Hardy, durable and a breeze to maintain, chances are that when you decide to install a tile, you’re setting it up for life – and it can be easy to fall into the trap of choosing something ‘safe’ that’ll last the years. But why go for common and cookie-cutter when you can score something creative yet classic?
With tile expert Hafary, here’s a crash course guide on the various types of patterned tiles to jazz up your home with – and how to work each type for a look that won’t go out of style.
What is it: Natural Islamic-inspired motifs such as curved, vine-like lines, leaves and palms that intertwine with one another are key features of Arabesque tiles. These patterns can be seamlessly repeated to create an intricate effect.
Interior Designer: Aiden-T
Suits: Eclectic, Transitional, and Contemporary Styles
How to work it: Detail-heavy, arabesque tiles are a visual highlight and should be used sparingly, one arabesque pattern at a time – on a single wall, floor area or backsplash. Your home’s palette should match the tiles; if it’s black and white tiles, pair it with simple white walls and black accents for a balanced look.
1. Marca Corona BRL Beige | 2. Marrazzi Terramix Bianco
What is it: Think textured ceramic tiles that still provide that edgy, exposed look of real structural bricks – without having to strip your walls to its bare bones. (Read: It’s also easier to clean).
Interior Designer: Carpenters 匠
Suits: Scandinavian, Industrial styles
How to work it: Play up the warmth of reddish brick tiles with natural hues and materials. For a white-washed brick surface, match its light, airy look with pale furnishings and paint.
Interior Designer: PHD Posh Home Design
The raw finish also works with rough, gritty elements like rusted antiques or vintage pieces for an industrial flair.
1. Tagina D.Dant Etoile Sable Noir
What is it: We’re talking about classic geometric patterns that can be traced back to ancient times, like this timeless, ‘Circulos’ Roman motif of inter-lapping circles. Often monochromatic, these designs make a dramatic yet elegant contrast that remain a huge hit with homes today.
Interior Designer: The Scientist
Suits: Modern, Transitional, Traditional and Minimalist styles
How to work it: This simple motif works well with classic styles or minimal detailing, such as the Shaker style. To lighten it’s otherwise high-contrast look, keep to a neutral palette of greys, creams, black and whites. Otherwise, natural finishes like cement and wood pair well too!
1. Ceramica Sant Agostino Dig Art Denim
What is it: With a textured finish that mimics the feel of woven carpets or wallpapers, ceramic fabric-effect tiles provide the same tactile effect without the fussiness.
Suits: Modern, Contemporary styles
How to work it: Just like their textile counterparts, the uniform, seamless look of fabric tiles work best in larger areas as a background of sorts. Go for larger tile pieces to achieve that effect. For a sleek, modern look, pick furniture in clean lines and matching shades.
1. Equipe Ceramicas ChevronWall Black | 2. Equipe Ceramicas Rhombus White
What is it: Think of geometric tiles as the modern counterpart to Classic patterned tiles, incorporating alternative shapes such rhombic, hexagonal and chevron motifs.
Interior Designer: Prozfile Design
Suits: Contemporary, Scandinavian, Modern styles
How to work it: Put your creative spin on things – geometric shapes (especially hexagonal tiles) can be arranged to create a ‘creeping’ effect, or matched with linear planks for a quirky spin!
Interior Designer: Carpenters 匠
Keep things from looking too over-the-top by opting for simple, uncluttered furnishings.
What is it: The playful cousin of consistent geometric, classic or arabesque tiles, unique (even hand-drawn) graphics play center stage in illustrated tiles, giving any space it’s applied a creative slant.
Interior Designer: The Scientist
Suits: Contemporary, Eclectic Styles
How to work it: Much like works of art, illustrated tiles shine when used as highlights. Keep them in set areas, like a single wall or floor frame, or alternate each illustrated tile with a solid-coloured one to maintain visual balance.
1. ABK Interno 9 Pearl | 2. Ceramiche Provenza Revival Ret
What is it: Metal-effect ceramic tiles mimic the brushed, rusted texture of real metals like steel and iron, lending the same edgy air without the expense and upkeep.
Interior Designer: Prozfile Design
Suits: Industrial, Modern, Contemporary and Minimalist styles.
How to work it: The dull, darker hues of metallic tiles work well as a base for neutral, earthy spaces. Alternatively, built-ins or furniture in linear, boxy shapes also help to play up the tile’s edgy, urban vibe.
1. ABK Alpes Raw Lead Rett | 2. Richetti Group Blackboard Antracite | 3. Coorperativa Ceramica D’imola Genus GNSH 36N RM
What is it: Yes, there are tiles made of natural stones like slate, granite or sandstone, but these materials aren’t exactly affordable! Thankfully, today’s stone-effect tiles are able to achieve a highly realistic patina and finish that’s close to the real deal – at an affordable price.
Interior Designer: Mr Shopper Studio
Interior Designer: Habit
Suits: Traditional, Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist styles
How to work it: Stone tiles can pull off a variety of effects, from rustic to luxurious based on the finish (roughened, matte or polished). As a rule of thumb, larger cut tiles work better at achieving a ‘stone-slab’ effect. Stone tiles work well with neutral, natural colours and materials.
1. Ceramica Tres Estiloa Cuadrado Toscana
What is it: Want a tile that looks like it has seen its fair share of wear and tear, bleaching or use? A timeworn tile can get you the same effect, without having to wait 20 years for it.
Interior Designer: Liid Studio
Suits: Industrial, Eclectic styles.
How to work it: While it’s natural to pair this tile with worn-out accents like reclaimed or salvaged furniture, there’s a fine line between ‘gritty’ and ‘rundown’. Keep things looking polished by incorporating clean-cut built-ins or furniture.
1. Marazzi Preview Ven Lux | 2.14 Ora Italiana Marmo Mix Grigio Dark | 3. Fiandre Marble Lab Nero Portoro
What is it: Basically, marble-effect ceramic tiles without the high-maintenance properties and expensive cost. Plus, you can get them in wood-plank form!
Interior Designer: Third Avenue Studio
Suits: Modern, Contemporary, Traditional styles.
How to work it: With all the intricate detailing found in veined tiles, refrain from using clashing prints. Instead, play up on its elegance with classical features like French mouldings, European-style railings or gold accents.
Interior Designer: akiHAUS
For a contemporary spin, go with solid colours in linear, clean-cut shapes.
1. Love Tiles Tree Beige AS | 2. Italgraniti Group Mandorla SQ | 3. Artistica Due L.D.L Passione
What is it: Another fancy way of saying ‘wood’ effect tiles.
Interior Designer: KDOT Associates
Suits: Scandinavian, Minimalist, Contemporary, Traditional, Transitional, Eclectic
How to work it: Neutral and natural looking, lighter hued woods complement well with paler colours like pastels and greys, while medium to dark woods with richer colours like burgundy or navy.
Architect: UPSTAIRS
For something different, explore ways of laying your tiles – such as herringbone or basket-weave.
Your tile shopping, solved.
With over 3,000 products from all over the world, Hafary is the leading building materials supplier serving homeowners, interior designers, architects, contractors and developers for more than 35 years. Offering cutting edge designs, quality service and favourable pricing, Hafary provides its clients high quality tiles (and more) - at affordable prices. See and feel its wide range of material offerings and find your perfect match in any of Hafary's three showrooms, located island wide.
For more information and tile inspiration, visit www.hafary.com.sg.
Get a budget estimate before meeting IDs