Mix or Match? Our Tips for Picking the Perfect Tile
Organise + design your reno with these resources
Trying to pick a new tile for your bathroom? Wondering if it’s okay to use 2 different tiles, or maybe even 3?
You’re not alone! Tile selection is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when designing your new bathroom. Get it right and your design is well on its way. Get it wrong and you’ll quickly find that replacing tiles is a very costly exercise.
So here are our tips for selecting the perfect tile, or 3, for your space…
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite Design
Your Vision
When it comes to tiles, there are no rules - so the first step is always to start with a vision in mind. How do you want your bathroom to look and feel? Are you hoping to create a calming sanctuary, a timeless and classic retreat, or a fun and fresh space? The tiles you select will go a long way to creating the look you are after, so ensure you make your selection with your vision in mind.
Not sure what you’re after, or is your vision a bit washy? Jump onto our Bathroom Collection and explore.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Bathroom Design
Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Ensuite
When Less Is More
At Z + S, we aim to create timeless bathrooms which will be as relevant in 5 years as they are today. For this reason, we generally opt for neutral tiles and generally stick to one or 2 different tiles in a space. Our preference is for large format tiles (600mm x 1200mm gets our vote) which resemble natural stone or have an organic look and feel. This results in a sophisticated and timeless space that feels luxurious and is less likely to date.
Zephyr and Stone • Melbourne Luxe Ensuite Design
But wait, there’s more.
One tile bathroom, not your thing? Want to create interest while still maintaining a cohesive and timeless design? Then listen up. There’s a range of ways to create a WOW factor other than using contrasting tile colours.
Studio Griffiths • Marble Herringbone Bathroom Tiles
Studio Griffiths • Mosaic Bathroom Tile Design
Same tile, Different Shapes or Sizes
Use varying sizes or shapes of the same tile. At a glance, the space will appear uniform and cohesive, but a closer look reveals the difference.
Z + S Tip • When using different-sized tiles within the same space, consider how the grout lines will work together. This is especially important if using a combination of larger tiles.
2. Same Tile, Laid Differently
Same tile with two different tile laying patterns. Cohesive, yet interesting.
McKimm • White Herringbone Bathroom Tiles
Workroom Design • Marble Subway Bathroom G=Tiles
3. Different Tiles, Similar Colour
Use 2 different tiles, in a similar colour. This could consist of large format tiles on 3 walls and a feature mosaic on the last, or tiling half the wall in one tile and the rest in another.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Powder Room
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Ensuite
4. Variation Tiles
We’ve saved the best for last. Some tile collections include a textured variation tile that can be used to add texture or pattern and is designed to be used in conjunction with other tiles in the same range. This is by far our favourite way to add interest cohesively. Here we’ve used the stunning ‘Pietre 41 Chevron Scrambled Beige’ from Ace Stone + Tiles in our Contemporary Coastal project. The textured Chevron pattern tile was used as a feature on one wall, with the plain tiles from the same range being used in the rest of the space.
Want to spice things up?
So what do you think? Is a ‘Same Same but Different’ tile selection for you or are you feeling you want to mix things up even more? If you’re game, let’s take it one step further and look at how to make tile variation work in your space.
Subway Tile Bathroom Design
Planned Living Architects • White Bathroom Kit Kat Tiles
Fifty Shades of Grey
If opting for 2 or 3 different tiles, ensure the colours or tones work together. In the Subway Bathroom, three tiles have been used, and although different, they all work together. A white tile, a very light grey feature tile, and a darker grey floor tile all complement each other.
• Z + S Tip • To ensure all your tiles work together, get samples and compare them in a different light and at different times of the day. If possible, compare the samples in the space they will be laid.
Want a white bathroom, but hesitant to use white tiles on the floor? White tiles work with just about any other colour, so if you’re unsure, this is a very safe combination.
Whiting Architects • Minimalist Bathroom Design
Tristan Burfield • Modern Minimal Bathroom with Stainless Steel Vanity
So there you have it. Our top tips for selecting the right tile, or tiles, for your space. Remember to keep your vision front of mind, and ensure the tile you choose works within that vision. And don’t forget to tag us in your completed bathroom pics @zephyr_and_stone and #zephyrandstone! We can’t wait to see what you design.
