If you’ve spent more time than usual at home and are beginning to notice the shabby spots and dull areas, here are some easy new year looks for interiors you can incorporate into your design schemes to brighten things up as we hurl ourselves into what will hopefully be a better year…
Rustic Wood Style
One of the easier ways of updating a dull and dreary kitchen is to replace the splashback area between work surface and wall cupboards. These are our Decape wall and floor tiles, designed to replicate aged and distressed wood, in a brick-like format. Top Tip: Remove old tiles carefully – the less damage to the walls the better, and the easier the replacement tiling will be. These tiles can add a brand new look – perhaps replacing dark or coloured tiles for a soothing, neutral style.
A Star In The Kitchen
Add drama to the kitchen floor – this could be a quick update, especially if you have a modestly-sized kitchen. A hitherto subtle, plain kitchen scheme can be transformed by the addition of our Wicker Grey Pattern Wall and Floor Tiles. These porcelain tiles feature an eye-catching star decal and matt finish, and are designed to replicate traditional encaustic-style tiles – a good pairing with simple, Shaker-style cabinets.
Bold Black Update
Go for a complete change of pace with a simple splashback refurb. Of course, as with any tiling project, it’s easier if the panel is a simple, regular shape. If you need any further help when it comes to planning and stalling a splashback then firstly check out our Splashback Tiles 101: All You Need To Know feature and then watch our How To Tile A Splashback Wall video – everything you need to know is covered!
Farmhouse Grey Wine Rack from Greenway Furniture | Summer Meadow Wallpaper by Fiona Howard | Push Boy Bin via Wesco
Style Injection
Add some practical storage space to the kitchen with a freestanding wine rack – this is the Farmhouse Grey Wine Rack and glass storage cabinet from Greenway Furniture. It holds up to 12 bottles and 20 glasses – a very helpful addition to the entertaining area. Centre; A splash of sunny yellow will add cheerfulness to dull winter days, this Summer Meadow wallpaper in Lemon by Fiona Howard could be the perfect choice for the kitchen-family-dining room, and it also fits in beautifully with the Pantone Colour of the Year 2021 announcement, which is Illuminating yellow and Ultimate Gray. Right; Another way of adding colour is via a Push Boy Bin – these are available via Wesco and come in fabulous bright shades, are huge capacity and are a worthwhile addition if your built-in-bin isn’t quite big enough. For more shapes and styles, also take a look at all the bins available from Red Candy.
Practical Patterns
It’s definitely worth mentioning that a patterned floor in busy areas is definitely more forgiving regarding cleaning. Updating well-used areas could be a worthwhile New Year project. Our floor tiles are suited to halls, porches, utility rooms, boot rooms and general ‘through-routes’ and choosing a busy pattern will also add a design focus to a space – especially if you’re replacing shabby carpet or worn-out lino. These are our popular Chester Rustic Floor Tiles, inspired by traditional Victorian and Minton encaustic mosaics.
Blue Moods
Actually, this gorgeous picture of our Skyros Delft Blue wall and floor tiles covers two update suggestions – you could tile either the walls or the floor and still create a magnificent splash! Adding pattern and colour can change the whole atmosphere of a room. Our Skyros tiles are designed to look like four smaller tiles in a 2 x 2 format, so not as labour-intensive to install as they may look at first glance!
Accessory Updates
Yes, yes, we know that one of the joys to be had post-tiling is the opportunity to spruce up the room a little more with some new accessories. So we thought we would just point out some fabulous towels, dispenser and toothbrush holder, from the Dorma range at Dunelm for Spring-Summer 2021. And if you’re looking for some soft-grey shaded tiles to compliment these towels, we suggest a look at our Scale range of intricately patterned wall tiles.
Design Details
If you’re in the process of refurbishing a period property, take a look at our Dorset range. These stylish patterned tiles are ceramic, measure 450mm x 450mm and are suitable for both walls and floors. We’re imagining a quick New Year makeover in the hall, the downstairs cloakroom, the utility room or the back porch. Unlike original Victorian tiles, these are highly stain resistant and have a very hardwearing matt finish.
Star Struck
Our Metropolis Star tiles are designed to have an aged, vintage look but, needless to say, they are totally durable and practical, thanks to their durable ceramic construction. Metropolis Star tiles measure 450mm x 450mm and are designed to look like four smaller tiles in one. Perfect for a quick splashback update for the kitchen – especially if you’re looking for something with an authentic rustic vibe.
Patterned Perfection
Adding a small or large amount of colour and pattern will transform a room – whether it’s a tiny cloakroom or a large kitchen. Our Nikea Multi Matte wall and floor feature 25 possible surface designs (supplied in a random selection per box), so there will be an endless choice of accent colours to choose from when it comes to choosing paint shades for the skirting boards and architraves.
Will you be incorporating any of these ideas into your new year makeover? Let us know in the comments or share your photos with us by tweeting us @TileMountainUK or tag us on Instagram!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.