DESIGN NOTES – The Timeless Tile Guide: How To Choose The Best Tiles For Your Home
Looking for a timeless tile design for your home? Finding a tile that suits both your style and the everyday needs of your space is essential to getting your design right.
It’s easy to be seduced by trends and end up with a space that dates quickly and is expensive to change, so it’s worth the extra time and effort to get it right from the start. Here are some guidelines to help you choose tiles that will stand the test of time.
Photo: Imprint House | Tile selection from House of Surfaces (previously Surface Society)
First, why choose tile? Tile offers many advantages over other flooring materials such as timber or concrete, making them a versatile and practical choice. Their durability ensures they withstand heavy foot traffic, spills and scratches better than timber, while easy maintenance and resistance to moisture and stains make them ideal for areas with high humidity. But one of the best benefits of tile is the range of designs and finishes you can choose from. Easy to clean and long-lasting, tile can be a cost-effective and stylish flooring solution that combines functionality and enduring beauty. Here’s what you need to consider to select the right tiles for your design project.
Introducing… DESIGN NOTES
A new series to help you transform your interiors with expert tips, creative ideas and sustainable solutions. In today’s deep dive, learn how to choose the right tile for your design project. Plus, discover creative ways to use tiles in your interiors, and essential tips for using travertine.
What Types Of Tiles Should You Choose?
Tiles offer a wide range of possibilities, from simple and modern porcelain to rustic and natural stone like travertine. But the tiles you choose need to align with your personal style and design vision. To narrow down your choices, begin with a colour palette that complements your overall design scheme.
With a clear colour palette in front of you, you can start to take into account texture, pattern, and finish, as these elements contribute to the tile's functionality and visual impact. Depending on your space and your style, you might be looking for the timeless elegance of marble, the durability of porcelain, or the unique character of handcrafted ceramics. Narrow to the options that reflect your taste but also serve the practical needs of your living space.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
5 Reasons To Choose A Timeless Tile
1. Transcend Trends
Timeless tiles offer an enduring appeal that remains stylish for years. When you opt for neutral colours, simple patterns, and classic finishes you will not only create a sense of calm in your space, but also create a backdrop that can easily adapt to seasonal and stylistic changes. A timeless aesthetic also enhances your home's resale value by appealing to a broader range of potential buyers.
2. Versatility & Variety
One of the advantages of tiles is their versatility. They can be used in almost any room of the home, from kitchens and bathrooms to living areas and entryways. They can also go directly on top of a variety of substrates, including concrete, existing tiles, drywall, particle board, plywood and more. Tile also gives you the opportunity to get creative with colour, patterns, textures and size.
3. Long-Term Investment
Investing in timeless tiles often means investing in long-term value. High-quality tiles are durable and resistant to wear, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for many years. This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving both time and money.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Timeless tiles, particularly those made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic, are generally easy to maintain. Their classic designs are less likely to show wear and tear over time, and their smooth surfaces make cleaning straightforward. Simple, routine maintenance, such as occasional sealing and proper cleaning, will help keep them looking pristine.
5. Consistent Style
Choosing timeless tiles ensures a cohesive and harmonious look throughout your home. Unlike more trend-driven options, timeless tiles can help pull together various elements of your interior design. Their classic appeal can anchor a space, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing environment that complements both modern and traditional furnishings and decor.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
5 Creative Ways You Can Use Tiles In Your Home
1. Tonal Tiles
Tiles are a great way to experiment and add a personal touch through colour choices. There are a variety of subtle differences to choose from. You can play with different tones or sheen levels. Colour match surrounding paint finishes to drench your spaces in one colour.
2. Stair Play
Consider using large format tiles on your stairs, as pictured above. These will need to be cut to size. However, a classic veined cut can create a worthy point of difference.
3. Floating Shelves
Consider installing rough cut tiles as floating shelves in your spaces. Rough cut tiles, with their raw and textured finish, add earthy appeal and a natural aesthetic that can contrast beautifully with more polished elements in your design.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
4. Vertical Appeal
Tiles offer all sorts of possibilities. You can use them to create visually dynamic surfaces with varying textures and patterns. Fluted travertine tiles are a perfect example of how tiles can transform a space. Their ridged, vertical grooves create a three-dimensional effect that adds depth and character to walls and other surfaces.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
5. Tiles With a Twist
Tiles can be created from a variety of materials, including cork. A pre-finished travertine-style using a sustainable material creates a seamless finish from one space to another.
Photo: Imprint House
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
Tips To Choose Timeless Tiles For Your Home
Choosing timeless tiles for your home allows you to transcend fleeting trends and changing tastes. Here are 8 essential tips to help you select tiles that will remain beautiful and relevant for years to come:
1. Stick to Classic Colours
Neutral Palettes: Opt for neutral colours such as white, beige, grey, or taupe. These versatile shades are easily and seamlessly blended with a wide range of design styles and colour schemes.
Subtle Hues: Consider muted tones that provide a timeless appeal without overwhelming your design.
2. Choose Simple Patterns
Minimalist Designs: Classic patterns like subway tiles or simple geometric shapes offer enduring elegance.
Avoid Trends: Steer clear of overly intricate or trendy patterns that will look dated over time. Focus on designs that offer clean lines and subtle texture.
3. Select High-Quality Materials
Durability: Invest in high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic or natural stone. These materials have a more sophisticated appearance and are also durable and long-lasting.
Finish Options: glossy finishes can sometimes appear too trend-focussed. Consider matte or honed finishes for a more timeless look.
4. Consider Versatility
Flexible Use: Choose tiles that can be used in various areas of your home, including floors, walls, and backsplashes. Versatile designs ensure that tiles can be seamlessly integrated into different spaces over time.
Complementary Style: Ensure that your tile selections complement your overall design aesthetic and can adapt to future changes in decor.
5. Think About Maintenance
Easy Care: Select tiles that are easy to maintain and clean. Non-porous materials or those that are easy to seal will help keep your tiles looking new and prevent issues like staining or mould.
Longevity: Opt for tiles that can withstand daily wear and tear without showing signs of damage or age.
6. Focus on Proportions
Size and Scale: Consider which tile sizes and shapes best suit the scale of your space. Large-format tiles can make a room feel more spacious, while smaller tiles can add texture, pattern and detail in areas like backsplashes.
7. Ensure Proper Installation
Professional Installation: For a flawless finish, ensure that tiles are installed by a professional. Proper installation techniques will prevent issues like lippage, and ensure that the tiles adhere correctly.
Substrate Preparation: Make sure the surface on which the tiles are installed is properly prepared (including waterproofed) and levelled to ensure a durable and long-lasting result.
8. Match with Existing Elements
Harmonise with Decor: Select tiles that harmonise with existing design elements, such as cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. Consistency in design helps create a cohesive and timeless look.
Timeless tiles offer a classic foundation for your interior design. Taking the time to find the best tile for your spaces will help you create a home that feels beautiful, serves your daily needs well, and holds up for years to come.
Curious about more ways to transform your spaces with thoughtful, sustainable design choices? Discover 10 ways to create a home that truly reflects your style and values here.