BATHROOM STEP INSIDE The Talk of the Tiles


Leigh Price, Managing Director of tile and bathroom suite supplier Real Stone & Tile, reflects on the popular bathroom tile trends of 2017 and discusses his predictions for the big interior crazes in 2018.


During 2017, tile trends focused on the ever-popular large format porcelain tiles, which instantly create a sense of space and luxury in any property. Mosaic tiles were also a firm favourite during the year; providing a quick fix for adding personality and colour to a home, without overpowering the room.


Large format porcelain tiles continue to be in demand amongst homeowners and house builders as we approach a new year. Their streamlined, minimalist look helps even the smallest of rooms look spacious, stylish and clean.


Mosaic features are also still an enduring, cost-effective design choice which complements any colour scheme. Such tiles allow customers to embrace their creative flare, enabling them to put their own unique stamp on a property.


Looking forward to 2018, there is a new design trend emerging in the market which has influenced leading designers in the industry to produce fresh and exciting new ranges, encompassing the minimalist neutral look.


I describe this new style to my customers as a mixture between terrazzo tiles and a river bed look. The new designs feature tiny compressed stones and pebbles on large format tiles, creating a strong, natural looking floor.


“Many of the tile trends which are proving popular with my customers are because of the versatility of the tile.”


The muted, soft colours of the tiles make it the perfect choice for large, open plan spaces, which are proving ever popular with homeowners today. Moving away from the more dramatic looking block coloured tiles, the earthy tones which characterise this new trend can enhance any property, creating the perfect base for every homeowner’s style.


Flaviker is a particular brand which has embraced this look with its new range, River, which incorporates the compressed stone look and includes distress lines through the surface of the tiles to add rustic charm and character.


Encaustic patterned cement tiles are brightening up the year ahead, using their characteristic vivid colours to showcase Moroccan and Cuban patterns, incorporating versatile geometric cubes and triangles.


Ca’ Pietra’s collection of handmade encaustic cement tiles showcases bold, geometric patterns in a range of colours,


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from daring monochrome to the more subtle pale pastel shades. The flexibility of this range allows homeowners to adapt the trend to suit their home and their style.


I’d recommend using this style of tile on the floor or walls, whilst keeping the surrounding decor quite simplistic- this allows the tiles to take centre stage and have maximum impact!


The much-loved subway style tile was a popular design choice seen in trendy bars, kitchens and bathrooms everywhere during 2017. As new trends evolve, a twist on the classic design sees a longer, leaner and more texturised clay tile emerge, giving the original subway style an edgier, more urban feel. This brickwork-like effect delivers a modern and fresh style, creating a wow factor in any room. For a bold, edgy look, pair black tiles with dark grey grouting, and tile all the way up to the ceiling.


Another trend which has been going from strength to strength over the last six months is wood-effect tiles: the versatile alternative to wooden flooring. With an extensive range of wood-effect tiles available, this style can suit any property, built in any period, from ultra modern to traditional.


As well as looking effective in even the smallest of bathrooms, this style is also great for large open plan spaces such as kitchen/dining areas.


Many of my customers are opting for this new style because the tiles are so low maintenance when compared to the ‘real thing’. There is no need to varnish or treat the product, and there is no danger of the colour fading or warping, which can be a worry with wooden floors.


Wood-effect porcelain tiles can even be used externally to replicate timber decking. If you have an open plan living area which leads onto a garden, use wood-effect tiles internally and externally to help the space feel bigger and create a real wow factor in your home.


The Dakota range by Italian brand, Flaviker showcases a collection of wood-effect tiles in a variety of different colours and styles.


Trends come and go, and can change year on year, from season to season. I believe it is important for homeowners to choose a style that suits their needs and works well in their home. Many of the tile trends which are proving popular with my customers are because of the versatility of the tile; the colours and textures available can be mixed and matched with a range of styles, which means a bathroom can continue to evolve as new trends emerge.


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