Tiles: five products to inspire your self-build interiors

Tiles have come a long way. Traditionally, they were used in the home on floors in the kitchen but nowadays designs, patterns and materials are bolder and brighter than ever. They’re no longer functional and practical flooring used in bathrooms, but statement pieces used throughout the home from kitchen floors and splashbacks to living rooms, hallways and colourful feature walls.

Kitchens

Decorative tiles can be a great way to introduce a burst of colour to a kitchen splashback and make a real impact in an otherwise utilitarian room. They can also be used as wall art to create some interest.

White Metro tiles have long been used for kitchen splashbacks, typically in a white, brick formation style but we love how this rose pink glazed ceramic tile has been used to create a herringbone effect. You could even add in another pastel (mint green) colourways from the Poitiers collection for instant impact. This colour is eye-catching and effective when paired with sleek marble surfaces and hints of brushed brass. These tiles could also be used in bathrooms. View the Poitiers Rose Pink Gloss tile here.

Bathrooms

Porcelain is a high-fired ceramic that is hard-wearing and able to withstand changes in temperatures, and so is suitable for bathroom floors and underfloor heating. Not only are they easy to clean but they are less porous so liquids and stains don’t seep into the tile. This glazed porcelain large warm white tile is perfect for use on bathroom walls and floors. View these Loft Blanco Tiles here.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not pair this with these dreamy and dramatic coastal-inspired Scallop porcelain mosaic tiles, which not only adds drama and a vibrant burst of colour, but a sense of luxury.

Living rooms and hallways

Tiles that run from the kitchen through to the dining room and living spaces can be effective in pulling a space together. For the wow factor, we love this glazed porcelain block tile with its geometric style, intricate patterns and simple lines. This tile is a striking design which can invite guests through hallways and this black block pattern can be carried through to living room spaces. You could even try mixing and matching with other geometric styles across the Cuban range to create a lively space paired with natural wood finishes and rustic rattan furniture. View the Cuban tile range here.

Fireplaces, feature walls and tile rugs

Why not create a feature wall in your home or even a tile rug using bright or bold tiles? These teal-coloured tiles are on trend and would make a bright surround on a fireplace. View the Contrasti Ottanio tiles here.

Once you have selected your tiles you needn’t stick to white grouts – there’s plenty of coloured grouts to choose from if you want to provide a contrast to your tile or alternatively you could find a colour to match your chosen tiles to disguise the grout lines to achieve a seamless flow between tiles.

Top tips on choosing tiles

1/ Create a Pinterest mood board or take inspiration from interior design magazines. Start saving your ideas to help build a picture of the style and mood you want to achieve in your self-build. Check out this instagrammer, @ihavethisthingwithtiles, who celebrates the universal appeal of tiles.

2/ Think about where you want to use tiles; this will influence the type of material you choose. Pick up samples where you can to compare.

3/ Size does matter. Consider using larger tiles in smaller rooms to make the space appear larger.

4/ When selecting tiles, you may want to use underfloor heating too so always make sure the tiles are compatible by consulting a tile expert.