TILE IT LIKE IT IS

Tiles are no doubt the go-to material for bathrooms, but are you choosing the right design for your home interiors? Here’s a look at the latest tile options for five popular bathroom styles.

byEliza Hamizah

Tiles are no doubt the go-to material for bathrooms, but are you choosing the right design for your home interiors? Here’s a look at the latest tile options for five popular bathroom styles.

photo RICE LAB

A raw brick wall in the bathroom is not easy to maintain. Opt for the brick-look Ragno Fornace tile, instead.

THE LOOK

Shabby Chic

Down-to-earth and inviting, shabby chic leans towards soft colours and Laura Ashley-esque flora and fauna prints. Ditch leather sofas for plush fabric ones, and pair them with antique wooden sideboards with patinated accents. If these archetypes already dominate the living and bedroom spaces, bathrooms should feature subtler interiors; look out for tiles in pastel hues or opt for deeper jewel tones and brighter colours for a stylishly bohemian twist.

The brown tones on Flore Gris give warmth to the typically cool colour scheme of shabby chic interiors.

photo HAFARY

These Melograno tiles will give your bathroom a delicate, romantic touch.

photo HAFARY

Vintage-look fittings and knobs will go well with these rustic Grunge Oxid tiles.

5 THINGS TO NOTE WHEN SELECTING BATHROOM TILES

Most floor tiles can be used on walls, but wall tiles – especially decorative and polished ones – are not suitable for floors.

Love marble tiles? Choose smaller tiles for wet areas, as they have better traction for your feet, and bigger tiles for dry areas.

The larger the tile, the fewer joint lines there will be. This is great for a seamless look.

Tiles are resistant to heat, fire and stains, and are therefore suitable for both bathroom and kitchen countertops.

Choose a grout colour that is similar to your tile; it’s easier to maintain, clean and replace.

design LAURA GONZALEZ

THE LOOK

Classical

Inspired by 18th and 19th century European decor, the classical look favours symmetry and natural materials. Ornate cornices and wainscoting, as well as coffered ceilings, are staples, though modern homeowners tone down these elements with simplified designs. For the bathroom, opt for neutral hues like cream and olive, and pair them with distinctive stone countertops or tiles, and a gilded mirror. A crystal chandelier would be the cherry on top!

photo HAFARY

Anello C and Treccia C are stylish reinterpretations of the grand columns and symmetry found in classical architecture.

design FUSE CONCEPT

Bold and simple, the blackandwhite checkered floor has been popular since the 1500s and is seen in many Neoclassical buildings.

photo HAFARY

Pay homage to the style’s love for natural materials with Onyx Rainbow, which is suitable for walls and dry-area flooring.

photo HAFARY

The Cordoba Negro subtly combines a marble finish with a timeless black-andwhite palette.

photo RICE LAB

Rombini is a series of ceramic tiles, which include the 3-D Triangle as well as Uni. The latter features diamond outlines.

photo GF+A GLOBAL

The Oro Giallo by Bisazza shows the potential and versatility of mosaic tiles in creating 3-D-like motifs.

photo RICE LAB

No need to assemble these prints like a jigsaw. The Puzzle tile by Mutina looks equally good in a random configuration.

photo HAFARY

Can’t decide on a single design? Choose the multipatterned Coralstone Gamut, which also offers an industrial look.

THE LOOK

Graphical

Purveyors of graphic design will line their walls with everything from Art Nouveau illustrations and Bauhaus typography to 70s’ punk posters. Dynamic shapes, like those found in iconic pieces like the Kartell Bookworm shelf and B&B Italia Up J armchair, add to the graphical nature of the interiors. Art and design is serious business here, and the bathroom is just as important. Expect symmetrical lines, vibrant hues and geometric prints that give you a cheerful surprise every visit.

photo RICE LAB

The Atlas Concorde Room tiles feature a tatami-like texture.

photo HAFARY

Doesn’t Symbol Copper remind you of Japanese rock gardens?

THE LOOK

Modern Japanese

Cream and light woodlook tiles, as well as walnut furniture in rounded forms, are quintessential to the minimalist Japanese look. However, contrary to popular belief, these spaces are not devoid of pattern or colour. Potted plants fill the space with vibrancy and texture, and black or white glass frames are reinterpretations of shoji doors. Imbue your space with Japanese culture through geometric tiles that reference the country’s crafts.

photo HAFARY

Named Kimono, these tiles feature patterns seen in Japanese art, like dragonflies and fish scales.

photo HAFARY

UNCONVENTIONAL TILES

Terrazzo

Most homeowners would rip out the old-school terrazzo tiles found in old resale flats, but we say: Keep it, it’s back in trend.

Tartan

The classic tartan pattern looks good on fabric, and will be a unique application to your walls, too.

Mosaics

Though mosaic tiles are a common choice, not many homeowners have used it creatively. We suggest designing a bold yet timeless motif you can call your own!

photo HAFARY

photo GF+A GLOBAL

photo HAFARY

Nothing spells luxury like marble! The undulating waves of Open Luce will wow your guests.

photo HAFARY

THE LOOK

Luxurious Contemporary

This style exudes modernity and sophistication through simple forms and polished finishes. Think five-star penthouses and Italian brands that count plush low sofas, polished wood, and neutral or earthy colour schemes as their aesthetic. To jazz up this understated palette, simple yet bold statement features are used; these include oversized geometric lamps, herringbone patterns and the characteristics of natural materials like granite, marble and travertine stone.