4 minute read
OFF THE WALLS
from r teert w33
by loopedsaxe3
BATHROOMS
Off the
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WALLS Turn to a top trend to update your bathroom walls, writes Hasmita Amtha
Bathroom design is incomplete without walls that impress, whether you’re keen on a minimalist aesthetic or perhaps something that will add vibrancy. With this in mind, we discover some of the trending options, from tiles and slabs to screed and even wallpaper. >
Italtile WOMAG
Continua Livingstone Baths
Italtile
“We will continue to see the timeless appeal of Terrazzo.” – Oren Sachs, WOMAG
LET’S TALK TILES AND SLABS According to Nicole Russell of Italtile: “Based on products received from our Spanish imports, a matte finish seems to be a growing trend. The matte finish looks quite classy and elegant, providing a sleek and low-sheen look to the walls. And it’s easy to maintain. Another trend that’s making quite the impression is the dimensional tile. There are varieties of geometric-shaped tiles for bathroom walls. One of the most popular among dimensional tile shapes is the hexagonal shape – a retro style that’s coming back.”
Size is one of the biggest trends, says Angela van Niekerk of Union Tiles: “The days where home owners would take
small tiles to accommodate a small bathroom are over. They have noticed how the larger tile gives a more seamless look, less joints and makes the area look so much bigger. Technology is taking the tile industry to new levels and the new large-format tiles, ‘sintered porcelain’, are breathtaking. The designs, textures and colours available in these large formats are inspiring in their beauty.”
Natural and natural-looking tiles are still hugely popular. Oren Sachs of WOMAG elaborates: “We will continue to see the timeless appeal of Terrazzo. A mix of natural stone, cement and marble, Terrazzo can be used anywhere. From walling to flooring, this versatile material is long-lasting and creates a seamless look. With unlimited colour and material combinations, it is best to go for natural tones with smaller fragmented Terrazzo for a more refined look. For a bolder more striking look choose a dark tone with varying fragment sizes. Marble, on the other hand, is ideal for creating a classic bathroom haven. Traditionally reserved for the elite, marble tiles and slabs create an elegant, expensive look, but with marble-look porcelain tiles and Phoenix Stone slabs the possibilities are now endless.”
Adding that much-desired vibrancy, custom-printed porcelain slabs are new to the market. Karen Guvenilir of
Continua Cara Saven Wall Design
Continua introduces this new concept, saying: “Printed designs on large-format Porcelain Slabs are an exciting development. Our Design your Slabs range by Maxfine – available at Continua – is an incredible way to personalise your living areas. The range offers endless possibilities of printing any image or design on large porcelain slabs. This is a technological revolution in the world of design and is a durable alternative for wallpaper especially in bathrooms.”
CEMENTED IN STYLE Durable and easy to maintain, cement-based finishes/coatings, such as screed, for walls and falls are hugely popular in contemporary homes. Joanne Sykes of Cemcrete highlights three of the latest trends in cement-based wall and floor applications: “Sleek and smooth, Cemcrete’s CemCote Skimmed and Cemcrete’s SatinCrete products are perfectly tailored for this modern trend. Movement (mottling) and a natural concrete look – Cemcrete’s CemCote Skimmed
TOP TIP Tiling on a painted wall is not advised as the tile glue will adhere to the paint and over time the weight of the tile can pull the paint away from the wall, causing the tile to fall off. To prevent this, chip the wall surface to create a rougher texture. Mix the tile glue with bonding liquid to ensure that the tile has a textured surface to adhere to. –Karen Guvenilir, Continua Concrete Grey and new grey colour range is effortless in achieving this look. CemCote Skimmed is suitable for wet areas as well, such as showers, completing this look throughout the bathroom. Matte and black, Cemcrete’s Concrete Sealer Super Matt finishes off your chosen decorative coating to achieve the matte finish. Cemcrete’s SatinCrete Graphite was made for this trend!” >
Cara Saven Wall Design Cemcrete
NOT JUST WALL FLOWERS Wallpaper in bathrooms has become the norm in many modern homes. Peter Gordon of St Leger & Viney says vinyl wallpaper is an option to consider for wetter areas, such as a guest loo, that get the odd splash. “If you decide to use wallpaper in the bathroom, the most important consideration is ventilation. Excess moisture and humidity may cause the wallpaper to peel off but if the space is well ventilated, standard wallpaper should work in your space. It is also best to avoid wet areas, so wall-papering above tiles is best practice.”
Offering two wall design products that are perfect for bathroom walls, Cara Saven Wall Design custom designs wallpaper, vinyl and canvas for residential use. Founder Cara Saven says there are a few major trends in wall design when it comes to bathroom walls. “Nature and bringing the outside in. Everyone is worried about our Earth and one way to show it is to bring her into our spaces. Animals and a bit of quirkiness – nothing like feeling like you’re in the jungle when sitting on the throne. Textures – concrete, metallic, marble: these are all still trending, but now they are being mixed together to create a sense of interest – think marble and metal together.” Q Cara Saven Wall Design St Leger & Viney
