Too much of a good thing doesn’t always work, decoratively speaking, which is why this month’s Ultimate Combinations focuses on schemes of matt and gloss finishes to set the style in your new project. Read on to find out how these polar opposite finishes actually compliment each other really, really well…
Intricately Matt
Our new matt finish Scale tiles, shown here in Boho White, are also available in Slate Grey, Stone Steel and Boho Grey. The matt finish here is the perfect choice, and has the effect of making these intricately patterned tiles more useable – a glossy finish would be too distracting, creating busy reflections. In this case, the matt finish wins, and allows glimpses of metallic glossy elements (the side table, pendant lights, and furniture handles) to literally add a welcome glossy contrast.
Matt Finish + Sparkles
Interestingly, our Sparkle Split Face Mosaic tiles seem to combine two very disparate elements – the tiles definitely have a matt finish, which is highly textured too. Yet, with the inclusion of the mineral elements in these natural stone tiles, there is a shimmer and sparkle element too. Not in the same bracket as a glossy finish, but definitely an interesting additional aspect to matt textured tiles. These mosaics team perfectly with other natural elements such as timber work surfaces and floating shelves. A very worthwhile lesson from the school of ‘keep it simple’ interior design advice!
Back to Nature
How do you introduce a rustic element to a glossy modern kitchen? Well, one easy way is to include a couple of natural elements, such as our matt-finish Split-Face Mosaic tiles in Rustic Sparkle finish – These pair up with natural wood-look effect floor planks too (try our Nordic Wood range). An ideal way to combine matt and gloss finishes in one fell swoop; these matt, textured, natural finishes look perfectly at home with a glossy modern white kitchen.
Esenzia Gondola | Duomo Monza | Esenzia Fenice all by Tile Mountain
Glossy Aspects
Here’s our pick of three of our new favourite glossy finishes…from left; Esenzia Gondola patterned ceramic wall tiles with an easy-to-maintain gloss finish with an authentic distressed look. A good choice for a border or upstand in a rustic, country-style kitchen. Centre; just one of the fifteen patterns in the Duomo Monza collection of encaustic-style ceramic tiles with a glossy finish, suitable for walls and floors, and perfect if you want to add a touch of gloss to a kitchen or bathroom that otherwise embraces matt, natural finishes. Right; Esenzia Fenice gloss finish ceramic wall tiles can add an unexpected glossy look in a traditional kitchen or bathroom.
Polished to Perfection
What a gorgeous choice of polished, glossy tile finishes…our Doblo Black Polished Porcelain floor tiles look fabulous in this modern setting – matt white walls and matt black glazing frames. Porcelain tiles are very low maintenance, we suggest sweeping with a very soft broom to catch any dust and grit, and a steam clean every now and then. (The VAX ONEPWR Glide Hard Floor Cleaner is excellent, or for a more budget conscious choice, try the Steam Fresh Combi, also from VAX). These particular tiles are also available in Grey, Light Grey, and Cream.
Black to Basics
Another great example of an Ultimate Combination of matt and gloss; our stylish Linear Black Gloss wall tiles are a match made in heaven for natural matt finish timber work surfaces and white matt finish cabinets. When in doubt, black, white and neutrals will always work well as a low-key colour scheme that will look good for years to come.
Green With Envy…
Yes, we’ve gone a little bit green with envy at the beauty of our Village tiles, shown here in a gorgeous Teal green. The depth of glossy colour is perfect for a period-style bathroom, especially when combined with a roll-top bath tub. Remember, most tubs can quite easily be painted (use a matt eggshell or acrylic paint) to switch up a colour scheme. We like the subtlety of this matt black finish though – it allows that glossy Teal to really ‘pop’ within the colour scheme.
Crème de la Cream
As we’ve discussed many times, you don’t have to have a mixture of colours in a successful scheme – a mixture of textures and finishes can add interest and style too. We love the way these Mini Metro Cream wall tiles have a glossy finish which is a great contrast to the matt finish of the cabinets and open shelves. The fact that our Metro tiles have bevelled edges too adds a very retro look too.
Surface Patterns
We just had to show you a recent addition to our range of wall tiles; Savoy Leaf Decor ceramic tiles with a glossy diamond-style surface pattern. Just the job for a shower-bath area, adding a lot of colour and interest without taking over the whole scheme. Team with matt white floor tiles, such as our Extreme Matt White porcelain tiles, for an Ultimate Combination of gloss and matt.
What’s your opinion … do you prefer Gloss or Matt finishes, what’s your favourite combination? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on twitter @TileMountainUK, Facebook or tag us on Instagram with your pics!
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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.