INTERIOR INSPIRATION
BY KATE KINGSTON
Kate Kingston , Managing Director of Kingston Shaw , an award winning interior design company with offices on the Wirral , London and Dubai , shares with us the latest trends for creating the perfect home .
TILE STYLE
We have just returned back from a work trip to Portugal , one of my favourite places in the world , the weather was warm , the nata ’ s were sweet and the tile inspiration was astounding . When I think about Portugal , I immediately think of the tiled front of houses which are a feature of places like Lisbon and Porto , but what I had forgotten was how good the contemporary Portuguese tiles are and how we can utilise them here in our own houses .
The correct terms for the traditional Portuguese tile is azulejos and they date back to 13th Century . However it wasn ’ t until Portugal ’ s King Manuel I visited Seville and brought the idea back , that Portugal truly adopted this artwork into its culture . The tiles were used to cover up the large areas of blank wall that were common inside buildings during the Gothic period .
So how can we incorporate these beautiful tiles in a contemporary way here at home ?
Flooring A great place to use these beautiful tiles and there are some really good vinyl floorings which have used the Portuguese tiles for inspiration , not sure about doing a whole floor , try an insert !
Hallway Walls Make an entrance statement and use tile in your entrance or hallway walls . Using a decorative tile in a small space like a hallway or a downstairs toilet can add maximum impact . We love these Portuguese inspired tiles from bespokestone . co . uk .
Mix your tiles , pattern on the floor , metro style on the wall .
Bedrooms A tiled feature wall can add charm and intrigue to a bedroom , you don ’ t have to wake up in tropical heat to appreciate a tile !
Porcelanosa . com has a great selection of wall tiles .
Staircases bestforflooring . co . uk
Bathrooms Tile a small feature in your bathroom with antique tiles , these were sourced from etsy . com
Instead of using carpet or wood on the risers , consider using tile , the Victorians did it with great effect , maybe its time for a renaissance ! Love tile but don ’ t want to invest too much in its virtues , look for vintage tile and use it on furniture or on kitchen cabinets for maximum intrigue . moonwallstickers . com
Tile , used in different ways will always be a talking point and can add interest and colour in any room or situation . Give it a go ! Stay Safe x wirrallife . com 59