Decorating
Decorating: Surprising Ways to Add Vibrance With Tiles
Graphic, shiny, vibrant, glam… However you want to decorate your walls and floors, tiles are so versatile
Yes, tiles have a sensible side, providing a wipe-down, waterproof and durable surface. They are something of an essential in kitchens and bathrooms. But that doesn’t mean they have to fade into the background. Here are 10 surprising ways to inject colour, pattern and vibrance with tiles. Welcome to the fun side…
Take a shine
Tile impact doesn’t have to mean busy patterns or shouty colour. These super-shiny tiles are muted in shade, but literally reflect the beautiful bedroom fittings – and would be a joy to walk on. Proof that tiles can add sensual pleasure as well as being a visual treat.
Tile impact doesn’t have to mean busy patterns or shouty colour. These super-shiny tiles are muted in shade, but literally reflect the beautiful bedroom fittings – and would be a joy to walk on. Proof that tiles can add sensual pleasure as well as being a visual treat.
Wake up to primaries
A bright wall of primary colours exudes a sunshine state of mind in this zingy, modern bathroom. Pick a favourite shade and repeat it in towels, accessories or, as here, a chair seat pad to unite the look.
Be inspired by vivid colours in the bathroom
A bright wall of primary colours exudes a sunshine state of mind in this zingy, modern bathroom. Pick a favourite shade and repeat it in towels, accessories or, as here, a chair seat pad to unite the look.
Be inspired by vivid colours in the bathroom
Head to the dark side
Unless you’re still a fan of the avocado bathroom suite, chances are your tub, basin and WC are icy white. Cocoon them in black mosaic tiles for a simple, striking statement. In a small or odd-shaped bathroom, the enveloping effect will be emphasised.
Learn why black and white is a winning bathroom scheme
Unless you’re still a fan of the avocado bathroom suite, chances are your tub, basin and WC are icy white. Cocoon them in black mosaic tiles for a simple, striking statement. In a small or odd-shaped bathroom, the enveloping effect will be emphasised.
Learn why black and white is a winning bathroom scheme
Go graphic
Classic monochrome chequerboard tiles still have the power to wow. Team with a deep wall shade for a look that taps into the boho side of this Victorian-style staple. This emerald green offsets the black and white beautifully.
Classic monochrome chequerboard tiles still have the power to wow. Team with a deep wall shade for a look that taps into the boho side of this Victorian-style staple. This emerald green offsets the black and white beautifully.
Big it up
A large-scale but simplified motif, like this arrangement of circles and squares, is particularly effective in a spacious hallway. This pattern makes the hall feel more like a fully fledged room, whereas plain marble could make it feel rather cold and empty.
A large-scale but simplified motif, like this arrangement of circles and squares, is particularly effective in a spacious hallway. This pattern makes the hall feel more like a fully fledged room, whereas plain marble could make it feel rather cold and empty.
Liven up your greys
Grey is definitely still on-trend, but you can add interest with contrasting tiles. A splashback that extends up the wall is also an excellent idea if you have individual wall-hung cabinets – one section of splashback could look ‘bitty’ and broken up in here.
Grey is definitely still on-trend, but you can add interest with contrasting tiles. A splashback that extends up the wall is also an excellent idea if you have individual wall-hung cabinets – one section of splashback could look ‘bitty’ and broken up in here.
Get on the riser
Pick up the patchwork trend in a hallway, but then add impact by taking the tiles up the stairs, too. Tiling your staircase risers cleverly uses an otherwise redundant surface. It also works as a design device, lifting the visitor’s attention up to the next level of the house.
Pick up the patchwork trend in a hallway, but then add impact by taking the tiles up the stairs, too. Tiling your staircase risers cleverly uses an otherwise redundant surface. It also works as a design device, lifting the visitor’s attention up to the next level of the house.
Cosy up a corner
Got a cupboard-sized space or alcove that’s looking a little dull? In a small area you can afford to pave it with interesting, high-end Moroccan tiles. Here, plain walls and spare accessories let the floor do the talking.
Got a cupboard-sized space or alcove that’s looking a little dull? In a small area you can afford to pave it with interesting, high-end Moroccan tiles. Here, plain walls and spare accessories let the floor do the talking.
Add detail in recesses
At first glance, this bathroom looks luxe, but unremarkable. Then you notice the recesses are tiled in a bling-tastic golden-bronze, illuminated by LEDs. It’s gorgeously glam, but classily understated. The hexagonal shape of the mosaics adds extra interest.
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Do you like to incorporate vivid tiles? Share your photos in the Comments below.
At first glance, this bathroom looks luxe, but unremarkable. Then you notice the recesses are tiled in a bling-tastic golden-bronze, illuminated by LEDs. It’s gorgeously glam, but classily understated. The hexagonal shape of the mosaics adds extra interest.
TELL US...
Do you like to incorporate vivid tiles? Share your photos in the Comments below.
Take the edge off the ‘squareness’ and rigidity of tiles with a serpentine, wiggly pattern. This kitchen already has plenty of hard angles, with industrial glazing and a grid of beams, so the free-flowing floor motif loosens up the look beautifully.