DECORATING TILES
The beauty of ceramic tiles does not diminish with the years. Tiles that were once used for Roman pavements, Dutch living rooms or Victorian fireplaces still glow with rich color, sealed beneath an impermeable glaze. Because this is one of the most durable and lasting surfaces in the home, it is important to make a considered choice. Choose a color or design that relates to the existing scheme but is sufficiently adaptable to blend with a variety of others.
Trellis or border design tiles have this chameleon quality, and narrow border tiles can be used above plain tiles to coordinate with patterns and provide the perfect finishing touch. Alternatively, make the tiles the focal point of a room. A small bathroom looks impressive with walls, floor and bath panel tiled in a single color design, while more elaborate patterns can be used above a basin in a bedroom or on a window ledge or table to coordinate with curtains and wallpaper.
Patterned, multi-colored tiles, reminiscent of the Mediterranean, also have their place in a tropical scheme. On the surface be imaginative in your use of tiles. Patterned tiles do not have to be used en masse but can be laid to form a panel or in horizontal bands to stretch space and probably your budget. Take inspiration from the past by setting a line of tiles above the skirting where they will protect the wall or coordinate with the floor and echo the horizontal emphasis of a cornice or picture rail.
Because of their ability to resist both heat and water, tiles can add decorative emphasis in areas unsuitable for wallpaper or paint. What can be more eye-catching than decorative tiles flanking the grate in a Victorian chimney-piece or patterned tiles used to clad a table top or line a window sill? A collection of antique tiles can be set into shelves or a window reveal and even shards of broken tiles can be used to create a mosaic design incorporated into a wall of plain tiling.
Reducing its height
Most green, but tiles are used the window to the breeze-bi panes.
RIGHT Border tiles provide a neat finish for partly tiled walls. This distinctive sapphire and white design combine with trellis pattern tiles on the worktop and splashback, candy stripe wallpaper and plain woodwork to create a fresh and attractive co-ordinated kitchen scheme.
TILES
Tiles with matching fabric or wall covering provide instant co-ordination. Here the walls are clad in tiles with a simple geometric motif; a floral design is used above the basin and at intervals along the lower courses. These patterns set the style for the rest of the room.
