Tiles are the unsung heroes of interior design. Having a durable and easily cleanable surface is a total lifesaver, especially when you've got little ones around. However, simply viewing them from a practical angle overlooks the breathtaking beauty they've been gracing us with since way back when.
That's precisely why we tapped into the expertise of Metricon's interior design guru, Kristina Orban, to highlight her top picks for the latest tiling trends.
Get colourful
We all know the reliable white or off-white tile that is the backbone of so many kitchen and bathroom designs, but sometimes it pays to throw a splash of colour into a room. According to Kristina, shades of green are lighting the way this year.
“We’re seeing everything from paler sea foam greens to dark sage and brilliant emerald hues coming through in beautifully tiled designs,” she says. “The great thing about green is that it brings a really natural feel to any interior, whether you use it in larger subway-style tiles or smaller mosaic detail.”
Other tile colours that are all the rage this year include the redder spectrum spanning all the way from a pinkish blush through an orange-tinted coral and on to that Mediterranean feel you get with terracotta. “Those earthier tones aren’t going anywhere,” Kristina says. “We’re using these shades often in our home designs along with those beautiful greens.”
You can check out the most popular paint colours too.
Shape up
When choosing the perfect tile for your walls, floors or splashbacks, shape is every part as important as colour in perfecting your home’s interior design.
“We love the slimmer finger-style mosaic tiles that are really dominating the market right now. And we’re also really keen on arched tiles that can be arranged in a fan-like design, or anything with a curved edge. They can give you a contemporary feel that leans into European inspiration.” Kristina Orban
It’s not just the shape of the tile that makes a style impact. It’s also how you arrange the bigger picture. “We love to use tiles in a herringbone design, which gives you that classic look that has stood the test of time,” Kristina says.
See the pattern
In addition to using patterns in your layout, you can also incorporate design on the tile itself. “We love the swirls and flecks of natural stone or imitation tiles too,” Kristina says. “They have the added bonus of bringing both a visual flourish to the interior and can also add a textural element to the room.”
The big comeback kid on the pattern front is the terrazzo tile. “It’s a huge deal in Australian homes right now, and you can either use it sparingly as a feature splash or go for maximum impact on a bathroom floor.”
Kristina also suggests having a play around with geometric shapes and block-patterned tiles. “They’re really popular right now too and can be a bold choice when used on the floor or as a feature wall in your bathroom.”
Feel good
One of the beautiful things about opting for tiles, is how they can make you feel when you run your hands along them for that textural thrill.
“We’ve been embracing the trend for fluted tiles with beautiful wave-like indentations running across the surface. They look fantastic and feel great, too, with your fingers dipping into and bouncing over that gentle undulation.” Kristina Orban
Assembling lots of smaller tiles in a feature spot can create a fabulous feel too. “When you fan that out across a surface, it offers a really soft way to add gentle texture to a room, creating interest without being too in-your-face about it or adding block colour,” Kristina says.
Crafty options
The explosion in popularity of apps like Instagram, Etsy and Pinterest has helped invigorate the artisanal scene here in Australia and internationally. “Even though the trend for handcrafted tiles has been around forever, there’s been a huge surge in interest of late and it’s easier than ever to source handmade tiles with all their beautiful imperfections,” Kristina says.
They don’t have to be brand-spanking new either. “It’s one of those situations where if you can get hold of pre-loved tiles second-hand, they can look even better with that lived-in feel,” Kristina says. “It creates a beautiful lifting feel to the home and can often lend itself to earthy schemes like coastal or country interiors.”
If you're needing some more inspo to get those creative cogs turning, head on over to our Gallery and explore the hundreds of beautiful images we have on show.
