BATHROOM PROGRESS #5: FIRST LOOK AT THE TILES

Bath - Shower corner

Bath Length Wall

These aren't very good photographs because they were taken at night, but I couldn't resist posting a sneak peek of Jan, the tiler's work.  It really is an act of dedication as all the tile edges perfectly line up and he's made the uneven walls appear continously flat.  The grout lines, which are exceptionally slim, will be in the same colour as the tiles which will give the walls a seamless look.  It was definately worth waiting the six weeks to secure his services.

I'm really loving the tiles and am finding hard to stop myself from wandering back and forth into the bathroom to marvel at them.  The glossy sheen on them bounces the light around and makes the miniscule room look bright and airy.  The tiles have very subtle veins as well as lighter whitish streaks which are almost impossible to pick up with the camera, but provide some interest.  It's hard to tell at this stage if the bathroom will appear larger as the basin, the luxuriously large stainless steel cabinet, towel radiator, and chrome fixtures haven't gone in yet.  It's quite a lot to cram into such a small space, but I'm hoping that it will all work.  For the moment at this early stage, I'm more than happy at the results.     

OPULENCE PAR EXCELLENCE

Ophydia Glass

Silex Glass Tiles

Dune Solomon Stone Mosaic

Medusa Pure Gold

Hermitage Glass Tile

European Tiles Direct, who are supplying my bathroom tiles have a spectacular range:  Here is a selection of their dazzling luxury tiles.  Who would have thought that tiles could be so extravagant and decadent! 

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR DETAIL.

Available from:-

http://www.europeantilesdirect.co.uk

 

FINALLY A WINNER!

A rather large tile sample was waiting for me when I got home this evening - actually more than a sample, it was a complete tile! A 60cm x 30cm one.


I'm of the persuasion that large tiles in a small space will actually give the illusion of a larger space as the eye willl have less grout lines to focus on (see pic 2) - especially if you choose a coloured grout that blends well with your tiles.

With large rectangular tiles, you can tile them in a brickwork pattern or stacked (as above).  I prefer the latter, as I think it has a cleaner, more contemporary look and that's what I'm going to go for.  Of course you can also line them up vertically for a narrower, taller look, which is probably better in a bigger bathroom.
 

So, I have now come to the end of my tile search having decided on the late arrival (as in Pic 1).  It has the high gloss, flat edged look that I was after and furthermore it was the lightest coloured of all of them. Interestingly, a lot of what is advertised as ivory, cream, etc often turns out looking more mushroom hued once you put it into your bathroom which is why it is important to seek out as many tile samples as you can, situate them in your bathroom and wait until you find one that is right for the space, light, etc.  Unless you are after pure white tiles, it is also worth holding them against the whiteness of the bath, basin, toilet, etc as this always brings out the colour in the tile, even it if is of the palest ivory.  It pays not to rush into the permenance of staring at tiles that you are unsure about; worse, tiles that you could end up loathing in a few years time.  The bathroom is one of the first rooms that you notice in the mornings, so it should be clean looking, refreshing and invigorating.

For another post, I'll show you some spectacular, exciting bespoked tiles that I came across in my search that were out of this world, deluxe decadence par excellence - of course, it helps if you have a opulent sized bathroom to begin with.  Fantasy tiles.

LIFE IN HIGH GLOSS

High in the tiles selection stakes at this moment is this high gloss light sand coloured porcelain tile (right).  As the bathroom is miniscule, I think the highly polished surface, which almost resembles glass, will bounce the light around the room and it doesn't appeared as matt and dull as some of the natural stone samples.

Unlike many of its natural stone rivals, porcelain is non porous and highly resistant to chemicals; it doesn't require regular sealing and is extremely low maintenance; and it is very resistant to abrasion as it is actually harder, stronger and more durable than natural stone.  But what I like most about porcelain is that it doesn't have that 'printed' quality of some ceramic tiles that are often made to resemble marble or natural stone, but do it badly.

The sample I was sent has very subtle textural flecks, similar to granite, enough to make the tile interesting without finding yourself caught up in a web of swirls simulating onyx or marble, which I think would be a mistake in such a small space.  The light sand colour is agreeable and not too buttery or peachy to be cloying, yet it has just enough colour to contrast with the white of the wash basin, bath & toilet.  One other detail worth mentioning is that the tile edge doesn't have that slight raise that tiles often have, and if grouted correctly should blend smoothly and seamlessly. What more can I say... unless something better arrives in the post tomorrow, this could be it.

CHOOSING TILES: It's not set in stone!

The bathroom is filling up with tile samples. At the moment my favourite is the Moleanos Cream Limestone which has beautiful small fossil flecks throughout the creamy tile.

A tiled bathroom is probably one of the most 'permanent' rooms in your house, so it is important to pick your tiles with care: obtain as many samples as you can; place them around the bathroom so that they can be seen in the ever changing light to give you an idea of how the bathroom will appear in the morning, midday, afternoon and evening.  From my experience, tiles always look different and often brighter in the showroom from how they will look in your bathroom.  Live with your tile samples for a few days before starting the process of elimination.

TILE #4

Sadly, my miniscule bathroom won't tolerate travetine as even that appears too dark.  The search is now on for an off-white porcelain tile that won't compromise the space.

TILE #3

TILE #2

TILE #1