Design Buy Build Issue 41 2019 | Page 15

Bathrooms, Wetrooms & Spas Photo: Kristin Laing © 2018 the viewer to see the patterns of the design, rather than the limits imposed by the surrounding walls – try a honeycomb pattern for a modern Scandi look, using either an all-over neutral tone, or a combination of two colours. Photo: Caroline Sharpnack © 2017 Houzz This is a technique used to great effect by professionals on Houzz, where tiles are laid vertically rather than horizontally, drawing the eye upwards, to create the illusion of height. Ration pattern Patterned tiles are beautiful, but too many of them could make a small bathroom feel more compact. This can be quite effective if you want to create a cosy feel, but not if you’re hoping to make the space look larger. Instead of using them on both walls and floors, designers on Houzz have used patterned tiles in a more focused way by introducing them as an accent on a single surface. For example, a geometric design laid across a floor, with the rest of the surfaces kept clean and white, will add just enough interest, without making the room feel cluttered. Tone to zone A popular Houzz trend, hexagonal tiles are a fun way to add an ‘ombre’ look to a room, which can be both stylish and space-enhancing. Use darker colours graduating up to lighter tones, to cleverly draw the eye away from the narrowness of a room and give a sense of the space opening out. Hexagonal tiles can also add interest and space to a room by encouraging 15 Whichever tile style you choose, remember that bathroom flooring has to work extra hard and functionality is key, it needs to handle moisture, be kind to bare feet and be easy to clean, all while looking effortlessly gorgeous. According to Houzz’s UK Bathroom Trends report, when asked about their home renovations, users explained that design and functionality were important, with 77% stating that their top design priority is to make the bathroom ‘stylish and beautiful’, and 62% explained that it should still be ‘easy to clean and disinfect’. Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish. With the largest residential design database in the world, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. www.houzz.co.uk