I think this is what they used to call rag rolling many years ago. A brush as on the above link does a similar effect too. You used to be able to buy a roller with a 'rag' attached and use it to paint on the wall that would give you the effect. I'd also practice it on something before attempting the wall in question.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who helped with ideas, and especially Jen for giving me a bit of inspiration and a light bulb moment! You are so right, holding your nerves whilst it’s going up is the hardest!! . I did opt for a splash back only and extended it so it goes a little under the cupboards. I’ve posted the finished pic below and hopefully going to accessorise with copper and wood to add warmth! A big hug and thanks to all x

Hi Panikos, I use wallpaper murals a lot on projects but I must confess I avoid brick and random stone as they can look very false, they need the texture and depth to get the full effect. The point Tamp made was valid, if you use a brick slip it will be the devils own job to get this off later should you want to re decorate so brick slips are a long term decision. Brick slips can look fabulous, worth the extra money...... Have you looked at printed paper rusted steel or old wood planks?.........these are very effective in printed form. Regardless of what you choose I would advise getting a sample and pinning it to the wall for a few days, look at it in different light (day & night).....see it a fresh when you come down in the morning etc etc..... worth the effort to ensure you make the right decision Hope that helps, Martin

If it was me - and considering the tiles are unnecessary (because I’m presuming there is no bath or shower in this room and there is just a wc and sink??) and you want to update it without ripping them all out ... I would look at panelling the bottom half of the walls under the sink and around the room in a wood - painted with a suitable washable paint in a colour that works with the pale pink. That will take off the impact of all the walls being tiled. Then by the time you have added in some shelving and mirrors (heck, you could even have a mirror fitted all the way around the room if you wanted to!) the tiles won’t be that bad. Super pale pink is very fashionable at the moment and at least it’s not 50’s pink which we had, ha ha. Either going navy as a contrast or a rich grey would work or keep it all light woodwork with white and add in metallic shelves and mirrors in gold to compliment the pink. Cladding would work in the thin marine plywood and it looks great painted. It’s not a huge room so shouldn’t cost that much and you can get all the panel sections pre-cut at a diy store if you don’t have the room/facilities to chop them down yourself. There is T&G panels although they are more work and can be a bit dated with your tiles perhaps. re painting tiles.... the paints have come a long way these days to be fair and as they won’t necessarily get wet (add some feature tiles around your sink) then they shouldn’t wear out easily. The trick is to apply it correctly and don’t cut corners. Watch loads of videos on how to do it. I don’t think painting them will make a massive difference unless you were going to go with a dark paint though so seems little point.