• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australia’s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      We’re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesn’t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • TheBlock2023-jbcompetition-3Drender-after-jameshardie-13Tired brick home? Win a facade makeover with Block architect!
    • AFTERKitchen and bathroom updates extend the life of Sydney home
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other people’s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether you’re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Screen Shot 2023-09-29 at 1.13.32 pmJames Treble shares own home renovation in new online show
    • Dining and loungeMasterchef contestant’s family home gets the designer touch
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? We’re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Screen Shot 2023-09-25 at 11.42.22 amBe more eco-friendly with candles housed in recycled wine bottles
    • 4473037a-ef84-4db1-8449-e15b219e2cebJen’s best ways to cosy up your interior
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Haymes Paint Heritage HuesHaymes Paint latest collection like a ‘colour hug’
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Penne-Alla-VodkaFoodie Friday: Penne alla vodka (dairy free & vegan)
    • Palazzo Segretti design roomDream holiday? Check out this design lovers’ tour to Milan
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

5 tips to save money but create an expensive look with bathroom tiles

By Jen Bishop •

FacebookPinEmailTweet

You’re in the midst of a bathroom renovation and after spending considerable time, effort and money on bathware products, you find your leftover budget for floor and wall tiles is looking a bit bruised and battered. No need to panic, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover you can still achieve a luxurious look without the high price tag normally associated with glamorous tiles. The trick is knowing which tiles to choose and how to place them in your bathroom.

Subway tiles

The classic white subway tile has been around since the 1900s yet is still well loved today, mostly due to its inherently simple design style and timeless allure. Subway tiles remain as one of the most economical tiles on the market and are so versatile as they can be dressed up in several ways to achieve various effects. Traditionally, subway tiles have been applied in a brick bond pattern, but if you’re going for a more modern look, consider laying tiles vertically, stacking (one on top of the other), diagonally or in a chevron pattern. Applying different colour grout is another popular technique to accentuate and highlight each individual tile whilst creating a grid like effect on the walls.

Image: Urbis Magazine
Image: Urbis Magazine

The resurgence of subway tiles means there are now a myriad of colours, sizes and finishes available. Prices will vary once you drift away from plain white and will be determined by a number of factors including colour, size, finish, and where the tiles are manufactured.

Image: Perini Tiles
Image: Perini Tiles

All eyes on the floor

Bathroom floors are generally smaller spaces to tile than walls, so spend a little more here and keep wall tiles simple and low budget. This is your opportunity to introduce personality to your bathroom and create a design statement with strong visual interest that makes the floor the hero of the space. Select tiles that are patterned, colourful or textured.

Darren and Dea's bathroom floor tiles in their first Block
Darren and Dea’s bathroom floor tiles in their first Block

Create a feature wall with pattern

Select a wall in your bathroom that would make the perfect feature wall and use patterned tiles to highlight the space. This wall may be behind your vanity, inside the shower or the first wall you see as you walk into the bathroom. You could even get creative and tile part of the wall (instead of the entire wall) to play up specific bathroom features. Ensure the remaining walls and floors are tiled in a simple colour to not only keep costs down but to also ensure there’s not too much competing with your feature.

Image: Perini
Image: Perini (featuring their Arcade tiles)

Classic monochrome

Use the same neutral or classic monochrome tile on floors and walls and allow fixtures and accessories to stand out. Select a tile with minimal movement and variation in a soothing tone to act as a simple backdrop while towels, flowers, candles and even vanity units take centre stage. No need to go fancy or high end with your tiles, just be sure to select the correct colour tone that will complement other colours in your space.

Image: Shareen Joel Design. Click for further info
Image: Shareen Joel Design. Click for further info

Black beauty

A beautifully bold bathroom with black tiles on floors and walls will create a striking effect, not to mention a little wow factor. White bathware will pop against the black backdrop adding drama and sophistication. Use the same black tile on floors and walls, but vary the size to create a balanced space. Select a mid range tile with little or no surface movement that will amp up the opulence yet won’t break the budget.

— Kate Fuller works in product development for Perini Tiles in Melbourne.

FacebookPinEmailTweet

April 7, 2015

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Kyle and Leslie's living room Featuring in The Block ‘disaster’ room pays off for artist
  • At home with Bohemian Traders’ Emily Berlach on the Central Coast
  • It’s kitchen (and laundry!) reveals on The Block 2023!
  • Pushing design boundaries: a joyful London home full of colour
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail

Follow us on Instagram

They've long been a household name for their quali They've long been a household name for their quality and stylish taps but now @phoenixtapware have added sinks to their kitchen repertoire!

There's something for all tastes and budgets (matte white or black, brushed black and stainless steel). Find out more via link in bio now.

What colours your kitchen sink? I'd love to know!

#kitchensink #kitchensinks #everythingbutthekitchensink #kitchenmixers #kitchenmixer #kitchentap #kitchentaps #kitchenbench #kitchendesigner #kitchenpalette #kitchenstyles #phoenixtapware #phoenixtaps #tapware #kitchentapware #kitchentrends
Eliza and Liberty's (first pic) was my fave en sui Eliza and Liberty's (first pic) was my fave en suite on #theblock last night. How about you?

Swipe through to see the rest and head to the blog via homepage link in bio to see who did what, what they scored and my picks to shop the look. There was a lot to like if you ask me! And a few fails....

#theblockroomreveals #blockshopper #ensuitedesign #ensuitebathrooms #ensuite #masterensuite #roomreveal #showerscreen #bathroomvanities #bathroomlighting
First time EVER I've woken up at home without thes First time EVER I've woken up at home without these two here (since they were born anyway!) and I don't mind admitting I don't like it one bit!

They had their first ever sleepover at their grandparents last night and I'm ITCHING to go and get them! 

Cute outfits for their uncle's wedding yesterday. They scored a first class new auntie in @annoobie_ now official ❤️ Congratulations Dom and Anh.
Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️ Here's Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️

Here's our @amycollinswalker's picks from the gorgeous new ranges at @linen_house 

All the details on the homepage now via link in bio.

This is giving me Christmas table inspo. How do you decorate your Christmas table? Growing up in the UK it was always traditional green and red but here I go all out fresh and summery!

#springdecor #springdecorating #springdecorations #springdecoration #springdining #springtablescape #springlinen #springbedroom #ginghamcushions #gingham #linenhouse #linenaddict #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #tablelinen #tablecloths
Colour hug, anyone?! A collaboration with design Colour hug, anyone?!

A collaboration with design studio Nexus Designs, this palette from the new @haymespaint colour forecast is perfect for those looking to create a tranquil environment and has a particular focus on darker shades.

“Inspired by the qualities of an intimate reading room, confident and expressive colours such as Florida Everglade have a muted depth that embody this. Balanced and subtle, it’s also invigorating and luscious. Through all over application, paired with contemporary furniture and styling, this colour and the broader palette plays with tactility, translucency, reflection, and form,” says Myra Murtagh of Nexus. 

See the rest of the colour forecast, include collabs with @adairs and TikTok favourites @joshandmattdesign on the blog homepage now, via link in bio.

#haymespaint #colourforecast #painttrends #colourtrends #paintcolours #paintcolors #darkwalls #readingroom #moodywalls #moodyinteriors #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless paid off for artist @adoni.art 

Slammed for being too small, @kyleandleslie's living room was otherwise praised by the judges for being beautifully styled.

"In terms of using it as a marketing platform it’s been amazing," he said. "Even for people who don’t follow the show it’s validation that they are following an artist that’s levelling up. The exposure has translated to sales, traffic and attention and it’s everything I wanted because I’m about to launch a new collection.”

Read our chat with Adoni and see more of his gorgeous work via link in bio now.

Have you ever bought something you saw on the Block?

#theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #affordableart #affordableartaustralia #affordableartonline #australianartist #australianart #livingroomart #livingroomstyle #livingroomideas #smalllivingroom #adoniart #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #blockshopper
Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?! Natas Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?!

Natasha from QLD recently finished a major reno of her Queenslander and this is her favourite room of all. We can see why!

She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

 "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

#ichosebeaumonts #beaumonttiles #tiles #bathroomtile #bathroomtiling #hamptonsbathroom #queenslanderrenovation #queenslanderbathroom #luxurybathroom #australianbathroom #australianbathrooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

#theblock #theblockshop #blockshopper #theblockroomreveals #kitchenweek #kitchenpalette #kitchencabinetry #kitchenstyles
Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

More from Bathrooms

Need bathroom inspo? Check out The Block master en suites

AFTER

Kitchen and bathroom updates extend the life of Sydney home

A closer look at The Block 2023 studio bathrooms

The Block 2023 second bathroom reveals: high scores all round

The best value range from Beaumonts to keep tiling costs down

The Block’s first bathroom reveals are a very mixed bag

Avocado 50s bathroom to luxurious kids’ space on a budget

Luxury bathroom for half the price: couple’s part-DIY triumph

6 must know cleaning hacks for your bathroom

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarBruce Rivers says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    Awesome article, Kate. Your useful tips help me a lot, I’m going to try them out with my home remodeling project. Thanks for sharing & have a nice day!

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!