BATHROOMS STEP INSIDE
However, despite this versatility, bathroom flooring is one of the most hardworking surfaces in the home and must be capable of withstanding a high volume of traffic and the inevitable risk of spills and water – meaning many of the most popular flooring looks of the moment simply cannot cope with this damp atmosphere.
To combat this, contractors and retailers must take cleanliness, durability and aesthetics into consideration, whilst also being well-versed in the different options available on the market in order to effectively consult with their customers and create the bathroom design they’ve been dreaming of.
Go Large
As the trend for open-plan living shows no sign of abating, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to achieve a contemporary, seamless feel in their bathrooms. To create this look, tilers should consider large format tiles – particularly effective in bigger spaces – as they require fewer grout lines for an uninterrupted finish and result in a high-impact, spacious, flowing bathroom scheme.
When working with these tiles, professionals must factor additional time into the process than when working with smaller variants, as their size and weight makes them physically trickier to handle and the floor must be completely flat before laying. We recommend opting for a powdered adhesive, as ready mix solutions require air contact to dry thoroughly, which will not be possible at the centre of larger tiles.
Think Outside The Lines
If customers are seeking something more adventurous for their bathroom flooring, we’d advise modular tiles. Whilst traditional linear patterns draw the eye around the edge of a space, modular formats attract the eye to the floor design, making it a focal point of the room.
Versa-Tile Designs
Sian O’Neill, Head of Marketing and Online at Topps Tiles, explains how
flooring professionals can help their customers to achieve their dream bathroom look using tiles.
Tiles act as a gateway into any trend and are a fabulous way for design-conscious homeowners to make a real style statement in their homes. They’re also an even more effective method of elevating the bathroom from a purely functional area to a real hero space in their interior design scheme.
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However, these tiles are intended to slot together in a specific way, so it is absolutely essential to thoroughly plan the floor space ahead of time to ensure they will fit, thereby minimising wastage. Add a contrasting grout to really bring the design to life and give any bathroom the wow factor.
Make Wood Work
The trend for natural wood flooring is increasingly popular, thanks to its sophisticated and timeless feel. However, despite this chic aesthetic, busy consumers may struggle with this choice, as it necessitates sealing, a wealth of aftercare and is prone to warping and staining.
If customers are always on the go but still desire the look of wood, wood-effect porcelain tiles are a great alternative to the real thing. Visually appealing, low maintenance, and extremely durable, they are ideal for use in hardworking areas of the home that are prone to high traffic and spills. Furthermore, effect tiles like this are more budget-friendly than their natural counterparts.
For design-conscious consumers, tilers should consider laying the tiles in a different pattern, such as herringbone or box weave, to create a unique and stylish look that will place homeowners at the forefront of the latest interiors trends.
www.toppstiles.co.uk/trade Tomorrow’s Retail Floors | 41
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