Ultimate Combinations: Large Format + Dramatic Contrasts

This month’s instalment Ultminate Combinations sees us taking a closer look at creating striking design schemes that focus on large format tiles alongside colourful and dramatic contrasting elements. After all, if you are going to have a new scheme you’ll want make sure it has the ‘wow’ factor! Fear not though as achieving this is a lot easier than you think, as we’re about to show you now…

Black & White Drama

We love the easy-to-achieve dramatic contrast in this fabulous kitchen – it really couldn’t be simpler! Black and white schemes won’t date, always have an air of ‘grand designs’ about them, and make it easy to add further interest in the way of accessories. These are our fabulous large format Lounge Black Matt Porcelain tiles, measuring in at 600mm x 600mm. A smaller format is also available, 300mm x 600mm, which could be useful as an upstand or splashback. Either way, the look is full of dramatic contrast – perfect!

Dark & Glossy

These white tiles are our Blanco Rectified Gloss Porcelain floor tiles which tick the ‘large format’ box perfectly, and of course, are stunning in combination with the bold contrast of black cabinet doors (which in turn are enhanced by the light coloured work surfaces and plinths). Lots of contrasts, lots of style! And of course, these tiles are totally suitable to be installed with underfloor heating for that extra element of comfort. Read our How To Choose Underfloor Heating feature for the lowdown on selecting a system that’s right for you.

Naturally Beautiful

Our natural-stone effect tiles, Bayona Grey, measure a whopping 1200mm x 1200mm so are definitely a very large format and absolutely perfect for styling up a scheme consisting of contrasting elements. Think of the natural stone tones against pale walls and ceilings, but with the drama of dark walls, furnishings and joinery. Just the job if you’re looking to make a creative statement!

Design Details

Stylish accessories add definition and impact to a colour scheme, here are three current favourites. From left; Kinto black stoneware Japanese style teapot, in porcelain with a stainless steel strainer inside for loose-leaf tea, from Coffee & ClothHannover wall light with a black and antique brass finish, a three-light bar pendant and a matching single light pendant also available, by Dar Lighting; this geometric-style black metal Geo Vase would add sleek style to open shelves in the kitchen or bathroom, it’s from Kinfolk.

WFH Inspiration

If you need to kit out a working from home space, consider our large format Ardennes Dark Brown Wall and Floor Tiles. These plank format porcelain tiles measure in at a very useful 248mm x 1000mm and will add a very interesting sense of space and style to a home office, kitchen, bathroom or in fact, any living space! Get the look of tactile, cross-sawn planks, but with all the advantages and ease of upkeep of porcelain. And naturally, style it up with black or a splash of vivid colour for maximum dramatic contrast.

Inspired Accessories

Add some drama, fun and colour to your interiors – choose a fabulously dark and glamorous shade for the walls (emerald green or navy are current favourites) and set up some glam trinkets and decorations for an interesting display. The Golden Perching Parrot Mirror here is from Audenza, as are all the other fabulous bits’n’bobs too, including the bold Statement glass vase. Get styling for Spring cheerfulness!

Going for Grey

Choose a neutral grey, large format tile, such as the stunning Aga Urban Indoor in Grey from our range of porcelain tiles. Each measures 900mm x 900mm, with a riven, weathered concrete effect finish, suitable for all areas of the home. This concrete style finish is hugely popular for warehouse and industrial style looks, but can work equally well as a subtle, neutral background tile which allows colourful finishes and furnishing to stand out. We particularly like it in combination with orange, teal and aqua. They’re suitable for outdoor installation too, so if you’re looking for a design that will flow through from kitchen to dining room to outdoor terrace, try these. Order a sample by clicking on the green box here.

Dramatic Suggestions

Add contrast and colour with these ideas; from left, Totally Teal 503033 from the Dulux Trade Archive Colours, mixed to order, and happily still available in a zillion finishes, including Flat Matt, High Gloss and Weathershield; Create a colourful focal point with the lovely Turquoise Speckled Vase from House of Flora; Another colourful contrast suggestion from Dulux, this time it’s Rocket Fire, also available in every finish imaginable, including Diamond Matt and Trade Eggshell.

Complete Contrast

We’re still in love with this set-up; our Strauss Black Porcelain wall and floor porcelain tiles in 600mm x 600mm square format, with the ultimate contrast of white cabinetry and gold fittings. Such a good combination that will look good for years to come. Samples are available here, just click the green box. For other brilliant black ideas, take a look at our glitzy Quartz Stone in Midnight Black, they measure 300mm x 300mm, or the larger format Doblo Black Polished Porcelain, measuring 598mm x 598mm.

Will you be combining large formats + dramatic contrasts in you next interior revamp? If so then don’t forget to send us your pictures of your finished projects – share your pics with us over on Twitter tagging @TileMountainUK or on Instagram!

You might also enjoy these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…

Ultimate Combinations: Using Large & Small Tile Formats Together

Ultimate Combinations: Patterned & Plain Tiles

Ultimate Combinations: Tiles & Timber