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Kitchen Renovation

How To Choose Your Kitchen Tiles & Backsplash by Tile Depot

While the bathroom might be the most used room in the house, a kitchen is easily the most hardworking room of a home. It is more prone to wear and tear because of high foot traffic with constantly having to withstand spills and cooking mess which means that your kitchen floor must be durable.

The evolution of our lifestyles also means that more homes in Auckland have an open planned kitchen which is connected to the living and dining room. The kitchen of today is easily visible from other living areas of the house which means that it must be uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing.

If you spend quite a bit of your time in the kitchen then you should choose a kitchen flooring that is comfortable to stand on. Today’s kitchens therefore wear several hats and need to be durable, strong, beautiful as well as comfortable on your feet.

In this article we will talk about how you to choose the right type of flooring for your kitchen with a special focus on Tiles as they have been the most popular with our clients.

Why tiles?

Tiles have been a natural choice for kitchen flooring because they are water-resistant, do not stain easily and come in various styles to create a functional yet beautiful kitchens. Using certain tiles can however be hard and cold which could be uncomfortable in winter or when you are cooking for an extended period.

So then how do you choose the right type of tiles for your flooring especially since there is such a variety in materials, patterns, and textures? We work very closely with Tile depot for your renovation projects so we thought it would be a good idea to have a chat with Ruth from Tile depot to understand more about Tiles for kitchens.

Tiles are also often used as splashbacks and as feature walls in a kitchen, so we decided to include them in the article. If you are looking at renovating your kitchen or simply planning on changing its flooring, then this article will be useful to understand how to choose the correct tiles for your family.

 

Table of contents

 

1.) Materials of tiles available today – Pros and cons for each

2.) Properties of Tiles that affect the choice of your kitchen tiles (Water resistance, Texture, Durability/PEI rating, Underlay and Natural lighting)

3.) In discussion with Ruth – 6 Questions to ask yourself before choosing the correct tiles for your kitchens- What is your budget?

– How much cooking happens in your kitchen? How much time do you spend in your kitchen?

– Is your kitchen a high traffic area?

– Is it an open planned kitchen or a separate room?

– Do you have young children?

– Do you need non-slip tiles?

4.) 5 top Tile trends for backsplash in Auckland – by Ruth

5.) 5 Top tile trends for kitchen flooring in Auckland – by Ruth

6.) 6 Top ideas for Feature walls by Ruth

 


 

Materials of Kitchen Tiles Available today – Pros and cons for each

There are many materials of tiles available today and it is always good to know as much as possible about each material. Knowing about the materials will give you a better idea of what works for your kitchen. Tiles can be broadly categorised into manufactured and natural stone tiles.

Examples of Manufactured tile materials:

  • Ceramic tiles
  • Porcelain ceramic tiles
  • Terracotta
  • Glass
  • Cement

Examples of Natural stone tiles

  • Marble
  • Granite
  • Limestone

 

Non porcelain Ceramic Kitchen Tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most cost effective type of kitchen tile available and have an extensive range of styles to choose from. Ceramic tiles are a mix of minerals and clays which are baked and then the pattern or texture is printed on them.

Ceramic tiles are however quite hard and can be very cold in winter. They also can be chipped easily and have sound reflective properties which means that they should be avoided in open plan kitchens. We would also recommend clients to use larger tiles as this means that there will be lesser grout lines to clean as grout does get stained quite easily.

Tip: We would recommend our clients to use ceramic tiles as feature walls or splashbacks but not the floors unless you have underfloor heating. Installing underfloor heating can however be expensive.

 

ceramic-tiles, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Luxury Ceramic tiles from the Vein cut series from Tile Depot (Tile Depot 2021)

Porcelain Kitchen tiles

Porcelain Kitchen tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles but are non-porous which means that they are harder to damage. They are made of high quality clay and minerals that are compressed under high temperatures.

They are harder than ceramic tiles which means that they are harder to cut and heavy. They do however can be made to look like stone engineered marble, Cement or wood which makes them a great design option. They also make for good outdoor tiles which means that you can achieve a great indoor and outdoor floor if your kitchen is extended to the outside of your home.

 

Glazed Vs Non Glazed Porcelain Kitchen Tiles

All porcelain tiles are made by using natural clays and pigments which are then fired to harden them. This gives you an unglazed tile which looks more natural, has a textured look with a matte finish. Glazed tiles go through a second firing process, where a protective liquid glass coating is applied and a variety of colours or designs are printed upon this before firing them yet again. This give glazed tiles a slick look and they are often seen in more modern designs.

 

Unglazed porcelain tiles are textured and hence better for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchen floors and laundry areas. They also feature more anti-slip properties when compared to glazed porcelain tiles. They are however harder to clean and are not ideal for kitchen splashbacks or as cabinet fronts. Glazed porcelain tiles are however more popular as they have a lot more variety in designs and colours. They are also easier to clean due to their non-porous surface and are often used as splashbacks, cabinet fronts and flooring for modern and contemporary designs.

 

non-glazed, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Non-glazed tiles from the Heritage Collection (Tile depot 2021)

glazed, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Pieno Perla Vernata Glazed Porcelain Tiles (Tile depot 2021)

Glass tiles

Glass tiles have traditionally been popular as splashbacks, countertops, backsplash, and feature walls. Glass tiles have always been used as a decorative tile and are mostly used in mosaics for truly beautiful look. They are non-porous so they will not let any dirt or grime get into it. They are however easy to scratch, and the surface can look dusty easily and are extremely difficult to install which means that they are not the best option as kitchen flooring.

Mosaic tiles are small bits of glass that are put together to elevate a kitchen design. We recommend clients to use mosaics as accents on the wall with details like horizontal line etc to elevate the overall design of the kitchen.

 

Tip: Use it as a feature wall or detailing on walls but avoid using them as a flooring or a backsplash.

Read more…

10 Mistakes to Avoid in your kitchen design – expert opinion from our Kitchen designers 

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen in 2022?

 

Stone Kitchen flooring Tiles

Stone tiles are made of natural stone and are not manufactured in the factory. Stone tiles are made of either limestone, granite, slate, or the more popular marble. Stone tiles are porous which means that they must be sealed every two years or so. They are usually polished so their natural design shines through, but they can be slippery when wet which can be a hazard for older people. While stone is durable, they can be a bit expensive to maintain as they must be resealed every 2-3 years. They will however last you a long time and give your kitchen a look of luxury which is hard to match with ceramic or porcelain tiles.

 

Marble flooring Tiles

Marble is the most common type of stone tiles used in New Zealand. They add a touch of understated elegance that will transform your kitchen into a luxurious space. As marble is a natural stone, you can expect some of your tiles to have different patterns which are natural to that marble tile. Marble tiles are however expensive so they might not suit every budget. You can however incorporate marble in smaller areas to save cost like the kitchen floor or splashback.

 

Granite Tiles

Granite tiles also have the naturally occurring flecks as marble, but they look a lot less luxurious as compared to marble. While marble exudes a sense of luxury, granite often does not add a sense of luxury. It is a cheaper alternative to marble tiles and choosing the right type of design is essential, so your flooring does not look dated. Granite tiles are not very popular as kitchen floor tiles in New Zealand but are often used outdoors.

Limestone Tiles

Limestone is almost never used as a kitchen flooring in New Zealand. It is often found as an outdoor tile, around the fireplace or as a feature wall.

Metal Tile and Resin Tiles

Using metal tiles is another great way to add some depth into your kitchen space as it elevates the over all kitchen design. They come in various shapes, sizes and finishes which make them a perfect addition as wall accents as well as feature walls.

Resin tiles add depth and dimension to a feature wall but they are prone to chipping so they should not be used in homes with very young children.

 


 

5 things to think about before choosing your kitchen flooring tile material

 

Now that you know the types of materials available in tiles, you should consider the following factors before deciding on your kitchen tiles.

  1. Water resistance:

    Kitchens need a good water resistance flooring, so you are not always worrying about your flooring getting damaged. When using tiles on your kitchen floors we recommend using tiles that are unglazed with an absorption rate of 0.5% and unglazed tiles wit a maximum rate of 3%.

  2. Texture:

    If you have elderly people in your household then you should go for more textured tiles as they are less slippery when wet. Textured tiles can however be quite hard to clean so they should be avoided in households that have young children as they are harder to maintain. If you have young children, then we recommend using mats in front of your sinks or wet areas.

  3. Durability and measure of PEI:

    Durability refers to how well your tiles can withstand wear and tear. So how do you check the durability of a particular tile? The best way to check the durability of a tile is to check its PEI rating. The PEI rating of a tile is the measure of its resistance to abrasion. The higher the PEI rating the more it can withstand wear and tear before showing signs of deterioration. In most households, kitchens are considered a high traffic area and hence should have flooring that has a high PEI rating. We recommend our clients to use kitchen tiles that are rated at PEI 3 or PEI 4 as they are the best for high traffic areas. You can however use PEI 1 or PEI 0 rated tiles for feature walls as they do not have any foot traffic.

  4. Underlay:

    Tiles should always be installed on a surface that is smooth, even and level. If your floor is not even then you might have to install a subfloor that is even, smooth and hard before you lay your tiles. It is always good to get your subfloor checked before you decide on your kitchen flooring.

  5. Natural Lighting:

    People often do not think about the amount of natural lighting in their kitchen and the importance of it before purchasing their tiles. A tile in a well lit showroom or online on a website can look very different when compared to the tile within your kitchen.Glossy tiles for example are work well in smaller spaces with less natural lighting as reflect light and make the room look more lit up. This is also true with lighter coloured tiles as they reflect light and make the space appear larger.

 


 

In Discussion with Ruth from Tile Depot

As our preferred tiles supplier, we work very closely with Tile depot for flooring and tiling needs of our clients. Our project managers often seek advice from Ruth when it comes to choosing the right type of tiles for our client home renovations.

With this article our aim is to educate our clients on the type of tiles suited for their floors, backsplash, and feature walls so we decided that it was time to have a chat with Ruth. Ruth has over 16 years of experience with Tile depot, and she has extensive knowledge on the myriad of options available for tiles.

It is often very overwhelming when you walk into a tile showroom because there are so many options, and it is hard to make a choice.

When choosing kitchen tiles for our clients we believe that there are a few things that need to be considered before selecting a tile.

6 Questions to ask yourself before you choose your Kitchen tiles

1) What is your budget?

When renovating your kitchen, it is important to have an idea on what you want to be spending for tiling your kitchen. Tiles can really transform the look of your kitchen and some clients often feel that they would prefer making a statement through the clever use of tiles. For such clients we often recommend using porcelain tiles as they can be manipulated to look like wood, cement, or natural stone. They are more expensive than ceramic tiles but are more durable and of a higher quality so will last you a longer time.

 

Foil-Porcelain-Tiles-The-Tile-Depot-14589__PhotoViewerW10, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Foil Porcelain tiles are installed in the Splashback as well as the floors and give a sense of Urban Luxury. A contrasting cement finish tiles are also used as the front of cupboards to add to the industrial kitchen design (Tile Depot, 2021)

 

If your budget allows, then we would recommend using natural stone tiles which add a sense of luxury and elegance to your kitchen. If you do however have a rental property, then you are looking for a return of your investment. For rental property renovations we recommend using tiles that are durable but also cost effective which could make ceramic tiles the best option for you.

You should always have an honest chat with your project manager about your budget so they are able to suggest the right options for your kitchen tiles. The good news is that tiles have evolved dramatically over the years and there are a lot of texture and design options no matter what your budget is.

2) How much cooking happens in your kitchen? And how much time do you spend in your kitchen?

 

Pro tip: Choose tiles that are easy to clean + Soft on your feet

 

Kitchen tiling needs for households that cook a lot is very different from the ones that do not cook as much. If you do cook a lot in your kitchen then will want to choose a backsplash which is easy to clean with a simple wipe. You might also want your flooring to be soft on your feet, so you do not tire easily when cooking for extended periods of time.

Kitchen flooring to consider

Most tiles are hard on the feet and can cause foot fatigue so no matter what tiles you chose your floors will be hard on your feet. You can remedy this situation by adding rugs on your kitchen floor or wearing comfortable shoes.

Ruth explains that there are alternatives to using tiles on kitchen floors if you do not want to add rugs and if you want a flooring that is softer on your feet. Laminate and wooden flooring care softer on your feet and will not make you as fatigues compared to tiles.

She also recommends a new hybrid flooring called SPC by Neptune which is becoming increasingly popular with Aucklanders for their kitchen floors. SPC stands for stone (limestone) polymer composite and has many benefits over tiles for your kitchen flooring. It is a mix of limestone and Vinyl and is manufactured in a way that it carries the benefits of both these materials.

Benefits of Neptune SPC

  • It is 100% waterproof which means that they are perfect for kitchen floors
  • It is softer on your feet as it embodies the qualities of limestone
  • It does not echo the sound of footsteps and reduces the noise of any foot traffic. This is great for kitchens which are on the second storey of the house as you will not be able to hear any footsteps even if you are directly below the room.
  • It is easy to clean and maintain
  • It is much warmer than tiles so you will not require underfloor heating, warm rugs, or shoes while cooking.

If you do however prefer tiles for your kitchen floor, then opt for porcelain or natural stone tiles instead of ceramic. Also consider installing underfloor heating for the colder winter months.

 

Neptune-Stone-Based-Flooring-The-Tile-Depot-18072__PhotoViewerW10, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Neptune Stone Polymer composite tiles (SPC) used in the kitchen. (Tile Depot 2021)

 

Read more…

See pictures of SPC Neptune flooring used in all our kitchen displays in our kitchen showroom in Wairau Valley

Kitchen Splashback tiles to consider

If you do cook a lot, then install a kitchen backsplash tile with fewer grout lines or grout lines that are sealed. If your grout lines are not sealed, then you will have to keep cleaning your grouting as they are easily stained.

It is also a good idea not to choose textured, 3D or handmade tiles as you will not be able to wipe off the stains easily. If you do however like handmade tiles, then we suggest using tiles that look man made and textured but are in fact have a smooth surface that is easy to clean.

 

Hexa, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

This tiled splashback is textured and has grout lines, however the surface is smooth to touch and the grouting is sealed which makes cleaning easy. This is from the Hexa tile collection at Tile Depot (Tile depot 2021)

 

An example of this is the handmade looking tiles from Tribeca. These tiles look like they are handmade and have textured patterns but are in fact smooth on the surface and very easy to clean. They will also add an interesting design element to your kitchen.

 

Tribeca tiles are however on the more expensive side so if you are looking for a more budget friendly kitchen splashback tile then opt for either a glass splashback or white subway tiles as they are very cost effective. You can also install one large piece of ceramic or stone tile as a splashback if you do not want grout lines at all. Do not use porcelain as a splashback because they are very heavy and installation might be a problem.

See pictures of different splashbacks used in our kitchen renovations

Black glass splash back used in an Entertainer’s kitchen renovation in Massey

White subway tiles used in a Classic kitchen renovation in Epsom 

Hexagonal 3D white frozen tiles used for texture and depth in this Kitchen renovation in Parnell

A combination of dark grey, white, black hexagonal tiles used to give a retro feel to this kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach

3) Is it a high traffic area for your family?

You might not cook a lot but your kitchen could still be considered a high traffic area if several members of your family are always coming in and out of the kitchen. This could be to simply have a tea or use the island as a breakfast nook. If you have an open plan kitchen then there are higher chances that the kitchen will be a high traffic area.

If you kitchen is a high traffic area then your kitchen flooring should be easy to clean and also not echo your footsteps. For high traffic kitchens Neptune SPC flooring would be best for your kitchen as they are waterproof and do not echo sounds when people are going in and out of the kitchen.

Porcelain kitchen tiles and stone kitchen tiles will also be better compared to ceramic tiles as they are more waterproof than ceramic. You could also add rugs to the kitchen to control the noise made by footsteps. The sound of the footsteps should not be much of an issue if your kitchen is on the ground floor of your house. The noise mostly becomes an issue when the kitchen is on the 1st floor and if there are bedrooms or living areas underneath it.

 

Sand_Wood_crp-800x371, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Neptune SPC used as Kitchen flooring for this open plan kitchen. This flooring is 100% water resistance, soft on your feet, durable, and warmer compared to tiles

 

Aspen_Wood-room_crp-800x371, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Aspen wood Neptune SPC used as a kitchen flooring

 

For more budget friendly options, you could opt for luxury laminate for your kitchen flooring as they are softer on the feet, easy to clean and do not echo the sounds of footsteps. If you are installing laminate floors, then do remember to clean the floors immediately in case of any water spillage as they are not waterproof.

 

4) Is it an open planned kitchen or is your kitchen a separate room?

Open planned kitchens pose a unique challenge when choosing the materials for the kitchen. As your kitchen will be visible from the living and dining area, you want to make sure that your kitchen is renovated in a similar style as the rest of the living space.

Our kitchen designer Cici says that the two most important things about an open planned kitchen is to have a continuity in design with the rest of the living room area. When choosing splashbacks, flooring, feature walls, countertops, and tapware, always make sure that they complement the rest of your living space.

Before starting your renovating, ask your kitchen designer to come over to your home for a visit so they can see the overall design of your living space. Try and have a similar colour scheme for your walls or go for a contrasting style which still complements the style of the rest of the space.

 

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The same glazed porcelain tiles are used in the kitchen as well as the dining area which makes the design more cohesive.  These porcelain tiles have a matte stone look which makes gives the space an Urban contemporary look. (Tile Depot, 2021)

 

Choose kitchen tiles that are like the ones in your living and dining area for a seamless feel. If you are changing the flooring of the entire living area, then opt for natural stone or porcelain tiles. These tiles elevate the design of a room a lot more than ceramic tiles as ceramic tiles can look dated.

When asked Ruth what the current trend was for open planned kitchens, she said “the current trend is to get a stone matte finish tiles for your living and kitchen area”. These porcelain tiles are glazed and hence easy to clean which makes them a popular choice for open planned kitchens.  They are more cost effective than natural stone tiles like marble so are more suited for most budgets.

 

York-Slim-The-Tile-Depot-17069__Detail_Listing_Standard_DesktopW10-e1623293892741, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Glazed porcelain tiles used as splashback to create a modern kitchen. These York tiles come in a matte and glossy finish depending on your preference and are easy to clean as they are glazed. These splashback tiles can also be used as a feature wall and are a great choice for open plan kitchens because of their modern look which will elevate your kitchen design. Tile Depot 2021)

 

5) Do you have children and hence need tiles that can be cleaned easily and are warmer?

If you have young children, then you might want a flooring that is warmer and not easily scratched. Use glazed porcelain tiles or natural stone tiles for the floors and install underfloor heating if your house does not already have it. Luxury laminate is also an option but it can sometime be scratched easily so might not be the best option if your children are too young.

6) Does your kitchen floors need non-slip tiles?

If you have elderly people living in your house then you should install tiles that have a good anti-slip rating. Tile depot carries an extensive Lifemark range of kitchen tiles that are suited for households that need anti slip tiles.

“In addition to anti-slip tiles, we also have this new range of Microgrip kicthen tiles that are great for bathrooms as well as kitchens. They basically become anti-slip when water falls on them. They also have anti-bacterial properties so these are truly a revolutionary product” says Ruth about their newest range of Microgrip kitchen tiles.

 

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Enzo Microgrip tiles that become anti-slip when wet (Tile Depot 2021)

 

 

 


 

Ruth Shares Current trends for Kitchen Flooring, Kitchen Splashback and Kitchen Feature walls for Auckland homes

 

Ruth deals with clients who are renovating, building their homes from scratch, new builds, architects, and renovation companies. We wanted to know more about what Aucklanders were using for their kitchen flooring, Kitchen splashback, and tiles. She gave us some great insights to Aucklanders’ buying habits and the trends that she has seen for tiles as well as the trends that have begun to decline.

 

5 Kitchen Splashback/ Backsplash tile trends for Auckland kitchens

 

1.White subway tiles are on their way out

“The white subway look has really been overdone and does not add much to a kitchen” says Ruth about white subway tiles. White subway tiles became very popular as kitchen splashbacks as well as wall tiles for bathrooms in the last few years because they added a contemporary flair to the kitchen. More people are now looking at ways of adding colour and interest in the kitchen through splashbacks.

2. Earthy and warm kitchen backsplashes are becoming a popular choice

Ruth says that more people are now are choosing warm and earthy colours for their backsplash. Earthy colours often bring in a sense of warmth into the kitchen and make it look more homely. They are also a way of bringing some nature into the décor of your kitchen which has become a popular trend in the last few years, especially for urban homes like Auckland.

 

Yellow-tribecca-kitchen, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Warm yellow tiles are used in this kitchen as a splashback. These tiles are from the Tribeca collection at Tile Depot and this range comes with various warm coloured tiles. (Tile Depot 2021)

3. Handmade looking kitchen backsplash tiles

There has been a growing trend of adding artistic elements to the overall kitchen design. People often add these touches through artistic backsplashes, feature walls or accessories while choosing simpler contemporary materials for cabinets and floors.

 

Hexagonal-tiles, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Hexagonal tiles add a retro element to your kitchen design. The surface is still very smooth and the grouting has been sealed to make cleaning easy. (Tile Depot 2021)

 

Tiles which are handmade have patterns, carvings and often textured which is not suitable for backsplash as all these nooks and crannies can be hand to clean. Thanks to technology however, tiles can be made to look handmade without being handmade. The new Tribeca collection from Tile depot features handmade looking tiles which are smooth when you touch the surface which makes the, a great choice for backsplash.

 

4. Kitchen backsplash tiles with Patterns

Patterns are another way to incorporate an artistic touch to your kitchen design. Ruth says that the artisan tiles can also be used as accents to the walls instead of just a splashback or an entire feature wall. Adding accents or a horizontal like of artisan tiles on your kitchen wall will instantly elevate its overall style without costing you a lot.5. How you install the tiles Ruth says that there are two ways that you can dramatically change look of your kitchen. The first would be the tile and the second is the way you install the tiles. “you do not have to always install the tiles horizontally, the new trend has been to be creative in the way the tiles are installed” says Ruth.

Artisan-Tiles-The-Tile-Depot-19931__Detail_Listing_Standard_DesktopW10, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Artisan patterned tiles from Tile depot were used as a splashback. The neutral and light colours used are versatile and can be used for most kitchen designs. The patterns on the tile give the kitchen an artistic look and elevates the overall design of the kitchen. (Tile Depot 2021)


5. How you install the tiles for your backsplash

Ruth says that there are two ways that you can dramatically change look of your kitchen. The first would be the tile and the second is the way you install the tiles. “you do not have to always install the tiles horizontally, the new trend has been to be creative in the way the tiles are installed” says Ruth.

 

the-way-of-installation-e1623282139238, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

This kitchen features simple white subway tiles but the way they are installed is what actually adds a design element to an otherwise simple kitchen design. (Tile Depot 2021)

 

 


5 kitchen flooring trends in Auckland by Ruth

 

1. High-end look with stone matte finishes

As most kitchens in Auckland have evolved into an open planned layout, there has been a greater emphasis on aesthetics within a kitchen design. Ruth explains that she has seen a rising trend in Aucklanders opting for a high end look by selecting tiles that look like stone and have a matte finish. Glazed porcelain tiles are great for most budgets to create this look as they are a cheaper option compared to natural stone tiles. To create continuity, install the same tiles in your dining and living areas if you have an open plan kitchen.

 

Porfido-Series-The-Tile-Depot-18350__Detail_Listing_Standard_DesktopW10, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

These glazed porcelain tiles give a high end natural stone look because of their grey matte finish. The appearance of grout lines is also minimal because the grout lines are very thin and almost match the colour of the tiles. (Porfido collection, Tile Depot 2021)

Tracks_Ash_Matt-800x601, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Another example of Glazed Porcelain tiles with a natural stone look. These matte tiles have been installed throughout the living area as well as the kitchen floors to give a unified look. (Tile Depot, 2021)

2. Shiny tiles are declining in popularity

Shiny tiles have been very popular in the last couple of decades and remain popular to a certain extent. However, more people are gravitating towards the matte finish because it exudes a certain kind of understated elegance. We still recommend people with small kitchens or bathrooms to install shiny tiles as they reflect natural light as well as any other light and make your spaces appear larger.

3. Large tiles 1200 by 900

Larger tiles have become increasingly popular as they have lesser grout lines and provide a cleaner look. Having lesser grout lines also means that you if you have a small room then it will make it look larger as there are ‘lesser breaks’ on the kitchen floor. The most popular size for large tiles is 600 by 900 and 1200 by 900.

4. No grout lines

 

No-grout-lines, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

As seen in the picture, this kitchen flooring features large slabs of square tiles where the grouting is matched with the colour of the tile. This give the floor a a sort of continuity as the grout lines are hardly visible. (Tile Depot 2021)

 

As mentioned above there is an emphasis on having lesser grout lines for kitchen flooring. You can also match the colour of your tiles with the grouting to give you an appearance of having no grout lines.

 

5. Woodgrain tiles have seen a decline in popularity

Woodgrain tiles have been quite popular in the last decade but have seen a decline in popularity. Woodgrain tiles look and feel like natural wood which is great for people who want wooden flooring but not the hassle of maintaining them. However, as more people are opting for contemporary styles for their homes, they prefer a natural stone look as compared to wood grain tiles.

 


6 ideas for feature walls for your open plan kitchen

 

1. Woodgrain tiles as feature walls have seen an increase in popularity

While woodgrain tiles might be declining in popularity as floors, they are seeing an increase in popularity as feature walls. There has been a growing trend of incorporating elements of nature in urban Auckland homes which makes woodgrain tiles a great option as a feature wall.

2. Designer tiles with designs of nature

A lot of people want a feature wall because they want to create a ‘wow’ factor. They often keep the rest of their colour scheme neutral and create a feature wall with floral prints. Ruth tells us a bit more about their range of glam tiles which come in 1200 by 900 size and has three different patterns which are put together to create a scene of nature.

 

 

7218nPAN-glam-hedge-kitchen-001__PhotoViewerW10, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

These Glam tiles from Tile depot feature 3 large 1200 by 900 tiles that are installed together to create a pattern. These three tiles are repeated to make this feature wall. This Glam collection has various styles of flowers and leaves. (Tile Depot, 2021)

3. Textured tiles, mosaics, geometric patterns, and natural stone tiles

Textured tiles are great as feature walls because they do not need to be cleaned very often like the splashback or kitchen flooring. They also do not have to be very durable as they do not experience any wear in tear like foot traffic or spillages which makes any tile a great option for feature walls. Textured tiles create interest, depth and elevate the overall design of your kitchen.

 

Sospiri-The-Tile-Depot-13977__Detail_Listing_Standard_DesktopW10-e1623299308326, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

Two different types of tiles are used to create this feature wall. The tiles are glazed ceramic with a satin finish which makes them look almost like a wall paper. This bold feature wall adds a sense of modern sophistication to the space and come from the Sospiri collection at Tile Depot (Tile Depot, 2021)

 

There are many options to choose from for textured tiles. You can use natural rugged stone or brick tiles around your fireplace or for a more rustic styled living area. You could also add a feature wall with geometric and 3d patterns for a more modern or contemporary look. Mosaics have always been a popular choice as they make your space look artistic and Moorish. Regardless of your budget, you will find plenty of options for feature walls.

 

4. Accents in feature walls

If you do not want an entire wall of tiles for your feature wall, then you can install wall accent tiles. You could install small beads or mosaics in a horizontal or vertical line on the wall of your kitchen. You could create patterns or designs on the wall without tiling your entire wall. If artistically done, this could add a certain elegance to your wall but we do recommend consulting a designer before go ahead full steam.

 

Feature-walls-e1623300129375, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

These tiles are a great example of mixing neutral coloured tiles with a more bold tile to create interest within a feature wall without covering the entire wall with a bold colour (Tile Depot, 2021)

5. Creating interest through installation

As mentioned earlier, the way you install your tiles can also make a huge difference on the final look of your feature wall.

 

Casablanca-Wall-Tiles-The-Tile-Depot-17070__Detail_Listing_Standard_DesktopW10, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

As seen above, the method of installation and the combination of two different coloured tiles can create a beautiful look for your open planned kitchen. These tiles are glazed ceramic tiles from the Casablanca collection at Tile Depot (Tile Depot 2021)

Feature-wall-and-splashback, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

The same tiles were used for the backsplash and the feature wall to create a continuous and dramatic look. The way the tiles were installed also makes a huge difference to the overall look of the kitchen. Tiles used were from the May tile collection (Tile Depot 2021).

 

6. Bright and Bold colours

If you have a neutral colour scheme then opt for bright or warm colours to create contrast. You could also add matte dark grey tiles as a feature wall to create a dark and stormy mood for your living space.

 

Calx_Aquamarina_100x3001-15999999x9999999-1, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

This splashback also acts as a feature wall with its cool aqua colour and brings a sort of serenity to the space when coupled with off white cabinet fronts. These glazed tiles have a smooth surface which are easy to clean. (Calx Aquamarina 100×300 tiles from Tile Depot, 2021)

 


 

“The biggest mistake people make when they choose tiles is that sometimes they choose tiles that clash with eachother or there are too many patterns that do not work well together. It is important that you create a story with the tiles that you choose for your kitchen flooring, Splashbacks and Feature walls” Says Ruth when asked what is the most important aspect of choosing tiles. 

 

 

Already have all your own trades and you’re comfortable managing them for your kitchen renovation?

Although we don’t recommend if you haven’t renovated a kitchen before and/or you don’t have trades people you can trust, most renovations if not all comes with it’s own surprises because not all homes are the same – this is where experience/project management plays an important role in minimises risks to maintain costs/delays giving you higher certainty of outcome/quality backed by associated guarantees and warranties.

However, if you do intend to manage the kitchen renovation yourself, it does work out more cost effective to contact a kitchen cabinetry manufacturer directly to get the kitchen cabinets designed, manufactured and installed – leaving you to manage the other trades such as flooring, demolition, painting, plastering, splashback/tiling, electrician, plumber, and sometimes a carpenter/builder.

 

Try Little Giant Interiors cost calculator below to see what you can expect to pay for cabinetry.

 

 

 


Further Resources 

  1. Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
  2. Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
  3. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
  4. Real client stories from Auckland

Is flooring included in my renovation?

We provide a full service to renovate any given area. So if we are renovating your bathroom then flooring will be included in our service to renovate your bathroom. This applies to all the rooms in the house. We can also do just flooring for your entire house which means that we will design, supply, install and project manage your flooring project.

Do you work with Tile Depot?

Tile depot is one of our partners for flooring for renovations. We have been working with Tile Depot for quite a while and we often take our clients there to select tiles for their renovations.

Will you help me with the design process for selecting tiles?

Our project manager along with our design team will help you select the right type of tiles for your renovation. We also rely on the expertise of the Tile depot staff to help our clients make the right choice in tiles.

What type of tiles should i be using for my bathroom?

Our designer can help you with choosing the right type of tile depending on your design preference and the type of family situation you have. You can also read our article on bathroom design trends to have a better understanding of what most clients prefer these days https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/16-top-trends-in-bathroom-tile-design-for-2019/


Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

    Spam Prevention:

     

     

    WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

    Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

    Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

    Request Your In-home Consultation 

    Or call us on   0800 199 888

    www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

     


     

    References:

     


     

    finance-badge1000x1000, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

    We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

    Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

    *Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

     

     

    House Renovation

    Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

    As you walk into Tile Depot you are overwhelmed by the sheer scale of their range. We never realised how exciting a tile showroom could be. There were huge Italian tiles, small colourful accent tiles, tiles with various textures, tiles that emulated wood and the list just doesn’t stop. The tile trends are plenty and the process of choosing the right tile is made surprisingly easy when you consult with the Tile Depot ladies.

    We met Ruth and Kitty from Tile Depot and it reinforced our conviction that their values fit right in with ours at Superior Renovations. Working, selling and advising about tiles was not their only goal. Working at tile depot helping clients choose the right tile for their spaces was something of a passion.

    Ruth has worked in Tile Depot for more than 15 years while Kitty has worked there for almost 8 years. Their knowledge about various tiles, upcoming tile trends and how they affect a space was phenomenal.

    As a lot of our clients choose their tiles from Tile depot, it was important for us to understand how their experience was. We had a long conversation with Ruth and Kitty. In our discussion we talked about:

    1. tile trends of 2021
    2. how to select the right type of tiles for your home and situation
    3. tiling mistakes that people should avoid
    4. how tiles can affect the aura of a room.

    Read more…

    18 Top trends in Bathroom Tile Design for 2021 in Auckland

    Top 6 Tile Trends for 2021 by Kitty

     

    1. Large Slabs of tiles

    There are many advantages to using larger tiles in small and big spaces alike. Larger tiles make an area look ‘less busy’ says Ruth. There are lesser grout lines which means that when you use a large slab of tile in a small bathroom for example, then your room will look more spacious as opposed to if you use smaller tiles. Choose 600 by 600 or even 600 by 1200 for your spaces to bring out an elegant and spacious look for any room.

    Read more…

    Bathroom renovation in Ellerslie using large tiles on the floors

    Greenhithe bathroom renovation with large square tiles

    Large Neutral tiles with a marble look used in Avondale for 3 bathrooms

    Large Matte Tiles used on the floor of kitchen and Lounge in Bucklands Beach – Lynette and Henry’s renovation

     


    2. Tiles with Patterns

    Gone are the days when tiles were just used for convenient clean up your bathrooms and kitchen. The conventional use of tiles has long been past. They are now used to add personality and aura to the room. Tiles used as feature walls or as a pattern on the wall have become very popular. 2021 will see a rise in the use of patterned tiles to add character to a room or as a feature wall. These vintage designs bring in some old-world charm to the modern homes of today.

     

    Contemporary-Paterned-tiles, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    A wide range of contemporary patterned tiles that can be used in a number of ways to add character to a room (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Artisan_Navy_Sette_rs-768x960-Room, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Navy Artisan tiles used as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

    The-Tile-Depot-BrickOne-Rosso1-800x534-Room, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    BrickOne Rosso Tiles used as a feature wall in the living room (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Read more…

    Patterned tiles used in bathroom floors for a bathroom renovation in Hillsborough


     

    3. Colours – Earthy tones

    Accent tiles and splashbacks have become very popular in earthy tones. Earthy tones exude a feeling of warmth and create a calm rustic look for any space. Earthy tones draw their inspiration for natural elements such as the sun, earth, sky, and greenery. Most Italian tiles fall into this category adding a Mediterranean look when used in any room. This Tile trends has been growing for a few years and is set to rise in 2021.

     

    Casablanca-Red-as-a-warm-earthy-tone-Room, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Casablanca Red adding a warm and earthy touch to a bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

    May-olive-and-fern-Earthy-room, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Earthy May Olive and Fern (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Read more…

    Earthy tones and mosaic tiles used in a Bathroom and Kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay


    4. Vibrant coloured tiles – the Casablanca collection

    Tile trends are seeing a growth in the  minimalist look with streamlined modern designs has also meant the growth of Vibrant tiles as accent walls or splashbacks. This is so people can add a ‘pop’ of colour to an otherwise neutral interior. The Casablanca collection at Tile Depot consists of a diverse range of bright and vibrant colours that can be used in any setting or space. Use Casablanca Black in your bathroom for an industrial look or Casablanca red to create a playful rustic look.

     

    Rooms-Casablanca-blue-as-feauture-wall, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Casablanca Sky Blue as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

    MVG1011_lifestyle_image_copy-800x1067-Room, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Casablanca Orange (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Casablanca-Bottle-green-as-a-splashback, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Casablanca Bottle Green as a splash-back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)

     

     


    5. Textured Feature walls

    Traditionally textured tiles were only used around fireplaces and foyers. Textured have seen a growth in tile trends as feature walls as it generates interest and brings an essence of the outdoors into your home. The Lyon range at Tile Depot can be cleverly used as a feature wall in bedrooms and living areas.

     

    Room-Cubes-on-wall, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Textured tiles in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Skyline-Bronze-Textured-tiles, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Textured Bronze Sky tiles used as a splash back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Brick-text-Black-Room, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Textured Black as a back-splash (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Read more…

    Textured Hexagonal Tiles used as a backplash in Bucklands Beach Kitchen renovation

    3d hexagonal Tiles used as a backsplash in Parnell for a Kitchen renovation

     


    6. Metal Range

    Mixing elements of metal along with tiles is another growing trend to bring out an industrial look. Mix metals as patterns in your living room to make a unique pattern or simply use it as accent tiles in your kitchen.

     

    Metal_Stone_Bronze_Situ_3-800x538-Room, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Metallic Stone Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Metallic-rock-silver-e1591832477749, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Metallic Rock Silver Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

    Metallic-Rock-Bronze-Lappato-Metal-tiles, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    Metallic Rock Bronze Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)


    Your needs as a Family greatly determine the types of tiles suited for you

    Your needs as a family can be a huge factor on the type of tiles you choose for your home. Your needs as a family with young children would be very different compared to if you have elderly relatives living with you. When thinking about elders you should think of functionality more than just what the current tile trends are.

    Ruth explains in greater detail on the types of tiles suited for various types of family and the importance of choosing your tiles with great care. Look at our chart below to understand the types of tiles suited for your home.

    Young Families

    Families with young children lead busy lives especially if they also have a career to juggle. Low maintenance tiles which prove easy to clean and are durable are their top priority.

    Recommended tiles:

    • Matte Finish tiles: Always remember the smoother the tiles the more slippery they will be. To avoid accidents and mishaps, choose matte finish tiles for your home.
    • Smooth tiles: Avoid textured tiles for families with young kids as they are harder to clean when compared to smooth tiles.

     

    Low-Risk-Tile-Porceline-tile, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    An example of Low-Risk Porcelain tile

    Moderate-Risk-Tile-Microban-surface, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    An example of a Moderate Risk Tile


    Families with Elders

    Anti-slip tiles are vital for elders and people with disabilities. The common misconception is that you can use outdoor tiles inside your home to avoid accidents due to slipping. This however is not true as outdoor tiles should never be used indoors.

    Recommended tiles:

    • Matte Finish – Smoother the tiles the slipperier they are. Hence use matte finish tiles to avoid any unwanted accidents.
    • Antislip ratings – Tiles are rated between R9 to R13 with a standard interior tile having a rating of R9.  If you are tiling an area that is at a slope, then it would be wise to choose one with a higher rating. The higher the rating the more slip-resistant it is.
    • LifeMark Range  R10 – Lifemark range that has been tested with slight slip resistance which is good for bathroom/shower, so if any household that is elderly, adult that has been injured or with young kids they should consider looking at the Lifemark range for a better slip resistance
    Lifemark-bathroom, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

    A bathroom with LifeMark Tiles on the floor (Tile Depot, 2020)


    Kitty shares the top 3 mistakes people make while choosing tiles for their home

    1. Choosing small tiles for small spaces

    As mentioned above, this is a very common mistake that people make when choosing tiles for their home. If your space is small, then choose large slabs of tiles to avoid breaks (in form of grout lines) between tiles.

    2. Not buying extra tiles

    It often happens that people buy the exact number of tiles that they require to tile a certain room. Kitty says that it is wise to buy an extra box of tiles for the future. It is common that stores discontinue a certain model of tiles which means that if something goes wrong in the future and you have to replace a tile then you might not be able to buy the exact one from the store again. In this case you might have to re-tile the entire area. To avoid this its best to have a spare box of tiles that you can use in case of any future mishap.

    3. Always take a sample tile home before committing to the purchase

    How a tile looks inside the store is very different to what it will look like in your bathroom. Factors like natural lighting of your bathroom and the layout greatly determine the shade of light that your tile will appear as. Hence its good to ask for a sample of the tile that you like and see how it looks inside your room.


    Featured Projects

    Full home Renovation in Parnell

    This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell but the kitchen was tiny and lacked counter space. We completely changed the layout of this kitchen by first moving it from the left side of the area to the right. We then added cabinets in the dining area as an extended storage space. This cabinet featured shelves with internal lights which could be opened when required. The 3D textured Tile backplash was the star of of the kitchen. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications see more

     

    DSC07315-1000-1, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland DSC07314-1024x682, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

     


    Spanish Style Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry renovation in Auckland

    Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. The use of mosaic tiles as feature strips in her kitchen and bathroom truly incorporated a Spanish feel to her Auckland kitchen. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more

    renovations-auckland-11-1024x681, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland renovations-auckland-7-1024x681, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland
    kitchen-ideas-by-superior-renovations-9-1024x681, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland DSC06418-1000, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

     


    Renovation Projects with Subway Tiles 

    Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers – Subway tiles used on Bathroom walls

    Avondale home renovation – Subway tiles used as a backsplash in the kitchen

    West Harbour home renovation – Subway tiles used in Kitchen and Bathroom

    Craig and Amber’s home renovation – Subway tiles used in the Kitchen 

    d064-H2105474-hires.20233-WEB12-300x200, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland IMG_9598-1000-300x200, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland kitchen-ideas-by-superior-renovations-44-300x200, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland
    DSC05546-1000, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland Ambury-Rd-1024x768, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland Ambury-2-1024x768, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

     

     


    Further Resources 

    1. Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
    2. Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
    3. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
    4. Real client stories from Auckland

    Is flooring included in my renovation?

    We provide a full service to renovate any given area. So if we are renovating your bathroom then flooring will be included in our service to renovate your bathroom. This applies to all the rooms in the house. We can also do just flooring for your entire house which means that we will design, supply, install and project manage your flooring project.

    Do you work with Tile Depot?

    Tile depot is one of our partners for flooring for renovations. We have been working with Tile Depot for quite a while and we often take our clients there to select tiles for their renovations.

    Will you help me with the design process for selecting tiles?

    Our project manager along with our design team will help you select the right type of tiles for your renovation. We also rely on the expertise of the Tile depot staff to help our clients make the right choice in tiles.

    What type of tiles should i be using for my bathroom?

    Our designer can help you with choosing the right type of tile depending on your design preference and the type of family situation you have. You can also read our article on bathroom design trends to have a better understanding of what most clients prefer these days https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/16-top-trends-in-bathroom-tile-design-for-2019/


    Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

      Spam Prevention:

       

       

      WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

      Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

      Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

      Request Your In-home Consultation 

      Or call us on   0800 199 888

      www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

       


       

      References:

       


       

      finance-badge1000x1000, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, House Renovation Auckland

      Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

      We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

      Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

      *Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.