The Tile Style File

Tiles are one of the most durable, hard wearing solutions for any floor or wall. Available in endless styles and sizes, tiles are incredibly practical and also a play a large part in creating the style and theme of your home.

Lindy Evans from Windemere Interiors says it's important to consider tiles as an important design element of the overall home. "Tiles should be considered just as important as all the other design elements and therefore incorporate them in the theme of the home along with paint colours, cabinetry finishes, fixtures, furniture. Tiles, unlike furniture and fixtures are an expensive fix if you make the wrong choice, you need to make sure you will be happy with the result for years to come."

Tiles are practical and stylish for every room of the house and there are an enormous range of styles and materials to choose from. Generally, there are two main types of tile - ceramic and porcelain. Both are fantastic and durable tiles, the difference is in how they are created.

Ceramic tiles are primarily made from clay with a glazed design surface. This type of tile is easier to cut and therefore more economical to install. Porcelain tiles are generally made entirely from the design composition resulting in a denser material, however special tools are required to cut the tiles so the installation may be more expensive.

A few hints about tiles from Windemere Interiors

• Large tiles make a space feel larger. Laying them vertically will make the space feel taller while laying them horizontally will make it feel wider.
• Rectified Tiles have a straight edge and are laid with a thinner grout giving a more seamless finish. Fantastic for a sheeted effect.
• Stone tiles create a lovely, natural resort style feel. They are naturally porous though so have them sealed every 12 months to keep in top condition.
• Ensure you choose a grout that complements or contrasts the tile, depending on the look you are after. Choose white grout for light coloured tiles if you are after a seamless flow effect or for a dramatic effect, contrast darker tiles with white grout.

Inspiration Gallery

Fabulous Floating Floors

A rich, timber floor adds an element of warmth and depth to a room. Perfectly suited in both older style homes homes and contemporary homes, the richness and uniquesness of individual timbers add wonderful character.

Once upon a time the only option for timber flooring solid tongue and groove, an expensive option. These days however, there's a number of more economical options that can achieve the same look and feel.

Floating timber floors are the most common option. These are designed with a click in system, similar to the old tongue and groove, and are laid straight on a slab or sub floor with layer of flooring underlay.

Engineered timber flooring has the look of a solid timber floor, without the premium price tag. Made with a plywood core, the top is usually a solid hardwood layer finished with multi layer coating. The result is a hardwearing floor that is easy install.

A more budget option is laminate flooring. Hardwearing and practical for high traffic areas, they are designed to replicate the appearance of hardwood and are easy to install and maintain.

Believe it or not, there are vinyl "planks" available these days that can replicate the look of timber floors. They're not the lino of old, vinyl planks come in a multitude of timber looks and are just as hardwearing as laminate and engineered floors.

There are some wonderful timber options when it comes to floating floors. From the clean lightness of Tassie Oak to the red hues of Jarrah and the dark richness of mahogany, there is a timber and floating floor style to suit every home and budget.

If you are considering a floating floor for your home, speak to one of the designers at Windemere Interiors for inspiration or professional advice.

Fabulous Floorboards

These wide plank hardwood oak floorboards look absolutely stunning in this home, better than I'd imagined. The theme for this home was "Country Retreat" and I wanted a natural, rustic look for the floors that I didn't think could be achieved with tiles. Keeping the timber natural and not staining it also gave it a rustic feel. So, so happy with the result!

Vinyl Revival

This stunning feature floor with its unique silver grey stain perfectly sets the tone for this home's monochramatic theme. And it's made from vinyl. Yes, vinyl. 

Vinyl has come a long, long way from the orange and brown linoleum that was so popular in the 1970s. Those old enough will remember them and those who aren't may have seen them pulled up during renovations and it's definitely a case of out with the old and in with the new.

New style vinyl like these timber look planks, are extremely durable and often commercial grade. They look and feel like timber and come in a range of colours and textures, making them a versatile flooring option.

Options for the new style vinyl are endless and should be considered an option when deciding on flooring. This new style vinyl is absolutely fantastic! It's extremely durable and looks so much like real hardwood timber you can hardly tell the difference. It comes in a range of colours from a light blonde through to black so it's easy to match it to a theme throughout the home. This home had an industrial urban edge theme so the grey vinyl planks were perfect. We wouldn't have been able to get this look with real timber.

If you're exploring flooring for your home, consider the durability and range available with today's vinyl. With an extensive range of colours and textures, speak to one of our designers about the options for creating the perfect vinyl floor for your home.


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