1. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE
There is a wide variety of materials in the tile world, but today we will focus on the main ones we see designers and homeowners select.
1. NATURAL STONE TILES are crafted from stone quarried directly from the earth and can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes and formats. These require more care and maintenance in comparison to machine-manufactured tiles as they are porous by nature.
2. GLAZED PORCELAIN TILES are machine-manufactured non-porous, requiring very minimal care and maintenance compared to natural stone tiles.
3. TERRACOTTA TILES are traditionally made from natural clay which is baked at high temperatures. The final hardened product can be left in its natural state or can be given a glaze coat for added protection or colour. Raw terracotta is highly porous, and therefore will require similar care to that of natural stone.
The key point to remember is that natural materials are porous, whereas Porcelain/manufactured tiles are not. This distinction doesn't make one superior to the other; it simply highlights considerations to keep in mind when choosing between them.
2. CONSIDER YOUR SPACE
Selecting the perfect wall tiles starts with understanding how your space will be used. Take a minute to ask yourself the following questions:
WHAT IS THE LIGHTING IN THE SPACE LIKE?
Lighting greatly impacts how finishes look. Matt finishes and darker tones can make large, bright spaces feel cozier, but might make small, dark areas seem more confined. Glossier, lighter tones can enhance brightness, making small, dim spaces appear larger. When you visit our showroom, be prepared to discuss your windows, skylight positions, and any lighting fixtures like ceiling, wall lights and feature lights in the space.
WHO WILL USE THE SPACE?
When selecting wall tiles for your project, it’s essential to envision the space you'll be spending your time in. Unlike floors, walls do not endure daily wear and tear from foot traffic. However, it is still crucial to consider the specific uses of the space. For instance, kitchen backsplashes are prone to food and oil splatter. When it comes to bathroom wall tiles, they must withstand warm temperatures and humidity, especially for those who enjoy long, hot showers. Assess the ventilation of the bathroom, do you have effective windows or vents? Laundry wall tiles on the other hand, you have a lot of freedom with as these spaces do not typically see any type of harsh conditions or traffic.
For spaces prone to spills, oils, water, and humidity, we often recommends glazed tiles. Whether they are porcelain or composed of natural materials, glazed tiles offer a protective surface that makes them durable, as well as easy to clean and maintain. Some examples of these are porcelain tiles with a gloss, matt or satin glazing and handmade terracotta tiles with coloured glaze.
What about Natural Stone?
Choosing natural stone for a wall can be a luxurious and beautiful choice, but be mindful of its maintenance requirements. Natural stone tiles are porous, which makes them susceptible to staining. For this reason, our team will not typically immediately recommend natural stone tiles for areas like a kitchen backsplash. Sauces, spices and oils will inevitiably splash onto the tiles, which would need to be promptly cleaned with the right products to maintain their beauty. It's not to say that you shouldn't have natural stone as a kitchen backsplash, we just always emphasise the importance of the care and maintenance that comes with them. Consider yourself and the people you live in the space with. Is the thought of regular upkeep and careful use of products overwhelming? Are you more the type to leave your kitchen sparkling every night, or do you wait to do one good deep clean once a week? Can the people you live with be trusted to provide the same amount of care as you do? These are just some things to consider.
To learn more about the care and maintenance involved with natural stone and different tile materials we have put together a convenient blog where we go into detail to answer the most common questions. You can read it here.
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT - FOREVER HOME / RENTAL / RESALE?
Finishes are always a significant investment, enhancing both the beauty and functionality of a space. For those designing their long-term or forever home, we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and create a space that truly reflects your personal lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. This way, your home becomes a sanctuary that embodies your identity, offering joy in every corner.
For rental or resale properties, while we still advocate for choosing finishes that are beautiful, it is essential to prioritise certain functional specifications and budgets. This consideration ensures that the selected finishes are safe and versatile enough to accommodate the diverse needs of future occupants.
3. GLOSS OR MATT?
GLOSS Finishes feature a smooth and reflective surface, making colours pop and giving the tiles and the space a more vibrant appearance. They're particularly beneficial in smaller rooms with limited natural light, as the reflective glaze helps to bounce light around, making the space feel more expansive and inviting.
MATT finishes on the other hand, are non-reflective and provide a softer, more textured look. Unlike gloss finishes, matt tiles absorb light, creating a subtle and understated ambiance. They are an excellent choice for bright and spacious areas that can benefit from a touch of subtlety and warmth, offering a cozy and refined atmosphere.
Although matt and gloss finishes are the two main ones you'll see
4. WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?
Understanding your personal style and aesthetic preferences is essential in creating a space that truly resonates with you. Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of modern design, the nostalgic charm of 70's retro interiors or the timeless elegance of traditional Victorian design (or a mix of all), knowing what styles, eras, colours, shapes and textures inspire you and gravitate towards is a great step! However, if you're uncertain about your preferences, trust your instincts and allow your spontaneous reactions to guide you. A wonderful way to discover your style is by visiting our showroom. It's a playground for the senses, so we encourage you to interact with the displays, feel the textures, experiment with mixing patterns and colours, and take note of what captures your interest the most. Let your intuition lead the way to finding what truly makes your design sense come alive.
Virtually any type of tile can be used on the wall, as long as you understand the care and maintenance involved.
While these steps provide a foundational approach, there's so much more involved in selecting finishes, a wealth of knowledge our team has gathered through years of experience and expertise. To gain professional insights and assistance in creating your dream space, we invite you to visit us at 10 James St, Windsor VIC. Alternatively, feel free to contact us via phone or email. No appointment is necessary; simply drop by and let us help you transform your vision into reality.
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