KBB l KNOW HOW
TILES Tanks to websites such as Instagram, tiles
are back – the more eye catching the better. Depending on your budget and how much maintenance you’re prepared to put in, natural stone offers character and wow factor, but man-made tiles are increasingly popular. Technological advances of the last few years mean there’s an array of creative designs, from large-format feature walls to convincing imitations of natural materials to pick from. “Precious stones such as onyx and pink
marble are cleverly replicated digitally onto porcelain tiles, which are available in supersizes and impressive shades,” says Mandarin Stone’s marketing manager Louisa Morgan. Fired Earth has also used these techniques to create its latest Malmo range, made from recycled glass and coloured using inkjet technology to mimic marble. Companies including Otto Tiles & Design and Lapicida have gone one step further with digitally printed murals, created using patterned ceramic tiles to give the appearance of wallpaper without the concern of waterproofing. When choosing tiles, it’s easy to focus on the aesthetics, but practicality is vital to ensure they last. Ceramic designs are popular because they’re lower in cost, require little upkeep, and are easy to cut and install, but they’re not as hard-wearing or as waterproof as porcelain. Tanks to the likes of Bert & May and Popham Design, bold encaustic and concrete tiles are also in demand. Due to the way the pattern is created, they remain vibrant and relatively scratch-resistant, but on the flipside are very porous and require diligent sealing. “Tey
won’t look box fresh for very long, so if you want a bright, clean look, cement tiles aren’t for you but there are plenty of ceramic imitations,” says interior designer Sophie Robinson. Natural stone tiles such as marble, onyx,
travertine, and limestone are soſter and more porous, so require regular maintenance and sealing. Tey’re an investment, plus mistakes and waste are costly so it’s worth drawing out your proposed design on graph paper to see if it will work in the space and confirm how much you need before you start. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs, as a skilled professional will be required to lay these for a good finish. Deciding on a layout, scale and pattern can
seem like a minefield – but there are no hard t rules. Using large-format tiles from floor to ceiling in a small bathroom, for example, means less grouting and interrupted sightlines, making the room feel more spacious. Light- reflective gloss surfaces and calm neutrals will enhance the look. Mosaics are also great for creating eye-catching borders or zoning areas of the space, while textured or patterned tiles can be used in contrast with plain designs or smooth surfaces above and below dado rail height to add another dimension. Te humble metro tile is also having a
resurgence, with herringbone, basketweave, chevron and vertical stacking all popular laying patterns that add personality – go for a skinny or ‘finger’ tile design for an ultra-modern edge. Coloured grout is also an easy way to add character and finish off the look, but always remember to choose a mould-resistant grout and seal it to keep it looking fresh.
left Consider laying metro tiles vertically for a contemporary look. Potters Glaze tiles in Leach, £64.24 per sq m; Smithfield basin, £600; Mid-town wall-mounted three-hole basin mixer with cross heads, £385; Brookhaven marble floor tiles, £95.02 per sq m, Brookhaven marble skirting £24.98 each, all Claybrook.
right Marble is a popular choice for bathrooms, but pink tones are particularly on trend. The tiles featured in this design by Studio DB are a custom marble blend from the Euclid Collection by Alison Rose x Artistic Tile and the marble slab is Rosa Portogallo Marble from Artistic Tile. The Rose Gold shower fittings are from the Purist Collection from Kohler.
68 KITCHENS BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS l SUMMER 20
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