Let’s Talk Tiles
With the ability to make or break a space, tiles have a way of asserting themselves as a prominent feature in any area of the home they are utilised. They can bring texture and dimension to a room, inject character and charm into a space and can be used for a bit of artistic flair. But with trends coming and going, they also hold the power to dramatically date a space. Melbourne Kitchen + Bathroom Design’s Jessica Muller sits down with Moreno Petrolo, director of Lapege, to chat about all the best ways to style your home with tiles.
As a company, Lapege has more than seventeen years of experience in the industry, specialising in curated collections of porcelain tiles and slabs, marble slabs, mosaics and more. “Our distinguished selection caters to both renovation projects and new builds, backed by personalised service to craft bespoke design solutions,” Petrolo says. Lapege’s cohesive range is tailored to elevate every interior space, making Petrolo the perfect person to ask about all things tiling, and how to use it to create a space suited to you.
ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
When it comes to tiling designs, the options are just about limitless. “Tiles come in diverse shapes, such as squares, rectangles and hexagons, and sizes from tiny mosaics to large slabs,” Petrolo explains. “They feature a wide range of colours, including neutrals, bold hues and custom glazes, with finishes like a glossy, matte and textured.”
With such a vast array of selections to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide what is the right fit for your space. But the good news is that the extensive variety means that there is enough flexibility to suit any style. Petrolo assures us that there are really no limits in kitchen and bathroom design: “All shapes and sizes of tiles can be effectively used. Large porcelain slabs measuring 1200 x 2780 x 6mm are currently trending and highly popular.”
Whether you’re after something small and intricate, large and dominating, bold or neutral, the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams is achievable with the implementation of the right tiles.
ON TREND
Recent years have seen a steady preference for monochromatic and minimal designs in bathrooms and kitchens. These basic types of styles can create a peaceful and calming environment, that many homeowners find offer necessary respite in a chaotic world.
Petrolo has also noticed a similar partiality for softer designs: “Neutral colours, such as soft whites, warm greys and earthy tones continue to dominate.” Tiling in these colours has many benefits, such as offering a sense of tranquillity, brightening the room, offering a blank canvas for creativity in interior design and allowing future flexibility for changing furnishings. Opting for tiles in this style ensures that you’ll have a space that won’t go out of fashion. “A timeless style in tiling that remains enduringly stylish focuses on clean lines, versatile shapes and neutral colours,” Petrolo advises.
“Porcelain tiles that mimic the appearance of marble, travertine and other natural stones remain popular,” Petrolo reports. Porcelain tiles are very hardy and wear-resistant, low-maintenance, highly-durable and suitable for high traffic areas, making them the perfect option for any bathroom or kitchen. However, 2024 is proving to be all about tiles and finishes that have a ton of personality. “There’s a rising popularity in tiles with bold accent colours, particularly in deep blues, emerald greens and rich terracotta,” Petrolo explains. Using these bold colours can transform your kitchen into a focal point of the home, create contrast, draw attention to certain elements in the room and boost functionality by visually defining zones. Whether its bold colours, rich textures or invigorating patterns, daring designs are all the rage this year. Opting for accent titles can add an eyecatching pop of colour without overwhelming the space.
TIPS ON CHOOSING
When asked for her advice on what to consider when designing your space, Petrolo replied, “When choosing a tile style, consider the
functionality and durability for the intended space, the aesthetic alignment with your design scheme and the size and shape to enhance room proportions. Select materials that balance visual appeal and maintenance needs, while keeping budget in mind,” she continues. If your space doesn’t have a lot of natural light, it might be better to opt for lighter colours that will brighten the room and make it feel airy and spacious.
Petrolo also says not to be fooled by the common misconception that larger tiles make rooms look smaller, as they can actually create a more spacious feel with fewer grout lines. She also stresses the importance of doing things properly: “Common tiling mistakes during home renovations include poor planning and measurement, choosing based only on looks rather than functionality, skimping on quality materials or professional installation and neglecting grout selection and sealing.” Grout colours and line thickness can significantly impact the finished look of your tiled space, so it’s a decision worth paying proper attention.
If you’re wanting to rejuvenate your space or inject it with some character, reach out to the experts at Lapage. “We provide personalised consultations to ensure our customers find tiles that not only meet their aesthetic preferences but also suit their functional requirement,” Petrolo says. Not only that, but you can be sure they only use top tier materials: “Our company offers a meticulously curated selection of high-quality products from trusted manufacturers.”
