36 1 Tile style 4 3 The functional finish of choice in bathrooms, beautiful tiles can make an incredible statement and cast clever illusions 2 6 5 7 8 8 9 10 bunnings.co.nz | bunningsnz
37 Update it Wet room walls and floors Design hack For a great go-to combination, Tricia recommends a mid- to dark-tone 60cm x 60cm floor tile, a light or white wall tile – either 60cm x 60cm or 60cm x 30cm – and a mosaic/feature tile on the most prominent wall. “For the feature, choose either a patterned tile or a white hexagonal, subway or penny round, with a darker grout that picks up the floor colour. This combination creates contrast, balance and a great focal point,” she says. Mix and match tiles of different scales for a sophisticated look When choosing tiles for bathroom floors, check their slip-resistance classification is suitable for wet areas Words Kylie Jackes. Photography Brigid Arnott, stylist Tilly Roberts. pmgdesign.com.au Built to last – and to be lived with long-term – bathroom tiles need to be chosen with care. Determining the best style, colour, pattern, combination and size can seem overwhelming, but if you’re guided by the space you’re working with, you can create a designer tile look that makes the most of your bathroom. Style guide When selecting bathroom tiles, interior designer Tricia Mancini, of PMG Design, says the first step is considering the look you want to achieve: light and airy, warm and enveloping, contemporary or sophisticated? This will get you thinking about colour combinations. “For an interesting designer look, it’s best to use two to three different tile selections. Any more than three and the space starts to look cluttered,” explains Tricia. “Bathroom fixtures and other materials will also impact the overall look, so decide whether you want to create contrast with bold tapware or prefer more subtle accessories, so the tiles are the star.” When it comes to size, be guided by the dimensions of your bathroom. “A large-format tile will look fabulous in a larger space, but will lose impact in a small powder room. A better option in a compact zone is a 60cm square, a 60cm x 30cm rectangle tile or a softly patterned mosaic,” says Tricia. Though plain at first glance, much-loved neutral tiles offer myriad benefits. “They’re a timeless canvas against which you can layer pattern, colour and texture and be more creative with a striking vanity, Opposite page: All tiles Johnson Tiles 1 20cm x 10cm bevelled edge ceramic wall tile in White Gloss, $34.80/carton of 48, SKU: 00012684. 2 300mm x 600mm rectified ceramic wall tile in Marble White, $43.03/carton of 8, SKU: 00012640. 3 ‘Sorrento’ 400mm x 400mm ceramic floor tile in Charcoal Matt, $45.08/carton of 9, SKU: 00289560. 4 300mm x 100mm ceramic wall tile in Grey Gloss, $29.60/carton of 40, SKU: 00012680. 5 ‘Spectrum’ 97mm x 97mm wall tile in Storm Grey Gloss, $0.88 each, SKU: 00012026. 6 300mm x 100mm ceramic wall tile in Charcoal Gloss, $29.60/carton of 40, SKU: 00012679. 7 ‘Ripple’ 300mm x 200mm wall tile in Ultra White, $34.89/carton of 24, SKU: 06661104. 8 300mm x 300mm crystal glass and stone blend mosaic tile, $14.55/sheet, SKU: 06661938 (full sheet not shown). 9 ‘Mars’ 600mm x 300mm semi polished floor tile in Grey, $71.70/pack of 6, SKU: 06661172. 10 Mondella ‘Signature’ WELS 5-star 6L/min basin mixer in Brushed Rose Gold, $149, SKU: 05004177. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunningsnz | bunnings.co.nz