Think outside the square with Tile Boutique
When it comes to tiles, a traditional square shaped tile in a traditional linear pattern is what spring to most people minds.
However, in considering other shapes and incorporating different elements into your design such as size differentials, colour, texture and pattern variations stunning, truly unique tilework can become the cornerstone in the aesthetics of any living space.
Let’s discuss shapes!
Penny Rounds – These small intricate round tiles offer a vastly different option to the customary angular designs.
While they may look complex, many don’t know that the secret to this type of tile is that they come on a mosaic sheet – a kind of net backing – that drastically reduces installation time and enhances uniformity to the end result.
Subway – Widely attributed to the New York wall coverings utilized in subway station construction around the turn of the 1900’s, modern design takes on this vintage style go beyond simple linear horizontal butting.
Vertical orientation can add height to a wall space, while Brick Bond patterning adds a more off-set metropolitan – even industrial look, depending on color and texture.
Rectangle – While closely related to traditional Subway tile options, longer rectangle styles present different dimensions that open up a new range of patterning options with more complex geometry and sharper angles.
Patterns traditionally attributed to parquetry hardwood flooring and wall paneling – Herringbone, Swallowtail, Cubical, and Basketweave – are just some examples of styles that can add sense of space and intrigue to your next project.
Chevron – Although pattern variations in the Chevron style are similar to Herringbone patterns, they have one key difference over other tiles that yields a distinctive look: acute angular variance.
With the tile ends cut at 45 or 30 degree angles – as opposed to the traditional 90 degrees of square or rectangle shapes – a parallelogram is created to offer visual variances that can endue a sharper, more modern look to traditional styles.
Hexagon and Triangles – Often regarded as bolder choices, Hexagon and Triangle tiling present more angles introducing greater geometric complexity than the more standard lines of square and rectangle samples.
This style lends itself to more audacious, intricate patterning across a wall or floor space with sweeping line forms and colour contrasts.
Picket and Kite – A sort of cross between traditional Subway and the more daring hexagon styles, Pickett tiles are essentially an elongated hexagon shape.
Depending on your viewpoint, they can either modernize the older subway layouts OR tone down standard hexagon layouts.
Stacked Stone - Achieve a more rustic textured feature with this style as appearances shift with light and shadow.
Bring attention to pillars and posts, make fireplaces and mantelpieces really stand out, or use outdoors an alfresco areas - or even water features.
Fish Scale – Unique in how they combine angles and curves, this style softens sharper lines found in squarer shapes.
With its overlapping look – just like the scales on a fish – it also gives an appearance of depth layering and texture.
Lantern – Not unlike Fish Scale designs, this style combines rounder and sharper edges.
An older, more exotic design that harks back to traditional Northern African and Middle Eastern styles.
Patterned and Encaustic – Sometimes you just need to choose a style and get on with your project, without the conflict that comes with so much choice.
Much as you would choose a wallpaper design or floor rug, patterned tiles are a great option for fast decisive action that will look great for years to come.
Sheets and Slabs – If you are seeking a look beyond accustomed tile shapes, patterns and layouts, Sheets are a standout, cost effective option.
Geared towards styling that resembles a look where large pieces were cut direct from a quarry, Sheets are the perfect option in more earthen tones such as stone and marble - and even metal.
Square – Back to where we started a traditional square shaped tile in a traditional linear pattern is what spring to most people minds.
However, it doesn’t have to be.
With so many colour and texture variation, square tiling if often the best option for many spaces – from traditional terracotta and timber styles through to more modern finishes mimicking metal, stone and concrete.
And size (and texture) matters too.
Before closing it is worth mentioning that size of each individual tile has great bearing on the overall effect of the area in question.
Smaller tiles lend themselves to more intricate patterning, for example, while larger tiles can have a bolder look – more like blocks than actual tiles. There has never been more choice in tiling options for your next project than now.
While vast shape and colour variations have been in existence for thousands of years in different corners of the world, they have never all been available in a
single place until recent times. And now we are seeing tile trends that mimic a wide array of 3D textures and finishes from stone to timber.
From marble to brick.
From concrete to metal.
And sizes that have gone well beyond standard 30cm x 30cm.
Tiles aren’t simply tiles any more. With so many variables, it is well worth visiting a showroom to see, touch and feel your tile options first hand…and draw upon the knowledge of your local Tile Boutique team to make sense of the myriad of options for your unique requirements!
