Our Guide to tiles for your interior project
Earliest use of tiles can be found in Ancient Egypt, where hand painted ceramic tiles decorated the walls and doorways of tombs. Fast forward centuries later, you can find tiles decorating almost every home or commercial space you walk into. The selection of tiles available to us today is endless. They vary in materiality, application, use and price tag! We can’t promise to cover every type here but thought we would put this handy guide together to help when selecting tiles for your interior project or home refurbishment:
Starting with porcelain and ceramic tiles. Both are clay-based, kiln-fired tiles and are highly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to water, stains, and daily wear and are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. An ideal pick for moisture prone areas. The market has an abundance of different colours, shapes and interesting textures. Here are our top 3 -
Top Tiles:
Kromatic collection from Claybrook’s Studio. A porcelain tile with almost 50% recycled content. The 16 shades available allow for stunning designs.
Cocci Siciliani by Thompson Tile & Stone collection is inspired by Sicilian sandstone and replicates the materials formation of pebbles, rock and stones, resulting in interesting design in a shade of beautiful tonal colours.
Danube by Aparici is a porcelain tile for floor and wall application with a striking pattern that reinterprets the classic encaustic tile. The warm tone brings warmth and the unique design is a modern twist to the traditional encaustic tiles.
The Halcyon collection, are rustic handmade tiles. The traditional crafting technique results in a unique product with no two tiles being the same. The tiles have a delicate crackle glaze that adds to the tactile feel and timeless look.
Cocci Siciliani by ThompsonTile & Stone
Danube by Aparici
Parasol Square Tiles by The Halcyon Collection
STONE
Like all natural materials, has the beauty of being completely unique, no two tiles will ever be the same. Depending on the stone, one can achieve a range of looks, from contemporary, using Grigio Alpi Limestone characterised by the presence of macrofossils, is the most popular of the Vicenza Stone. Or your French country design that can be achieved with Jerusalem White Gold Tumbled Limestone from Mandarin Stone
White Gold Tumbled Limestone by Mandarin Stone
Grigio Alpi Vicenza Stone
MARBLE
An all time favourite and can be used in a subtle way to create a timeless look or to make a statement. Neutral marbles give a timeless classic finish to a space whilst coloured marble can be used to for bold impact in an interior space. The Marble Triangles or the Nymph from Otto Tiles use different types of marble to create Art Deco influenced patterns. Rosa Perlino Tumbled Marble are very tactile due to their tumbled finish and give a slight rustic yet still contemporary feel.
Marble Triangles by Otto Tiles
Nymph by Otto Tiles
Rosa Perlino Tumbled Tile
MOSAIC
Cle Tile, Lapidary tile are sculptural shapes, smooth-cut ovals draw inspiration from 1970s Milanese interiors. Perfect for an accent wall, the elegant curves of the red travertine ‘Cabochon’ tile strike a sophisticated note in pared-back and maximalist interiors alike. The Kelly Wearstlers Liason collection screams bespoke elegance. The variation of different stones give depth, are visually striking and boldly distinctive. Another stunning statement option is the Selvaggio Mosaics - Safari Bianco Nero It’s created by taking shards of stone and artfully combining them to create beautiful patterning. Graphic and dramatic, Selvaggio (which means “wild” in Italian) is a stunning addition to both walls and floors.
Lapidary Sculpted Tiles
Liason Mosiac Tile by Kelly Wearsters
Selvaggio Mosaics
TERRACOTTA
Marrakesh Terracotta Brick perfect and simple terracotta tile that embraces the understated moroccan style. Can be used in either traditional or contemporary designs. There are a variety of different shapes of terracotta tiles out on the market such as the Alicante Hexacon from Mandarin Stone that can give a warm Mediterranean feeling to a space.
Natural fluted terracotta tiles by Bert & May are authentic and timeless. These tiles are handmade in Portugal. First moulded by hand and then finished off with a handmade mould to get the fluted effect. The tiles are glazed with a diluted natural glaze so have a very subtle glazed finish.
Terracotta Hexagon Tile by Mandarin Stone
Marrakesh Terracotta Bricks by Baked Tile
Fluted Dome Tiles by Bert & May
SUSTAINABLE
Macaubas Terrazzo tile by https://www.marbleburo.com/
With the topic of sustainability becoming increasingly popular, we are starting to become aware of products and their story. Where they come from, how far have they travelled and what are they made of. When it comes to tiles, if made of natural materials, they have a strong sustainability proposition compared to alternative wall and floor coverings. Other ways in which we can choose sustainable options is by using recycled tiles, tiles made from renewable materials or reclaimed tiles.
An effective example would be using marble offcuts to create a terrazzo floor inspired by Italian Architect and designer Carlos Scarpa.
Author: Victoria Todd Designer at Trifle*
Victoria has been in the interior design industry since graduating in 2015. Her passion for thoughtful design led her to subsequently complete a Masters Degree in Sustainable Interior Architecture.
Prior to joining the team here at Trifle*, she undertook roles within several architecture and design practices, as well as being the in-house designer at one of London's leading furniture specialists.
Her interest in how great design can create healthy environments for people to live, work, and connect, is what drives her passion and dedication in designing creative, human centred spaces that push the boundaries, and promote wellbeing.