When it comes to choosing tiles, there are so many options to choose from that it can become a bit overwhelming. So this month we’re focusing on the 2022 tile trends that we’ve noticed in the past six months as well as those predicted by the experts. We also discuss some of the things to consider when choosing your tiles.
Tile styles
Timber-look tiles are becoming more popular thanks to its technological advances that allow for tile-to-tile variation, giving it a more authentic timber-look.
Terrazzo tiles is another trend that continues to be popular. We’ve installed these in quite a few of our latest bathroom renovations and when taken from floor up the wall they look absolutely stunning! We’ve also seen them teemed with stunning feature walls and plain whites for that extra wow factor.
An emerging trend is travertine (usually used as a pool-side paver) being brought into bathrooms. Travertine does however need to be sealed and comes with some maintenance.
Timber-look tiles
Terrazzo tiles
Travertine tiles
Shapes and size
When it comes to size of tiles, large format slabs (800x1600mm) are becoming popular, not only because of the grandeur it brings to a space but also because of the minimisation of grout lines.
That doesn’t mean that mosaic and subway tiles are out of fashion! Linear tiles are in fact very in; think thin, kit-kat like mosaic tiles and stacked subway tiles used as contrasting features or in a more traditional white as an alternative to white 600x600mm tiles.
Colour schemes
When it comes to tile colours, we’re seeing a move away from the pastels of the past two years and moving towards more earthy tones such as greens and blues, and clays and stone. But for those who want a more glamourous or moodier feel, darker timber-look tiles, greys and marbles are the way to go.
Choosing your tiles
So now that we’ve got an idea of what’s trending, let’s chat about some of the things to think about before you choose your perfect tile. We shared our top five tips for choosing the right tile on our socials earlier this month but they’re worth another mention.
Investment property vs. Forever home
We’ve talked about the various things to consider when renovating an investment property or a forever home in previous blog posts but essentially, our main advice is this: spend the extra time and money on your forever home to make it a place/space that makes you happy. This doesn’t mean it has to be a copy of the latest bathroom featured on The Block. It should be a space that speaks to you and your family – both functionally and aesthetically.
Your investment property, on the other hand, you can afford to take a more standard approach. You generally want to play it safe with a clean and fresh feel that will appeal to a range of various tenants. That’s not to say you should choose the cheapest options around – depending on what rental income and the area your property is in, your choices, and in this case, your tile choices need to appeal to your target market.
Textures, scales and colours
When it comes to combining various textures, sizes and colours of tiles, have fun but try to think about your space overall. If combining multiple patterns, try to use the same tonal tiles or go for a dramatic feature wall or floor with simpler tiles to match.
Grout colour
Often when we ask our clients what colour grout they want with the their chosen tiles, we are met with a blank stare or a “oh whatever the tiler thinks” response. And while grout colour may seem like such a trivial detail in the grand scheme of a bathroom renovation, it can actually change the purpose of the tile.
For instance, a contrasting grout colour can make a coloured feature wall ‘pop’ or highlight the pattern or shape of a tile. But if you are after a softer look, matching your grout colour to your tile is your best bet.
Gloss or matte
One way to bring dimension to your space, is to mix glossy tiles with matte tiles. Our advice though is to leave the glossy tiles to the walls in the bathroom to avoid a safety hazard!
Atmosphere
The final thing to consider is what kind of atmosphere you are looking to achieve. Do you want your bathroom to be dark and glamorous, simple but elegant or fresh and bright? The atmosphere you want to create will heavily influence your tile choices. We suggest putting together a mood board, Pinterest board or saving some magazine clippings of the type of bathroom you would like to create. Taking this with you to the tile shop will assist you with your selections and help you achieve the look you are after.
