MAGIC MOSAICS

Narrow rectangular mosaic tiles – also known as KitKat tiles – make a stylish splashback in the newly renovated kitchen of interior designer Mariana Tedim

THEY COME IN A PLETHORA OF COLOURS, DESIGNS AND MATERIALS. IT’S LITTLE WONDER MOSAIC TILES ARE HAVING A RENAISSANCE

Words CAROLINE BOTTING R ewind to Roman times and mosaics were a design favourite. They were used to decorate, make a statement and demonstrate wealth – but ancient crafters also realised how these colourful pieces set in mortar provided a durable surface for floors and walls.

Fast-forward thousands of years, and these uses still apply – apart from one. Mosaic tiles, which are bought in sheets rather than individually, are now relatively affordable and available to everyone wanting to create a personalised look in any room.

Hardworking choice

Aside from making a design statement, mosaics tick the practical box in a big way. Interior designer Mariana Tedim (@lifestyleby_mari) recently renovated, using KitKat-style mosaic tiles in her kitchen (see left) and laundry. “They’re very easy to clean and resistant to heat and splashes and spills, which makes them perfect for a kitchen splashback,” says Mariana.

Mosaic tiles are also ideal for kitchen and bathroom floors. “Flooring is a great way to use mosaic tiles. They can endure a hefty amount of wear and tear, they’re waterproof, low maintenance and very durable,” says Mariana. Just ensure the tiles you choose are slip-resistant.

Winning combinations

Mosaics and bathrooms make an excellent design pairing. The tiles add wow factor, whether they’re used alongside a bath or vanity, or laid for a shower or powder room feature wall.

To create a more dramatic effect, opt for a colour that contrasts with the other tiles in the bathroom, recommends Decor8 Tiles’ Grant Haffenden – but aim to maintain a cohesive style throughout your home. “If using a fan mosaic as a kitchen

Decor8 ‘Cascade’ 290mm x 272mm mosaic tile in Orient Green, $159/pack of 5, I/N: 0289663†

Using mosaics in a pattern makes a style statement in a monochromatic bathroom

“Ensure the mosaics are all from the same batch. Otherwise, once they have been installed, you may see some shade variation”

Grant Haffenden, Decor8 Tiles

splashback, consider using these mosaics in the bathroom and laundry, but use a different colour,” he suggests.

Eye-catching finishes

When choosing mosaics, materials and edge are the two key factors that can really bring your project to life.

“There are straight, pressed, flat-rectified [precisely machineedged], round and curved-edge mosaics, which offer a different design element to any room,” says Grant. “They can be ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone and even mirror and are set randomly or in a structured pattern. Mosaics have different finishes, all providing a different feel.”

They also come in matt and gloss: reflecting light, a gloss finish helps a room feel lighter and brighter, while matt mosaics offer a more subtle, natural finish.

HERRINGBONE

A classical, refined, timeless look

Decor8 Tiles 325mm x 305mm x 10mm herringbone Carrara marble mosaic tile in White, $25.80, I/N: 0033252

Decor8 Tiles ‘Como Hexagon Stone’ 30cm x 30cm porcelain mosaic tile in Grey, $12, I/N: 0044489

Decor8 Tiles ‘Boulevard Fan’ 334mm x 221mm spray gloss ceramic mosaic tile, $8, I/N: 0302856

Decor8 Tiles ‘Norwegian Rose’ 305mm x 305mm penny round honed mosaic tile, $49, I/N: 0289548

Decor8 Tiles 300mm x 300mm x 10mm mix marble mosaic tile in Grey, $11.90, I/N: 6661035

HEXAGON

Provides a modern accent

CERAMIC FAN

Makes a strong statement

PENNY ROUND

Great for graphic impact

THREE-DIMENSIONAL

Forms a bold design element

Decor8 Tiles ‘Cascade Terrazzo’ 290mm x 272mm carrara mosaic tiles in Grey, $299/ pack of 5 sheets, I/N: 0289667†

STONE LOOK

For a subdued, rustic finish

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

N A TASHA DICKINS

HOW TO LAY A MOSAIC SPLASHBACK

Mosaics are most often sold as 300mm-square sheets with a mesh backing that can simply be cut to fit. If tiling a similar splashback to ours, begin setting out the tiles from the base and work upwards.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (disposable gloves, eye protection) n Drop sheet n Utility knife n Tile nippers n Square-notched trowel n Timber offcut n Rubber mallet n Microfibre cloths n Mini roller with tray n Rubber grout squeegee n Sponge n Bucket n Painter’s tape n T-shape tile spacers n Sheets of round mosaic tiles n Premixed tile adhesive n Tile and grout sealer n Premixed grout n Silicone sealant with applicator

DIY TOOLKIT

2

1 Mask around the area, covering the bench with a drop sheet and taping down the edges. Position 3mm T-shaped tile spacers against the wall so the tiles won’t sit directly on the bench, creating a gap to seal with silicone later.

2 Check the set-out of the sheets with the straight edges positioned against the bench to minimise cuts. To adjust the size, cut the mesh from the back with a utility knife. Wear gloves and eye protection to cut individual mosaics with tile nippers. ABOVE Decor8 305mm x 305mm ‘Penny Round Carrara’ honed wall mosaic tile sheet in Bianco, $39.80, I/N: 0289550. Rosemary plant in Lotus Collection 11cm x 9cm X small plain ceramic egg pot in White, $4.98, I/N: 0258671 (plant sold separately). Tuscan Path 20cm x 12cm ceramic vase in Green, $15.98, I/N: 0204155. All other products, stylist’s own.

3 Hold a notched trowel at 45° to spread adhesive over the wall. Position the sheets, pushing them into the adhesive while adjusting for evenly spaced gaps. Tap over the surface with an offcut and mallet, then remove excess adhesive with a damp cloth. 4 Leave to dry for 24 hours, then apply sealer with a mini roller to prevent grout from sticking to the tiles, leaving to dry. Remove spacers and apply grout with a squeegee, working it into the gaps. Tip: Four sheets of these tiles used 1.5kg of grout.

1

4 3

1 Dunlop ‘Ready-To-Go’ grout in Ultra-White, $25.61/1.5kg, I/N: 0277565. 2 Davco ‘Grey One Pot’ premixed tile adhesive, $22.86/1L, I/N: 6650003. 3 Selleys ‘Ezi Press Wet Area’ silicone sealant in White, $16.50/100g, I/N: 1210586. 4 QEP 10mm square notch plastic adhesive spreader, $1.54, I/N: 6821509. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 5 Leave for 15 minutes, then remove excess grout with a damp sponge, always wiping in one direction and continually rinsing in a bucket of water, until the surface is clean. Tip: If grout smudges out of the joints, wait another 10 minutes before sponging. 6 Leave for two hours, then remove the grout haze with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Apply silicon sealer between the bench and the tiles, running a damp finger along to remove excess and smooth the surface. Leave for two days before finishing the tiling with sealer using a mini roller.

Keep in mind...

n Ensure the substrate is suitable for tiling, and is in good condition, flat, sealed and waterproofed. Clean the area with sugar soap wipes to remove grease spots that may affect adhesion. n Drying times are affected by temperature and humidity, so ensure adhesive is dry and grout is firm before moving on to the next step. n Avoid using coloured grout, especially black, with unsealed natural stone tiles, such as marble, slate, sandstone and travertine, as it can stain the surface. n Marble mosaics are porous and must be sealed. For non-porous glass and ceramic mosaics, skip sealing in step four, but always seal the grout after tiling.

Smooth operator

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For water-based kits

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Step 4 Step 5

Whether it’s attached to the house or not, your garage is a part of your home. You walk through it daily and might use it for everything from potting plants to working out, so why wouldn’t you want it to look its best? Dy-Mark Epoxy Coat gives your garage the showroom-chic look it deserves – that’s why it’s Australia’s favourite DIY garage floor coating kit. So pencil off a couple of weekends and start creating your fresh garage floor. Here’s how:

Note: The following are simplified instructions. For a durable and longlasting finish, ensure you completely follow the product instruction manual. TIP Solvent-based kits will give a glossy finish to your floor, while water-based kits provide a chic satin finish, so you can choose the right option for your project!

STEP 1

Start with a clean, unpainted concrete floor that is swept, scrubbed and stain free – use a degreaser to remove grease spots.

STEP 2

Etch the floor – this involves using a diluted acid etch to roughen the surface of the concrete and maximise the adhesion between the surface and the epoxy product. Put on your safety gear, wet the floor and then spread the diluted etch. Work it in with a stiff broom. When the solution has stopped fizzing, rinse thoroughly and remove excess water with a rubber squeegee. Let it dry for at least three days – do a moisture test to be sure.

STEP 3

Use a filler product to repair any holes or cracks, removing any dust when you’re done. Then finish your prep by taping up the trims, skirtings or walls where they meet the floor.

STEP 4

Mix the epoxy by stirring together the two parts. Mix with a flat paddle stirrer for 3-5 minutes. Leave the mixture for the appropriate induction time, then apply it within the pot life of the product (see full instructions).

STEP 5

Use a brush to cut in the edges, then use a roller to apply the epoxy. Work in sections of one square metre, scattering decorative flakes over the wet sections as they’re laid. For the best end result, your new epoxy floor should cure for 7-10 days before heavy vehicle or foot traffic starts back up.

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