Creative ways with TILES

From natural stone to painted ceramic designs, tiles have long been used to create practical yet decorative surfaces in the home. Nowadays, with myriad shapes, sizes, colours and configurations on offer, it is easier than ever to enliven a decorating scheme with tiles. “Tile options have come a long way from the utilitarian choices our grandparents were faced with,” Rob Whitaker, creative director at Claybrook, says. “Decorative patterns in bold hues for floors sit happily alongside wall tiles that burst with eye-catching colours or are in natural materials in interesting shapes.”

Here we look at ways this practical and beautiful medium can be used throughout the home.

WONDER WALLS

In a kitchen, select tile designs that balance aesthetics with functionality, bearing in mind that smooth-surfaced tiles will be easier to keep clean than textured varieties.

Consider using a combination of patterned and plain tiles