MATERIALS AND EFFECTS: MOSAICS DO MORE WI


Since ancient times, mosaics have mesmerised with their dazzling colours and distinctive aesthetic. Offering an eye-catching approach to decoration, the mosaic tile is currently a hot trend in kitchen and bathroom design.


Mosaics have been a popular art form in cultures around the world for many centuries. In fact, the earliest known mosaics were found dating back to the third millennium BC. Made up of ivory, seashells and stones, these decorative abstract pieces laid the groundwork for mosaics made thousands of years later in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.


Fast-forward to today, and mosaics remain a fashionable choice for homeowners. With their intricate designs, mosaics are extremely versatile and can add colour and texture to the decor of almost any room in the house. Their flexibility and smaller size means they’re ideal for tiling around corners and in awkward spaces.


The continued popularity of mosaics means that tilers need to know how best to work with these products in order to maximise their use in line with modern home décor trends. Whether your customers are planning an impactful feature wall or a simple border, you need to know how to approach a mosaic tile project so that client satisfaction is guaranteed.


With this in mind, here’s our tips for tilers looking to recommend mosaics to their customers…


TAP INTO TRENDS


The market for bathroom products continues to expand and, in the UK, it achieved growth of around 3% last year, with overall growth forecast at 12% by 2021 according to AMA Research. A number of trends, such as the popularity of wet rooms and a focus on personal wellbeing, are helping to drive the market.


With spas and wellbeing retreats more popular than ever, some consumers are keen to replicate this ambience in their bathroom. Style and atmosphere can make a big difference and homeowners are increasingly willing to invest in designs that help to put them in their ‘happy place’.


At the same time, we’re seeing a resurgence in demand for statement colours as a means of differentiation. With more money being invested, customers increasingly want the type of stand-out, high-quality finishes that mosaics, for example, can deliver.


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Sian O’Neill, Head of Marketing at Topps Tiles, discusses how tilers can benefit from th CONSIDER SIZE AND SPACE


The key to using mosaic tiles is to choose the right size and colour of tiles for the space and the overall purpose of the room. These tiles are a great way to elevate the bathroom from a purely functional area to a real hero space.


Mosaics are perfect for use in the bathroom, whether in the shower, behind the bathtub, above the sink or any alcoves. Use in one block colour to contrast with - or complement - the colour scheme in the rest of the bathroom, or alternatively choose a bold pattern to create a point of interest.


If tilers are working with customers seeking something more adventurous for their bathroom, using a mosaic tile design with added texture, colour or a pattern on the floor and/or as a feature wall, adds that ‘wow-factor’.


SUPER SPLASHBACKS


The versatility of mosaics means that they are equally effective in different rooms around the home. In the kitchen, mosaic tiles are an established and popular choice for splashbacks because they are so versatile and hardwearing, saving walls from greasy marks and food splatter.


With splashbacks being such a focal point within the kitchen, homeowners can get away with more vibrant colours and patterns given that it’s only in a small space. Bold tiles such as these are used to create an individual style statement that injects personality into the room. Consider intricately patterned mosaics for something with a luxe feel.


GET TO GRIPS WITH GROUT


A key consideration for tilers working with mosaics is the colour of the grout used when laying the tiles. The choice of grout and sealant has a big influence on the overall look and feel of the tiling project – whether you opt for a coordinating colour to provide a seamless finish or a contrasting one to add structure and definition.


A darker grout is ideal for areas of the home that are subjected to food spills and splatters, such as the kitchen, not to mention adding a stylish touch to the décor. Colours like grey, black or brown offer lower maintenance compared to their paler counterparts that can show stains more easily. However, protective sealants are available that can be used for contrasting grouts to avoid the risk of staining.


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