Expert Interiors Tips For Using Tiles In Your Home

Tell us more about the trend?

There’s an increasing move towards getting more colour and pattern into our interiors, and tiles are a great way to do this. It stops tiles being seen only as hard surfaces and instead brings them firmly into the realms of being a decorative element of an interior scheme.

Where can they be used?

Decorative tiles work in many parts of the home. We like to keep more decorative elements of a space at a higher level of a room to pull the eye up. However, in a very decorative scheme, patterns on the floor can work really well too, and can really add to the overall scheme, creating equal visual weight throughout.

What colour combinations work best?

There aren’t really any rules when it comes to colour combinations – it really depends on the overall scheme for the room. But a good piece of advice is to go for colours with similar tones. Bold colours work well in a large space with classic lines, while elegant bathrooms will suit more muted and softer shades.

Are there any rules when it comes to this trend?

Just be careful not to have too many conflicting designs – whether it’s the shape, finish, colour or pattern of the tile.  

How can you get the look on a budget?

If you’re going to go to the expense of using decorative tiles, make sure you use enough to get an impact. However, a splashback or even panels can be really effective – tiles with pretty patterns used as a splashback in a kitchen can soften an otherwise more utilitarian room.

Any unexpected ways of trying the trend?

You could always put in a ceramic dado rail instead of a wooden one to add in a different texture to a hallway.  Don’t forget that there are all sorts of tile shapes, so you could always try a more adventurous shape or insert tiles in to a panelling detail, or use decorative tiles as wall art.

Does the look work in both period and modern properties?

Decorative tiles work equally well with decorative features of a traditional property and the clean lines of a modern property. The key is to ensure they complement the overall scheme chosen for the room. 

Do you think the trend will date?

When it comes to interiors, a home is somewhere that should be timeless. Used in the right way, coloured tiles absolutely can go the distance. For example, using patterned tiles just as a splashback for a sink will mean that you can update the rest of the bathroom so that it feels like a new room, even though you’ve kept the tiles from the previous design. And when it comes to bold patterned designs, use them modestly to ensure the look won’t date.

Is it easy to do yourself?

Tiling is a specialist skill and, particularly if you have spent a considerable amount on the tiles themselves, it’s always advisable to get a professional to fit them properly.

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