THIS MONTH … we’re buying tiles, specifically classic marble subway tiles for a white-on-white colour scheme that makes any area look larger and more inviting.
As an upgrade on traditional subway tiles, they can now be found in larger formats and also with bevelled edging, for example from Spanish brand, Cevica. If choosing this style, opt for a glazed finish and choose a similar grout colour. This will help define and shape the raised edges, creating a soft shadow in the space. Mixing matte and gloss subway tiles can also be striking, especially in spaces where more light is needed. The matte finish adds a subtle softness whereas the gloss finish adds light-reflecting shine. “Different tile layouts can trick the eye to make a room look bigger,” says Rachel Ormond of Versatile. One of the easiest ways to switch up the subway tile look is to opt for new textured or patterned iterations such as Neptune’s Elcot tiles (above), cast in Italy and available in four shades, Fog, Mist, Salt and Snow. They are available in three sizes (7.5 x 15cm, 10 x 20cm, 11 x 34cm) and priced from €84 to €110 per square metre. Elcot tiles have an undulating texture and are glazed using pigments that have been individually mixed to create interesting variations in tone.

Artisan Rose Mallow tiles, Equipe Ceramics, €45 per square metre, at House of Tiles.

Millennial pink works brilliantly in bathroom settings. Solid colour is the obvious way to introduce this on-trend shade. If you fancy a pink floor tile, and love the terrazzo look but don’t want the hassle of upkeep and maintenance, Versatile has the solution – try South Pink’s terrazzo-look porcelain tiles, moisture resistant and easy to clean. For a mosaic finish, try Fired Earth’s Alchemy pure aluminium mosaics in Pink Gin Chevron.

One of the main trends in tiling to emerge from Cersaie, Bologna (the annual industry trade fair) is how new high-definition production techniques can emulate precious stones, their oxidation and veining making for interesting tiles to use on feature walls. Available in large slab format, they create a seamless, natural finish and are increasingly popular for bedroom use. 

Above: Zinc green wall tile, €135 per square metre, from the Zinc Collection by Apavisa, at Versatile.

Triangolo wall tiles, €240 per square metre and Mer, Alba and Crespuseolo floor tiles, available in natural or polished finishes, €225 per square metre, both at Regan Tiles.

Decorative Art Deco fan shapes are in for 2020, the rounded shape and curved lines providing a welcome alternative to classic square or angular geometric patterns. Rachel Ormond of Versatile believes statement and patterned tiles add a touch of creativity and intrigue in bathrooms. “If working with block-coloured tiles we recommend choosing quality brassware to add a level of contrast and fun to the space.”

For open-plan living, natural-looking, restful surfaces such as classic limestone are a wise long-term investment. Also on trend are larger indoor/outdoor 20mm thick porcelain tiles (Out 2.0 by Refin, above) which are available in a range of finishes – from wood-like to metallic – and can be continued onto decking for a seamless transition outdoors.

Above: Semi-matte velvet limestone tiles, €100 per square metre, at Fossil Stone. 

GOOD IRISH TILE SOURCES

Bath House, 1 Clifton Avenue, Monkstown; www.bathhouse.ie

Fired Earth, 19 George’s Street Lower, Dún Laoghaire; www.firedearth.com

Fossil Stone, Ballymount Corporate Park, Ballymount, Dublin; www.fossilstone.ie

House of Tiles; www.houseoftiles.ie

Miller Brothers, 5 Charvey Lane, Commons, Rathnew, Co Wicklow; www.millerbrothers.ie

Regan Tiles, 2 Corrig Avenue, Dún Laoghaire

Versatile, Beechmount Homepark, Clogherboy, Navan, Co Meath; www.versatile.ie