One could spend hours in a tile shop, oohing and aahing over the extensive ranges. From porcelain to ceramic, and mosaics to terracotta. There’s so much to love (eye candy on tap) until it’s decision time. That’s when it can feel a little overwhelming - so much to choose from, with only so many surfaces to cover!
Here’s some guiding trends and practical considerations that might help you make up your mind:
Large Format
Large and extra-large format tiles are on the rise right now. Large format tiles go hand in hand with minimalism and create an expansive feel and sense of space. If you want a room to look larger, then this is a trend you’ll love. They also come with the added benefits of less grout to clean – sign me up!
Nature Inspired Textures
Tiles that mimic the look of natural stone or marble remain popular. Travertine and terracotta are two natural materials that are in hot demand, the earthy tones and hardwearing nature make them a beautiful but practical choice. Soapstone and limestone slabs offer softly textured finishes and earthy hues that will bring a restful feel to your home. Homeowners also have access to timber look porcelain tiles to choose from which are hardwearing and easy to clean.
Tone on Tone
If you’re one to follow trends, you’ll be drawn to the current tone on tone trend of layering neutral colours (think beige on beige) and letting the textures do the talking. However, there really is no such thing as a wrong colour choice, if it ‘sparks joy’, as Marie Kondo would say, then go with it! The colour ranges available are extensive and this is a time to have a little fun and follow your intuition.
Terrazzo Revival
Terrazzo tiles are experiencing their time in the sun right now (no coincidence they hail from Venetia in Italy!). They’re a timeless classic with chips of marble or granite set in concrete and polished to give a smooth surface. They’re much loved by designers as they go well with modern and classical looks and the kaleidoscope of colours means they lend themselves to a wide range of colour palettes. New variations feature larger aggregate sizes, mixed colours, and innovative binding materials, offering a fresh take on this classic material. Terrazzo is also constructed from recycled elements, resonating with today's eco-conscious buyers.
Crazy Pavers
Another 70s trend that is featuring in home design of the 2020’s are crazy pavers. Laying irregular-shaped stones or fragments of paving material in a random fashion is a trend that has been here for a few years and is still holding strong. Crazy pavers are great for paving outdoor walkways and courtyards, continue them up the walls and even take them inside.
Mosaics & Subway Tiles
Geometric mosaics like hexagonal and chevron designs can give a modern 3D appeal to your bathroom or kitchen. The subway tile is an enduring classic that has been a firm favourite for decades - stacked vertically gives it a fresh take. Herringbone pattern has are a timeless yesteryear vibes and endless charm. Look to fish scale, finger tiles, penny round and square mosaics to add a touch of sophistication to any splashback or bathroom.
Coloured Grout
Gone are the days where grout is to be seen and not heard. Grout can now play a colourful role in bringing together a cohesive colour scheme. The choice is yours: colour match and let the grout disappear into the background; or get playful and pick a contrasting coloured grout that pops! Anything from dusky pinks and oranges to bold bright complimentary colours. Get experimental with your grout colours, as well as thickness, use it to add depth to your design.
Nature Inspired Textured Tiles
Large Terrazzo Tile Splashback
Slip Resistance
For wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, consider tiles with a textured surface or slip-resistant rating to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Check for slip resistance ratings such as the Coefficient of Friction (COF).
Budget
It’s not only the cost of the tile that you need to consider, but the complexity of tile can greatly increase the cost to install.
Usage Area
Different areas require different levels of durability. For example, floor tiles need to withstand foot traffic, while wall tiles might not need to be as tough. Check if the tile range is designed for indoors or outdoors.
Ease of Cleaning
Glossy tiles can be easier to clean but might show streaks and fingerprints, whereas matte tiles are less prone to showing fingerprints and smudges making them a great choice for high-traffic areas.
Sealing
Some tiles, especially natural stones like granite or travertine, require periodic sealing to prevent staining and water damage.
Room Dimensions
Large tiles can make a small room appear bigger, but they might require precise installation. Smaller tiles or mosaics can be better for intricate designs or smaller spaces.
Allow these practical considerations to whittle down your options, and then have fun selecting the tiles you love. At the end of the day, it’s your home, so trust your instinct.
Matamata Show Home - Geometric Diamond Cube Tiles
Taupo Show Home - Nature Inspired Textured Aramanto Black Tiles