Magnificently Modular
Sometimes a style of tiling comes along, that makes you think ‘why didn’t I think of using this pattern or design before?' For information on how new looks may seep into the collective consciousness, see our post on ‘How do trends start?’ meanwhile, there is a new design kid on the block. That new kid is Modular.
‘But what is this Modular?’ you cry. Well.
Modular describes those tiles from within a certain collection that can be used either alone or together, creating simple geometric or more dynamic designs. Often, it’s a pairing of a square tile with a metro style brick designed for this purpose. This partnership can create repeating designs or something a little more free-form. The tiles have to be designed with this pairing purpose in mind, otherwise they may not work together due to grout width and laying out.
The square of our Potter’s Glaze series can be used alongside the metro tile to create modular patterns, or used alone it can create classic brick-bond styles or linear rows. The glazed tile works well in kitchens or bath and shower rooms.
The combination can be a refreshing but subtly orchestrated visual take on glazed wall tiling, as seen in another of our newer ranges; Idillio. These straight-edged wall tiles are designed to be utilised alongside each other; both square and metro style bricks combined to create a distinctive modular configuration. In the durable gloss finish, they would be ideal for a bathroom, or perhaps as a practical kitchen splashback. They are available in six shades including warm Clay and crisp White, like the kitchen seen here below. Naturally, they could also be tiled alone for impact or simplicity, but this modularity extends the design choices for both commercial and domestic settings.
Another style in the same vein as modular tiling is called Opus. ‘What’s this…another new style?’ you query. Well, not really; actually, a long established one. Simply, it’s using multiple sizes, usually three or four or more from a range, to form a pattern that looks irregular and random but is actually planned out by the tiler; often for floors using a stone or stone-effect porcelain. It creates a visually time-honoured look, that can add design depth to urban and more country-styled schemes. This layout looks particularly effective for hallways and entrances, and in larger kitchen and dining areas to carry the eye through from one zone to another with a sense of movement.
The room opposite utilised our durable Camelot porcelain that replicates stone or limestone, in its opus configuration. These modular and opus options help create a balance between new and familiar, with fresher elements mixed with old classics.
These newer ways of tiling may seem rather obvious and simple in some ways, but designing tiles to be used together in this way extends the number of options available for creating refreshed rooms that feel new and exciting.
