Too Many Tiles to Choose From!

With so many choices, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of bathroom and kitchen tiles available, panic and buy something plain. There are so many patterned tiles to choose from, but will they make your kitchen or bathroom look too busy? Maybe sticking to plain tiles is the safest option. Then again, who really wants a bathroom or kitchen which looks the same as everybody else’s? Wouldn't you prefer a kitchen, or bathroom which has individuality and reflects your personality?

Rather than trying to look at every designer tile on the market, narrow your search down two just one or two designer ranges. For example, the range of Laura Ashley tiles encompasses a wide variety of styles from plain white, cream, grey and black to marble and stone effect tiles, including border tiles which resemble pebbles. I've seen these pebble tiles used to excess in some bathrooms but in my opinion they're best when used sparingly, as are mosaic tiles. Both pebble and mosaic tiles work wonderfully as a narrow frieze, and the pebble tiles contrast perfectly with the mottled surface of travertine tiles.

The current range of Laura Ashley tiles also features a range of decorated ceramic tiles which are evocative of the art deco and art nouveau styles which were popular early in the last century. These floral designs work well as a border or frieze, but personally I'd shy away from using them on an entire wall, as they'd quickly become to busy. For those looking for something a little more contemporary, a variety of modern ceramic and glass tiles are also in Laura Ashley's current range if designer tiles, along with marble and stone tiles which complete the range of Laura Ashley tiles.

Travertine tiles are a type of limestone deposited by mineral springs. It is naturally porous and usually comes with the cavities filled by a resin or grout filler, which not only makes them more suitable as bathroom or kitchen tiles, but also adds to their natural beauty. Available in cream, ivory and pale beige tones, travertine is perfect for smaller bathrooms and kitchens and is especially suited to flooring applications.

Mixing and matching tiles will certainly give your bathroom or kitchen individuality. But be careful not to go too far, as too many styles will tend to conflict rather than contrast, so no more than three, one of which should be used sparingly as a border or frieze. A narrow frieze of pebble tiles work well in the bathroom, but would look out of place in the kitchen where a frieze of mosaic tiles would look more at home. Have a nosey in other peoples houses or in kitchen & bathroom showrooms to get some ideas, or check out some images online and you'll be well on your way to a unique designer look.