This post was updated on 1/12/19
If you feel your home needs a fresh design feature, or you are a keen home improvement enthusiast seeking a challenge to take on, why not consider introducing some beautiful tiles in an unexpected, unconventional way? Whether you prefer an earthy, natural tile like terracotta or a shimmery luxe mosaic-type, the choice of colours, style and designs is virtually limitless, as is where you can place them. They don’t have to be used just in the bathroom or kitchen. You can contrast different styles of tile, too, for a unique look such as this:
In fact in my own home, we opted for contrasting tile textures, as you can see here in my post about using Ted Baker Tiles in our Shower Room.
Here in the UK with our cooler climate, we don’t tend to embrace tiled floors as much as in the Mediterranean, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the joy of colourful, stylish tiles – we can use them instead in smaller focal areas such as on the risers of our stairs, inside a fireplace, as a tiled hearth or to create an interesting wall design:
You can understand why tiles are popular in kitchens, due to their hardwearing, practical nature and ‘easy clean’ properties. A favourite option is to have a tiled splashback in a kitchen, but don’t necessarily choose a straightforward plain tile, think about something that will make a statement, as well as make you smile. This unconventional splashback is almost like a piece of abstract art:
And this is another great idea, using small hexagonal tiles along the lower portions of a wall:
Even adding a simple contrasting stripe can create a really appealing effect:
In the bathroom, with all that water, steam, heat and necessity to clean, tiles make perfect sense. But once again, don’t just play it safe. Be imaginative and bold in tile colour or texture…
If you’d like to have a go at a tiling project yourself, but feel a little daunted, there are plenty of online guides, plus tools and tips you can find to make the job easier; for example ensuring tiles are clean and dry when you place them and waiting 24 hours for the adhesive to dry before grouting your tiles. Tile Flair have some really helpful videos and advice on their site, alongside a fantastically wide range of tile styles, sizes, colours and designs and for more inspiration, make sure you head over to my Simply Tiles Pinterest Board. Or pin this post for later:
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© Copyright 2015 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
I LOVE these shots! Particularly the incredible hummingbird tiles in the shower!! How amazing!! I totally love the kitchen before it too — with the patterned floor-tiles and metro tiles on the wall; just lovely.
My boy and I have tackled a LOT of tiling over the years, in various houses. The most memorable being; tiling a wet-room one New Year’s Eve, as we were absolutely DESPERATE for a shower!! Not the best way to see the new year in but hey! I still remember it!! 😉 #LoveYourHome
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
Caro | The Twinkles Momma recently posted…106 weeks and 1 day | Our Ensuite Bathroom Makeover
Hi Caro, sorry I must have missed your comment first time round! The designs are all so imaginative, aren’t they? I love to see such creativity and good on you for tackling all that tiling, I’ve never attempted any – yet! xx
So many good ideas, but the first image with the sink is my fav. I HAVE to have that!! Also, love the new blog design, looks fab 🙂 x
Hollie @ MiaFleur recently posted…Sourcebook: Paint by Conran
Hi Hollie, lovely to have you here! I know it’s an amazing sink isn’t it? Can’t take your eyes off it 🙂 Thanks for the nice feedback about my blog, too xx
These shots make me want to move house!! I love all the floor tiles, particularly the hexagonal ones. It’s something that I’d definitely consider in the future although I’d have to insist on underfloor heating 🙂
Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely recently posted…Because I never want to forget …
Hi Rachel, thanks for stopping by! Aren’t they all fab? We don’t have any tiles apart from boring white ones in our bathroom, so I think I need to change that situation soon! x
That tile design beside the tub (2nd to the last image) is really catchy. I never thought of using tiles like that – and I just might the next time I need to remodel our bathroom. Thanks for the idea!
Lee North recently posted…Installing A Combi Boiler In Your Newcastle Home.
It’s really imaginative, isn’t it? Good luck if you decide to give it a try! 🙂
Wao! Looks really nice, the designs are really impressive. I never seen these type of designs.
Wow! Looks amazing! I think I need to share this across my social media for our fans to see this!
Great work 🙂
James
That bathroom mural with the hummingbirds is simply amazing! I can understand the concept of not having too much tile on the floor because it’s a colder climate, but using them in bathrooms and showers and then in the kitchen is really cool.