This month, I have invited renowned interior designer Lesley Taylor to share her take on the use of tiles in the home. Lesley can be contacted via Taylor’s Ect, (link is in the article) – enjoy.

‘Let the art of tiling transform your home’

 

By Lesley Taylor BIID, Interior Designer and Design Director of Taylor’s Etc and BIID

Be it fashion, technology or home interiors, consumers are always searching for the next big thing. This isn’t to say we’re greedy, ravenous creatures that take things for granted and are incapable of feeling satisfied, it’s a case of how quickly the modern world is evolving and how excited we are at the prospect of new innovations.

As an interior designer, I witnesses different styles come and go on a seasonal basis and appreciate the thrill associated with the arrival of inspiring new trends. It’s merely human nature and if we didn’t get satisfaction out of ‘the chase’, life just wouldn’t be as fun.

When it comes to finding that something special for your home; a product that will really make a difference, the answer lies in an age-old method that has only just recently been brought to life. Originally deemed a ‘necessary’ chore that would prevent water damage to paint and wallpaper within the kitchen and bathroom, the art of tiling is now being used by homeowners and interior designers alike to create unique and luxurious settings.

The great thing about tiles is their incredible flexibility. Yes, they’re hard wearing, durable and are perfect for wet areas but they also offer a creative element too. With designers, manufacturers and now homeowners waking up to the fact that tiles have been grossly underestimated in the past and should actually play an integral part of the design process, the market has been forced to under-go a revolutionary transformation. With an ever-expanding offering of tiles now available in every size, colour, texture, material and price range imaginable, this trend can be approached full on. With such a plethora of choice that is as broad, if not more expansive than that of wallpaper and fabric offerings, readily at your fingertips, you can finally start to have fun with tiles.

Whether your property is a traditional cottage or an über contemporary town house, there’s a tile on the market that will suit its needs perfectly. Take glimmering mosaic tiles for instance, these could be used to bring life to a classic bathroom or add colour to a stark minimalist design. The mix and match of opposing tile designs also makes for an interesting result. Large, natural stone tiles can be fused with colourful mosaics to create a contrasting yet complementary aesthetic in the bathroom. The decision as to how much of the room’s surface is covered will also determine what effect is achieved. If you have a small bathroom that lacks natural sunlight, iridescent tiles that adorn the rooms every crevice will make the area appear larger and brighter instantly. Not only will light be forced to bounce around the room, encouraging a constant flow of energy and vibrancy, such a full-on approach to tiling will have a powerful and dramatic impact aesthetically.

For a softer feel, natural stone tiles are perfect. My favourite product of this nature is the ‘Silk Stone’ tile. Characterised by beautiful swirls and soft veins in caramel on a ‘talcum powder’ base, it immediately calms the senses and creates a warm and welcoming ambience. Limestone products such as this one can actually be used in all areas of the home, allowing you to coordinate an interior scheme that flows effortlessly and elegantly throughout. When you’re selecting your tile of choice in store, make sure you ask what finishes are available. You’ll often find that both pillowed and square edges can be specified, depending on what style you are adhering to; be it classically traditional or ultra modern.

Innovative and technological advancements have literally rocked the tile market recently, making it possible for any design, pattern or even personal photograph to be replicated onto the tile of your choice (though it works best with glass or block colour ceramics). For a truly individual look that will not tire as passing fads re-circulate, why not have your favourite painting or poem printed onto the splash back in your kitchen.

And for a wonderfully unique finish in the bedroom, a feature wall of textured tiles would look brilliant behind the bed.

Thinking outside the box, tiles need not be restricted to the kitchen and bathroom. In fact, more and more consumers are realising the benefits that can be had in other key areas such as the bedroom, lounge and office where feature walls can be integrated. Tiles that boast striking patterns, enchanting murals and alluring textures cater perfectly for this trend, allowing you to produce a ‘look at me’ area that furniture, a colour scheme and accessories can work around. A feature wall however should be just that; a small, confined area that draws attention and becomes the focal point of that particular room. Tiles should therefore be limited to one or two walls only as not overpower the design and detract from what you set out to achieve. A tile covered chimney breast would be the perfect example of choosing quality over quantity.

To cleverly combine a practical solution for high-traffic areas with a stylish, design-led approach, mask the wall that runs adjacent to the stairway with textured stone tiles.  Not only will this generate interest and a positive flow of energy that can be enjoyed as soon as one enters the property, the tiles will be able to withstand the daily wear and tear that wallpaper and paint simply cannot.

So when you access what tiles can do for your home, make sure you open your mind to the endless possibilities available to you and consider every space in the home from the more obvious bathroom and kitchen to the daring dining room and hallway.

 

Taylor’s Etc. 01834 862 998, www.taylorsetc.co.uk

 

Copyright Ian Taylor and The Tile and Stone Blog.co.uk, 2013. See copyright notice above.