BIsazza Tiles

Last week I was invited to the Bisazza tile showroom in London to have a go at doing my own tiling. Now let’s be clear on one thing, there was no preparation or grouting involved. This was purely a design thing. A chance to see the endless possibilities that are available with tiles.

We tend to view tiles as the simply the useful bit that stops the water ruining the walls but there has been an explosion in tile design in recent years and simply shoving a row of white metro tiles up seems like a wasted opportunity.

Given that we all tend to have the same things in our bathrooms – white baths, basins and loos, the opportunity for creating something with a bit more personality is limited. Even in the kitchen, where the splashback is a necessity rather than an object of beauty, it’s all about practicality.

But perhaps it’s time that changed. We should be more adventurous with our tiling and use it as a chance to bring some art into these rooms. Because I think we can view it like that. Take a look at some of these images and tell me they don’t set you dreaming.

Now Bisazza is at the high end of the market, I grant you and it won’t be for everyone because, in addition to the materials, you will need a specialist installer, but think laterally. Firstly, you don’t have to do the whole room. When we did our bathroom we fell in love with some silver tiles but they were so expensive we could only afford to buy six so we have three over each basin. If you have one basin, you’re already down to three. So consider creating a small panel not the whole wall.  Or bringing in texture but in one colour as below.

Or you can create a pattern within a larger area of tiles. Or, if you choose a simple pattern then you, or your tiler, might well be able to do it yourself. Use some of these images to inspire you.

And, talking of our bathroom, it needs redoing now – mainly because various bits have fallen apart – and I have been toying with the idea of creating a black-tiled counter for the two basins to sit on. After last week, I am wondering about adding a cheeky gold monogram in tiny mosaic tiles: his and hers. Let’s bring back the humour and the irony. What do you think?