Spanish Patterned Porcelain Tile Kalafrana
Spanish Patterned Porcelain Tile Kalafrana

TILE TIME

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Choosing the right tiles for every space

My last article was about creating mood boards to help you curate your interior style. This month I talk about using tiles, which are a fantastic way of introducing colour, texture and pattern into your home.

Today’s tiles are available from across the globe and we’re so lucky in Australia to have access from some of the best design houses. Every year new designs are released at trade fairs like CERSAIE in Bologna, Italy; Coverings in the USA and Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. It’s at shows such as these that our Australian suppliers select products for their ranges that we can purchase back home in Australia.

In recent times, the penchant for subway or metro tiles has seen a huge uptake in Australia. As have intricately patterned tiles. Texture and colour, shapes and patterns abound and yet, we still seem stuck on plain, grey, white and taupe! I can understand this choice if you’re only creating an interior to on-sell, but if you’re creating your long-term or forever home, put some personality into it and embrace colour.

Tiles can be used in every room of your home. In Europe where carpet is rarely used, tiles feature in lounge rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. If that feels wrong or too cold for you, consider using under floor heating as a way of warming up the space, and of course, rugs are the perfect addition in the cooler months.

Tiles come with various ratings and it’s important that
you use the correct tile for the correct space

Marble and marble-look tiles are incredibly popular – and why not, marble is a timeless and elegant material. Available in many sizes from mosaics to large format, marble looks beautiful anywhere.

A new range of marble tiles from Australian designer, Greg Natale, Marmo – is a medley of intricately realised marble mosaic tiles. A standout feature in Greg Natale’s interiors, are his use of floor and wall tiles to add detail, warmth and drama – bringing spaces to life. It is fitting then that he brings his creative vision to this new medium, now available for use in your own interior.

Embracing a passion for geometric pattern, seven striking designs feature, inspired by some of the greats of Italian Architecture. Names that have revolutionised the way we look at and engage with the space around us such as Palladio, Scarpa, Sottsass and Ponti.

Another Australian supplier, and one that has been around for many years, Johnson Tiles has its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring the quality and reliability of its products. Offering many styles they also offer a bespoke range where you can add your personal touch, be it for commercial or residential applications. I particularly love their colourful, Spectrum range, which are available in small sizes in ceramic with gloss or satin finishes in a range of rainbow colours.

Selecting the right tile is extremely important. Choose non-porous, slip resistant for bathrooms and wet areas, exteriors and where safety under foot is required

Tiles can be used on floors, walls, ceilings, around fireplaces, as features in entries and of course outdoors to give spaces strength, thermal and decorative characteristics; not to mention their benefits in wet areas and where non-porous surfaces are required.

Selecting the right tile is extremely important. Choose non-porous, slip resistant for bathrooms and wet areas, exteriors and where safety under foot is required.  Tiles come with various ratings and it’s important that you use the correct tile for the correct space.  Your tile company, designer or architect can help you to obtain the right product for the job.

 Thanks to My Tiles, Kalafrana Ceramics, Johnson Tiles & Greg Natale Design

Images: 1: Johnson Tiles 2, 3,4 : Kalafrana Ceramics 5, 6: My Tiles
7, 8, 9, 10: Greg Natale Design

#tiles #ceramics #flooring #mosaictiles #interiordesign