Tiles are a popular option for many homes, over the years we have seen designs get more intricate and sizes get bigger. Tiles are no longer for floor and wall use only, more customers are using tiles to create stunning bespoke furniture and focal points. From Kitchen benchtops to fireplaces, porcelain is the perfect material. It can replicate stunning natural materials like marble and stone realistically, offering almost limitless design options, whilst also being hardwearing, and easy to clean. It's also much more environmentally friendly with major suppliers being awarded for their sustainability processes.

Check out our top picks below and see how you can use tiles to create bespoke designs in your home.

Furniture

Tiles are a cost-effective way of producing custom made furniture. We have seen a growth in customers creating tables for indoor and outdoor use, the great thing about porcelain tile is that it doesn't support moss, mould or mildew making it a low-maintenance option. It's also frost resistance and will stand the test of even the harshest of conditions.

Custom table and BBQ - made from Metaline Iron

One of the most common reasons to choose porcelain tile is because it does not absorb liquids, this makes it a popular choice for wet areas such as inside showers. Benches in showers are trending, they create a spa-like feel and take the look of a wet room to the next level, they are especially common in large ensuites with no bath.

Shower seats tiled in Lombardo Grigio

Floor and bench tile is Supreme White Satin as seen on The Block NZ Season 8.

Fireplaces

As striking as they are functional, tiles are the perfect option for around the fireplace. Firstly, and most importantly they are fire-resistant! Tiles get fired at more than 1200 degrees and are not a flammable material. This means you can choose any porcelain or ceramic tile to reflect your personality and style.

Tile used: Artisan Rose Mallow

A stunning statement fireplace designed by Mint Six Interiors. Tile used: Marvel Nero Marquina

Stay warm once the sun goes down with a bespoke outdoor fireplace. Tile used: Ardesia Black Matt

Kitchen benchtop, Island & Barfronts

Marble benchtops and islands have been trending for a number of years. They instantly add sophistication and value to a kitchen whilst providing a functional space for preparing and serving food. In recent years we have seen more and more people switching to porcelain tile to create these looks. Unlike natural materials, porcelain is much more hardwearing whilst still being super easy to clean.

And it doesn't stop at marble-look, with hundreds of designs you can choose any design you like. Make a statement with a bold colour or decorative design like Goroka Grafito used at the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel.

Home Bar

Create a focal point with a tiled home bar! If you love to entertain then this one is for you. A home bar can be as extravagant as the whiskey bar below or as small as a wine rack. With hundreds of different sizes and designs in tiles, you can achieve the right look for your space.



The bespoke whiskey bar (above) was seen on The Block NZ Season 8. The team were transforming a luxury penthouse and this was in their living space. They used The Black Frozen Garden range a luxurious decorative tile from our premium supplier Bisazza and Marvel Statuario Polish - 750x1500 Italian marble look tile for their benchtop and outer walls.

Planters

It's easy to bring a tile you love into your home with decor like these planters, It's also a great option when you have leftover tiles.

Tiles featured below are Moonline Black and White, D’Segni Macro 4 Angolo and Block Black and White.

Follow Homes to Love's easy steps to creating plant boxes from tiles here https://www.homestolove.co.nz/inspiration/diy-and-crafts/tile-box-planter