As a designer, I love meeting with suppliers and keeping up to date with all the latest products that are coming to market. This week, I spent a little time at a local tile shop in East Maitland (Jacoba Tiles) getting to know the staff and finding out what new, innovative products they have on offer. I also got some hot tips on this year’s tile trends, and where the market is heading.
Talking about tiles
The popularity of tile stems from the fact that it is hard-wearing, easy to clean, and comes in endless colours, textures, and shapes. And let’s not forget that it can be used on both walls and floors.
As one of the oldest forms of decorative art, tiles have been used to decorate our homes and community spaces since the earliest known civilisations. As far back as the 4th-millennium B.C.E, the Egyptians used blue tile bricks to decorate their houses. Tiles are an ever-evolving and exciting medium that I want to dig into a little today.
Because of the many choices that are available, selecting tiles can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be.
Jacoba Tiles in East Maitland has one of the largest ranges of tiles I have seen in any tile shop. I was also blown away by their personalised service. They cater to the builder and budget focused clients as well as the top-end clients who have an unlimited budget to make their home or workplace design dreams a reality.
So, what are the current trends that they are seeing?
Tile trends
1. Terrazzo
Terrazzo is huge at the moment. And for those who don’t watch The Block or are unfamiliar with this product, Terrazzo is a composite material, which is used for floor and wall treatments. It consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable material, poured with a cementitious binder, polymeric, or a combination of both. See photo if you’re still unsure.
Terrazzo was used extensively in the 1920s to 1940s during the Art Deco and Moderne eras but is definitely back in a big way. With almost any colour combination possible, it makes a versatile and beautiful option for both floors and walls.
I am loving these and can see them sticking around into the longer term future.
2. Handmade clay tiles
If you’re looking for something original and luxurious that has that rustic look, you can’t go past handmade clay tiles. With varieties from Morroco, Spain, and Italy being the most popular, each tile is unique and adds that sense of luxury to your home.
The tiles featured in the picture below can be found at Jacoba Tiles.
These are some of my favourite tiles, and because they are unique, I think these are definitely here to stay.
3. Tile size trends
What about tile size?
Tiles come in all kinds of shapes and sizes these days, but a recent trend is the larger slabs that can be used on both floors and walls. This seems to have stemmed from people putting marble splashbacks in kitchens. From there, the tile manufacturers saw an opportunity to serve the market with a more affordable option.
These tiles are the largest in the world – at a whopping 3.2m high x 1.6m wide and only 6mm thick!
The large format tiles are definitely something that I think will be here for the long term. They give the illusion of space and there’s less grout to clean!
Small mosaics continue to be popular, but we’ve moved on from the standard square or penny round. The herringbone pattern continues to be popular, and chevron also seems to be moving from the timber floor medium into tiles. On the other end of the scale, I’ve come across the most gorgeous glass mini chevron and mini herringbone tile sheets in matt green and pink. Definitely on trend in the colour stakes!
4. Blush pinks
We are seeing a lot of soft blush pinks and greens creep back into the range. The pink trend has definitely arrived, with Three Birds Renovations picking up on this with their latest projects.
I am not convinced that the blush pink trend will be around long term. I think this one is very feminine, and reminds me a little too much of the 1980s. But I guess only time will tell.
Picture from Jacoba Tiles instagram (@jacobatiles) – Norwegian pink marble.
5. Green
When it comes to green, I’m seeing a lot of variation. From soft minty greens, all the way through to deep emerald greens appearing all over the place. Think of the soft moss you find on rocks, and nature-inspired tiles layered with whites, greys and blacks. The latest room reveals on #HouseRules had 2 green bathrooms, which the homeowners absolutely loved.
I’m not planning to put pink or green tiles in my home any time soon, as I try to use classic and timeless schemes and add colour through accessories. But I’m hoping it means I can get away with not renovating the bathroom in my investment townhouse which has green tiles.. What do you think??
If you’re confused about what tile to pick, or what will work with your space, call to set up a design session. I can help narrow down your requirements and find the perfect tile. Get in touch to book a design consultation for your next project.
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