishes, patterns and sizes to suit a wide variety of projects. Whether it’s a traditional build that requires a classic 7.5 x 15 cm tile with a rustic glaze or a bathroom project that would benefit from the use of large format wave-effect tiles, the possibilities are endless. Porcelain is another option, particularly if the project requires a hardwearing material for high traffic areas, or if the tiles are to be used outdoors. The material is less porous than ceramic, so is well suited to outside applications. Again, there is a whole host of stun- ning options available from patterned geometric tiles through to large format stone effects.
What colour will be key in 2017
Chic and modern, grey has become the modern day magnolia. The hottest neutral to sweep across the world of interiors, grey offers an abundance of different shades and is set to remain a firm favourite for next year. Ideal for walls and floors, the neutral shade works well with
brighter accent colours, making for an easy base colour to work with. Look out for it on large format plain tiles, stone effects layered
with texture, and print effects to create visual intrigue. Patterned tiles will also see an injection of a strong grey colour palette, with tonal hues of grey working harmoniously together to add depth to tile designs.
Which textures should I incorporate into my build
Wood has certainly made its mark in the interiors world, but many builders and designers are sceptical about using real wood in the bathroom, concerned about the effects of moisture and humidity, which can cause the timber to warp and buckle. Thanks to advancements in inkjet technology, wood-effect ceramic tiles are ideal for the bathroom, offering the same design aesthetics but with the added benefits of being waterproof, durable and easy to install.
What’s going to be popular in the kitchen next year
For 2017 British Ceramic Tile is predicting that the industrial look is set to make a comeback in a big way. When it comes to wall tiles, expect to see metallics and exposed brick effects. Bringing a new dimension to walls, metallic tiles can create a show stopping splashback when used together, or can be used sparingly with plain tiles, providing self-builders with maximum design flexibility. With their shimmering finish and glamorous appearance, they work par- ticularly well with wood worktops and plain cabinets for a contem- porary high-end look. Brick-effect tiles will also feature heavily in kitchen design, with
new inkjet printing techniques allowing manufacturers to recreate the look of exposed brick on ceramic tiles. Rustic and textural, exposed brick-effect tiles are at the other end of the spectrum to metallic – creating a bare, stripped back look – but still tapping into the industrial trend.
16
selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68