How to Add Patterned Tiles in Your Bathroom
6 Tips From Interior Stylist Maxine Brady
If you want to add creative flair to your bathroom or maybe an element of surprise to your new en-suite, then
patterned tiles could be just your thing! Today, interior Stylist
Maxine Brady shares her top 6 styling tips on how to add patterned tiles to create a style statement in your bathroom.
Get to know Interior Stylist Maxine Brady
Interior stylist Maxine Brady is a creative force in the world of home décor and she has spent the past 20 years styling joyful interiors across the world. You’d have seen her styling work in leading home décor magazines and on TV shows. She’s also a TV presenter, art director, interior designer and writes a multi-award winning lifestyle blog called
maxinebrady.com. She shares her peppermint terrace house in Brighton with her fluffy dog Teddy.
1. Go for a single pattern
For maximum impact, choose just one pattern tile design and cover both yours walls and floors in your bathroom or en-suite. But what design do you go for? You could follow the current trend for Moroccan inspired tiles which are hugely popular at the moment. They create a spa-inspired feel especially when combined with natural bathroom textured accessories. If you fancy a contemporary look, choose geometric or illusion tiles in a monochrome scheme – these types of prints pack a punch! If you love country styling, floral tiles look very pretty in the bathroom when used as a feature like a sink splash back or as a border.
Style tip: if you are struggling to pick a single patterned tile for your bathroom, one easy way is to pick one that complements the age of your property.
2. Choose a tonal colour palette
Love pattern? Then unleash your creative spirit with a mix of designs in your bathroom. Tempting as it may be to go for a wide range of tile colours, you need to be careful your patterned tiles don’t clash. One trick is to choose tiles in a simple colour palette which work in harmony with each other. As a rule of thumb, try not to mix three tile designs in one space. You could ‘zone’ areas in your bathroom using different patterns.
In the image shown,
metro style wall tiles complement the larger square tiles under the bath, which pick out the colours in the patterned floor tiles. It shouldn’t work but somehow it does! Think strategically about the positioning of the tiles.
Style tip: Test out your ideas for the patterns in your bathroom - call in samples to check that the colours work well together. You can lay them out in the bathroom and get a good idea of what the final look will be.
3. Love Neutrals? Then go for a textured stone tile
If using coloured patterned tiles feels too much for your home, then consider using tiles in a neutral colour with a textured finish instead. This way you get all the visual interest of a patterned tile but overall it will create a subtle effect in your bathroom. Look out for tiles with ripples, hexagonal or refracted surfaces for cutting edge look. Colour range from sandy shades, crisp whites or deliciously dark tiles all of which will keep your bathroom bang on trend.
Style tip: For a seamless finish, colour match your grout to the colour of your tiles.
4. Create a feature wall with marble patterned tiles
Decorative marble has been a huge trend for our homes and it looks so cool when used in bathrooms. Rather than tiling a whole wall, use over-sized
marble-effect tiles to create a feature wall. Choose a patterned marble tile that has a smooth matt or honed finish as it gives a more sophisticated feel and allows the marble to speak for itself.
Once your feature wall is up, then choose a fun colour pop paint shade to draw attention to your patterned marble tiles. This peach and blue bathroom is giving off a serious boutique hotel look!
Style Tip: Look out for pastel fixtures and fittings to give your bathroom an edge.
5. Mosaics are a clever way to add pattern
One easy way to add interest to your bathroom is by using
mosaic tiles to add drama to walls and floors. Mosaics work particularly well in smaller ensuites where they can add intricate design without looking too busy. They are easy to install as they come on sheets, making them an ideal DIY project. In darker bathrooms choose mosaics with a metallic finish so each tile will reflect light around the room, making it appear bigger.
Style tip: For a cohesive look tile inside your shower and bathing area, and then again behind your sink in the same design for a sleek finish.
6. Create your own pattern using metro tiles
The number of patterns you can create yourself just using a
classic metro tile is utterly endless. From herringbone, to stripes, to horizontal, to ombre, metro tiles are having a moment right now. If you’re looking for a bit of wow-factor why not mix hues to achieve an even bolder look. The best thing about creating your own pattern with metro tiles is that it is easy to personalise your bathroom without necessarily breaking the bank. CTD Tiles has lots of tips and advice on how to create a bespoke tile layout for your next reno project.
Style tip: Look out for metal tile edging in the complementary colours to your fixtures and fittings. We love gold and brushed effect brass.