Tag: home improvement

We love a home transformation, especially when it features a fabulous tiled focal point! When Jac who runs @tinyandthehouse on Instagram reached out to us with a unique tiling vision, we knew we had to work with her on her exciting bathroom project.  Jac’s loft bathroom project was a tricky space, but with careful planning and a keen eye for design, Jac created the perfect bathroom for her and her family using our Artworks Pavillion Green and Vintage White tiles. We caught up with Jac to find out all about how she designed the space. Original Style: Please could you tell us a little bit about you and your blog/Instagram account, Tiny and the House? How did it all start and how have your platforms grown to where they are today? Jac: I started my Instagram account back when I was on maternity leave with my first child.  I am a shoe designer, but I’ve always had a passion for interior and garden design.  My house was featured in The Times property and from there other magazines followed! Off the back of the interest, a few close friends encouraged me to start an account to share my home and garden and pursue my dream of designing interiors and gardens, which I am now starting to do - so it’s a very exciting time for me! Original Style: Tell us about your property, do you know when it was built? Does it have any interesting history? Jac: My home is an Edwardian period property, I think it’s about 110 years old, which I find crazy.  There’s a lot of history in this house but not all of it good!  The house was actually passed through one family until we bought it back in 2014, sadly the family members we took over from hadn’t treated it very well so it was a full renovation project for us, but I loved it!  The house had no heating, the roof was falling in, needed rewiring and the windows were all boarded up, there are no words to describe how bad it was. We loved it regardless and just wanted to bring it back to life. Original Style: What made you opt for this style of property? Jac: I love period properties and we don’t have a lot of houses like this where I’m from in the west of Northern Ireland so when I moved to London, I was obsessed with the idea of having my own London terrace. Original Style: What would you say is your interior style and what were the main objectives of your bathroom project? Jac: I find it hard to put my style in a category, I love so many different looks from maximalist to minimalist and cosy cottage to mid-century. I also love colour and florals but equally simple white - so I guess I will say I’d fit into eclectic!  What I do love is creating a stylish but cosy home that can be lived in and enjoyed. The main objectives for the loft bathroom were something classic which would stand the test of time but not boring, whilst being fun. I wanted to keep it clean and simple because it’s the loft is an open plan space; therefore, I didn’t want it to be too fussy.   Original Style: Where did you find the inspiration for your bathroom? Jac: I looked for imagery of old attic spaces, I wanted to make the space feel established and not like a new part added on that didn’t fit.  I used Pinterest and Instagram mainly for inspiration, I also love House and Garden magazine! Original Style: What made you choose Original Style’s Artworks tiles in Pavillion Green and Vintage White? Jac: I was tempted to go for this style of checkerboard tiling in my other bathroom, toilet or kitchen when we initially renovated but for some reason I didn’t and I really regretted it. I had never shaken the idea, but again almost didn’t do it for fear it would be too bold.  Each time I tried to commit to a simpler style I just couldn’t place the order, I think I knew I would regret it again.  I love green, it’s one of my favourite colours, it reminds me of Ireland and my love for gardening, I find it quite restorative, soothing and very comforting.  I love how light bounces off the glazed Edwardian Green tiles and really adds joy to a room.  The Vintage White tiles were the perfect pairing as they are softer and warmer than true white. The glossy finish of these tiles adds depth to a scheme for an elevated finish. Original Style: Why did you opt for Mosaic floor tiles? Jac: I love subtle detail, the mosaic floor tiles complimented the rest of the bathroom. They look beautiful without competing for attention Original Style: How important were the tiles in your bathroom project and what was it that you found appealing about them? Jac: The tiles really take centre stage in my bathroom scheme, I just adore them.  They make me feel happy every time I look at them.  The quality is just superb, and I love that the edges are glazed too, so no need for additional finishing edging which could spoil the look. Original Style: What advice would you give to people looking to incorporate statement tiles within their interior? Jac: I would advise people to be bold, don’t be scared of colour or statements!  Sometimes committing to something more attention grabbing can work better than just doing a small area, for example in my shower I have tiled the roof as well as the walls, it just works.  I would also say homes are so personal, work to your taste, don’t try to emulate someone else’s style or be concerned if others don’t like it.  Not many people I know thought I should tile like I did and I’m so glad I went with it. I love it. Original Style: How long did the project take and did you use a professional to install the tiles, if so why was this important? Jac: The loft took about 6-7 months to complete, the project did run over due to lots of reasons. We hired a tiler because we were using a very old part of the house to make a new space, no wall was straight or symmetrical – we definitely needed someone very skilled! The tiler underestimated the space, mid-project I think he was regretting it but by the end I think he was very happy.  It was an interesting and unusual space so a good challenge!   Read more...

We love seeing customer projects come to life, whether it’s a modern kitchen or bathroom, a heritage hallway or a beautiful patio! When we discovered @casaoldcorn on Instagram and saw the most beautiful hallway featuring our Victorian Floor Tiles, we were delighted to work with Lauren and Mark on an exciting fireplace makeover.   Lauren’s Instagram account @casaoldcorn showcases the renovation of her beautiful family home, from her eclectic styling and design to makeover projects and interior ideas. We caught up with Lauren to find out more about how tiles can totally transform a space. Original Style: Can you tell us a little bit about your beautiful home? Lauren: We live in the north east of England and have lived in our home for around five years. Our home is Edwardian and was built in the early 1900s, our first home was a new build but we really love all the character and features you get in a period property.  Original Style: What were your primary goals when it came to updating your home, especially the living area and fireplace? Lauren: Our primary goals when decorating are always to make it more cosy and interesting. With the fireplace we could see its full potential and wanted to make it into more of a feature in the room. We knew the fireplace would look great painted a colour so we opted for a deep blue and we adore Original Style tiles, tiling the fireplace hearth has created so much more impact. We opted for Victorian Floor tiles in a bespoke pattern using pops of pastel colours - it looks amazing!  Original Style: Where did you find the inspiration for your hallway and living room? Lauren: Lots of our inspiration comes from other homes on Instagram. We love bold patterns and colours and have lots of quirky items that are conversation starters throughout our home. We love traditional prints and colours but with a twist. As soon as we moved in we knew tiles would look so much better in the hall than the dark wood floors which were installed beforehand. We had seen others hallways and could see the potential in ours.  Once we had decided on tiles for both the hallway and hearth we went on the hunt for the perfect ones. We found Original Style Victorian Floor tiles and loved all the different patterns and the quality looked great. The Original Style team where so helpful at helping me choose a pattern and colours for the hearth and sending me images to help me pick, they were fantastic and nothing was too much trouble. Original Style: Why did you choose this particular Victorian Floor Tile pattern, border and colourway for your fireplace?  Lauren: We went with the monochrome checkerboard tiles for our hallway as we think they’re stunning and timeless. We know for as-long as we live here they will never age and any decor will easily go with them. We decided to go for a detailed Victorian Floor Tile pattern for our hearth as it’s really traditional but with a little twist which we love. The pastel centres really bring it all to life.  Original Style: How important would you say it is to use a professional tiler? Lauren: We were on the hunt for a good tiler for the job and we found a really good local man to lay them. He was great and took the time and had the skills needed for the job. I think it’s really important to use an experienced tiler as the patterns are complex, with a number of pieces - it’s definitely an art and a job we couldn’t tackle ourselves. Original Style: What would you say to someone looking to incorporate tiled focal points in their home? Lauren: If you’re looking to incorporate tiles into your home, I would say go for it! They add so much character and they’re beautiful. It’s so special adding original features back into a period home. Walking into our home with our beautiful floor brings us so much joy.  Browse the full Victorian Floor Tile range here or check out our brochure for pattern ideas, more real life installations and tips on selecting a border and colourways.   Read more...

We’re passionate about keeping up to date with the latest interior trends, researching innovative styles and new products to forecast what will dominate the interiors scene during 2023. Our tile portfolio offers a wide range of designs, textures, finishes, colours and formats. We have an extensive range to ensure you’re choosing the most up-to-date styles for an interior that you’ll love for years to come. Our in-house designers, Jane Addis and Becca Keenan have done extensive research for 2023 interior trends, carefully selecting the following three key themes that are set to be everywhere throughout the upcoming year. This year we’ve focused on shining a light on timeless tiles from some of our most loved collections with enduring style and quality.   Surface The Surface trend is all about our tiles that we’ve sourced from around the world, highlighting in particular our carefully curated range of contemporary tiles. Think clean lines, mixed formats and unusual surfaces, this trend is great for those looking to achieve a modern yet glamourous finish. Incorporating texture into a scheme is a great way to add detail and interest, without committing to bold colours or patterns. This trend focuses on an eclectic mix of tiles, showcasing some of our most interesting formats and textured products that have been meticulously sourced by our expert teams. Creating a luxe look in your home can be easily achieved by pairing together certain design elements. ‘This trend seeks to bring deep tones, contrasting surface finishes and subtle textural detail together to create an elegant feel with rustic touches. We’ve styled black marble hexagons with distressed pink brick tiles, green and gold accents and natural textures to create a look embodying the Surface trend.’ Becca Keenan, New Products Designer.   Colour Glossy jewel-tones, rich reflections and impact, the Colour trend is all about our glazed tiles. Bolder colours have been slowly making their way to the forefront of design, with vivid ceramics becoming a popular choice for those looking to inject some colour into kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and throughout the home. When it comes to embracing the Colour trend with tiles, the options from our ranges are almost endless. Illustrating a radiant feel, this trend features a range of artisanal tiles that are glazed in our factory. Take a look at bright pink and blue wall tiles from our Winchester collection, the deep tones of green and red from the Artworks range, bold designs from both Odyssey and Living ranges and even heritage shades from our geometric Victorian Floor Tile collection. Manufacturing these tiles in-house allows us to create a vibrant and unique range of timeless colours options, so you can find the perfect shade for your interior. Our hand-mixed glazes have been carefully developed over the decades, with precise and perfected recipes. Each tile is fired in our beloved kilns at an exact temperature and time depending on the recipe and glaze. ‘Embrace the Colour trend with the bold shades of Vermillion, Teal or Straw from the Winchester collection. These vibrant wall tiles feature our signature glossy glaze, creating a luxurious yet lively feel. For a creative style statement choose a complementary yet detailed wallpaper, or a contrasting colour for the floor or even the ceiling. The combination of playful prints and bright colours will help you to achieve a fresh, unique finish in kitchens, bathrooms or hallways.’ Becca Keenan, New Products Designer.   Craft The Craft trend embraces our unique and celebrated manufacturing processes, featuring hand-crafted tiles from our most cherished collections. We've celebrated over 35 years as a leading tile manufacturer with our story beginning in the development of decorative tile sets for cast iron fireplaces. Today, we are renowned for our unrivalled tile glazes, exclusive designs and comprehensive tile options; many of which continue to be produced in Exeter, Devon. ‘The Craft trend celebrates our wide range of manufacturing methods. From screen-printing and hand-painting to casting, moulding, glazing and digital printing - everything we produce in our Devon factory is unique thanks to the experience and passion of the skilled crafts people, artists and designers who make up our team.’  Jane Addis, New Products & Design Manager. Our unique manufacturing story has allowed us to create a beautiful range of tiles. Our in-house creative team are at the forefront of ceramic techniques including hand-painted intricate florals, botanical details, raised fruits, screen-printed heritage designs, larger format decoratives and glaze development. These wonderful tiles include timeless delft drawings and Art-Deco designs all the way through to contemporary prints and patterns that have been designed by our specialist teams and printed on our state-of-the-art digital printer.  ‘To achieve this look style our checkerboard effect Harlequin tiles from the Odyssey Grande collection with softly glazed Mere field tiles from the Winchester Cosmopolitan collection. Together these tiles create the basis for a rustic yet timeless kitchen or bathroom space.’ Becca Keenan, New Products Designer.   Read more...

The hallway is the first room you and your guests see when entering your home, so it’s worth investing in the design to make a great first impression. This room can sometimes be overlooked as one of the less frequently used rooms in the home. But opting for hard-wearing yet beautiful geometric floor tiles is a great way to add character as well as practicality. Victorian Floor tiles are renowned for decorating the floors of period properties. From simple chequerboard pathways to detailed porches and entryways, this style of geometric tiling has never gone out of style. Our Victorian Floor tile patterns are made up of individual pieces such as squares, rectangles, triangles and hexagons in many sizes and colours. This allows for the creation of lots of pattern options like the classic octagon-dot and more complex layouts, that incorporate a number of pieces. It also helps for those working with older properties where walls and floors may be a little uneven, the small, individual tiles allow for greater flexibility on installation and can be cut to fit tricky spaces. Our Victorian Floor Tile collection is produced using similar production techniques to their original counterparts, which adds to their authentic charm and means they will last for generations to come. To create something truly unique, explore our range of decorative drop in tiles to really set off the look. If you have a dark hallway, it might be worth leaning into a more atmospheric style with dark walls and a contrasting floor. A really important part of selecting your Victorian Floor Tiles is taking some time to look and feel samples. You can create your own mood-boards, play around with shapes and colourways and start to think about which pattern you will go for. Choose from a variety of colours including traditional Buff and Red, classic Black and White, contemporary greys and even pastel tones. These colours are designed to work together and complement each other in order to create a range of pattern options. Whatever your taste, Victorian Floor Tiles can act as the foundation to build upon. While some designs may be seen as complex and bold, the designs can be paired with a variety of schemes. To really express your style go for bold wallpaper, complementary paint colours and playful accessories and create a gorgeous, eclectic space as pictured above. Or, if you prefer neutral interiors, pare back a bold pattern with light walls and fresh lighting. …So if you’re thinking of installing Victorian Floor tiles in your home or just want to find out more about our iconic range, take a look at our brochure and find your nearest retailer here Read more...

The key to a successful home improvement project is all in the planning. It can be very tempting to dive straight in and get started, but carefully planning your project, preparing your area and ensuring you have everything in place before you start, will ensure you get the best results. So, whether you’re working on your kitchen, bathroom, hallway or even the downstairs cloakroom, take a look at our top tips to help give you the best start.   Before you start anything, look at your area and decide how you can best use it and make the most of the space, it’s also worth consulting a professional builder, tiler, architect or even interior designer – especially if you’re about to start a large project. Now is also a good time to consider your budget and make a detailed list of priorities and plans. Consider your style - There are many interior styles to work with and you may already have an idea of the look you are trying to achieve. Some of the most popular looks are: 1. Contemporary – think sleek handle-less kitchen cabinets, modern fixtures and fittings and large format style tiles, often in stone, wood and concrete effects. While no single style is dominant, contemporary schemes tend to have natural elements, muted colours and softened rounded lines. Here’s a few ideas for a contemporary style space:     2. Traditional – this style usually depends on the age of a property and its original features. For example if you have a Victorian home, some traditional features may include fireplaces, Victorian geometric tiled floors, bay and sash windows and even stained glass windows. Many homeowners stay true to the period features of a property and keep or update them, here’s a few examples:     3. Farmhouse – this style is often found in more rural areas in the countryside and is inspired by farmhouse buildings. Farmhouse style embodies muted, neutral tones, many textures and natural elements, painted furniture and rustic field or brick tiles in soft shades like those available in our Winchester collection. Here’s a look at the farmhouse style:   Take your time to think about the style of your property and consider how to make the most of its features. This should make it easier to decide on an interior style that you’ll love for years to come.   Get inspired - This is one of the most exciting stages when planning a renovation. Spending a good amount of time on Pinterest, Instagram and flicking through the pages of interior magazines is a great way to feel inspired. It’s also brilliant research and you might be surprised to find that you change your mind a few times along the way! You can check out our Pinterest boards here, there’s plenty of beautiful kitchen, bathroom and interior images to browse through. You can also download our brochures, In the meantime, here’s a few idea's:     Don’t forget finishing touches - Once you have established a clear idea of your finished project, consider thinking about those all important finishing touches. Tiles are brilliant for pulling a space together and completing a project to perfection. Whether it’s a simple splashback or a feature wall, we have plenty of tiles to choose from.  Read more...

It's times like these that we realise there is no place that can provide more care, security and joy than our homes. With all of the current uncertainties, it’s important that we all have and are able to create spaces that provide comfort for us and our families. And while our homes can already do all of this as it is, you may currently be thinking ahead into the future and planning improvements to the spaces that surround you.   Whilst it’s unclear what the next few weeks and months will bring, one certainty is that we will be here sharing interior inspiration, escapism and positive support to help you look forward and make the most of your home. This week, we’re looking at some of our favourite spaces in the home, from relaxing bathrooms to busy kitchens – all the places that make a house feel like a home. We’ve got some tips, ideas and plenty of beautiful images to help get you started with your project, so sit back and let us inspire you.   Kitchens Kitchens are where family meals are cooked, conversations are had, coffee is enjoyed and memories are made, which is why it’s considered one of the most important rooms in the house. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen so it’s no wonder why we spend a similar amount of time perusing cabinet doors, worktop finishes, appliances (and, of course, tiles!) when we update these spaces. Typically, homeowners look at the characteristics of their property to determine a design style and you simply can’t go too far wrong with this approach. Some may seek to inject their personalities into their décor choices and this is wonderful too! Kitchens are sociable spaces and whatever design style you choose should bring you and your close ones happiness and comfort.   A firm favourite of course is the neutrals. If you’re looking for a calming and timeless scheme, try using earthy shades such as browns, creams, whites and greys. These tones also pair well with yellows and greens if you did want to add a splash of colour, without committing to anything too bold. Here are some ideas:       If you’re torn between both a modern and traditional design, why not try a ‘New Heritage’ themed space? This style is all about tradition but with a modern twist. From using a classic brick tile in a herringbone formation or pairing a statement patterned floor with country-style cabinetry – tiles are a great way to capitalize on this trend.     If you need more kitchen inspiration, then head to our Pinterest pages or have a scroll through our Instagram account – there’s a huge variety of beautiful kitchens to help get you started.   Bathrooms There are many factors to consider when thinking about your bathroom renovation, from fixtures and fittings to deciding on a colour scheme – and not forgetting our favourite part of choosing your tiles! As we spend less time in the bathroom than other rooms in the house, it’s a great space to do something a little different or make a bit of a statement. Here are a few of our most loved bathroom settings:       Whatever it is you’re dreaming of, house improvement plans take time and require just the right amount of inspiration. We hope that despite the challenging circumstances we are all facing right now, you will still be able to sit back, relax, dream your perfect interior dream, and – most of all – make yourself at home. Watch this space for more inspiration and design ideas which we will be sharing over the next weeks to lift your spirits and make you fall in love with your home again Read more...

We are pleased to introduce American interior designer, Kate Roos, who has kindly agreed to share her thoughts on current design trends and to talk us through her thought process when it comes to choosing tiles for her clients’ homes. Kate Roos is a Minneapolis - based kitchen and bath designer focused specifically on cabinetry design for the whole house, space planning and material and product selection. She has used Winchester tiles in one of her recent stunning projects and we used the opportunity to speak to her about aesthetics, practicality and achieving balance between the two. The beautiful photos illustrating Kate’s work were taken by talented commercial & residential photographer, Andrea Rugg. Kate sourced her clients’ tiles at Rubble Tile.All images belong to Andrea Rugg and are only authorized for use on this blog.   Q. What kind of customers do you usually get and what kind of services are they primarily looking for? A.The majority of my clients are looking to completely re-imagine their kitchens or bathrooms and I help guide them through the process. I need to understand what the client hopes to achieve with the remodel. How do they want the room to feel: warm and inviting, modern or traditional? How they would like the space to function: who does the cooking, cleanup, how many family members are in the space at any given time? Space planning and cabinetry design define the layout, look and function of the space. Backsplash tile, countertop, lighting and hardware selections bring character to the room. I also love staying involved during construction to manage design details and witness the new space come to life! Q. What is your biggest challenge when it comes to home décor? A. Challenges arise regularly when designing kitchens and bathrooms. Often the space is limited due to poorly placed ductwork or lack of expansion opportunities. Creative solutions are paramount to attaining the kind of function my clients want. Planning the space is exciting - I explore the limitations and opportunities and I push myself to find the best outcome.The client's budget also drives my creativity. Kitchen remodels can add up quickly, so I am cautious about making dramatic choices like moving plumbing, taking out walls, or moving windows and doors. Understanding where clients should splurge and where they should be prudent is a large part of the design process.Q. How important are kitchens and bathrooms when it comes to decorating a house? A. Without a doubt kitchens and bathrooms are the most costly remodels and the most rewarding. People spend a lot of time in these spaces and it’s very important not to rush through the design process. The finishes in these spaces are fixed, meaning they are locked into the space making them difficult and costly to replace. How you feel and interact in the space is a high priority. Bathrooms should be both relaxing and functional with good lighting and easy-to-clean surfaces. Kitchens should allow for effortless cooking and entertaining with high quality finishes and proper storage. Taking time to work through the details before the remodel ensures that the kitchen or bath will work for you and exceed your expectations. Q. Would you say that American customers place special value in products that are designed and made in England? A. Products that are made in England add a special quality to any American design, providing a sense of history and tradition. Often these products are made using centuries old techniques, fine craftsmanship, and offer an understated elegance. Products like lighting, tile, and hardware can be that special element that pulls the room together.Q. When choosing tiles for your customers, what exactly are you looking for? A. Tile can be an overwhelming item to choose. I usually start with the countertop, because there are fewer options than there are with tile. Once the counter is selected we begin thinking about tile; the color, shape, material. Tiles should enhance the space and add some contrast to other elements in the room, be it with texture or hue. Tile is an opportunity to have fun and take some risks if you are so inclined. If the counter is polished, a matte or rustic finish of the tile can temper the luster; if the countertop is honed, shiny tile can be a lovely way to bounce light through the space. For traditional designs a subway tile is perfect. I love unexpected sizes like 2”x8”, 3”x12” or 5”x5” installed in a ½” or 1/3” offset brick pattern. Selecting a handmade tile with variation in shape and glaze can add interest and shimmer as well. Q. What advice would you give to people looking to create fabulous tiled focal points in their homes? A. When it comes to a kitchen or bath focal point, take cues from other elements in the space. If the space already has several bold elements, I would create a framed tone-on-tone focal point over the range. Finding a tile line like Winchester Tile Company that offers various formats, beautiful glazing, decorative tiles and different finishes makes implementing tonal choices easy. Choose a color that you love, choose a field tile, a pencil or border tile to be used for the frame and have a play with tiling patterns for the interior. This approach adds visual interest and textural variation without adding a new color to the space. There are endless ways to add an interesting focal point with tile, so experiment and see what you like! Q. Has there been a shift in tile format preferences in the American market? A. In Minnesota, where I live, the traditional subway tile is still quite desirable. New tile options with bold color and texture are abundant, but when it comes to final decisions, a simple subway tile format is tried and true and always timeless. You can't go wrong. I try to transition away from the classic running bond 3”x6” when possible with different sizes (2”x8”, 3”x12”, etc.) and different installation options like 1/3” offset or stacked: a mix between modern and classic! Q. Why did you choose tiles from The Winchester Tile Company? What was it about the product that you found appealing and where did you source the tiles from? A. I have always loved the tile offerings from Winchester Tile Company, and when you find something you love, you find ways to use it! The range of colors and glazes are endless, and the handmade look of the tile is exceptional. When we selected tile for the St. Anthony Falls Kitchen, my clients wanted something traditional yet unexpected and the offset 5”x5” tiles were perfect. The tiles sparkle when the sun streams through the windows making the space feel distinctive.Q. How did you hear about The Winchester Tile Company? A. I discovered The Winchester Tile Company through my local supplier, Rubble Tile in Minnesota, and I have been finding ways to use it ever since. They are always knowledgeable and so helpful in steering me in the right direction. I was trying to find a white subway tile in just the right shade of off-white and The Winchester Tile Company had the perfect color. They are now one of my go-to tile manufactures. I can always find interesting color, sizes, textures and sheens. Photo's by commercial & residential photographer, Andrea Rugg Read more...

Nothing says “welcome to our house” quite like a beautiful, inviting front path. That’s why we were thrilled to work with 2LG Studio on their front garden transformation, which featured products from two of our most cherished collections – Victorian Floor Tiles and Artworks.   A Victorian Floor Tile pathway can completely transform a home, adding kerb appeal and value to a property.  And, with the emergence of the ‘New Heritage’ trend, you don’t have to live in a Victorian or Edwardian home to embrace traditional tiling. Mixing the old with the new and putting a modern twist on a classic is what this trend is all about and what better way to encapsulate on this style than through incorporating Victorian Floor Tiles into a contemporary setting. “How?” you may ask - well, these tiles work beautifully in modern porches, pathways as well as hallways and by opting for a classic colour palette such as monochrome or beige and nudes, these tiles will never look out of place.   Jordan and Russell - the London-based design duo from 2LG Studio – decided on an original approach featuring modern greys for the front path and deep, dark blue Artworks tiles on their porch walls. While remaining inspired by Victorian features, they created a pathway with a cool and modern, almost urban vibe, but kept it true to its origins. They also used our traditional mouldings on the walls, which look fantastic against their gorgeous, playful, pink front door. Through combining modern styling with the traditional, they’ve created a stand-out entrance that turns heads and encourages a smile from passers-by.   2LG’s front garden project showcases that the attractiveness of a property is not based solely on its interior. The surrounding space is equally important - especially when looking to sell. Making a good first impression starts outside, as the front path and entrance are the first things a potential buyer will see. It is also an area that is constantly exposed to guests, neighbours, and…you, the homeowner, on a daily basis – so, why not make the effort to make it look grand?! “We think of the pathway as a visitor’s journey into our world. It starts right then and there, before they enter the house, and we wanted to make that journey enjoyable.” Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio. “We were looking for a solution which would elevate the property’s heritage and period features, but would also stand the test of time both in terms of durability and looks. Original Style’s heritage collections – Victorian Floor Tiles and wall tiles from the Artworks range – were the perfect answer to our long list of demands, including high quality and being able to create a bespoke design.” No matter whether your property has a small, medium or large approach, there are ways to make the front path and porch stand out. The easiest and most practical option is to use tiles that are not only stunning, but also work well outdoors. If your goal is to recreate a Victorian pattern as a nod to the home’s history, opt for a classic colour combo, using black, buff and red. Original Style’s Victorian Floor Tiles are the real deal – they come in traditional colourways and a variety of patterns, making it possible to achieve any period look and restore the tiled area to its former glory. Pair these with traditional glazes from the Artworks range and you’ll end up with a scheme that’s elegant and timeless. To read more about 2LG Studio's front garden renovation, head to their journal. If you're interested in our Victorian Floor Tile collection, please contact your nearest Original Style retailer Read more...

Each year, Original Style works closely with leading designers and interior experts to apprehend what colours, styles and schemes will embrace the interior scene in the upcoming year. As one of the UK’s leading tile manufacturers and suppliers, staying ahead of the curve is imperative and we’re pleased to announce that this year we’ve teamed up with London-based interior design duo, 2LG Studio, to bring you THE top tile trend predictions for 2020…   New Heritage - a modern twist on an old classic   Think decorative details, fine craftsmanship and timeless colourways and you’ve begun to embody a New Heritage interior style. Through incorporating classic qualities of historical interior décor alongside modern influences, you can create a space that withstands the test of time whilst ensuring your home never goes out of style.   Tiles have been a staple within interiors for centuries and despite the evolution of various formats and finishes, it’s the traditional styles that turn heads time after time - from the quintessentially British Victorian Floor Tiles through to artisan glazed and decorative tiles such as Original Style’s Artworks and Winchester tile collections.   “What’s wonderful about the New Heritage trend is that you don’t have to have to a period property to embrace it! It’s all about capitalizing on momentous historic décor, such as from Victorian, Edwardian and Art Déco movements, and adapting and mixing these styles to suit your interior – think Victorian Floor Tiles in modern colourways and rich, deep glazed tiles in contemporary formations such as herringbone or stack bond. Take something old and add a modern twist – this is what New Heritage is all about.” – Jordan Cluroe & Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio.     Iridescence – fresh, fun and vivifying For those who enjoy being more playful with their interiors, the cool pastel shades and radiant surfaces that comprise the iridescent trend will be alluring. Taking influence from the mesmerising Aurora Borealis, you can incorporate an iridescent scheme to create your very own light show. “Iridescent homeware has been creeping into the interiors scene of late and we predict this trend is only going to become bigger and bolder during 2020. It’s no secret that light, both natural and artificial, can make a huge difference to the look and feel of a home and through incorporating reflective surfaces and soft colourways you can help a space feel brighter and livelier.  “Embrace this look with varied intensities; be daring with the glossy glass iridescent brick tiles from Original Style’s Glassworks collection – we LOVE ‘Pink Frost’! – Or if you want to go a step further, the fish scale iridescent mosaic is a real show stopper. For a more subtle take, a square field tile with a lustre finish will also help you achieve a light bouncing, iridescent vibe. “With people becoming more daring with their interior style, we advise our clients to incorporate design that bring them happiness and if iridescence doesn’t do that, then we don’t know what will!” – Jordan Cluroe & Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio.     Texture Play - creating atmosphere through surfaces Incorporating natural materials and bringing the outside in has been a popular movement within interiors for decades, but now – thanks to advancements in inkjet technology – this look can be achieved through tiles. Stone, wood, concrete and marble-effects are all available in porcelain tile for a result that’s not only realistic – honestly, they look and feel just like their original counterparts! – but also wonderfully practical. “When it comes to texture play, it’s all about mixing up surface finishes within a space. In modern interiors, simply looking good isn’t good enough – during 2020, we’re anticipating an emphasis on how design feels. This new look, full of contrasts, is based on texture pairing; rough with smooth and matt with gloss, in order to achieve an atmospheric look and sensory experience that draws the eye and encourages touch. “This look can be achieved through installing flooring with a matt finish, such as Original Style’s Victorian Floor Tiles or a stone-effect tile such as ‘Mediterraneo’, in addition to a wall tile with a glossy glaze. Alternatively, you can switch it up with a polished floor tile and a matt, textured wall tile such as ‘Fusuma’. It’s also important not to forget the accessories as this is another opportunity to add another texture dynamic such as with brushed metal taps and coarse fabrics” – Jordan Cluroe & Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio.     So - there you have it, the top trend predictions for 2020! What we love about Jordan and Russell’s predictions is that they’re all completely different but equally beautiful in their own way. Research shows that people are becoming braver within their interiors and are searching for ways to inject more personality into their homes. These trends personify this movement as there’s an appeal for all characters whether classic, spirited or experimental. Which of these trends will you embrace in your home during 2020 Read more...

Inspiring, fun and fabulous! We knew teaming up with 2LG was going to be an extraordinary experience and we certainly weren’t disappointed...   Our Tile of the Year Journey When we first launched our Tile of the Year campaign back in 2017, we were stepping into uncharted territory. Taking influence from the likes of Pantone, we were the first company in the tile industry to nominate a ‘Tile of the Year’ based on upcoming interior trend predictions and oh boy! nobody could have prepared us for the overwhelming response that we’ve had from this campaign. From the press coverage right through to feedback from our customers, everyone has jumped on the Tile of the Year wagon, so this time around it was a natural progression to take the campaign to the next level. Experts in their field, Jordan and Russell from 2LG Studio are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to interior design and with their own original, audacious, colourful style – a collaboration between Original Style and 2LG Studio was a natural pairing. Furthermore, when we first saw ‘Deco Tayberry’ fresh out of our kilns, the berry pink and arch formations screamed ‘2LG!’ and so our campaign for ‘Tile of the Year 2020’ was born. The preceding months saw a plethora of activity from set designs to video shoots and working with Jordan and Russell has been so much fun! Being involved in the duo’s creative process has been wonderfully inspiring and by pushing the design boundaries with our Deco Tayberry they were able to showcase the beautiful, artisanal elements of this handcrafted tile in conjunction with contemporary influences. Designing the hero shot for the campaign, Jordan and Russell worked closely with our photography studio to create the below set. Through embedding the tiles into an arch formation, the bathroom décor mimicked the art-deco inspired curves in Deco Tayberry’s design and by incorporating accessories with matt finishes, such as with the sink from Kast Concrete Basins, the planter bench from MADE.com and the striking wall lights from Spark & Bell, the tiles glossy glaze was accentuated. The finished article was truly stunning and it’s energising to see a peripheral interpretation when it comes to styling Deco Tayberry. Handcrafted in Devon Part of our Winchester tile collection, Deco Tayberry is traditional in terms of how it’s manufactured but its sophisticated colourway and art-deco design brings the tile into a more contemporary realm – the epitome of the ‘New Heritage’ trend (more on this later…). If you’re wondering who the brain behind our gorgeous Deco Tayberry is, meet Jane Addis - our New Products & Design Manager. It’s because of Jane and her talented design and production team that we’re able to bring you exclusive products that are ahead of the trend curve and provide a tile choice that’s out of the ordinary. Alongside all other products in our Winchester collection, creating Deco Tayberry from concept to production is a timely process. First and foremost, a significant amount of trend research is undertaken to understand design movements before moving onto pattern design which typically involves hand-drawing or painting alongside digital illustration. What follows after this is dependent on the tile design and format, but in the case of Deco Tayberry, these tiles are created using an age-old screen printing method where inks are transferred onto the tile in the desired templated pattern before being glazed and transferred to the kiln. The inks in the pattern are reactive and so each kiln produces a different kind of effect, so each tile is truly a miniature work of art with its own character – no two tiles are the same – how wonderful is that?! Shooting our Tile of the Year 2020 Launch Video A beautiful summer’s day in August saw the Original Style marketing team take the trip up to London from their offices in Exeter, Devon to shoot the Tile of the Year 2020 announcement with 2LG Studio. Taking over our tile showroom in Clerkenwell, over 100 Deco Tayberry tiles were in situ alongside various props from MADE.com as well as a film and photography crew – the showroom was bustling with enthusiasm and creativity. Jordan and Russell, as anticipated, were a joy to work with and their love for Deco Tayberry shone through. Discussing its design, upcoming trends and various ways to use Deco Tayberry within a home, the video provided the tile with the attention that it deserves and 2LG were the perfect duo to endorse this gorgeous product. So, there we go! We hope you enjoyed seeing a snippet of the action ‘behind the scenes’ of our Tile of the Year 2020 campaign. We had such a great time working with 2LG Studio and we’re absolutely thrilled with the response to Deco Tayberry to date. Here’s to Tile of the Year 2021! We wonder what it will be…   Read more...