Boldly go for a new look in the new home

Holly Cozens shows you why 2013 is the Year of the Tile

Make a statement
It seemed like 2012 was the year for natural colours, muted palettes and minimalist fashion when it came to home improvements. As we fall into 2013, styles and designs are certainly not backwards in coming forwards. Bold, brash colours, vivid textures and extraordinary shapes are making their way onto the interiors radar and more specifically, in the form of household tiles. No longer content to blend quietly into the background, up and coming trends suggest tiles are taking no prisoners and stepping into the limelight.

Bold & beautiful
Vibrant colours and dramatic style choices are the perfect way for any room in your house to make an impact. If you’re feeling brave enough, invest in some bright floor tiles to give your bathroom an instant lift. Use dynamic shades in your kitchen if you want it to stand out and be proud. Tiling a focus area can help to subtly complement, or go the whole hog to boldly tile where no one has tiled before. Don’t let the mood indoors reflect the weather outside, invite in some warmth with this year’s most exciting range of tiles.

Geometry, my dear Watson
If patterns are more your cup of tea, simple geometrics can look stunning spread across a spacious room floor or stretching the length or height of any focal point. An advantage of deciding on this type of tile design is many tile specialists cater to varying tastes, from modern or traditional to either commanding or inconspicious. 2013 is the year for some outstanding mosaic innovation, using different materials such as wood, stone and glass to create some splendid effects.

Add a fresh, contemporary look to your home or pick some superb quality tiles that can aid you in recreating your dream period style.

A striking distance
Gone are the days when tiles were flat and square. The shape and size of the average tile has been redefined, from the classic chevron shape to some unusually brilliant reptilian scale-like forms. However, other concepts have begun to shine through, like a more blatant 3D look.

Using different thicknesses, specially embossed tiles or uneven surfaces can result in an unconventional image, becoming the envy of any visitor. These are doubly effective as they can look gorgeous after a quick glance at the whole room or equally stunning up close. Don’t settle for the ordinary; give your home a little extra.