CASE STUDY: TILES & TILING RAK CERAMICS BRINGS HIGH-SPEC
TILES TO BERKELEY DEVELOPMENT Leading tile and bathroom manufacturer RAK Ceramics has further cemented its reputation as a trusted supplier to Berkeley, one of the UK’s top housebuilders, after being selected to supply tiles to its Hareshill development in Hampshire.
A
stunning collection of 1–5-bedroom homes in Crookham Village, nestled on the edges of a country park just
outside Fleet, Hareshill features high specification interiors with tiles from RAK Ceramics starring in both the kitchens and bathrooms. Berkeley was keen to use energy
efficient and sustainable fittings to bring charm and character to the interiors, which led to the selection of RAK Ceramics’ exquisite
Portofino ceramic brick tiles for the kitchen walls. Measuring 6.5 x 26cm, these smooth, glossy tiles come in seven colourways, including a shimmering white, which beautifully reflects the light to bring a bright, natural aesthetic to the kitchen walls at Hareshill. Portofino tiles in green and greige were also utilised to great effect in some of the other kitchens. This chic neutral colour scheme was continued in the bathrooms, where nature-inspired tones and textures take centre stage. Here, RAK Ceramics’ City Stone range in Grey and Bone and Marrakesh tiles
in Dark Blue, Dark Grey, Light Blue and White were used. Other bathrooms at Hareshill
feature RAK Ceramics’ Clay Stone tiles in White and Grey. Available in sizes of 60 x 60cm and 30 x 60cm, these durable porcelain tiles set the scene for relaxation and perfectly met Berkeley’s brief, combining the ancestral charm of stone with modern appeal. Exuding warmth and sophistication, Clay Stone tiles have a chic matt finish and are designed to bring a sense of wellness and relaxation to interiors. Jenny Welch, Berkeley’s Senior Marketing Executive, says: “The
METRO TILES GET A CONTEMPORARY NEW LOOK
Metro tiles are taking on a sleeker, more sophisticated identity for 2026, with long, elegant formats bringing a fresh new look to this enduring classic. That’s according to independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore who have just launched two new takes on the trend. Available in two warming finishes, Atelier is a wall and floor tile that is effortlessly stylish. With a matt finish and subtly irregular edges, Atelier could be mistaken for a handmade tile. Beautifully textured, it works fantastically alongside natural materials like oak, stone and brushed brass.
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And with more than 40 different tile faces in the range, the finished surface will look naturally varied and organic. Plus, measuring 4.8 x 45cm, it is incredibly versatile and can be laid in either a herringbone, stacked or brick bond layout. Offering a crisper take on the
trend, Lipari exudes contemporary charm. Measuring 5 x 40cm, it allows homeowners to get creative with layout and can be laid horizontally or vertically to draw the eye and make any space feel larger. It is available in seven colourways
– from brilliant White and chalky Sand to warming Cotto and delicate Blue.
Abbas Youssefi, Managing
Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “Lipari and Atelier show how the metro tile trend is evolving. “Homeowners still love the familiarity and versatility of classic metro tiles, but there is growing demand for formats that feel more refined, contemporary and visually striking.
“The longer, slimmer shape gives both collections a much more elegant look, while also opening up more creative laying options, from stacked vertical designs to herringbone and modern brick patterns. That makes them especially appealing to customers
tiles we use are part of the story we’re telling about quality and lifestyle. We feel the tiles we chose gave a good balance between aesthetics and practicality. These tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and are sourced from a trusted supplier.
“The colour palette complements the location and is clean, timeless, and welcoming. “Ultimately, we want homeowners and visitors to feel a sense of calm, quality, and belonging the moment they step inside their new home. These tiles are modern, but they also feel grounded.”
• For further information, contact RAK Ceramics UK on 01730 237850 or visit
www.rakceramics.com/uk/
who want something timeless, but with a fresher and more architectural feel.”
Both Atelier and Lipari are crafted from hardwearing porcelain, ensuring they are incredibly durable and easy to maintain. The Atelier and Lipari are available now from Porcelain Superstore.
• Visit porcelainsuperstore.
co.uk to find out more.
APRIL 2026 DIY WEEK 25
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