Wall Tiles: Our 2018 Home Design Handbook
Do you have a benign bathroom in desperate need of a design update? Is your kitchen a tired relic, with faded fixtures and decade-old decor? Are you looking for ways to revolutionise your home’s interior from the ground up?
You’ve come to the right place: our 2018 home design handbook, focusing on wall tiles – which styles to explore, how to arrange them and much more. We’ll cover decades, design styles and rooms in the house to give you a thorough picture of what works and what doesn’t.
Chevron patterns
The traditional, brick-style patterning used with tiles is not the only way to go in terms of layout. There is a world of wall tile layout options out there, but today, we’re focusing on chevrons – as this is a layout turning heads amongst tastemakers this year. Offering a far more irreverent style than regular patterning, they can really make a statement as bathroom wall tiles when arranged in zigzag stripes in pastel colours.
Be careful, though, as more than one loud chevronned wall is overkill, and could turn your fun, colourful bathroom into a busy and oversaturated space. When dealing with vibrant patterns and bright colours, less is always more.
Mirror tiles
When used correctly, mirror tiles can look fantastic as part of a statement wall in a kitchen or bathroom. As with the colourful chevrons, it’s important not to overdo it; two mirror-tiled walls facing each other can disorientate and create the Droste effect – always best avoided in a living space designed for comfort and relaxation.
Nonetheless, mirror tiles are ideal for maximising space in small bathrooms, bouncing the light around and creating the illusion of limitless space – very useful in a windowless room such as an en-suite. They can also make a big impact when used as kitchen wall tiles, giving your food prep area an unbeatable shine that will get people talking.
Subway splashbacks
Metro tiles remain a smart and practical option for a kitchen splashback. Inspired by the simple, functionality-first designs of the world’s underground rail systems, these tiles were developed as a simple and colourful way of making a windowless underground space seem larger and more vibrant.
Understated and clean in white, a few metro wall tiles behind your kitchen sink provide a simple and elegant design solution that won’t break the bank. Alternatively, a glossy black metro wall tile for your kitchen – such as the Classic Black tile – offers a clean, contemporary look.
Victorian chic
Elegant patterns dating back from the Industrial Revolution’s heyday have become more popular of late. Often found as original features in terraced houses built in the late 1800s, these delicately patterned tiles have experienced something of a renaissance in recent years.
If you’re looking for a way to bathe your walls in Victorian chic, a great place to start is by choosing a handful of tiles in your favourite pattern – let’s say enough to make a 3×3 square. Place these tiles on your wall in a spot that demands attention – a kitchen wall alongside a breakfast bar, or even a dining room – and border with brilliant white porcelain tiles to give the room a bespoke focal point, drawing attention to those time-honoured Victorian designs.
Encaustic effect
Encaustic tiles are fired with different types of clay to create a bold design that won’t wear out, meaning it will stand the test of time. Mediterranean-style encaustic tiles offer wall tile ideas galore – allowing you to transform your home into an exotic villa.
A pattern using the subtle reds and greys of the Demireks Vintage Arrow tile would look ideal in a kitchen leading onto a patio – we can practically taste the paella bubbling away on the range!
Mixed mosaics
One of our favourite wall tile ideas is the use of mosaic tiles in simple patterns, giving the impression of a complex tiling job while actually being very easy to install. Typically used in kitchens, we think some smart mosaic tiles such as our Pleyades Glass Mosaic product would look great in an opulent dining space, or as a border around a mirror.
For a more adventurous look, consider herringbone mosaic tiles – more difficult to install but guaranteed to get people talking. One of our top picks in this style is the Herringbone Black and White Matt – perfect for a fresh remix of the classic 1950s diner look.
Nikea tiles
For a colourful statement kitchen splashback, consider Nikea tiles. These colourful patterns don’t need to match – in fact, the more mismatched, the better. You can shop around for patterns and throw them together at random, just like a bubbling Moroccan stew! Introducing a Nikea kitchen wall tile splashback to your home will make your culinary area a treat for the senses, making your food seem all the more delicious.
They’re not just for the kitchen, either. This wall tile design can also look lovely on a living room wall alongside some vintage furniture, or even behind a headboard in the bedroom.
Bold borders
Just about any wall tile works well as a border, used as a highlighting technique for a focal point like a mirror or a painting. A simple pattern incorporating corner tiles will work well – and alongside some tiles in paler or more muted tones (such as a simple white or grey), your border is sure to make a big impact. Our personal pick for this design has to be the Staturio corner tile – a bold yet simple look.
We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for a wall tile revolution in your home, whether it’s a smart, glossy splashback, a wild, mismatched mosaic or something completely different. With so many options to choose from, the key is to put your finger on your personal style – after that, finding your perfect match should be a piece of cake.
Comments are closed here.