We want our exterior design schemes to look interesting – but at the same time most of us shy away from creating garish or startling exteriors! So, with that in mind, this month’s Ultimate Combinations focuses on getting that perfect mixture of bold design ideas, but balanced with subtle accents or concepts to create an understated and attainable result. Here are our suggestions …
Bold & Brave
This terrace and kitchen-dining room is a very good example of ‘Bold & Understated’. The white kitchen is subtle and serene, and then wow, the whole flooring area of the terrace and kitchen comes in with a very bold statement in our Dakota Dark Grey Riven porcelain tiles. The contrast element is perfect, the tiles are bold enough to create a sleek contrast between the cabinetry yet the overall look still ticks both boxes.
Sleek & Understated
We love the bold and understated elements of this scheme. The fabulous black-framed glazing provides a bold, graphic element to the exterior of this home, whilst the expanse of paved terrace is simply laid out with our Rocastone Outdoor Slab Tiles. The outdoor chairs and table are also a brilliant choice in this scheme – more slender black lines adding to the contrasting elements.
Linear Attraction
An excellent illustration of the use of very pale, in fact almost white, floor tiles being used throughout a whole ground floor scheme – from terrace to living, dining and kitchen areas. This allows the bold lines of glazing to frame the views from both inside and out. Our Hardblue White Porcelain Outdoor Slab Tiles really are a fantastic choice for this setting. Designed to be outdoor tiles, but of course they’re also absolutely spot on for indoors where a continuous theme is required.
Terrace Culture
Add some bold colour to an understated terrace: From left; the Jambi Blue and Orange Woven Garden Chair; the Milton Stool-Table Set in black concrete, both from Habitat. And right; the colourful Marisol Woven Garden Chair with an iron frame and PVC cord from Cult Furniture has a matching dining table.
Patterned & Plain Exteriors
Our new Hardblue collection has plain and décor tiles, which can transform the task of creating an outdoor space. Keep it plain or add a section of patterned tiles for an Ultimate Combination of bold and understated looks. Remember, even if some of the tiles we mention may be out of stock at a particular time, it’s usually still possible to order samples online, and we will notify customers when the stock levels are replenished!
Classic and Modern
Go for the classic looks of Calacatta Marble Outdoor Slab Tiles as a striking contrast and unusual combination with contemporary architectural style and modern, chunky outdoor furniture. Yes, this outdoor terrace could have been designed to feature plain, shiny, modern tiles but we love the contrast of classic marble looks in a super-modern setting!
Ocean Views
We love the combination of these gorgeous chairs and table from the Ocean collection at Nest; the slatted table top surface and seats are made from ocean waste plastic – such as recycled fishing nets and other waste plastic removed from the sea. What a contrast – the combination of recycled furniture and a beautiful coastal view. Re-create a similar look for your outdoor terrace with our large-format Island Outdoor Slabs.
Break Out The Bold
Dark and bold colour choices are perfect additions to understated schemes, whether it’s pots and panels or outdoor lights. Two ideas worth incorporating into your new outdoor schemes are painted or stained wooden panels to disguise dull walls or fencing, plus bright pots for emphasis. Left; panels from the Neutral Colour Range by Cuprinol and right; the Regent Mast Path Light from Garden Trading in black powder coated steel, just the job for shedding a little light on the new pathways and terrace!
Will you be combining bold and understated styles in your latest exteriors project? If so then we’d love to see your pics! Tweet us @TileMountainUK, shae on Facebook or tag us on Instagram!
You might also like these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…
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.