How to use tiles to give your bathroom personality

Art Director Hema Nana highlights five different bathroom looks that can be created with tiles

I’m in the process of building a new house. All the walls are up and now it’s time to pick our finishes and if, like me, you’re finding picking the right tiles for your bathroom to be a daunting task as there are so many choices available, I’d recommend that you start by deciding what look and feel you’d like to create and take it from there.

Here are a few options I’m considering:

1. Retro/vintage

The subway tile is a design classic that never dates. Although these tiles come in various colours I’d go with a fresh white tiles to recreate this retro-style look. These tiles could be used on all four walls, half way up the wall or even just in the shower area. For more tips on using these trendy tiles, click here.

White tiles, R6,99 each, Victorian Bathrooms.

2. Classic black and white

The best thing about black and white tiles is that they look beautiful in a traditional bathroom or a modern one: in this elegant bathroom (left) they’ve been used to make a feature of the shower floor. And, don’t think you have to stick to the classic checkerboard effect; these tiles are also done in trendy hexagonal or octagonal shapes.

Nano black and white mosaic tile, R99/panel, from CTM.

3. Eclectic

These arabesque-shaped tiles create a colourful Moroccan look, but aren’t as busy as traditional hand-painted patterned tiles. Though expensive you wouldn’t need many to create an impact. Use them as a splashback (pictured) or on a feature wall.

Photo: Fired Earth

Arabesque-shaped tiles, R1 995/m² (for a quantity under 4m²), from Southern Art Ceramic Design.

4. Natural

Travertine tiles are natural stone tiles and so they’d be ideal to create a natural look indoors or out. Their colour isn’t a consistent gradient which adds to their earthy appeal.

Toscana mixed mosaic, R69/300mm x 300mm panel, from CTM.

5. Clean and modern

White glazed porcelain tiles work well to create a contemporary, clean-lined look and when paired with white grouting create a glossy seamless finish.