The Artistry of Tiles
If you’re looking to retile or remodel your home, chances are you’ve already looked at new tiles for your bathroom, kitchen or other areas of your home. Tiles are a cost-effective way to bring colour and texture into your home in a way that is durable and easy to clean. But what type of tile should you use for what areas of the house? What styles and colours should you go with? Here, Melbourne Home Design & Living’s Mia Anthoulas sits down with Simon Heyblok, Director at Romano Indoor & Outdoor solutions, to talk about what the latest tiling trends are, what tiles are best suited to different areas of your home and what to consider when styling your home with tiles
Simon and his colleagues acquired Romano Tiles in 2022 with a vision to establish a comprehensive one-stop shop for builders and renovations. As Simon explains, “over the past two years, we have successfully transformed and expanded Romano Tiles into Romano Indoor & Outdoor Solutions, offering a range of products for bathrooms, kitchens, landscapes and more.” The products from Romano Indoor & Outdoor Solutions inject a sense of confidence and luxury into any project. With a range of top-quality materials, you can trust that Romano’s will help you create a space for your dreams. Whether you’re a developer, builder or renovator, the business has everything you need to take your project to the next level.
DIVERSE TYPES
So, what are the different tile styles people can choose from? Tile styles vary based on material, texture, colour, pattern and intended use. “Glazed ceramic tiles have a glass-like coating that can be produced in a variety of colours and finishes, such as glossy, matte, and textured,” Heyblok explains. “The unglazed have a more natural, earthy finish are usually more slip resistant. Porcelain tiles are great because the colour and pattern run through the entire tile, making chips and scratches less noticeable. There are also terracotta tiles, mosaic tiles, subway tiles and glass tiles.” By understanding the different style tiles available, you can make an informed decision based on your design preferences, the intended use of the tiles, and the specific requirements of your space.
Talking specifically about kitchens and bathrooms, there are certain tiles that are better suited for each space. “Porcelain tiles are highly durable, resistant to stains and scratches and can handle heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for kitchen floors.” With so many options to choose from for your kitchen splashback, it is the perfect opportunity to get creative or make a statement. Hayblok details that “a fast-emerging favourite for kitchen splashbacks is large format porcelain panels or tiles.”
Whether it be exciting pops of colour or neutral tones, Bathrooms is another space to embrace your creative side and let your imagination go wild. Hayblok expertly notes, “you can experiment with different combinations, such as part painted walls, half tiles walls and more. Natural stone tiles are perfect for a luxurious feel and mosaic tiles provide excellent slip resistance and can create intricate designs.”
THE DOUBLE T’S
Technological advancements have significantly impacted on the tiling industry. Heyblok dives into the many ways the tiling sector has been influenced. “Digital printing technology has allowed for high-resolution patterns and images to be printed on tiles. New technologies have also enabled the production of eco-friendly tiles made from recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes.” Other innovations, such as self-leveling systems, have made tile installation faster and more precise. Heyblok notes that, “there are so many advancements that have not only improved the aesthetic and functional qualities of tiles, but have also enhanced installation techniques and expanded the range of applications for tiles in modern architecture and interior design.”
In Melbourne specifically, tiling trends for 2024 reflect a mix of natural influences, bold colours and innovative materials, catering to various tastes and preferences. “Large format tiles are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to create a seamless and luxurious aesthetic. They are ideal for making spaces look bigger and more open” Heyblok discusses. If a neutral pallet does not suit your home or your style, bold and vibrant colours are also trending in tile designs. “These colours can create striking focal points and add personality to any room,” Heyblok explains.
In a world where sustainability and eco-consciousness is paramount, it is unsurprising that eco-friendly tiles are also trending. As Heyblok details, “eco-friendly tiles made from recycled materials and produced through energy efficient processes are increasingly sought after. This trend reflects a growing commitment to environmental responsibility in home design.” By embracing these trends, homeowners in Melbourne can create stylish, contemporary and environmentally conscious spaces.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
When choosing tiles, people often make several common mistakes that can affect the overall outcome of their project. Hayblok notes that one mistake he sees regularly is “selecting tiles based solely on appearance without considering their functionality. For example, choosing glossy tiles for a bathroom floor can be dangerous because they can be slippery when wet.” Another mistake is that “people don’t consider the maintenance needs for the tile. For instance, natural stone tiles often require sealing and regular maintenance which some homeowners might find burdensome.” Skimping on quality is one of the most popular errors, Heyblok states, “opting for the cheapest option available, which might save money initially but could lead to problems like chipping, staining, fading and may end up costing consumers because they have to do the job twice!”
When remodelling and retiling your home, careful planning and making informed decisions can significantly enhance the outcome of your project. “Set a realistic budget and determine your total expenditure, including the cost of tiles, installation, additional materials and labour,” Heyblok explains, adding, “Always keep in mind unexpected expenses. It’s rare that any job goes exactly to plan”. He also highlights ensuring that your tile choices are appropriate for their intended location. “Use slip-resistant tiles in wet areas and durable times in high-traffic zones.”
To conclude, Hayblok gives one final bit of advice. “Employ experienced professionals to install your tiles, proper installation is crucial for both the longevity and appearance of your tiles.” By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your remodelling and retiling project is successful, aesthetically pleasing and functional.
