Tile your way to a colourful home

When it comes to home renovating, many of us shy away from colour, instead gravitating towards, the safer, more classic option of white or neutrals, especially when our colour choices become overwhelming. But are we doing the right thing?

Colour is an integral part of our lives and tiles can offer renovators easy, cost effective options to brighten their homes.

Australia is a nation known for our spectacular landscapes and colourful culture but often with colour choices being a bit overwhelming we steer clear of using it. With a bit of preparation colour can also be a part of our homes.

For sale: 36 Murralong Avenue, Five Dock, NSW

Using colour can be daunting to many renovators, but when done well can be rewarding and create visually stunning environments.

It is important when using colour to be careful how you apply it. You still want to have a room that feels balanced and comfortable to be in.

My advice is to renovate from your heart. Adding colourful tiles is a fantastic way to reflect the real you, express your personality and create a home that you’re proud of. Here are our tips on how to add colour with tiles.

Determine your desired effect.

Decide how much colour to use in your home. Will your colour design dominate your room, or have a focal point creating emphasis, such as a colourful mosaic splashback, bath hob or a feature shower wall?

Colour can be used to create pattern and geometry. Using colour in a patterned feature tile, shaped tile or through a coloured tile with laying pattern like offset or herringbone is a nice way to inject colour into your home without domination.

Coloured wall or floor tiles can liven up spaces such as the laundry or butler’s pantry, lifting the area and injecting energy and excitement.

For sale: 5/5 Jenkins Street, Collaroy, NSW

Take the time to select your colours.

As a starting point look in your own wardrobe; people are more inclined to gravitate to colours in their home that look good on themselves. They become favourites and we tend to like to see them in our surroundings. Warm colours, such as red, orange and yellow are vivid and energetic and can spark emotions of happiness, optimism and energy.

Cool colours, such as blue, green and purple, can give an impression of calm and soothing. Blue in particular is very popular now ranging from aqua tones expressing nomadic influences and beachside retreats to navy blue offering a more traditional influence.

Image:Beaumont Tiles

Do your homework.

Look at a colour wheel to assist in combining your choice colours. Being able to use colours consciously and harmoniously can help you create spectacular results. Colours that have different tonal values to each other work well together, for example navy and gold or blue and mustard.

Another beautiful and less invasive way to use colour is to combine neutral colours that have contrasting base tones with natural materials, for example a cool grey used with a warm tan or timber hue. This organic touch adds colour and warmth without being too dramatic.

For sale: 4 Ralph Street, Hampton, VIC

Consider your surroundings.

Keep in mind the colours that are reflected in your geographic area. For example, aqua blues in Queensland, greens in lush tree filled areas or browns in rugged and rural surroundings.

Image: Beaumont Tiles

Accessorise.

When renovating a bathroom, add replaceable accessories such as colourful towels, candles, luxurious packaged creams and soaps. This can be a great way to complement your colourful tile selections.

Scatter colourful cushions or statement wall art throughout your living spaces, and bright coloured cabinetry and appliances in the kitchen are a great way to add to your colourful look. Colour can create rhythm – your eyes can be lead around a room by placement of colour.

15 Heath Street, Sandringham, VIC

For more ideas for selecting feature tiles check out the latest trends in tile design and six bathroom tile styles we’re obsessed with.

Written by:
Rachel Gilding, Strategic Designer at Beaumont Tiles