The combinations of lighter coloured tiles and floors and dark details are an absolute winner, especially with the easy availability of black and dark grey or graphite bathroom fittings – and, of spectacular full-height windows and glazed doors with dark frames. It’s a cinch to get that look in your new bathroom or kitchen, so read on for some inspirational combinations and a heap of useful style advice in this month’s Ultimate Combinations…
Bold In Black
Well, this bathroom is one of the best definitions of an ‘ultimate combination’ that’s we’ve seen. That gorgeous black bath, black-framed glazing, and the chic and minimalist cabinetry all perfectly teamed with subtle wall and floor tiles. Subtle wall and floor tiles such as those that make up our new porcelain collection, Talent, which includes three shades of wall and floor tile (Grey, Beige, White), with matching décor tiles that have a slightly textured finish. A wonderful option for a timeless bathroom scheme, with limitless possibilities as far as future complimentary colour combinations. Try Bathroom Mountain for a similar bath.
Assume The Horizontal
Quite a lot going on here, but in an unassuming way. Our Yosesmite Ivory Split Face wall tiles provide an interesting neutral background, allowing the stunning basin, dark wood cabinet, marble surface and black tap to stand out. Our porcelain wall tiles are designed to look like multiple narrow strips of stone, but in fact are whole large-format tiles, measuring 660mm x 440mm. There are also matching plain floor tiles, both are available in Ivory and Grey. Find similar black taps from the Harmonie Matt Black Collection by Abode.
Creative Curves
Our Scale Boho White tiles can definitely be considered a ‘neutral’, even though they have quite an element of colour, and certainly a proportion of intricate pattern. However, they work perfectly as a background tile and allow the white cabinetry and basin to stand out. It’s the dark details that really catch the eye though, such as the bar handles and the side table. Our Scale tiles also come in Boho Grey, Slate Grey, and Stone Steel.
Scale Boho White from Tile Mountain | Heritage Collection Diffuser by Ashleigh & Burwood | Grace Bronze Glass Mosaics from Tile Mountain
A Closer Look
From left: Take a look at the intricate pattern details in our Scale Boho White tiles – we love the geometric concepts, which work very well indeed with modern fixtures and fittings; Add some fragrance and dark details with a Heritage Collection Diffuser by Ashleigh & Burwood, don’t forget, diffusers add a constant fragrance to the room, without having to think about candle safety; And lastly, a close-up of our Grace Bronze Glass mosaics – a gorgeous example of a neutral with darker details.
A Darker Neutral
A khaki-beige shade is a strong neutral, and when teamed with black accessories and a framed shower panel, it stands out as a very striking combination. We love all the horizontal and vertical design lines in this bathroom, emphasised by the radiator and shower panel. These wall and floor tiles are our Country Khaki porcelain wood effect tiles, designed to look like vintage timber. Also available in Honey and Nut shades, which can also be put into the ‘neutral’ category.
Tactile Taps
Add dark details to the bathroom with taps and bathroom accessories from the smooth and shapely Essence collection by Grohe. The taps have very precise controls which includes the firm’s SilkMove cartridge to ensure the accuracy of volume and temperature control, which is especially good to know being as we are now all washing our hands very thoroughly and far more often than BC (Before Covid!).
Kitchen Combinations
What a wonderful combination of neutrals and dark details! This kitchen has ultimate style – and it won’t date easily as each choice of colour, texture and material is a classic. Open frame shelves are a strong look – and perfect for displaying plants and growing herbs. And of course, with open shelves it’s easy to bring new colours into play when you fancy a change of look. Our Mikeno wood effect plank tiles come in Ash, Honey and Grey, adding that natural-neutral textured style. Find similar kitchen cabinetry and open-framed shelving systems at Rational.
Monument Grey by Dulux | Malika Black & White Splatter Effect Vase from Habitat | Pure Cocoa by Dulux
Paint & Decorative Ideas
Provide the dark details within a neutral theme using painted finishes – perhaps for window frames, skirting boards, architraves and shelving. We’ve got two colour suggestions from Dulux here, on the left, Monument Grey, and on the right, Pure Cocoa, both of which come in many different finishes, including Bathroom+ Soft Sheen, Matt, Silk, Kitchen+ Matt, Gloss, and Satinwood as well as various exterior finishes – so there’s something to suit all eventualities, decorating-wise! And in the middle, just a fabulous vase which will add a dark detail to a display area; this is the Malika Black & White Splatter effect vase, from Habitat.
Ashes To Ashes
An ultimate combination of pale, Mikeno Ash Wood Effect Floor tiles (here we’ve just used them on the floor, but they are suitable for walls too) with a few dark accents – the upholstered chairs and the black glass integrated ovens. Remember, a tried-and-tested interior design trick is to use pale floor colours and the planks or tiles to run through the length of the room to emphases the space.
Room With A View
Ahh, another beautiful room featuring our Mikeno Honey Wood Effect Floor tiles – with a design replicating real wood so accurately that you can virtually see the saw marks! We love the way this scheme is cool, calm and collected – whilst still maintaining it’s Ultimate Combination status thanks to the dark framed glazing, the spectacular fireplace and even the lamps and artworks.
Will you be combining neutral backgrounds and dark details in your latest exteriors project? If so then we’d love to see your pics! Tweet us @TileMountainUK, share on Facebook or tag us on Instagram!
You might also like these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…
Ultimate Combinations: Monochromatic and Vivid colour schemes
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.