blog, walls
Subway tiles have been a mainstay in interior design for over a century, thanks to their timeless appeal and versatility. Originally used in the New York City subway system in the early 1900s, these rectangular tiles have since become a staple in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home. But just because subway tiles have been around for a while doesn’t mean they’re out of style. In fact, there are plenty of fresh takes on this classic tile design that are worth exploring.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest trends in subway tiles, and where to find them.
Coloured Subway Tiles
While white subway tiles will always be a classic choice, there’s a growing trend towards coloured subway tiles. Whether it’s a subtle pastel or a bold statement hue, coloured subway tiles can add a pop of personality to any space. For a retro vibe, consider using mint green or powder blue tiles. For a more modern look, try rich jewel tones like emerald or sapphire.
Textured Subway Tiles
For a more tactile approach to subway tiles, consider using textured tiles. These tiles come in a variety of finishes, including bevelled, ribbed, and crackled. Textured subway tiles can add depth and interest to a space, and can create a more dramatic look when used on a feature wall or backsplash.
Subway Tiles in Non-Traditional Patterns
While the classic running bond pattern (also known as brick pattern) is still popular, there are plenty of non-traditional patterns to consider when it comes to subway tiles. Herringbone, basket weave, and diagonal patterns can all create a unique, eye-catching look. And don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns for an even more dynamic effect.
Oversized Subway Tiles
For a modern twist on a classic design, consider using oversized subway tiles. These tiles can be up to four times larger than traditional subway tiles, and can create a sleek, streamlined look in any space. They’re especially popular for shower walls and other large areas where traditional subway tiles might look too busy.
Where to Find Trending Subway Tiles
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to subway tiles.
One of the places where you can discover the latest trends in subway tiles is by visiting one of Tiletoria’s showrooms. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of our knowledgeable staff, who can provide valuable guidance in selecting the ideal subway tiles for your space.
No matter what your style or budget, there’s a subway tile out there that’s perfect for your project. So go ahead and start exploring the latest trends – you might just find your new favourite tile!
blog, floors, walls
As we enter a new year, the world of design is abuzz with excitement over the latest trends and styles. And when it comes to home decor, one of the most exciting aspects is the ever-evolving world of tile design. From classic ceramic to modern mosaic, tiles offer endless possibilities for adding texture, colour, and personality to your home.
So what can we expect in 2023? Here’s a look at the big names in design forecasting and their predictions for the year ahead.
One of the major players in design forecasting is Pantone, the authority on colour trends.
For 2023, they predict a trend towards earthy, nature-inspired hues such as olive greens, warm browns, and deep blues. These colours create a sense of calm and serenity, and can help to bring the outdoors inside. In terms of tile design, we can expect to see a lot of earthy tones and organic textures, including natural stone and wood-look tiles. These tiles will add a warm, inviting feel to any space and are perfect for creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Next, we have Houzz, the popular home design website.
They predict that geometric tiles will be a big trend in 2023. These tiles feature bold shapes and patterns, often in contrasting colours. They can be used to create eye-catching feature walls or to add interest to a backsplash or shower enclosure.
Another trend they anticipate is the use of large-format tiles, which can create a sleek, modern look in any space.
Interior designer Emily Henderson is also weighing in on the tile trends for 2023.
She predicts that terrazzo tiles will be a major player in the coming year. These tiles feature a mix of chips or fragments of marble, quartz, granite, glass, and other materials, which are then poured into a cement or epoxy base. The result is a unique, speckled appearance that’s perfect for adding texture and interest to floors, walls, and countertops.
Finally, we have the design team at Elle Decor.
They’re predicting a return to classic materials and styles in 2023, including subway tiles and hexagonal tiles. These timeless designs never go out of style and can add a touch of elegance to any space. They’re also anticipating a rise in artisanal and handcrafted tiles, which offer a unique, one-of-a-kind look that can’t be replicated by mass-produced products.
Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or an interior designer, these tile trends for 2023 offer plenty of inspiration for your next project. From soft pastels to bold geometric patterns, there’s something for every style and taste.
So, go ahead and start planning your tile makeover today – the possibilities are endless!
blog, walls
Mosaic tiles are timeless, and they are great for a contemporary setting. They are arrangements of small pieces of hard material displayed together to create a picture or pattern. Stone, tile, and glass are all perfect materials for this type of display and make for beautiful finishes when installed. The stylish designs are drawn from the history of mosaics and give off a rich decorative design heritage, with a contemporary twist. When buying mosaics for your home, they typically come in separate sheets that can be arranged together to make the process of displaying a large quantity much easier.
Here are our top 5 ways to use mosaic tiles in your home:
Above: Fan white gloss mosaic
1. Using mosaic tiles in your bathroom
Mosaic flooring can be used in your bathroom to give your home the rich and luxurious pick-me-up it deserves. Using them is an attractive and stylish choice that will outline any passing trend. They will never run out of fashion because they have the same characteristics as larger tiles. They are strong, clean, and versatile. The most common use for mosaic tiles within a bathroom is to create a patterned effect. You can choose to use a small section of mosaic tiles to accent a piece within the bathroom such as a basin or vanity unit. This can look quite effective in making a statement to focal points within the bathroom.
Above: Hexagon white matt/gloss black dots porcelain tiles
2. What mosaic tile pattern to use in the kitchen
The kitchen is known to be the heart of your home, and using mosaic walls for the backsplash often adds style to it and gives it a unique look. To add a new backsplash for a neutral kitchen, you can add a mosaic pattern that features warm, contemporary browns, or contrast with cool blues and trendy greys. You can emphasize the contrast by adding smoky accessories.
Above: Autumn fairy speckled charcoal kit-kat tiles
Above: Autumn fairy ocean aqua
3. Using brick mosaic tiles in the shower
Brick mosaic tiles will not lose their quality because they have been installed in the shower. They can sustain a lot of water, humidity, and steam. They have the potential to liven up a bathroom to a more bright and beautiful space, which is extremely easy to clean. Mosaic tiles give a high-end luxurious look to the bathroom and the small tiles create an interesting texture.
Above: Herringbone milk white
4. Can mosaic tiles be used outside
Although mosaic tiles make a great addition to outdoor spaces, they require a different application to ensure they are safe from water and outdoor elements. You can make use of outside mosaic tiles to bring a unique and colourful finish to your outdoor space. When installing mosaic tiles outside, use a concrete backer rather than wood, as wood will swell and contract based on humidity changes, so the tiles will eventually begin to fall off.
Above: Black white gloss check mosaic wall tiles
5. How to give your fireplace an ultimate facelift with mosaic tiles
Mosaic fireplaces are not made inside of the fireplace itself but are made by applying mosaic to the surrounding face. The fireplace surround can be mosaicked with a variety of materials, including glass tile. For outdoor mosaics subject to rain, humidity, and freezing temperatures, thin set mortar should be used instead of adhesive to mount tiles.
Above: Nocturnal crescent cladding
Tile used in mosaic has a track record of durability and performance, making it one of the most capital efficient surface finishing materials over time. Unlike other flooring products such as carpet, vinyl, and laminate flooring, glass and natural stone tile last for a lifetime with little maintenance or wear. Mosaic artwork is the type of décor that does not harm the environment, as you will not need any type of chemicals to clean them. You need not worry about it deteriorating, getting damaged or getting outdated because mosaic will always look exquisite and stylish.
A large-scale mosaic art on your wall will inspire awe and admiration from your visitors, regardless of its theme.
So, any time you’re craving a little design refresh of your home interior or external façade of your home or building, there are a myriad of ways to do so.
Check out our range of mosaic tiles here
For more insight on how to use Mosaic Tiles in your home, visit your nearest Tiletoria showroom.
blog, floors, how to articles, walls
With all the options that are available, we know that deciding which tiles to choose for your project is an overwhelming task. We’ve put together a guide of top tips to help make the decision easier for you.
1. First things first, consider the overall look you want to achieve. Gather those inspo pictures and create a mood board to get a better understanding of what tiles you need to look for. This will also assist the sale team when you visit our showroom so that they can show you options for the exact style of tiles you are looking for. You can create a whole new style for your space or work with the existing style of your home.
Above Image: Woodern Warmth Moodboard featuring gerflor creation 55 chevron moka vinyl planks
2. Next it is important to consider the function of the room where you wish to lay your new tiles. This will ensure you choose the correct tiles that won’t need to be replaced in the near future. For example, if you are renovating your kitchen or bathroom, it is important to choose tiles that are slip-resistant, durable, and able to withstand moisture and water.
Above Image: Mabula charcoal slip-resistant ecotech tile
3. The size of the room matters. Larger tiles can assist in making a small room feel larger, with fewer grout lines. Lighter tiles can also assist in adding a larger feel to a small space. This does not mean that you can’t use smaller tiles in small spaces. Certain tiles can make a small space flow better. Mosaic tiles are a good option. There will be more grout lines but because these tiles are easier to install around fixtures and corners, it creates a smooth flow. They also require fewer cuts when installing, which creates a more streamlined overall look.
Above Image: Thames white porcelain larger format tiles
Above Image: Hexagon rome bianco statuario mosaic wall tiles
4. The size of the area you wish to tile will directly impact the amount of money you need to spend, which leads us to our next point – Budget. Firstly, the larger the area, the more tiles you will need to purchase, and the higher your cost will be. The larger the number of tiles, the more grout you will need, and the higher your labor costs will be. It is easy to calculate how many tiles you will need to purchase to get a better understanding of how much money you will spend. If you are unsure how to do that, have a look at our previous blog where we give you a step-by-step guide of how to do these calculations yourself – Lesson/Tip: How to calculate how many tiles you need. Knowing your budget will also make it easier for you to decide which tiles to choose, as it will filter down the options of tiles that fall within your price range.
Pro Tip: Choosing the right grout colour is also important when choosing the right tiles. The colour of the grout you use will directly affect the overall design and look of your space. Have a look at our blog to ensure you make the right decision when it comes to grout – Lesson/Tip: How to choose the right grout colour.
If you are still unsure which tiles to choose for your latest project, visit one of our showrooms and talk to the experts, who will help make your decision easier than ever.
blog, robin sprong wallpapers blog
The season of new beginnings is in the air – it’s officially spring!
We’ve put together our top picks of Robin Sprong spring-inspired wallpaper designs, to visualize the change of season.
“The foundation for Uta’s work centers around floral motifs, colour, and nature. For many years, Uta has collected books featuring antique illustrations, drawings of historical pharmacy plants, lush tropical vegetation, and roses, specifically.”
Hummingbirds and Tropical Flowers
In Spring, hummingbirds start to visit flowering plants and nectar feeders. Many people believe that Hummingbirds symbolize joy, healing, and good luck.
Vintage Sepia Bird and Flower Jungle
The perfect symbol of spring, with bright flowers in bloom. The vibrant bright yellow background represents the colour of “happiness, and optimism, of enlightenment and creativity, sunshine and spring.”
Colorful Birds and Redouté Flowers
Redouté was a painter and botanist from Belgium, known for his watercolours of roses, lilies, and other flowers (Arts & Culture).
“Este’s works are inspired by themes such as travel, nature, dreams, seasons, and sentiments. The layering of colours within her designs, including simplified plant forms & her trademark floral depictions, ensure freshness and vibrant energy throughout her work.”
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are the best know for attracting birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden.
Y029 Compo
Green Starling
Dawn
Mexican colours
Bright, bold, birds and botanicals are how we would best describe these wallpapers…and the new season!
Feliz
‘Feliz’ is the Spanish word for ‘happy’, perfect for this happy season.
Lindias Kitchen
Daisies are the perfect representation of the season of rebirth and renewal. They symbolize motherhood and childbirth. “With their yellow centers surrounded by fresh, white petals, daisies have an effortless beauty that we can’t help but love” – Curate Florals.
Bloom
The definition of Bloom is “to produce or yield flowers”, a perfect representation for the season of blooming flowers.
“Amelia’s passion and outlook in creating beautiful living spaces for her clients are born from her global travels across Africa, Australasia, Asia, and Europe. Find the right combination of stunning colours, mix in a passion for textures, and add a huge splash of creativity to create your own unique and gorgeous spaces.”
Agapantha
Blossom
Passion Flower
Pansy
Welcome the season of new beginnings by introducing spring flowers and blooming plants into your space.
“Jane and Jann are inspired by the African textile tradition, rendered in a modern urban context with its blending of diverse sources and influences to create the fabric of a nation.”
After The Fire Colour
This artwork is a great representation of a South African Spring. “The protea is one of the most fascinating plants on earth and, of course, South Africa’s national flower. These beautiful plants attract various birds and insects like sunbirds and bees with their rich, sweet nectar. Proteas, is referred to as fire-loving vegetation, and in need to burn every few years to survive” – Anita Froneman
5. Room 13 collection
“What initially started off as a passion project has developed into a fully-fledged sister company, Room 13 Collection. From [their] fantastical signature botanicals to more subtle geometric and textured designs, [their] 3 Wallpaper Collections covers it all.”
Eden Navy
“A strain of the earth’s sweet being in the beginning in Eden garden.” – Gerard Manley Hopkins (Spring Stanza 2)
“Spring is a lot like the good old times in the biblical Garden of Eden. The bounty and joy of spring can be compared to the sweetness and bounty of the Garden of Eden.”
Willie Schlechter mainly works within the genre of botanical art. He is an award-winning artist and his art has been showcased in multiple exhibitions. “Many of his works are digitally printed onto textiles, wallpaper, ceramics, and sold as limited edition prints.”
Bee and Moth Colour
Spring is the most important and busiest time of the year for honeybees. The worker bees in spring are busy finding food for their colony as soon as the first source of pollen emerges. This is also the queen’s mating and egg production season. (Sioux Honey)
During Spring, young caterpillars emerge. That’s when they begin feeding on all the new tree leaves! After eating for about a month, the caterpillars rest in their pupal cases. A few months later, they emerge as white or brown-winged moths. They then get ready to lay eggs and start the whole process over! (Davey)
“Robyn is a Cape Town based designer with a passion for historic and floral pattern styles. She has created a beautiful collection featuring dahlia flowers, hummingbirds, and other petite florals.”
Dahlia Blooms Green Pink
The best planting time for dahlias is in late spring when all danger of frost is over and the weather is nice and warm (Gardening in South Africa). They are common wedding flowers, a symbol of commitment and an everlasting union. They also represent inner strength, creativity, and elegance (Bunches Direct).
“Jessica loves to illustrate the feeling of fun, whimsical movement combined with the opulent abundance of the natural world. Carrying a deep appreciation for the principles of Feng Shui, she believes that surrounding oneself in inspired beauty generates uplifting energy and inspired life.”
Pond – Green
This wallpaper is one of the most popular, and we can see why. The eye is automatically drawn to the bright pops of flowers, in between a beautifully illustrated pond.
To see more of Robin Sprongs amazing collection of wallpapers, wall decals, tile stickers, and shower panel vinyls, visit one of our showrooms today.
blog, renovation tips
The sun is shining and the weather is warming up – Spring is officially here! There is no better time to start your home improvement projects,
Here are 4 reasons why:
1. The weather
Winter and Summer times are known for hot and wet weather, which is guaranteed to cause delays with any building projects. Spring is the ideal season to avoid these unpredictable weather conditions. Delays occur when building materials get wet or damaged due to rain and harsh weather conditions. Good weather and increasing daylight hours mean builders can work longer and get the job done quicker. This means your completion time will come a lot sooner. For landscaping projects, there is no better time to begin planting than in the season of growth. Outdoor projects such as pools and decks, are also ideal for spring to get your outdoor spaces ready to enjoy in the summertime.
2. Great deals on supplies
With the winter season ending, the opportunity to land some great deals and save some money on supplies for your home renovation is now! A lot of stores offer huge discounts to get rid of their last season’s stock.
3. The buying boom
Spring and summer are the peak seasons for buying and selling homes. If you are planning on renovating or doing some repairs and maintenance on your home before selling, this is the perfect time to start. When your house is ready to enter the market, there will be buyers ready and waiting.
4. Summertime festivities
With summertime, the holiday season, and end-of-year festivities around the corner, there is no better time to get your home renovations on the go, for completion the perfect time. If you’re planning on using your time off to enjoy hot days by the pool, braais, and get-togethers, completing renovations during spring means you’ll be able to show off and fully enjoy your newly renovated home with your friends and family.
For more advice on your home renovation projects, speak to the experts at one of our Tiletoria showrooms.
