Looking to make a change in your home for a fresh new look? Expert renovators Michael and Carlene Duffy know a thing or two about renovating, having made their mark on the record-rating season of Channel Nine’s, The Block and the inaugural season of Reno Rumble.
They know that the look and feel of tiles in any home can be truly transformative, turning the most ho hum of areas into an incredible space. They also know that you don’t have to just stick to tiling a bathroom or laundry. Nowadays there are many creative, and sometimes unexpected, ways to use tiles to enhance your décor.
The pair, who now run their own home renovation and design consultancy Cedar & Suede, are currently working with Amber Tiles sharing their savvy DIY and tiling design tips.
‘We have always loved the versatility and beauty of tiles and have used them extensively in all our renovations,’ says Carlene.
Here are Carlene’s top tips for creatively using tiles.
1 Utilise the staircase riser
Instead of staring at shoe scuff marks every time you walk up the stairs, protect this area and make a statement by tiling the risers in between the steps. You could really let your imagination run wild by using artisan tiles, modern patterns or traditional motifs depending on your home’s décor. Another great idea is to use mosaics and create an actual artistic, free form pattern that extends from the bottom step to the top.
2 Create a striking tile runner
If you like the drama of a hall runner but don’t want to continually clean or replace it, create a tile runner instead. Install a long section of tiles where a runner would lay and have the existing flooring as a border. This can be very striking and is a great way to tie together a theme of a house. You could use federation tiles in a period home, or a black and white checkerboard effect in a modern one.
3 Use left-over tiles to accessorise
If you’re crafty, save up left-over tiles and decorate odd bits and bobs. Cover an ordinary planter with mosaic tiles, make geometric coasters, frame a mirror, finish off a small table top, create a funky cheeseboard or give an old tray pizzazz. You could also glue family photos to existing tiles for a pretty frame. A few choice tile accessories will add to the cohesive décor theme of your home.
4 Install a striking feature wall
An interesting interior or exterior feature wall doesn’t have to rely on new paint or wall paper. Consider cladding a wall with natural look stone tiling. You could also do this around a fireplace or the surrounds of a wall mounted TV. Stones create a bold textural element and particularly suit modern, organic and bohemian interiors where there are multiple interesting textures on display.
5 Get imaginative with kitchen splashbacks
A stylish kitchen splashback can lift the look of the area and is a great place to add a splash of colour and tactile design. Whilst subway bricks always work well here, you could also use penny rounds, individual patterned/mismatched tiles or even timber floorboard tiles. Additionally, it won’t be that difficult a job to replace or tile over such a small area if you want a change down the track.
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