Tag: decorative tiles

Being bold with your decorating choices doesn’t have to mean in your face feature walls or clashing colours, it’s about finding the right style for you. But when it comes to making these decisions we know it can be a daunting process! If you want your home to reflect your bold personality, here's a few styling ideas to help…   Rich Colours With the rise of jewel like tones this year it’s becoming increasingly more popular to find these shades for your home. Taking a confident step away from pastels and creams to deeper darker shades is a bold yet rewarding decision, here’s some of our favourites:   Perfect Patterns Striking or even subtle patterns make for beautiful memorable interiors. Statement floors are also a great way to add drama and style, our Odyssey collection is best placed for this, featured below is Bolero.     Fabulous Functionality  The ideal combination, especially for floors. Odyssey tiles are again great for this but for something more traditional then definitely take a look at our Victorian Floor Tile Collection. Below is a look at some classic and modern options:   Big, bold and beautiful We have some stunning large format tiles, perfect for creating a daring look in your home. Some of our favourites include Nero Marquina and Midnight blue shown below, a gorgeous contemporary black marble effect tile with instant impact! The Tileworks collection has a whole host of large format tiles, you can browse the full range here:   Finishing Touches The right finishing touched can really complete a look and make for a unique visual focal point. Border tiles are often overlooked, but can really add that coveted wow factor to a finished design. You can use them to frame, highlight, zone and finish an area to perfection Read more...

Patchwork patterns have been around in interiors for years, from homemade patchwork quilts to hanging wall tapestries, the trend is still going strong. Modern interiors are now often inspired by patchworks, bringing in colour and texture to walls and floors, with tiles…   Chateaux Tiles For many, kitchens are a neutral space with cream and white tiles and surfaces, but it’s easier to be creative than you think. Chateaux tiles from The Winchester Tile Company, come in 22 different styles and can be mixed to create a beautiful patterned splashback, or an entire wall, like below. Chateaux tiles look especially beautiful when teamed with natural textures like wood and they work well with neutral walls and surfaces. For bathrooms, we love Chateaux on Papyrus; these tiles are all a blue and white shade but still with a patchwork effect. If you look closely, you can see that each Chateaux tile is slightly different, with a textured effect that is the result of the deliberate use of glazes that ‘react’ on the surface. The combination of a rustic tile base and the reactive glazes produces glossy tiles that have a noticeably textured surface.   Decorative bricks Earlier this year we launched our Artisan Decorative Bricks, 4 patterns on 5 different colour bases. The inspiration for these designs came from plants and flowers found in gardens and the English countryside. As shown below, you can create a patchwork effect by randomly mixing the patterns, or choose one design to create a backdrop behind a work surface, sink or hob.   The Odyssey Collection To create a more contemporary look check out the Odyssey Tapestry Collection. These tiles come in a grey and blue colourway. For floors, try mixing together tiles from our Odyssey Primo range, these look great on an expanse of floor but evenly good in a narrow hallway.   For something really unique try this floral style pattern using these Artworks floral tiles, a twist on the patchwork trend. You could also team any of these floral tiles with Artworks field gloss tiles and mouldings, the possibilities are endless Read more...

At the end of 2016 we gave you our Top 4 Tile Trends for 2017. We thought this week we’d take a look over the last 6 months to see how our predictions are shaping up and find out what’s popular with customers...   Jewel Like Tones – Greenery There’s absolutely no denying the greenery trend is still at large. With gorgeous shades like Jade Breeze, Victorian Green and Palm Green available from the Artworks collection we have plenty of jewel like tones on offer. For just a splash of greenery try a strip of Mosaics, we love Chanda which is new to the Mosaics collection and makes for a beautiful splashback. Its iridescent finish is perfect for adding a little bit of opulence to your kitchen.   Patterns You may have seen last week’s inspiration page where we looked through tile installations that have been shared with us on Instagram. You will see just how many people are embracing the patterned tile trend, with homeowners opting for Odyssey and Victorian Floor Tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Throughout the year our fantastic photographer has been on plenty of location shoots to take photos of our Victorian Floor Tile collection.  We’ve also launched our new decorative Artisan bricks to the Winchester Tile Collection. With intricate yet subtle detailing these tiles are great for those looking to add some interest to a lacklustre interior.   We’re big supporters of this trend and love seeing all the different tile patterns people opt for in their homes. We love receiving images of our tile installations so send them through to us at [email protected] Read more...

We’ve had plenty of exciting new additions and product launches this year, but this month we are celebrating the relaunch of one of our most loved ranges, the Artworks collection. Artworks is one of our most cherished collections, classic and decorated field tiles and mouldings which have been created here in our factory in Devon since 1986!   Since then, Artworks has been one of our most popular ranges and we have taken the opportunity to breathe some new life into it. Quality, tradition and authenticity are still core values, but to keep it current we have updated the range by adding three new colours, Chancel Grey, Vintage White and Westminster Grey. These new shades have a contemporary feel and look beautiful in both kitchens and bathroom settings as shown below. We have also introduced a new size, the large brick format which is perfect for creating a contemporary feel. Choose from nine colours including Jet Black. The glossy glazes provide a luxurious and timeless appeal for years to come. For a traditional feel try a large brick in one of the more classic shades like Victorian Green, Burgundy or Colonial White, or opt for a smaller sized half tile teamed with a moulding to add some character. Alongside the new additions we are still offering a wide choice of the existing collection including field tiles and decorated tiles. The authentic designs and patterns of the decorative tiles and borders have been inspired by many artistic styles, from ancient Greek architecture, famous painted works of art and movements such as Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Arts & Craft, so there is plenty to choose from! Artworks tiles also work beautifully with our other ranges; choose from up to 22 different shades in field tiles, half tiles, metro tiles and mouldings that can be teamed with Victorian Floor Tiles, Odyssey Tiles and even contrast beautifully against wood and stone effect tiles from the Tileworks Collection. Take a look at the full brochure here and keep an eye out for next week’s inspiration page for more on the new collection!   Read more...

Border tiles are often overlooked, but can really add that coveted wow factor to a finished design. You can use them to frame, highlight, zone and finish an area to perfection. Many tiles are available with a specially designed; matching border, but there's plenty of scope to be creative for a truly individual finish for both walls and floors.   Why use border tiles? One reason for using border tiles is to add a decorative edge or that perfect finishing flourish to the edges of a tiled area. This works well when creating splashbacks, upstands or if you are using tiles to dado height, such as in entrances or hallways. This adds a sense of completion and polish which can really smarten up an area for that all important great first impression.   Creating zones with border tiles Border tiles can be very effective in creating definition, or 'zones', which can be helpful in open plan spaces. Open plan schemes can sometimes feel like they are lacking cohesion, so it's important to ensure that every area has a clear use. In kitchen/diners, for example, border tiles can be used to create a 'rug effect' in the dining area, framing patterned tiles. This differentiates the space from the working kitchen and will make it feel cosier.       What type of border tile should I use? This depends very much on the style that you're going for, but there's a wealth of options for every kind of space: Mosaic border tiles - very popular in bathrooms, a shimmering, top quality mosaic tile can elevate the scheme, particularly if you're on a budget. Opting for show stopping details, such as a fancy mosaic border, can add a high end look to low cost tiles. Ceramic border tiles - perfect for areas where tiles are carried up to half or dado height delicately moulded, glossy ceramic borders are ideal for adding a sophisticated finish. Choose a shape in a matching shade for a sleek look. Decorative border tiles - decorative borders can be just the ticket for lifting an otherwise plain area. If you prefer the look of plain, glossy metro tiles consider adding a decorative border in the same colour for an interesting twist. Patterned border tiles- if you're going all out with a highly patterned floor, why not finish the look by framing it with a patterned border tile? Our own Odyssey range of patterned tiles (shown top) offers a selection of borders specially designed to match the designs and create a clean edge. This can also help to highlight the pattern and set it off. Conversely, if your floor is plain, a patterned border can add decorative detail. Accent border tiles- thin glass accent tiles, can be an excellent way of introducing an alternative colour that you wouldn't otherwise use. This adds an interesting decorative detail that can be carried through the rest of the scheme with complementary accessories. Bespoke border tiles - Victorian floor tiles form a distinct style that lends itself to the use of borders. Often highly patterned and associated with grand, period properties, Victorian tiled borders can be designed around the property itself to be in keeping with existing features and styles. This creates a sense of luxury - who wouldn't want a floor specifically designed to their property and tastes?   Read more...

Today we’re delighted to share with you a very special project that we’ve been working on. You may remember that we launched some additions to our Victorian Floor Tile collection, along with a gorgeous new brochure, at the beginning of the year.   Part of the re-design and the introduction of new colours was to simplify the whole process of Victorian style floor tiles. As many of the patterns are so beautifully intricate, it seemed that lots of homeowners felt intimidated or that they wouldn't be suitable for their non-Victorian home. We set about to prove this isn't the case. By introducing a new palette including several shades of grey and simpler patterns, we wanted to show that Victorian floor tiles can look as beautiful in black and white as a strongly traditional style. We also teamed up with blogger extraordinaire, Kimberly Duran of Swoon Worthy, to help her transform the exterior of her home. Victorian floor tiles are an incredibly popular choice for front paths, gardens and patios as this is where they were traditionally used. They also offer a beautiful design feature and low maintenance solution for many homes. Kimberly was the perfect choice for showing the versatility of Victorian tiles. Known for her colourful, maximalist style (which is anything but traditional!) we worked with Kimberly to come up with a pattern that suited her Edwardian property and that would look beautiful for years to come. Kimberly opted for a classic, intricate pattern which was updated by a monochrome palette that she preferred for this area, to ensure that it would stand the test of time. This just goes to show how a classic pattern can be made chic with the timeless combination of black and white. The result was nothing short of incredible - and proof that Victorian style tiles can be used in homes of all styles, whether you love Kimberly's bold 'boho glam' look or something altogether more classic. To read the full story, from start to finish, head over to Swoon Worthy Read more...

At Original Style, we have been manufacturing ceramic tiles in our Devon factory for as long as we have been in existence. We use traditional techniques, moulds and glazes to create gorgeous relief tiles, many of which are hand painted one by one by our talented artists.   Part of the appeal of these tiles is that colour is carefully applied by hand meaning that each tile contains startling detail and individuality. A range of styles are available, from beautiful butterflies to happy farmyard creatures - perfect for creating a homely, country kitchen style. The beauty of these tiles is that you can choose a small number of decorative accent tiles which nestle between a field of plain tiles to create a focal point. Our large plaques often find homes as splashbacks behind sinks or hobs. Border tiles featuring cute piglets, geese and lambs (shown above) are sure to raise a smile. If you're planning an update this spring, why not invite the natural world into your home? Flowers painted in gorgeous detail will instantly liven up any space year round, so pick your favourite bloom and create a feature in your home Read more...

In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at some commonly asked tile-related questions when it comes to conservatory floors. There are lots of things to consider when you choose tiles; from material to size, colour, maintenance and how they will be installed… we’re here to help!   Q: I would like to use tiles for my conservatory flooring, but they would need to be durable as the conservatory will be the main thoroughfare outside. What can you recommend? A: Conservatories are an ideal place to use tiles due to their hardwearing qualities. Opt for a ceramic or porcelain product for easy maintenance and durability. Depending on the tiles you choose, they may need to be impregnated and sealed after installation but this will ensure they are protected against stains, easier to clean and able to cope with mud or moisture from the garden. Products like our Victorian geometric floor tiles (shown top in the Hexham pattern) will need to be sealed, whereas porcelain or ceramic usually do not, but it's best to check your individual tile. These tiles can also be installed with underfloor heating so your conservatory will stay cosy all year round.In terms of aesthetics, traditional products that give a nod to bygone eras, such as the Victorian style, are popular. Gorgeous patterns can be made up from individual pieces so you can be as creative as you like, or you can select a pattern from pre-designed styles.If you prefer something more exotic, Odyssey can offer a selection of patterns inspired by cultures and architecture from around the globe. Or, if your tastes are more minimalistic, head to Tileworks for chic, modern concrete effect, stone effect, wood effect or plain tiles in a pared back palette and a range of sizes.  Read more...

Geometric Victorian style tiles are incredibly popular at the moment, with more and more people embracing traditional styles as much as simplistic monochrome versions. We've also noticed more and more homeowners updating traditional patterns in modern grey, black and white palettes.   Some people are a little daunted by Victorian tiles as they can be tricky to lay. The process requires lots of patience and forward planning as patterns are made up of individual tile pieces which have to be laid precisely, one by one. We always recommend using an experienced tiler to get the best result! One of the most cost effective and time efficient ways of incorporating the Victorian style into your home is to focus on a small area, such as a cloakroom, porch, hallway, front path, step or conservatory. Whilst it might seem counterintuitive, making a feature of a compact space can actually have as much impact as using on a large scale. Sprucing up a garden path at the front of your property will increase its kerb appeal, as well as giving visitors a warm welcome. The same can be said for hallways, which will make your home an inviting place to return to, not to mention the fact that ceramic tiles are incredibly hard wearing and easy to clean and maintain - crucial for those wet umbrellas and muddy boots. It's a common misconception that grand geometric tiles can't be used on a small scale, but lots of traditional patterns scale down beautifully to small areas. If you can't find anything you like, you could always create something entirely bespoke using individual tile pieces in a huge array of colours. To create something truly unique, you can use decorative drop in tiles as accents to really set off the look. These look great when used within an otherwise plain pattern, drawing the eye and demanding attention Read more...

When designing a kitchen makeover, a great deal of thought goes into the look and feel of cabinetry, the style of worktop, paint colours, furniture, fixtures and fittings, but does as much thought go into selecting tiles? Lots of homeowners opt for paint on the walls in order to avoid having to install tiles, but this can be a false economy. Tiles provide a clean and hygienic surface that won't be damaged by cooking splashes or constant wiping, and can really enhance the décor of the space and make or break a scheme.   With a wealth of classic tile options available, what you choose can really enhance your traditional design. From decorative motifs, to colours and finishes, the tiles chosen can have a big impact. So what should you consider when creating a country style kitchen?   Decorative splashbacks Even if you keep the rest of the space neutral, a decorative tiled splashback can be an excellent way of injecting some personality and interest. Practical too, you won't have to worry about splashes of water, oil or food as the majority of tile materials aren't fazed. Experiment with colour and pattern here, or stick to glossy whites.   Motifs/decorative tiles Certain patterns and designs evoke images of a traditional or rustic scheme more vividly than others, such as hand painted designs or moulded tiles. Country scenes can be particularly evocative and large, decorative plaques take pride of place on many walls. There's no hard and fast rule with this, as it's up to you what effect you'd like to achieve. That being said, decorative drop in tiles look excellent amongst plain field tiles in a matching colour.   Traditional and rustic tiles There are lots of tiles finishes that really lend themselves to a traditional kitchen environment, particular with flooring such as natural stone. Often featuring uneven edges, the uniqueness of each piece has a certain charm that works very well in rustic spaces. Some products can recreate the effect whilst providing less maintenance responsibilities than natural stone, such as porcelain, so do take this into account if you'd like a fuss free option over the real thing.   Using colour and pattern in a traditional kitchen Creating a traditional style kitchen doesn't mean you're limited in colour or pattern - far from it! Any style of tile can work well as long as the choice fits in with the rest of the scheme. A fresh palette of white and blue works well with chrome brassware, and off whites and creams look great with brass. Don't be afraid to mix and match with patterned tiles either - this can create a really homely feel that is sure to capture attention.          Read more...