Trialing tiling: Tiles have become the latest design hack

Forget any ideas you have of giant brown and beige floor slates, or gaudy bathroom tiles with fussy borders – the new tile style is all about geometric shapes, Moroccan patterns, bold colours and a simplicity. Interior lovers are embracing the versatility, durability and price-friendly solution far beyond the kitchen floors and bathrooms they were previously relegated to. Now, subway tiles adorn the coolest kitchens, French porcelain tiles have become the hallway entrance du jour, and tiled feature walls have planted themselves firmly at the top of interior maven’s wish lists. The visual impact tiling can have on a space is immense - adding warmth and depth, helping to mask any uneven surfaces - and incorporating tiles into your home isn’t as drastic or daring a task as you might imagine. The following represent some of the most beautiful, current tiling ideas and solutions to help inspire your tile trialing.

The basics

Before you delve head first into Pinterest, let's talk about the basics. There are two main types of tile – one designed for walls and others for floors. While wall tiles are super light and aren't designed to hold any weight, floor tiles can be used on both floors and walls, so if you see a style of floor tile you love remember it can be adapted to work perfectly for your feature wall. Once you know the type you need, consider the material - ceramic tiles are usually double glazed and are perfect for kitchen and bathroom floors, and any wall surfaces. Porcelain tiles are much stronger, more durable, and can be used on pretty much any surface. So, if you're dreaming of a patterned hallway floor, a porcelain floor tile is for you. Thinking of updating your kitchen sink's splash zone? Try a ceramic wall tile. We love this vintage ceramic tiled wall, spotted on cuckooland.com.

Patterns and prints 

Committing to a mosaic tile might seem scary, but not only are they a beautiful statement-making addition to your home, they're also easily applied to flat and curved surfaces, work brilliantly in bathrooms, showers, kitchens and make for a gorgeous hallway entrance or bathroom or utility room. You can go as loud or as subtle as you want with a print. For those of you who are more cautious, keep a tiled hallway white and use a pattern around the border. For those feeling inspired, embrace a bold print and colour and let that be the talking point in the room by keeping furniture and accessories simple and neutral. Moroccan patterns are having a real moment right now. We adore the ranges at besttile.ie, where they offer everything from simple monochrome designs to elaborate patterns, from as little as €1 each.

Geometric goals  

Another tile trend we’re seeing everywhere is the rise of geometrics. This tile style is subtle compared to the Moroccan trend, but still packs a punch. Try honeycombs in soft whites, like the kitchen pictured, or use Subway tiles slanted for zig-zag effect. The plus side to choosing a geometric style tile?  Unlike using patterned tiles, where they become the talking point in a space, geometrics are subtle enough that you can afford to go bold with paint colours, accessories and furniture. They are a statement, for sure, but they’ll be complimented by the added extras in a room. The busier the better.

For more, see bakedtiles.co.uk

Feature walls   

We know tiles are the perfect addition to a kitchen, hallway and bathroom, but now tiled feature walls have become the latest way to take a boring space and make it Insta-worthy. While you may not want to cover your master bedroom's wall in a tile (that's a little out there, even for team GAFF), brick-effect tiles are one of the most popular ways give your living space an industrial vibe with minimum fuss. These tiles are lightweight and can be applied like any other, but the effect has Brooklyn style written all over it.

Get inspired 

The beauty of introducing tiles into your home is their versatility. If you have a small space  or a small budget, investing in a tile you love will lift it entirely. Take note of tiles that speak to you and start to rethink your bathroom, hallways and kitchens. It’s easier to make a tile style statement than you think.