The ultimate 2019 trends for your kitchen and bathroom tiles
People often worry about following interior trends, as decking out your house is often more of an investment compared to say, fashion.
But interior trends tend to move slower and often ‘micro’ trends then become elements of larger trends. For example, the explosion of copper in interiors came from mixing metals in the Industrial trend.
A great way to explore trends is to break them down into fundamental parts such as format or structure and then choose the parts that appeal to your taste.
Choosing one element from each trend and building them together will create a cohesive theme that will be both on-trend and timeless. For example, wood-effect tiles are a big tile trend as is parquet flooring in the interior world. Put these two together, a small format wood-effect tile in a chevron pattern, and you have instant Parisian chic in a hardwearing floor that will last for years. If you choose a dark coloured wood-effect then you could tap into the mid-century or industrial trends depending how you accessorise the room.
Surface and Structure
Natural effects like wood, concrete and marble are constantly evolving to better replicate their real counterpart and used in conjunction with each other for a nod to the urban aesthetic.
Marble has been extremely popular over the last couple of years, from real marble walls in luxury Manhattan apartments to marble wrapping paper! Although it’s a classic and timeless material that pretty much goes with any colour palette or setting it’s soon to be replaced in popularity by terrazzo.
This seemingly newer material made of chips of marble or granite set in concrete and polished to give a smooth surface is actually an age-old technique employed by the Italians, often seen on the streets of their cities. It’s much hardier than marble and less susceptible to the wet making it perfect for open living areas that also go through to the outdoors. For a modern polished look opt for a larger format tile with a narrow grout line.
Pattern and Decoration
A Victorian influence can be seen in most elements of design but tiles are the most apparent. Often considered as a ‘classic’ look, Victorian style tiles are now coming back in bolder, modern colour palettes making them the perfect tile choice in whatever style home. Choose from pretty pastels, bold jewel tones or timeless monochrome and build a look on symmetry, floral motifs and intricate patterns.
Geometrics certainly make a bold statement in the home but they are a great way of adding a splash of colour in a compact space. If you don’t favour a striking look choose a muted tone and blend it in using select accessories and rustic wood to achieve a more calming patterned space.
Whatever your taste might be, consider all aspects of the project before embarking on a choice of tile. What colour palette do you want to stick to, does it flow with the rest of the home and most importantly, do you love it?