Tag: tile trends

Our iconic Victorian Floor Tile collection is home to an array of colours, shapes and even decorated tiles that make up a wealth of beautiful patterns and this summer, we’re delighted to announce the addition of three brand new colours, Carnation Pink, Hawthorn Yellow and Spring Green!   While Victorian Floor Tiles are popular in authentic colourways such as Black, White and Red, recent years have seen a rise in more contemporary colours such as greys and neutrals which are perfect for creating a new heritage style. With this in mind we wanted to offer even more choice in colourways, so that you can create striking, stylish and truly timeless Victorian Floor Tile patterns in a range of fresh, new colours. Launching new additions to our tile collections whilst our teams are working remotely is new to us, and you’ll notice that the imagery is different to our usual collections. Instead of photographing the new tiles in real life settings, we’ve created a series of inspirational flat-lay style mood-boards and sketches to showcase these stunning new colours! Our new pastel colourways open up a whole new world of design opportunities, they can be teamed with existing colours to create patterns that are as subtle or as bold as you like.   Carnation Pink and Hawthorn Yellow We’ve sketched a simple Revival Grey and pink checkerboard pattern (left) in a porch setting, these two colours create a new dynamic but still have the timeless feel Victorian Floor Tiles are renowned for. As shown on the right, this subtle pastel Yellow shade offers a fresh, modern twist on more traditional buffs and creams. We’ve sketched Hawthorn Yellow into our popular ‘Blenheim’ pattern and teamed with a modern Crittall style screen to create a contemporary style hallway and add some colour.   Spring Green Greens have always been popular in interior styling and over the last few years, homeowners are opting for more mint, sage and pastel tones. Spring Green is the perfect choice for those looking for a softer shade of green, take a look how it works beautifully with whites and greys in the Oxford pattern.   The introduction of these new Victorian Floor Tile colours opens up a whole host of design possibilities and we can’t wait until we are back in our photography studio to create beautiful and inspiring images to help you visualise these tiles in your home. In the meantime, we hope these sketches and mood-boards will help to inspire your next project! Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing lots of design idea’s and imagery across our blog inspiration pages and on over on Instagram and Pinterest too. To locate your nearest retailer, order samples or to discuss your upcoming project, you can contact us via - [email protected] or 01392 473000.   Read more...

Whilst we are spending more time at home, many of us are craving calming interior spaces to relax in, whether it’s your bathroom, lounge or even just a corner of a room. In this week’s blog we’ll be looking ways to help you create a calming oasis and how to get the coveted ‘Japandi’ style.   What is Japandi? Japandi is a new interior trend that embodies minimalism and is actually a hybrid of the words, ’Japan’ and ‘Scandi’. Think modern yet rustic Scandinavian design teamed with the traditional elegance of Japanese décor, this style is all about functionality with a handful of statement pieces creating a serene space that’s homely yet calming.     Bathrooms The bathroom is a great room to transform into a tranquil haven and what’s more relaxing than unwinding after a long day in a restful bubble bath? Creating a Japandi style bathroom is simple when using tiles, opt for neutral colours and textures in large format for fewer grout lines - our Tileworks range is perfect for this: Fixtures and fittings also play an important part in creating this look and incorporating lots of seamless storage will allow for space to store products and bottles, allowing for clear surfaces to naturally create a calming Japandi style. Team with a statement oversized showerhead, glass shower screen and natural textures and colours for your own peaceful sanctuary.   Living Area’s For a Japandi style living area, the same principles apply but of course the space needs to feel more cosy. For flooring, wood-effect floor tiles are perfect for adding character and style as well as being functional. Pair the natural wood effects of Lignum or Boreal with soft furnishings in neutral tones for a serene and cosy space. If wood-effect tiles aren’t your style, try natural stone effect. The soft neutral tones of Pietra Lombarda are perfect for creating the Japandi style, pair with a crittall style screen and simple cabinetry for a clutter free, calming area.   Different sized spaces Even just transforming a small space or corner of a room in the Japandi style, will help you to create an area of your home perfect for unwinding in. Try creating a reading nook using simple and natural materials and textured fabrics.  Larger open spaces can also adapt to this style, opt for large format wall and floor tiles that complement each other such as Krea wood effect floor tiles and Montblanc brick wall tiles or keep it really simplistic with our Simplesmente floor tiles, perfect for creating black canvas to build upon:   Finding the balance between a minimalistic and welcoming space will help you transform any area of your home into a Japandi inspired haven.   Read more...

Here at Original Style there’s nothing we love more than seeing our tiles in customers’ homes. From the patterns and colours chosen, to how they’re styled, we’re always delighted to see just how much tiles can totally transform a space, especially when renovating period properties. A few months ago, we were tagged in a gorgeous Victorian Floor Tile project on Social Media and we just couldn’t resist finding out more about it! We loved the use of pattern and colourways and were thrilled when Helen Barber, the homeowner, agreed to undertake a Q&A with us to shed some light on her experience and help our blog readers with their future Victorian Floor Tile projects. Not only this, but we also caught up with Helen’s tiler, Mickey, to provide some insight into the installation of these intricate tiles. Q. Please could you tell us a little bit about you, where you live and how long you’ve lived in your house? A. I live in Harrogate North Yorkshire, originally from Manchester but relocated around 16 years ago. The property was purchased in 2010. Q. Tell us about your property, do you know when it was built? Does it have any interesting history? What made you go for this style of property? A. The property is a four bed Victorian Town House, which was very dated when it was bought! I like character houses and although the décor was very dated and the house needed a lot doing to it, I loved the idea of restoring it and putting my own mark on it. It had some lovely features like the original cornice in some rooms and a stain glass window in the hall. I loved the size and heights of the rooms and how much space you get in these types of houses. Although it still had the original cornice in places, every room needed work, it definitely was a ‘doer upper’. When the house was initially bought I always knew the hall needed to be impressive and had always admired hallways that had original Victorian tiled floors. I promised myself that I would restore the hall and make it glamorous – with the hope that friends and family were wowed when they walked in.  Hallways are usually the first thing that visitors see so it should, in one respect be the place that impresses first. The kitchen is also a place where family congregate, which is why we thought it would look lovely if the tiles went through from the hall into the kitchen, so we moved the kitchen into the old dining room. This meant we could have the chimney as part of the kitchen and made the old galley kitchen a lounge, where we added a small extension to create a dining living area.    Q. What were your primary goals when it came to updating these spaces? A. My goals were to make the space traditional but with a contemporary feel. Myself and my partner Matthew, wanted these spaces to be areas we enjoyed being in so I did lots of research before I made decisions about what we would purchase. I always loved Victorian flooring, the colours and the patterns always wowed me and I feel the kitchen we have from Neptune works really well with the floor. Q. Where did you find your inspiration for the renovation of your kitchen and hallway? A. From researching Victorian homes through magazines and online as well as living in Harrogate, which has a number of traditional Victorian properties and buildings - it was easy to walk into shops and see Victorian floors and tiles which always gave me inspiration! Q. What made you choose Original Style’s Victorian Floor Tiles? A. I had used Original Style tiles on the hearth where my log burner is in the lounge, so I knew they were good quality tiles, but it was Mickey Horner a tiler from Clattergate that recommended using them for the Hall and Kitchen project. When I asked Mickey to come round and give me an idea of costs we spoke at length about the best tiles to use and the tiles which were more authentic to me creating a bit more of a Victorian traditional feel. Q. We offer a CAD (computer aided design) service, did you use this? If so, did it help you visualise the tiles in your home? A. I initially couldn’t decide on the colours that we wanted so this really helped with the final decision as well as the style. Q. Why did you choose this particular Victorian Floor Tile pattern, border and colourway? A. We chose the Warwick design as I had done a lot of research on traditional Victorian styles. I had looked online and through the Original style brochure, I wanted a very traditional look with something at least three colours could be used in, so the Warwick pattern was perfect. Our tiler Mickey advised us on the borders and colours to use, we chose the Dover White, Green and Black, I always knew I wanted black and white in the mix so it was just choosing another colour. Q. How important were the tiles in the renovation of your hallway/kitchen and what was it that you found appealing about them? A. It was immensely important, we have spent so much time and love on trying to restore the rest of the house that the hall and kitchen flooring had to be perfect. I wanted the tiles to feel original and as close to Victorian as I could. I also wanted something bespoke and although the pattern is a traditional one, the colours are quite striking and different. The flooring to me sets the house apart and makes a real statement and we absolutely love the tiles! Q. How did you source your tiler and how important would you say using a professional and experienced tiler is? A. I sourced Mickey from searching online for traditional floor tilers in Yorkshire and looked through Instagram too. He was brilliant from day one, happy to listen to what we wanted and offered ideas too.  He showed us previous floors that he had created and we visited his showroom to see the tiles before committing to the project.  He was very professional and approachable and we trusted from day one, knowing that the end result would be fab!  Nothing phased him and he knew exactly what to do when we discovered my kitchen island wasn’t square (in fact the pattern really helped when we discovered this). The fact that Mickey was experienced in this type of traditional Victorian tiling and could prove his ability from previous projects he had done really reassured me that he knew exactly what he was doing. We also caught up with tiler, Mickey Horner, to find out more about installing Victorian Floor Tiles Q. Please could you tell us a little bit about you, where you live and how long you’ve been a professional tiler? A. I live in a small town called Rawdon just on the outskirts of Leeds, West Yorkshire. I have been tiling full time for almost 20 years, although I often joke that I was tiling as soon as I could walk! My father was a tiler and used to take me to work with him in school holidays and weekends. I took over the family business around 13 years ago. Q. How did you train to be become a Victorian Floor Tiler? A. I fell into Victorian floor tiling by accident really, but I had always loved the intricate designs of Victorian floors. We had worked for a high-end restaurant and bar fit out company for a number of years, carrying out wall and floor tiling to toilets and bar fronts etc. They were then awarded some work in Sweden and we were sent some sketches that showed a patterned Victorian floor to be done in the bar area of a restaurant. I did some research before we left in terms of setting out details, but it wasn’t until we reached site in Sweden that we then discovered the enormity of the task! Q. What was it that interested you about Victorian Floor Tiles to learn the skill to install them? A. I love the variety of colours and patterns available from Original style and the flexibility of being able to choose your own colours and different borders to suit a client’s interior design and budget. Q. What are the differences of installing Victorian Floor Tiles compared to general tiling? A. The main difference between general floor tiling and Victorian or geometric tiling is the increased amount of time spent on both the setting out phase as well as the installation phase. Q. What would you say to those who are considering learning the craft and skill of installing Victorian Floor Tiles? A. I would probably use the analogy of “horses for courses”. Like horse racing, some prefer some courses to others. I would say it’s the same for tiling and Victorian Floor tiling. I think you have to have a certain skill set to be able to do it. I know tilers with 30+ years of experience who hate Victorian floor tiling and really struggle, whereas I picked it up relatively quickly. It all depends on the person. I think the main characteristics would be patience, eye for detail and being able to visualise space, shapes and patterns as well as being very organised. Q. What are the most common obstacles that you have to try and overcome when installing Victorian Floor Tiles? A. The most common obstacles are navigating border the around door-ways, staircases. As well as setting the pattern as symmetrical as the space will allow. Q. We offer a CAD (computer aided design) service, do you ever use this? If so, do you find it helps your clients visualise the tiles in their home? A. Yes we always use the CAD service available this really helps the client to choose colour combinations and patterns as well as visualise the final result. It is also very useful for when estimating the amount of tiles required for the project. Q. What did you enjoy the most about installing Helen's Victorian Floor Tiles? A. I really enjoyed working on Helens floor as it came with some extra obstacles. As well as the usual doorways and staircases, Helen wanted the design to run into the kitchen as well. This came with its own challenges in that, as with many period properties, the rooms adjacent to hallways are not always parallel or square which makes the setting out all the more crucial. Couple that with a kitchen island to circumvent, this was a tricky install! But in the end all the more worth it and I was very pleased with how it came together in the end Read more...

We’re proud to design and manufacture many of our tile ranges at our factory in Exeter, Devon and over the years we’ve created a variety of exclusive collections; from our classic Winchester ranges to the large format prints in Living.   Our story is unique and we’re incredibly fortunate to have a talented team of passionate designers and craftspeople who create tile patterns and glazes that you’ll adore for years to come.  We managed to catch up with our New Products and Design Manager, Jane Addis, earlier this year to provide you with some insight into the life of a tile designer and to showcase how our gorgeous tile collections are created.   Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into ceramics, as well as your role at Original Style? A. I’ve always been happiest with a pen or paint-brush in my hand and after studying textile design at university I decided to fulfil a lifelong dream to live in Spain and to learn Spanish. This took me to a fabulous region of Spain - Andalusia and in particular Seville, where I learned Spanish part-time and made flamenco dresses. On my daily walks to work, I loved looking at the various tiles that adorned the shop fronts often hand painted and heavily influenced by Islamic geometric prints. On my return to Devon, inspired by what I’d seen I hunted out local tile manufacturers and landed my first design job! Eight years later, I joined Original Style as a designer (I fell in love with their Winchester range). I have worked at Original Style for six years now I love being a part of an industry that is challenging, exciting, trend-led and UK based. I’m lucky that my role is quite diverse and includes putting together product ranges for UK house-builders as well as designing and developing ranges for the majority of our product portfolios. Q. Where do you find inspiration for tile designs? A. The ceramic industry is much more trend-led than it was when I started my career over 10 years ago. Trips to national and international shows and exhibitions are one of the ways that I keep ahead of the trends to ensure what is developed and ultimately launched is the right product at the right time. Many of the interior trends that influence what consumers buy originate on the catwalk and are gently filtered down to other industries including wallpaper, textiles and ceramics. How I then interpret these trends completely depends on the product range and target audience. For example the ‘tropical’ trend that has been so very popular for a number of years inspired our range called Eden - a gorgeous selection of botanical inspired large format tiles. This range was developed and then launched at exactly the right time and continues to be our best-selling collection within our Living Brochure. We also visit national trust properties, museums, design shows as well as taking lots of pictures whilst we are on holiday! A designer’s eye is always open for inspiration.  Q. How long does it take to develop a new tile collection? From conception to manufacturing, to reach the market? A. This can depend on how that product is being made. For example a design that is going to be screen printed requires quite a lot of set up work with a team of people, Digitally printed product can be quicker depending on the level of complexity of the design. With all projects we also have the rule that things don’t always go to plan with ceramics! Working with a natural based product and beautiful handmade glazes all add to the possibility of not always getting what you anticipate! Q. If you had to pick a favourite tile design what would it be? A. That’s hard as we have so many gorgeous products! But, I love the Nano range in our Living collection - its super simple, easy to live with but gives a real urban design edge to any room. I also love our Artisan range - simplistic, beautiful colours, creating a timeless heritage - these tiles will stand any test of time.        Q. Which tile range did you enjoy designing the most? A. The Living range was a joy to design as it was one of the first ranges we developed on our new state of the art digital printer and it’s been a huge success for us. It was great to experiment with a new way of producing tiles and we had lots of fun photographing the new designs in our on-site photographic studio. It’s amazing that I’m able to be part of the whole lifecycle of a products’ development, including seeing the tiles in customer project photos shared on Social Media Q. How does it make you feel when you see pictures of the tiles you've designed in people’s homes? A. It brings me so much joy! I also love to see how people use our tiles, how they are styled and how much pleasure they bring the end user. Q. What challenges do you face when bringing a tile design to life? A. One of the main challenges is making it exciting as well as possible to create in our factory. Our Exeter based production site is unique with a combination of state of the art technology and beautiful antiquated machines that are very loved. It’s important as a designer to be aware of the boundaries our machinery might have as well as trying to achieve something different. We have a wonderful team that are incredibly passionate about what they do and have a brilliant amount of technical knowledge. Q. What advice would you give to those looking to create fabulous tiled focal points in their home? A. To be bold! As I mentioned earlier ceramic tiles are much more trend-led now and there’s plenty of choice. I think it’s always best to have that focal point in a place that is quite visible. Think behind the bath, behind the cooker, make a feature of that walk-in shower. Tiles can add texture, colour and ultimately create atmosphere within a room Q. What’s the best thing about being a designer and working at Original Style? A. The ability to design products that are exciting, trend-led and to work in UK manufacturing - something I’m proud of every day Read more...

Any sized garden is a blessing, and, an area of your very own to turn into a sanctuary. With the sun shining over the last few weeks, many of us have been thinking about transforming our outdoor spaces and we have plenty of design ideas to get you started.   Small spaces You might think having a small garden limits your design options, but there are many clever ways you can add practicality and style. Starting with tiles, opting for a patterned floor tile is a brilliant way to add interest and detail, using a repeating pattern is also great for adding the illusion of more space: These patterned floor tiles pair perfectly with green foliage, try adding potted plants and adorning the surrounding walls with some greenery to cocoon the space, adding a touch of grandeur. This look works in small gardens as well as in courtyards, just add a table and chairs for the perfect reading nook or alfresco dining. Recent years have seen the trend of opening up indoor living spaces into the outdoors, often with bi-folding doors that allow for a continuous transition. Tiles are a great way to create this seamless look, they make an area feel bigger than it is and there are plenty of styles to choose from. Pictured below is Kaamos, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, choose from three colour options all perfect for creating a contemporary look. Perfect patios You might not be looking to tile your entire outdoor space, which is why creating a patio or decking area often a popular choice. It means you have somewhere to set up tables and chairs, sun-loungers and even barbeques but also means you can still have a grass area. While decking is often a common choice, wood effect tiles are actually perfect for creating this style too. Our Lignum tiles come in an anti-slip option and are ideal for outdoor use, here’s five more reasons to love wood effect floor tiles: Moisture resistant – Spills just wipe off Wear resistant – No hardwood is this hard Fire Proof – Wood-effect tiles will not burn or release any toxic fumes No sealants, varnishes or oils required No on-going maintenance – no stripping, sanding or re-sealing Or why not make an entrance with impact by using Victorian floor tiles? They are perfect for small porches, pathways and also under verandas, choose from a variety of patterns and colourways. However you choose to transform your outside space, opting for tiles is a brilliant way to add style as well as practicality 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...

The beauty of Victorian Floor Tiles rarely ceases to amaze us, but when we came across this extraordinary project by Cherie Lee Interiors - an interior design consultancy based in Hertfordshire and London - we were truly wowed. The awe inspiring design is utterly sensational and we were eager to delve into the mastermind behind this beautiful interior scheme. Upon approaching Cherie, we were keen to find out a little bit more about her business and her projects whilst investigating her thoughts on Victorian Floor Tiles and why she chose to integrate them into this beautiful home; Q. Can you provide us with some background into Cherie Lee Interiors? A. We’re well-known for blending classic, period features with contemporary, modern styling. We’ve established an impressive portfolio of listed and conservation buildings across the Home Counties and London but work with a broad spectrum of properties, including new build and commercial premises. I like to ensure that each property designed reflects the personality and lifestyle of the client, focusing on how the space will be used and what is required from it. Our hard work results in luxurious and stunning properties, but also homes that are functional and meet the exact needs of the client. My team and I favour an approachable and relaxed design environment as this allows clients to be honest and upfront about their requirements. We lead all initial design enquiries with an in depth consultation which will then follow on with implementing the scheme to exacting standards, to an agreed budget and timeframe. Q. Who is the Cherie Lee Interiors client? A. The CLI client is passionate about their home and lifestyle.  They are often high achievers and want their home environment to work for them. They have an understated sense of style but an appreciation for luxury and high quality design. Q. Do clients request Victorian Floor Tiles or is it you who pitches them? What kind of properties benefit from VFT installations? A. At CLI we have a real passion for period homes. We therefore try to ensure that the floors we specify for a property have a sense of age to them. This applies to both timber floors and tiles. The Victorian Floor Tiles allow us to make a bold statement but that is very much in keeping with the properties that we work on. This, in turn, gives the flexibility to incorporate more contemporary features, such as lighting, without feeling that we are losing the character of the home. Q. Would you say there are any specific interior design trends that could be highlighted for 2020? Is there anything that you could pinpoint in the tile world? A. Interior trends can be great but, ultimately, we favour home designs that either solve an issue within the property or will stand the test of time. For example, we enjoy using Crittall-style screens internally within the home. This is not because they’re necessarily trend related, but because they allow us to improve sociability of space, flow of light and create the illusion of larger, more open plan spaces, without sacrificing the ability to shut areas off. This trend has allowed us create beautiful homes. It is a bonus for us that the understated, slightly industrial look appeals to us too! Q. Do you re-use the same, known brands across various projects, even if they are very different in style? A. I think there is a lot to be said for working with brands that you know and trust. If we and a client have received good service from a brand, it reflects well on all parties and makes life so much easier. The same or similar products can be used and paired in so many different ways and the overall look and feel created can be completely different. Therefore, using a supplier more than once is not a concern for us. Q. Are clients and their preferences different depending on which part of the country they live in? A. I would say that the preferences of the client do vary depending on the area that their property is situated, but also the age of the home. We are always cautious not to impose a style on a home that is not in keeping with it. For example, traditional Georgian or Victorian features in an entirely new build home.  It is important that the architecture of the home and the internal style work together. In terms of location, a period home in a rural setting often favours a more laid back, casual approach to the home aesthetic. Whereas London based properties tend to have more formality to them. It really is a case of being led by the property and its surroundings. Q. What would you say to your younger self before embarking on the exciting journey of establishing your own design studio? Would you have done anything differently? A. I wish I had started a career in design earlier! I was a Lawyer in the City until 2012 and although this has given me lots of valuable skills, such as researching, attention to detail, ability to work a strict deadline etc. doing something that you enjoy and feel lucky to do every day is the best feeling! To see more projects by Cherie Lee Interiors, take a look at their website 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...

Are you dreaming of a space that’s distinctively different? It’s time to bring your vision to life. The Living collection offers wall tiles with a twist, in a range of patterns perfect for adding that personal touch.   Our Living Collection is on-trend, full of style, and now home to six brand new ranges! Each range has a different feel and a different pattern, so they appeal to a wide range of tastes and lifestyles.  All the designs have been created and produced by our in-house teams in our dedicated factory in Exeter, Devon. The introduction of these new ranges includes Arbour, ‘Trellis’, ‘Malmo’, and ‘Artistry’, all of which are elegant and graceful in design. The precious ‘Radiance’ and ‘Afterglow’ ranges are produced using a delicate printing material that creates a magical ‘lustre’ effect, here’s a closer look at the new collection:   Arbour Adorn your walls with top-to-toe botanical tumbling foliage, inspired by trailing florals like wisteria; these graceful patterns will awaken any interior space.   Trellis Cool and Contemporary prints to harmonise any space   Malmo Add a touch of cosiness with the warm tones of Malmo, inspired by traditional Scandinavian folk art. These soothing hues elevate a neutral palette, perfect for creating a cool yet cosy feel.   Artistry Patterns can be incorporated into all manner of interior schemes and these modern rustic tiles exude charm and character, bringing rooms to life   Radiance Give your walls an oh so suave update with these geometric patterns all in a chic, iridescent finish, perfect for adding some 1920’s vivacity   Afterglow Fun, fresh, playful prints in 3 distinctive patterns perfect for those looking to interject some personality to a space Read more...