Tile trends can change so fast. In a fast paced industry what is popular today might be out of fashion tomorrow. However working with some of Europe’s leading tile manufacturers we can see shifts in tile designs before they even happen. At ea ceramics we strive to keep you updated on all the latest tile trends, and what we believe may soon be in fashion.
Marble is in
Marble, marble and more marble! Classy, funky and clean. A bathroom staple for centuries, often associated with luxury and what was once the preserve of high-end hotels, you can now find marble effect tiles in homes all around Europe. Available in all shapes and sizes, subtle and more extravagant tones, marble is certainly the in-thing and can really give your home that wow factor you’ve been looking for.
The bigger the better
Everything is getting bigger and bigger, trust us! Out with the small and in with the large. Previously used more for commercial use, large format tiles are now becoming extremely popular for domestic applications too.
Available in a wide variety of styles, one of their most important design elements is that there is less grout required, helping to achieve more of a crisp and unified look throughout the home. Never be afraid to use these larger tiles in smaller areas, no matter what size room you think you have, using large format tiles will always give the illusion of extra space. For a more modern look, we say go large!
Extravagant Patterns & Designs
How do you feel about doing away with uniformed rows and installing a more decorative pattern? Using brick tiles you can create different patterns to offer more visual appeal, enhancing the final look of your splash-back or bathroom.
Maybe a herringbone pattern, laying your tiles on a slant or creating a brick type formation. Mixing up your decorative styles can give your tiles that standout look. Matching your grout colours can help stop your design from looking a little too busy, or if you think busier is better, then choosing a contrasting grout colour can really make your pattern pop. What will you do?
Wood effect tiles and why we love them
So why choose wood effect tiles instead of real wood, vinyl or laminate I hear you ask? Well for one, side by side it can be incredibly difficult to even tell the difference between natural wood and wood effect tiles. They seriously look that good! Take a look at the image beside this post and see if you can tell the difference, because we can’t.
On top of how great they can look in your home, you will also find them to be more hard-wearing and easier to maintain than their alternatives. Most stains are easily removed, they don’t require any sealing and because of the super hard and durable properties of a porcelain tile you will find that scratching, chipping or any damage is much more unlikely than that of natural wood. All in all they are simply just easier to maintain.
Lastly wood effect tiles can also come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colours. So you are sure to be able to find the perfect fit and colour scheme for your home.
Choosing the right grout colour for you
Selecting the right coloured grout to give you that final finish can sometimes prove to be a difficult process. Which colour you eventually choose can impact how your tiles will look in a number of ways.
If you like the idea of a minimalistic look, then if possible, it might be best to try and match your grout colour to your chosen tiles as best as you can. This way your grout lines almost fade into the background allowing for a more continuous flowing type of design. This flowing look, albeit an optical illusion, can also make the space tiled seem larger than it actually is, as to the eye the separation of each tile is more difficult to spot.
Alternatively if you would prefer a more dynamic design to finish off your look then you may be better selecting a grout which is a different colour to your tiles. These contrasting colours help separate your joints from your tile and as a result make your tile stand out more emphasizing, its colours and patterns.
Finally when grouting your floor you need to consider the foot traffic that your room may encounter. Almost all grouts over time can discolour, however the lighter shade of grout you use, the more likely this discolouration is to show. A slightly darker shade of grout will help to hide more discolouration or any dirt from shoes or pets helping to maintain your final finish.
