38 Update it A neutral colour scheme doesn’t date and allows elegant tapware to take centrestage For a streamlined look, run the same tiles over the floor and walls mirror and fixtures,” says Tricia Mancini. “White neutral tiles are bright, crisp and cheery, while warmer-toned neutrals create a cosy, cocooning feel.” What’s trending There’s a smorgasbord of on-trend options that offer enduring style. One of the most coveted looks is earthy materials, colours and finishes – think raw concrete, large-format marble-look and timber-look tiles. The beauty of these stone- and wood-look tiles is they combine the organic appeal of natural materials with the robust characteristics of ceramic tiles, meaning they’re low maintenance and ideal for wet areas. Matt and lappato (semi-polished) finishes are also popular, as they offer a softer, sophisticated look and are less likely to show water marks or smudges than gloss tiles. Subways remain a perennial favourite. White is the classic, but as with other parts of the home, colour is creeping in here too; from brights to pastels, coloured subway tiles offer an appealing alternative to white, with blues and greens currently popular for those seeking a dash of colour. Visual trickery With a wealth of colours, sizes and patterns available, tiles are a fantastically functional tool for solving any quirks or shortfalls in a bathroom’s size or configuration. Enhance space Tiling from floor to ceiling creates a luxe look and helps enhance the sense of space. Go for large-format tiles with a rectified edge, which minimises grout lines and lends a seamless appearance to a room. Another tip is to install tiles on a 45-degree diagonal, as this will make the tiles and room appear larger. Add character To give a vast bathroom warmth and personality, Nicole Budge, national account manager of Johnson Tiles, suggests using patterned tiles or mosaics such as penny rounds to create a feature wall behind the bath or vanity. “Pairing colour with natural materials can also create a more intimate feel,” she says. “A combination of blues with crisp white and a wood-look tile laid in a herringbone pattern offers a contemporary and stylish look.” Boost light Pale colours and glossy finishes have great reflective qualities. There’s a reason why the classic gloss-white subway tiles are so popular; they can work wonders to counteract a dark and dreary bathroom. “Using gloss tiles to reflect light and the use of mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space should always be considered for any bathroom renovation,” says Nicole. Vertical vs horizontal If you’ve got a long, narrow bathroom or a compact, square space, play with tile direction to visually alter the dimensions. Rectangular tiles laid across the floor will create the illusion of width, while if laid vertically on the walls will make the ceiling look higher. Pull focus “The visual ‘busy-ness’ of a patterned tile draws attention, so use it to your advantage,” says Tricia. “If you have an element like a low bulkhead or a toilet in your direct line of sight, create an alternate focal point with an eye-catching floor-to-ceiling patterned wall.” 3D effects For a bold three-dimensional look, try using contrasting grout that’s significantly lighter or darker than the tile. This is particularly effective as a device to highlight an unusual tile shape, such as fish scales or hexagons, or pattern, like herringbone or diamond configurations. Coloured grouts on feature walls also add an unexpected point of difference. ◆ Style at a glance • Hamptons Try subways in brick (stretcher bond) or basketweave patterns; also hexagonal tiles, and grey and white marble. • Organic Tiles with non-uniform edging or a textured surface; tiles that mimic stone or timber. • Contemporary Larger format tiles; raw concrete-look tiles; geometric mosaics as a feature. • Minimalist Neutral, mutedtoned large-format tiles. bunnings.co.nz | bunningsnz
DIY f looring It’s easy to transform your bathroom from the ground up with these stunning Senso self adhesive planks. Affordable and easy to transport, Senso offers DIY’ers a simple way to improve every room in the home. View the entire Senso by Gerflor range online at sensof looring.co.nz PEEL & STICK H Y POALLERGE NIC W ATER RESISTA N T EASY TO CLEA N DURABLE Natural ‘Lord’ 914 x 184 x 2mm Sku Self Adhesive Planks
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