When designing a home, it’s as much about optimising the use of space as it is about creating a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. As we know, tiles are the material of choice for developers in Dubai and the UAE – not only in the living space but in the entire home. However, there is a methodology to achieving character and warmth through tiles, while also being optimal to the feel of space, and in residential schemes it’s rarely witnessed.
It relies on creativity and courage, and rather than taking the simple route to safe neutrality (or a blank canvas, as it were), there is a raft of new designers daring to be different by embracing tiles as a feature element rather than a background necessity. What’s more, this can be done incredibly cheaply, and it taps into the current desire for authenticity rather than something rather more sterile and unimaginative.
FLOORING
When designing apartments or villas, the possibilities for flooring potions are seemingly endless, however the trend have seen grow dramatically over the last few years is the incorporation of wood effect tiles. Why? They add warmth, texture and a natural aesthetic that does not overwhelm the space. Wood effect tiles come in such a variety of colours and finishes now that there is an option for every taste and for every design purpose.
It’s also a very cost effective option, or at least it is through the Meraki Ceramics collections. Our wood effect tiles are produced using modern printing technology that creates a look and feel so similar to the real thing that it’s actually quite a challenge to figure out what’s real and what is not.
Wood effect is often used in more interesting ways, such as Parquet. Parquet refers to a geometric mosaic of wood effect tile pieces that is used for decorative effect in flooring. Parquet patterns are often entirely geometrical and angular- think squares and triangles predominantly. By far the most popular parquet flooring pattern option is herringbone.
Despite its very distinctive pattern, herringbone can add the illusion of space within a design, as the pattern maintains a flow and sense of cohesion.
Of course, wood effect tiles are not for everybody, so if you prefer to go down the more traditional route of 60×60 gloss beige/white/light grey, we have you covered in that respect also!
WALLS NEED PERSONALITY TOO
As we move onto the walls of the living space, there are a million different ways we could go. Tiles are mainly used to create a feature wall, and so often the tiles options will be targeted at achieving exactly that – a feature or point of interest within the space.
Marble effect tiles remain a popular choice, and who could argue with that? The sense of refinement and sophistication you get from a nice marble effect piece is quite without rival. We saw a huge focus on brick options also, however as the years have gone by, its moment in the sun seems also to be slowly fading. We won’t ever get tired of our stunning Spanish Ethereal collection though. If you’re talking daring feature walls in living spaces, it’s hard to look past some of these options.
The most important thing to consider, whichever way you look to go, is that a living space needs to be a calming, relaxing area that is there to enjoy both day and night. There is a tendency to play it safe and let the furniture do the talking, but by providing a foundation of interest, you can actually inspire or direct the design of the space from the offset. It’s something that we see more and more.
Contact us today to find out more about our living space design ideas!