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Instantly recognisable through its veined pattern, few natural stones have received as much admiration as marble. This stone has been put to use in all manner of projects and remains as popular as ever. Marble tiles have an undoubted timeless quality. The veins provide a distinctive look which is why marble is regularly used as the focal point of a design. Below we take a look at how marble tiles from Tiles Porcelain can be put to good use within your home design.

Marble Tiles in Bathrooms

The combination of lighter shades and a subtle veined pattern can help to accentuate the light and space in bathrooms. Light, neutral colours complement modern applications like sinks and bath panels. In this situation marble tiles work extremely well as part of uncomplicated interior decors. These tiles display a timeless quality in both contemporary and traditional designs. This natural stone is not only used as part of standard bathroom designs but also within modern wet rooms and en suite bathrooms. Popular bathroom marble tiles include Cappuccino Beige and Ivory Gold Coast. Marble tiles are often matched on both walls and floors for a consistent style.

Marble Mosaics in Kitchens

A kitchen splash back wall not only provides style and sophistication but also protects underlying substrates. Marble mosaics are an excellent choice for kitchen walls. Marble mosaic tiles from Tiles Porcelain are attached to mesh sheets which can be easily cut and fitted above worktops. They can even be used as a border application. To ensure that the surface of your kitchen tiles is easy to clean, mosaics with a polished finish are recommended. Tiles like the Dark Emperador Mosaics can work effectively. These tiles have a dark brown colour and light cream veins.

Marble Tiles in Living and Dining Areas

Marble tiles are becoming increasingly popular for living and dining areas. Whereas once carpets and wallpaper stole the limelight, homeowners now realise the benefits of a tiled surface in these areas. Tiles are hard wearing and prove easy to clean and maintain. With the correct maintenance marble will retain its appearance for many years to come. Marble tiles provide immense character and style as part of open plan interior designs and can therefore be used throughout your home. For a warm flooring surface, Electric Underfloor Heating mats are a worthwhile option. These flexible mats are simply installed before tiles are laid over the top. You can order samples of any of these tiles.

When it comes to choosing porcelain tiles the great news is there are plenty of options available considering the vast array of finishes, styles and colours to pick from. This means that you can create the exact style to suit your design tastes. We help to make your decision easier when it comes to choosing porcelain tiles by sending out samples first. You can also contact our friendly sales team for any further information. The versatility of porcelain tiles means they are not only suitable for kitchens and bathrooms but also other areas of the home, including conservatories, living rooms, dining areas and bedrooms. The resilience, strength and hard wearing nature of these engineered tiles makes them suitable for a variety of situations. This means you should have no concerns from a practical and maintenance viewpoint either. Below we take a look at some of the popular varieties of porcelain and how they can be used to maximum effect in your home:

Natural Stone Effect Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles which imitate the look of natural stones, such as marble, granite, limestone and slate are extremely popular. With these tiles you can acquire the look of natural stone with all the practical benefits of a man-made product. Take for instance the Light Emperador Porcelain Marble Effect Tile. These tiles have a beige colour with light cream veins, which display the distinctive appearance of this natural stone. These tiles can be used effectively in a range of ways. As a splash back the veined pattern works well as a focal point above worktops. Marble effect porcelain is also chosen for floors, with its low moisture absorption rate proving invaluable on bathroom floors.

Polished Black and White Porcelain Tiles

A polished finish can completely transform the appearance of a colour. In the case of black porcelain tiles a high polish creates a reflective, mirror-like style. Our Super Black Porcelain Tiles are popular among homeowners looking to create a streamlined, contemporary design in kitchens. The sleekness of these tiles complements similar modern features like stainless steel appliances and polished worktops. Polished black porcelain is often combined with with white tiles. Super White Porcelain can help add to the timeless quality of black tiles. These are often displayed in a traditional chequered pattern as pictured in this kitchen. Glossy white tiles will help to emphasise the space in smaller interiors like en suite bathrooms.

Wood Effect Porcelain Tiles

If you’re looking for a cost effective, low maintenance alternative to natural wooden surfaces then you’ve arrived at the right place. In a similar way to stone effect tiles, this selection shows how a natural material can be imitated to stunning effect. Wood effect porcelain tiles work well as part of open plan designs. It’s a great example of the versatility of porcelain and how these tiles can be used to provide the design you’ve always dreamed of. These tiles are available in different shades to match your design theme, including; Oak, Walnut and Teak. These wood effect tiles add character to interior designs.

Certain things just seem to go together, take for instance; Salt and Pepper, Romeo and Juliet, Fish and Chips and guess what………. bathrooms and mosaics. Mosaic tiles were used as far back as Ancient Roman times in their famous bath houses. The Romans were ahead of their time when it came to engineering and design, proof of which was in their state of the art central heating systems. Roman baths were communal buildings, the interior walls of which were decorated with individual pieces of stone to form a pattern or mural, later to be known as mosaics. Despite technological advancement in the processing and production of mosaics the fundamentals of this tile design has remained. Bathroom mosaics are still individual pieces of tile, set within a pattern. The true beauty of bathroom mosaics is their versatility. We take a look at the variety of ways in which they can be used as part of your bathroom design.

Bathroom Mosaics on Floors

Floors in bathrooms require a high level of slip resistance for obvious safety reasons. The intricate design of mosaics provides multiple grout lines and therefore a greater level of traction under foot. If the floor is slightly uneven or sloping, which is the case in modern wet rooms, mosaics on flexible mesh sheets can be laid on to the surface with ease. This will prevent the requirement for multiple cuts to be made to standard floor tiles. For shower areas and flooring which surrounds baths and sinks, you may want an even greater level of slip resistance, which can be provided by mosaics with a matt finish. Light Travertine Mosaic tiles are a perfect example of a flooring surface which provides both style and practicality in abundance. The neutral shades of cream and beige complement popular bathroom colours of white and silver extremely well.

Bathroom Mosaics on Walls

On walls, bathroom mosaic tiles tend to be used in two separate ways. Firstly as a border tile, mosaics can be cut into thin strips to complement an interior wall design. Mosaic borders can provide a stylish contrast of colours and styles as shown in these Dartmoor Naturals glass tiles. They tend to be used horizontally but can sometimes be formatted within a vertical pattern for a standout appearance. Polished tiles like Midnight Black Quartz Mosaics create an easy to clean surface, along with a low moisture absorption rate. These sparkly mosaic tiles can add an extra dimension to bathroom walls. Mosaics are also used as a splash back above sinks in bathrooms. This not only provides protection to the underlying substrate but also creates a trendy style on bathroom walls. We have a range of bathroom mosaics available for both walls and floors.

Tiles in your garden require a certain level of durability to withstand the elements in outdoor areas. It is important for your patio or pathway to remain in good condition throughout the harsh winter months, retaining its appearance for when it will be of most use – during summertime. If you are on the lookout for a new exterior floor then now is a great time to begin to consider the options available to you. Although it may not feel like it, summer is just around the corner and that means barbeque season, resulting in plenty more hours spent in your garden. Natural stone provides a hard wearing surface and also creates immense character within garden designs. Below we take a look at suitable paving tiles for your garden:

Tumbled Travertine Paving Tiles

Tumbled Travertine Tiles (pictured left) has a 30mm thickness making it effective as paving. These large slabs can be laid in a brick effect /running bond style when paving. This travertine has a sandy cream and beige colour and fits perfectly in a rustic, outdoor environment. With its extreme density and strength, tumbled travertine certainly has the practical characteristics to provide an excellent garden surface. Tumbling means the tiles have been abrasively finished producing a rock texture with a high level of slip resistance. This tumbled paving works well with decorative garden fountains or wooden outdoor furniture. Travertine is a sedimentary rock, notable for its unique pattern and air pockets. For added resilience you can seal these paving tiles, creating a surface which is less porous. You can find out information on how to tile in outdoor areas within our DIY Guides.

Sandstone Paving Tiles

Sandstone has been used in the construction industry for thousands of years. Its durability and distinctive pattern comprising of multicoloured bands now makes it highly desirable for exterior home designs. It is often fitted on driveways and works equally well as a garden patio. Landscape gardeners will regularly use sandstone pavers to create a pathway surrounding a lawn area, as demonstrated in this picture (right). Matching sandstone steps are regularly used to create an entrance to the home. These sandstone paving tiles can also be used in the creation of a trendy pond surround. Many of us with busy lives are actually opting for less lawn space in our gardens. Grass requires cutting on a regular basis and the appearance can be affected by the hours of sunlight and amount of watering it receives Natural stone tiles like sandstone provide a low maintenance and practical option.

Easter is almost upon us, although you wouldn’t think so judging by the weather we’ve been experiencing recently! With its lighter nights and milder temperatures, spring is traditionally a season in which people begin to spend more and more time outside. Well this year it appears winter is here to stay for a little bit longer at least, with the forecast not looking great for the weekend ahead. The weather may disrupt your plans with regards to outdoor activities but look on the bright side; it’s a great excuse to complete all those little jobs around the house which you’ve been putting off for months!

All You Need to Know For DIY Tiling

Tiling can be relatively straightforward. Whether you are applying tiles to an entire wall or floor or maybe just repairing and replacing cracked or broken tiles we’ve got a number of informative DIY Guides to look at. So instead of calling in the professionals straight away why not take a look at our Guides & Advice Centre first? In addition to the practical aspects of tiling there is also useful background information on specific materials and the tools for the job. To ensure your kitchen or bathroom really looks the part we’ve even included style guides which will hopefully provide you with plenty of inspiration. Once your tiles have been laid you can even refer back to our guides in relation to cleaning & maintenance which will ensure they remain in good condition.

Recommended Tiles for DIY Tiling Projects

If you have experience of tiling with a range of different materials then there will be nothing within our selection which you should be concerned about tiling with. As a general rule for less experienced DIY enthusiasts we recommend you start off by using manmade ceramic or porcelain tiles in order to build up confidence. Ceramic is the most popular tile for DIY tiling jobs. These lightweight tiles can be cut with standard manual tile cutters and are the most cost effective option. There is also a vast selection to choose from, including reputable brands like Laura Ashley and Metro Tiles. Porcelain is very similar to ceramic but is generally considered to be more durable. It provides a hard wearing surface on kitchen floors and is an all-round excellent choice for your home. Many homeowners use Electric under floor heating Mats with porcelain to keep floor surfaces warm. Porcelain tiles are available in variety of colours, sizes and finishes. Popular varieties include Super Black Polished Porcelain Tiles and Egg Shell Porcelain Matt Tiles (above right).

I bet you dream of floors in your home which you don’t have to continually maintain and repair. Flooring surfaces can naturally take a hammering when it comes to foot traffic as well as the build up of dirt and dust. In terms of low maintenance flooring in your home there is one option which stands out above the rest and that is floor tiles. Unlike wood which can scratch easily and carpet which often absorbs stains, floor tiles can prove to be extremely resilient. Below, we take a look at suitable floor tiles for specific areas of your home.

Quartz Floor Tiles in Bathrooms

It is important for flooring in bathrooms to protect underlying floor substrates from water damage which can lead to the build up of damp and mould. Quartz floor tiles are virtually impermeable making it highly unlikely for moisture to penetrate through the surface. In the majority of cases quartz tiles do not require sealing, which obviously reduces the levels of maintenance required. Quartz tiles have a sparkly appearance as a result of a surface covered in reflective mirror pieces. They have an appearance which can transform interior designs, take for instance these Midnight Black Quartz Tiles laid on a bathroom floor. The hard wearing nature of quartz along with a sleek and smooth surface, combine to make them a highly practical choice for bathrooms.

Low Maintenance Granite Flooring in Kitchens

Granite is one of the strongest natural materials in the world. Its highly compacted structure makes it incredibly dense and hard wearing. The kitchen is an area which can be prone to spillages and breakages and this room therefore necessitates a durable floor covering. Polished granite flooring will also prove easy to clean and maintain. These Galaxy Granite Tiles work well as part of this modern kitchen design from both a style and practical perspective. Granite is resistant to stains and scratches which is why it is used in many high traffic areas. It is no wonder then, that granite tiles are a real favourite among homeowners looking for a suitable material for their kitchen floors.

Conservatories with a Travertine Floor

Conservatory flooring needs to be hard wearing to cope with the expected demand of outdoor footwear. The conservatory is a transitional room from an indoor to exterior space which makes it likely for cleaning to be a problem. From a safety viewpoint it is important to consider the surface type when choosing your conservatory flooring. Floor tiles with a matt finish are generally considered to provide a higher level of slip resistance. All things considered, a travertine floor is one of the best choices in your conservatory. The subtle pastel shades will help to emphasise the high levels of natural light which enter this particular room.

When it comes to designing your kitchen, ‘reinventing the wheel’ is sometimes your best option. Taking inspiration from a classic style whilst adding your own unique character to a kitchen decor, can work a treat. Since we’re in the mood for clichés, here’s another one for you; ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.’ Popular designs were popular for a reason which is why you don’t always need to start from scratch when it comes to creating your perfect kitchen. Below we take a look at how you can bring ‘classic’ in to the 21st century by using kitchen tiles.

Black and White Chequered Kitchen Floor

Although not so prevalent nowadays, a black and white chequered floor was the mainstay of many kitchen designs during the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. With the right materials and colour combinations you too can reinvigorate this classic style in your very own kitchen. This particular kitchen design is intentionally retro in its layout and features. The large format tiles, however, add a contemporary twist. Black and white is a timeless combination and therefore works well in most circumstances. This black and white floor was created with the Super Black Porcelain and Supreme White Porcelain tiles. These tiles also work from a practical perspective. These highly polished tiles provide a sleek and smooth surface, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. Porcelain is also incredibly hard wearing, with a high resilience to stains and scratches.

Kitchen Tiles in Traditional Farmhouse Style Designs

When thinking about a farmhouse style kitchen it can be difficult not to picture a very British scene possibly involving a roast dinner! The traditional farmhouse style, with wooden units and stone floors can be recreated within modern kitchen interiors with the correct materials and style combinations. Opposed to many contemporary kitchens, the traditional style relied upon subtle colours and features for a rustic, homely feel. With its pastel cream and beige shades, travertine fits perfectly within farmhouse style designs. The way the travertine floor is laid can also add to the character of a farmhouse kitchen layout. Take for instance this Light French Chipped Edge Travertine Pattern Set. The thick grout joints add a rugged quality to the appearance of this kitchen floor.

Metro Brick Splash Back on Kitchen Walls

The metro brick style was first seen in subway stations throughout the USA during the 1970’s. These tiles would form the appearance of a brick wall, yet in a more sophisticated manner. These ceramic tiles are now used within a range of contemporary decors. You can see how these White Metro Brick tiles add a freshness and vibrancy to this modern kitchen design. The brick effect pattern which creates a trademark style is also known as a ‘running bond’ format. The polished glaze provides these tiles with a shiny appearance and only adds to a dynamic character. It is no wonder that metro tiles have been a popular choice for over four decades. It is quick and easy to order samples of any of these tiles if you wish to take a closer look.

A feature wall provides something a little different from the general design of the room. It creates a focal point which can help to produce a genuine statement. Tiles can be used for a trendy feature wall in bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms. Finding the right balance to enable your feature wall to have a standout quality, without compromising your design theme is important. Below we take a look at how to use a range of different tiles for a feature wall in various rooms throughout your home.

Quartz Tiles for a Kitchen Feature Wall

A sparkly wall will stand out emphatically, especially if the surrounding walls and floors have a plain finish. Glistening quartz tiles have a unique quality which transforms interior designs. Reflective mirror pieces cover the surface of quartz, providing the sparkling appearance. This feature wall has been created with the use of Midnight Black Quartz tiles. The distinctive black colour appears brighter as a result of the highly polished finish. This quartz wall will certainly grab the attention of anyone who steps inside this kitchen. Colours which will complement these tiles include white and cream. These lighter shades will really help to emphasise the feature wall. If you’d prefer a sparkly feature wall in a different colour then why not take a look at our full range of quartz tiles.

Rock Cladding Tiles for a Living Room Feature Wall

Many people who choose to have a feature wall in their living room opt for wallpaper. But from both a textural and visual perspective tiles can really transform your living space. Rock Panel White Cladding tiles add a rustic value to interiors and are an excellent option when creating a feature wall in living rooms. The uneven surface creates an authentic and rugged style, with the white colour really helping to emphasise light and space. It’s the texture of this wall which really helps to bring this living room design to life, providing an extra dimension to interior decors. Take a look at our full range of cladding tiles for additional inspiration when it comes to creating a feature wall in your living room.

Ceramic Tiles for a Bathroom Feature Wall

Opposed to just using plain colours and designs the inclusion of a pattern can have a real impact on interior decors. This is certainly the case when it comes to the feature wall in this particular bathroom. The pattern created by these Laura Ashley Isadore Floral Black on White tiles demonstrates more than anything how a simplistic design can be the most effective option. The use of a classic colour combination in the form of black and white provides a distinctive appearance. The polished finish on these tiles accentuates the style further. Laura Ashley tiles are renowned for a decorative quality. To see how you can create a stunning feature wall like this one in your very own bathroom, take a look at our full selection of tiles from the reputable Laura Ashley range.

Whether you’ve recently bought a new property or just feel that your humble abode could benefit from a few style changes there are a range of cost effective options available to you. You don’t even need to make wholesale changes to create your perfect interior design either. Creating a decor which demonstrates your own tastes and character will really help to transform your house into a home. Porcelain tiles are available in a vast range of colours, finishes and patterns which makes the task of finding the right style in your home a whole lot easier. Some tiles are only really suitable for bathrooms and kitchens, this is however not the case with porcelain tiles, which can be used to stunning effect in any room. Below we take an in-depth look at the various ways in which you can turn your house in to a home with porcelain tiles:

Wood Effect Porcelain Tiles in Lounges and Dining Areas

If you have longed for the look of natural wood flooring throughout your home but the cost, along with the amount of cleaning and maintenance has always put you off, then here is an excellent alternative. Wood effect porcelain tiles combine the look of natural wood with all the practical benefits of a manmade product. The lifelike veins and subtle colour variations within wood effect porcelain tiles provide a truly stunning look across floors in lounges and dining areas. These tiles even have a similar grainy texture which also provides a high level of slip resistance. From Light oak (above left) colours to darker Teak (right) shades, our range of wood effect porcelain tiles are perfect for creating an authentic appearance throughout your living space.

Porcelain Tiles in Conservatories

For effective designs it is important for each room in your home to have its own distinctive character. When you walk in to a conservatory, for example, you are entering a room which should be filled with light as a result of its exterior location. You can really make the most of this natural sunlight with the use of equally bright colours. Highly polished Super White Porcelain tiles (left) will help to reflect light and will give you plenty of scope when it comes to deciding upon suitable wall colours and furniture. Porcelain tiles are also extremely hard wearing and durable, making them perfect for a conservatory, in which outdoor footwear is often worn.

Porcelain Tiles in Bathrooms

Above anything else porcelain tiles are highly suitable for bathrooms as a result of their low moisture absorption rate. This helps to prevent underlying wall and floor substrates from becoming damaged as a result of damp and mould. In small bathrooms like the one pictured (right) the same coloured tile on both the wall and floor can accentuate space. These Ivory Porcelain tiles help to produce an elegant design. This particular bathroom decor proves that creating your perfect home can be a lot more straightforward than you may imagine. It’s basically about making the most of the space at your disposal.

Porcelain Tiles in Kitchens

The modern kitchen is often a hub of activity, particularly when friends and family are around to visit. With the use of bold colours you can create a stunning modern kitchen design, like this one (left). As you can see these Super Black Porcelain tiles have a mirror like appearance as a result of the highly polished finish. The stainless steel splash back provides an additional shine. This kitchen has a streamlined design which is both trendy and practical. Providing your kitchen is big enough you can make it a really integral part of your living space by incorporating a dining area.

Just like people, some tiles are simply made for each other! Creating a design which comprises of two or even several different tiles can be achieved with great success in your kitchen and bathroom. As they say, variety is the spice of life so why choose just one selection of tiles when you could have more! A combination of different styles or colours can make a design far more interesting. Take a look at the classic tile combinations featured below to help you find the perfect match in your home:

Kitchens with Bold Tile Combinations

The timeless combination of black and white just proves that opposites really do attract! It is certainly a timeless duo that works extremely well as part of a range of home designs. This retro kitchen, for example, incorporates Super Black and Supreme White Porcelain tiles in a classic chequered floor style. Both of these tiles have a polished finish which helps to further emphasise the colour and style. Another bold colour, red, is also used throughout this room, providing another style element. The intention of the person who designed this room was certainly for it to have a genuine wow factor, and this has undoubtedly been achieved through the combination of bold colours.

Bathrooms with Subtle Tile Combinations for an Elegant Appearance

If you prefer the combination of neutral colours for an elegant design then there are also plenty of options available. This bathroom maintains a consistent beige colour yet the texture and design of the tiles vary. Malvern beige ceramic tiles from the Laura Ashley range feature throughout the decor, in both mosaic and pebble border varieties. The use of different tiles of the same colour produces a subtle contrast. This bathroom interior design shows that understated features can work effectively when combined with each other. The use of neutral colours and uncomplicated designs will also help to emphasise the space in smaller bathroom interiors. You can order samples of any featured tiles.