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How to: Create an impressive backdrop with tiles

September 7, 2016 Leave a Comment

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There’s a sure fire way to make a huge statement in a home without taking too many design risks and making costly mistakes – and that’s to create an impressive backdrop. Whether it’s a kitchen splash back, an entrance portico or a stunning bathroom back wall, a backdrop as the design focus frees you up to play with your décor as the seasons change or every few years.

BOWL Stone Designs PDF (17)

According to Christie Wood from Beaumont Tiles, a fundamental rule of design is to create a dominating feature: a colour, a massive chandelier or pendant light, a painting, a piece of furniture or rug, or a display area.

“With a first impression you want to make an instant impact. A backdrop that carries visual weight is not only a scene stealer, it sets the scene for building your design story,” Christie said.

“Great design brings personality, flair and character to a space. An impressive backdrop using pattern, texture or a shaped tile is a fabulous accent option for those who can’t decide on a dominating focal point.”

1002466 Vietri Hexagon Bianco Gloss GL-Porc 345x400 prices from 99.00 per m2 1002467 Vietri Hexagon Blu Gloss GL-Porc 345x400 prices from 99

Tips and tricks to create a tiled backdrop that sings

  • Repeat a pattern. It’s a design trick that can encapsulate a colour, texture or a shape. For example, create a backdrop using hexagonal tiles. Repeat the pattern throughout the room in printed cushions, a rug, a lamp base or a vase.
  • Think 3D. The earth is not flat and neither is one of the fastest growing trends in tiles: 3D shapes. Christie explains: “3D is a visual feast unmatched by any other material. A 3D backdrop is gorgeous but dominant so pair back colour and styling through the rest of the room.”
  • Mix up your materials. Texture profoundly changes a room’s ambience and a brilliant plan B for people who don’t want to invest in strong colours.  Mix bricks, tiles and stone and continue different mixed surfaces across the room. Laid back luxury!
  • Think big. Scale and proportion in itself creates impact. A massive floral arrangement or oversized pendant light draws the eye. A large scale, floor to ceiling backdrop, will leave visitors gasping. Contrast with a bright coloured chair.
  • Light it up. Just like art galleries light up precious portraits, do the same with your impressive backdrop to create shadow play, depth and drama.
  • For novices. Start with a splash back, or a wall that’s not always in full view. “By allocating one small space for your play area means you can update it every few years without the expense of a total redo,” Christie said.

Understated beauty for beginners

An impressive backdrop can support other design elements. Even low key backdrops provide a beautiful design effect. Low contrast neutral colours are unleashed by using a repeating geometric pattern.

1000277 Mos Evolution Hex White Taupe Mix (var) 218x228 prices from 199.00 per m2 (1)

Tremendously tactile

With the new 3D genre you can use a lot or just a few to add a powerful dimension to a room. Patterns that literally project towards the viewer make a strong impact. Shapes curves or shapes can then be repeated.

1001686 Bowl Curve White 120x120 prices from 169.00 per m2

Packs a punch

Creating pattern with contrasting hues can be the most impacting backdrop. You will need to make sure it is not overwhelming by supporting it with subdued elements.

1000219 Argila Hexagon Black 175x200 prices from 104.01 per m2 1000224 Argila Hexagon White 175x200 prices from 104.01 per m2

Oh! To be so brave

Go all out with tiles and tiles combinations that are completely unexpected like digital print graffiti styles.

1001165 Picasso Black Gl-Porc Rect 148x148 prices from 169.00 per m2

Find out more here.

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While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

Take the tour on the blog now. Via link in bio.

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Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclé recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

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A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

“I wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"I’m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego – it allowed me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do.”

📷 @tanikablair_photography 

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys 💗 Me and my boys 💗
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner 💓😁
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
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