As future colour trends seem to be heading in a more neutral direction, we’re looking at the very desirable combination of Tiles & Timber this month for our Ultimate Combinations series. The popularity of tile designs that replicate timber make this an easy combination for bathrooms and kitchens. And of course, porcelain wood-effect tiles are the obvious solution if you want the aesthetics of timber in the kitchen or bathroom, without the worry that comes along with using wood near water.
Dark Tones & Timber
Ultimate combinations can include combinations of colours, materials, textures and styles. Here’s a striking blend of natural woodgrain for the bathroom cabinet, and we love the combination of setting it against a white basin and our deliciously dark Doblo Matt Grey porcelain tiles. These tiles are also available in Matt Light Grey and Matt Cream, as well as gloss versions. Style Tip: A white basin or basin-countertop combination emphasises the contrast between tiles and furniture
Subtle Contrast
This Ultimate Combination features our rather subtle Lounge Light Grey matt porcelain tiles, which are a very clever ‘warm grey’ shade, which does pair very nicely with timber furniture, and once again, the colour is strong enough to hold its own with white fittings and counter top. For similar timber furniture, look at the Washed Oak finish from Utopia. And for timber-style finish for the shower wall, (just glimpsed on the left), try our Baltimore Beige Wood Effect tiles.
Tiles & Timber Style Tiles
You know, of course, needless to say, that we absolutely adore tiles and this pic demonstrates the sheer versatility of tiled surfaces. Not only is a fully tiled bathroom totally practical to keep clean and sparkling, it can accommodate bath panels and shelf surrounds, and basin counter tops. Shown here, our Kauri Rustic Natural Wood Effect natural-grain effect textured tiles can be used for walls, floors and surfaces. Another impressive combination with our Doblo Grey Polished Porcelain plain tiles. Style Tip: Incorporate tiled shelves, alcoves, and recesses in a fully tiled bathroom for useful storage and display.
A Close Inspection
We think that our Nordic Wood Dark Brown porcelain tiles are worth a closer look…Install with crisp white grout lines to contrast against the Dark Brown shade. They have a matt finish with a slight surface texture to replicate authentic timber planks. There you have it, an excellent Tiles & Timber combination in design!
Super-Size Planks
Our Baltimore Beige Wall & Floor porcelain planks each measure an impressive 1200mm x 233mm so once laid as floor tiles, definitely tick the box as far as realistic proportions and patterns is concerned. This design uses inkjet technology to ensure the pattern looks crisp and realistic. Baltimore also comes in Grey, White and Taupe for more adventurous Tiles & Timber combinations.
Dust & Oak
A very subtle scheme that pulls in tiles and timber to great effect… this is the Profile Handleless kitchen from Trend Interiors, in two great colours (we’re back to grey again!), Oak Grey timber effect and Dust Grey slab doors. The layout is simple and efficient, we would suggest our Burren Black Limestone porcelain slabs, measuring 600mm x 600mm for a similar dramatic look, with a fabulous contrast between tiles and cabinetry.
Wood Watch
This kitchen demonstrates our Tiles & Timber Ultimate Combinations theme perfectly; we love the use of textured tiles as a splashback, and the understated white on white colour scheme. These are our Sparkle White Split Face Mosaic tiles, they are metamorphic rock with a natural sparkle and an interlocking format. They will need sealing, but don’t require grouting – for more info on sealing, check our handy How to Seal and Maintain Tiles article. Style Tip: Mix natural materials such as timber with textured tiles for a softer, more organic style.
Perfectly Patterned
A Tile & Timber combination doesn’t have to be low-key and minimal! We love the intensity and colours in our Riga Patchwork ceramic tiles, each 450mm x 450mm tile has the appearance of four differently patterned and coloured interlocking tiles. There are 32 patterns available, so each installation is almost definitely going to be unique. It would be easy to match these tiles to a cream, blue or grey work surface but a natural wood surface looks fabulous here and enhances the rustic style.
Influenced by Nature
Are you looking for surfaces for your new project? Think about the new range of Recycled Colours from HI-MACS® acrylic stone finishes. A good choice for a kitchen or bathroom surface, and these new colours from the Granite Collection (top) Cotton Field, Windy Hill and Highland; and bottom; three existing colours from the Volcanic Collection, Ana, Tambora and Gemini are certified to contain recycled content. Style Tip: These neutral designs for work surfaces would anchor a more adventurous patterned tiling scheme…
Will you be combining tiles and timber in your next renovation 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: How To Use Wallpaper With Tiles In The Bathroom
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.