Enhancing your home with tiles
Tiles are a versatile and practical choice for interior design, offering a wide range of styles, colours, and textures to suit various spaces. As an interior designer in Melbourne, I have witnessed the transformative power of tiles in creating visually appealing and functional environments. Let’s explore different ways to incorporate tiles within your home, considering factors such as size, materiality, colour, and placement. Whether you are planning a bathroom renovation, revamping your kitchen, or simply adding a touch of elegance to your living areas, tiles can be the perfect solution.
1. The Impact of Tile Size and Cohesion:
When working with smaller spaces, such as bathrooms, opting for larger tiles on both the floors and walls can create a refined and less cluttered feel. The uniformity of size enhances the sense of spaciousness. However, if you prefer to introduce a feature tile, ensure it shares a similar materiality or colour to maintain cohesion. For example, pairing a scalloped marble tile with a plain honed marble floor tile can create a harmonious and visually appealing contrast.
2. Choosing Colours and Tonal Harmony:
If you decide to use two different tiles in one space, such as distinct floor and wall tiles, it is advisable to select darker tiles for the floor. This contrast helps ground the room while providing a visually appealing distinction. However, ensure that the two tile selections are tonally the same to avoid clashing colours. Cohesion is key to creating a harmonious and well-designed space.
3. Tiles in the Kitchen:
The kitchen is an ideal space to experiment with tiles, adding both style and functionality. For a more traditional look, consider a marble herringbone pattern on the splashback or classic subway tiles. It is important to consider cleaning requirements when selecting kitchen tiles, as excessive grout lines can make maintenance more challenging. Opting for larger tiles or tiles with minimal grout lines can simplify cleaning and upkeep.
4. The Importance of Local Sourcing:
As a responsible homeowner, consider sourcing tiles locally whenever possible. Choosing locally manufactured tiles not only supports Australian businesses but also reduces transportation impact, minimizes the risk of breakage during transit, and ensures faster lead times. Additionally, local sourcing contributes to a more sustainable approach to interior design.
5. Tile Placement in Different Areas:
Bathrooms: Tiles are particularly well-suited for bathroom floors, where durability and water resistance are crucial. However, in living areas, tiles can feel cold, so it is advisable to incorporate rugs, soft finishes on furniture, and even timber elements to add warmth and balance.
Entry Foyer: The entry to your home gets the most traffic and a decorative tile in this area can be both visually appealing and also incredibly practical, especially for young families and pets! Likewise, using tiles in your mudroom, laundry and other areas that become muddy or wet are very easy to clean and maintain, saving you time and headaches.
Alfresco Areas: Tiles can be an excellent choice for alfresco areas, providing a durable and low-maintenance flooring solution. Consider tiles that offer slip resistance and complement the outdoor aesthetic.
Bedrooms: While tiles can be a practical choice for bedroom floors, they can create a colder ambiance. Consider using timber flooring instead and incorporating rugs to add comfort and coziness to the space.
Tiles are a versatile design element that can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your home. By carefully selecting tile sizes, colours, and materials, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing environment. Remember to consider the practical aspects, such as cleaning and maintenance requirements, while supporting local businesses and incorporating tiles thoughtfully into different areas of your home. With the right approach, tiles can transform your living spaces into showcases of style and sophistication. If you would like some more information on how you can elevate your space, book a call with us today!
