Three's The Block NZ returned for its eighth season and as a Proud Partner, we were excited to share weekly room reveal photos and tile choices. In 2019, the teams were set the challenge of turning an old fire station in Kingsland, Auckland into high-end apartments. Check out what tiles each team used below.

The Block NZ 2019 Family Bathroom Tiles

We were blown away by the teams' tile choices for family bathroom week. Who would have thought Season 7 winners, Amy & Stu, would come back to claim the throne once again with a score of 18.5/20, knocking front runners Sophia & Mikaere. It was a tough week for the other three teams who did not complete their rooms in time, but we still saw fantastic tile choices. See how you can get the looks below.

Amy & Stu’s Modern Art Deco Bathroom

Amy & Stu have nailed the Art Deco-inspired look through bright white marble and a Burgundy feature wall. Laying the Artisan subway tiles vertically creates an on-trend look that is highlighted through the tiles high variation.

Tiles used

Floor tile: Marvel Calacatta 600x600

Feature wall tile: Artisan Burgundy 65x200

Wall tile: Lumina Bianco Gloss 250x750

Sophia & Mikaere’s Sophisticated Stonelook Bathroom

Sophia & Mikaere created a beautiful, sophisticated space using the hottest new look in tiles, Ceppo di Gre, it replicates the look of naturally re-formed stone, unique to the northern Italy quarry. This space makes us very excited to see what they do next!

Tiles used

Feature wall tile: Rewind Peltro 70x280

Wall tile: Rewind Peltro 600x600

Floor tile: Lombarda Off White 900x900

Ethan & Sam’s Bold Black Bathroom

Ethan & Sam went bold with their tile choices. The Sahara Noir tile is based on a premium natural black marble with golden veins with the same name. This tile pairs effortlessly with their floor tile Metaline Corten, which replicates weathered steel with a metallic look. This moody yet sophisticated design was a brave move from the boys and we totally think it paid off!

Tiles used

Wall tile: Waterfall Ivory 450x900

Feature wall tile: Sahara Noir Listello Mix 200x1200

Floor tile: Metaline Corten 600x600

Lisa & Ribz’ Ultra-Modern Bathroom Sanctuary

Lisa & Ribz have achieved an ultra-modern look using a contemporary stone look tile in a large format size. Continuing their tiles floor to ceiling creates an industrial feel and is perfect for making the space feel larger. Their textured feature tile Metaline Melt adds a grunge metal look that makes a statement.

Tiles used

Feature wall tile: Metaline Iron Melt 200x1200

Floor & wall tile: Runa Grigio Scuro 600x1200

Stacy & Adam’s Luxury Family Bathroom

Stacy & Adam balance the use of statement tiles effortlessly in their family bathroom. Their tile choices are a modern twist on natural materials giving a contemporary and luxurious feel. Their show-stopping floor tile is in a large format size of 750x1500 meaning fewer grout lines and a more natural look. They've paired it with Metaline Iron and Artisan White square for a sophisticated space with a punch.

Tiles used

Wall tile: Artisan White Gloss 132x132

Feature wall tile: Metaline Iron 600x1200

Floor tile: Kone Mix 750x1500

The Block NZ 2019 Ensuite Bathroom Tiles

Lisa & Ribz’ Ensuite Bathroom Oasis

A winning ensuite for Lisa & Ribz who created a calming and timeless space loved by the judges. The couple used our best selling stone look Italian tile Nordic Islanda for the floor and shower walls. This tile has the natural look of limestone with a soft light grey colour, it works beautifully with the Artisan Moss Green Square behind the vanity. With its handmade look, high variation and grand colour their Moss Green feature tile was the show stopper in this room. Its position creates an effortless flow between the ensuite and bedroom which is highlighted by their clever use of matching colour in the bedroom. They finished the room with 3D tile Lumina Bubble White Matt, a decorative tile which continues to add texture to the space.

Tiles used

3D wall tile: Lumina Bubble White 250x750

Feature wall tile:  Artisan Moss Green 132x132

Floor & wall tile: Nordic Islanda

Sophia & Mikaere’s Intimate Ensuite Bathroom

Sophia & Mikaere have pulled elements of their family bathroom through to their ensuite to create a bold space with Nordic influence. After seeing the Italian look of Ceppo di Gre come to life in their family bathroom they replicated this look, using the same tile Lombarda in grey but this time going floor to ceiling on more than one wall and creating tiled benches in their shower.

Their tile from Jason, Vestige Tangram Cool Grey, has a number of patterns, creating a geometric shape when laid. This was the perfect look for this room, the cement look tile has a handmade look keeping with the ongoing theme of natural materials.

Tiles used

Floor and wall tile: Lombarda Grigio 900x900

Ethan & Sam’s Light & Airy Ensuite

In contrast to their Dark & Stormy family bathroom Ethan & Sam designed a light, bright and contemporary ensuite. They kept their tile choices cool using Metaline Zinc, a metallic look tile inspired by Corten Steel, and paired it with Lumina Bianco, a 250x750 white wall tile.

For a pop of colour the boys created a feature wall using Artisan Aqua Gloss, a sky blue subway tile with a handmade effect. The colour pallette and black tapware keep the space modern and minimalistic with a design that will stand the test of time.

Tiles used

Wall tile: Lumina Bianco 250x750

Floor tile: Metaline Zinc 600x1200

Feature wall tile: Artisan Aqua 65x200

Stacy & Adam’s Warm Terracotta Ensuite

Stacy & Adam started their design with Ecostone Oslo, a real concrete Terrazzo tile. Terrazzo is one of the big trends we are seeing in bathrooms, with its elegant and contemporary feel. The coloured chips create a warm palette with a natural look that is accentuated by the hidden grout lines.

They used our earthy terracotta mosaic, Basket Terracotta, a full body porcelain tile in a basket pattern - perfect for adding interest to a space. Their back wall tile Metaline Iron is based on the look of natural iron before it weathers, for a combination of an industrial and organic look. The warm tones throughout the ensuite pull out the colour variation in this tile tying the three tiles together effortlessly.

Tiles used

Feature wall tile: Basket Terracotta 400x400

Floor tile: Ecostone Oslo 400x400

Feature wall tile: Metaline Iron 600x1200

The Block NZ 2019 Living Room Tiles

Sophia & Mikaere’s Tiled Whiskey Bar

Sophia & Mikaere have created a Parisian inspired living area with a tiled whiskey bar for a focal point. Their feature wall is made up of Black Frozen Crystal and Black Frozen Flower, a luxurious decorative tile from our premium supplier Bisazza. They used Marvel Statuario Polish a 750x1500 Italian marble look tile for their benchtop and outer walls, this helps soften the look and works effortlessly with the rest of the space.

They added a fireplace in the same porcelain marble for a timeless look. As striking as they are functional, tiles are the perfect option for around the fireplace, tiles get fired at more than 1200 degrees and are not a flammable material, making them a safe and stylish choice for modern living.

Tiles used

Fireplace & bench tile: Marvel Statuario Polish 750x1500

Whiskey Bar feature tiles: Black Frozen Crystal & Black Frozen Flower

The Block NZ 2019 Kitchen & Dining Tiles

Sophia & Mikaere’s Apartment 5 Kitchen

We love the earthy tones and warmness of Sophia & Mikaere’s Kitchen in Apartment 5. Their wall tile Toki Algodao Gloss was created in collaboration with Brazilian-Japanese Ceramist Hideko Honma and is inspired by handmade ceramic tableware. We are seeing a shift towards tiles with a handmade look, they offer crafted characteristics such as variation, unevenness and imperfect edges.

Tiles used

Wall tile: Toki Algodao Gloss 155x155

Ethan & Sam’s Edgy Modern Kitchen

Tiles are a great way of bringing warm metallics into a kitchen, Ethan & Sam have done just that with their grand, natural-brass feature wall. Continuing their chevron tiles to the ceiling gives the kitchen a rich and luxurious feeling that is complemented by their stainless steel appliances. While mixing different metals was once unheard of, it now adds a contemporary and sleek look to the space. The rest of their kitchen is kept neutral through earthy colours and timber flooring.

Tiles used

Wall tile: Brass Chevron Mosaic 290x300

Sophia & Mikaere’s Minimal White Kitchen

The backbone of Sophia & Mikaere's kitchen is sophisticated and minimal. They create accent colours through their styling, using timber, plants and pottery with a natural, handmade look. Their feature tile Zante Nieve is a Spanish made, decorative tile with a 3D design. 3D tiles are a stylish way of drawing the eye in, adding energy, movement, and intrigue to a space. The splashback breaks up their white cabinetry, offering a point of difference whilst keeping with the sleek and modern design.

Tiles used

Wall tile: Zante Nieve Matt

Front Entrance & Laundry

Stacy & Adam’s Bold Monochrome Entrace & Laundry

Stacy & Adam created a bold entrance using monochrome decorative wallpaper and colourful accessories. They softened the look with metallic look tile Metaline Zinc in a 600x1200 size.

We have seen the Metaline collection used in Stacy & Adam's bathroom, and again for their Laundry splashback. Using tiles from the same range creates a cohesiveness throughout the apartment. Their laundry was placed in their family bathroom, a clever option when short of space, so it made sense they continued their bathroom floor tile into the laundry for an effortless finish.

Tiles used

Entrance floor tile: Metaline Zinc 600x1200

Laundry wall tile: Metaline Iron Matt 600x1200

Laundry floor tile: Kone Mix Matt 750x1500

Ethan & Sam’s Luxury Entrance & Laundry

Ethan & Sam used Statuario Plus Matt, a 600x600 marble look tile for their entrance flooring, immediately adding a sense of luxury to their apartment. Tiles are a popular choice for entranceways, due to their low maintenance and easy to clean qualities, they replicate natural materials like marble that can otherwise be expensive and hard to care for.

For their laundry, they took a minimal approach with a feature splashback using Hexagon mosaics, they continued this look using larger hexagon tiles for their laundry floor creating a classic look with wide appeal. They kept their design clean, focussing on storage and useability so the feature tiles add a sense of fun to an otherwise plain space.

Tiles used

Laundry wall tile: Black Satin Hex Mosaic 50x50

Laundry floor tile: Hexatile Negro 175x175

Entrance floor tile: Statuario Plus Matt 600x600

Lisa & Ribz’ Compact Laundry

Lisa & Ribz had to be clever with space when designing their laundry. They used the same tile seen in their family bathroom, Runa Grigio Scuro 600x1200 a natural stone look tile in a large format size. We are seeing a shift towards bigger tiles in smaller space. Large-format tiles result in fewer grout lines making the space feel larger and more modern, they are also easier to keep clean.

Tiles used

Laundry floor tile: Runa Grigio Scuro 600x1200

Sophia & Mikaere’s Impactful Entrance & Laundry

Sophia & Mikaere are proving tiles aren't just for kitchens and bathrooms, last week we saw the pair create a luxurious whiskey bar made from tiles and this week they have gone one step further designing a tiled bench in their entrance. Supreme is our latest show-stopping marble look tile, it makes a statement through intricate design and heavy veining. Continuing the tile from the floor to the bench adds an artistic feel that is unique to this apartment.

They kept with their Monochrome theme using decorative tile Variette Sombra Oct for their laundry splashback. This octagonal-shaped tile replicates old fashioned encaustic tiles which are paired with a small Taco tile (available in black and white).

Tiles used

Entrance floor & bench tile: Supreme White Satin

Laundry feature wall tile: Variette Sombra Oct 200x200 & Taco Dome Anthracita 40x40

The Block NZ 2019 Outdoor Week Tiles

Stacy & Adam’s Covered Terrace

As the only team with an indoor terrace, Stacy & Adam used their space to create a stunning winter garden complete with natural plants, dining area and heritage fireplace. They used Italian metallic look tile, Metaline Iron on the floor in an easy to lay 600x600 size. Inspired by Corten Steel this brings a warm, yet industrial look.

Tiles used

Floor tile: Metaline Iron Matt 600x600

Ethan & Sam’s City-View Terrace

It was the unbeatable views that made Apartment 3 the sought-after apartment between the teams, but it was Ethan & Sam who had to bring their terrace to life. They used two exterior porcelain tiles in a grip finish and stone look for a natural feel. Porcelain is very well suited for exterior use due to its strength and density, a great option that can hold up to all weather conditions and moisture.

Tiles used

Floor tile:  Jura Grey Textured 600x600

Secondary floor tile:  Deep Sea Bocciadato Grip 600x600

Lisa & Ribz’ Industrial Contemporary Terrace

Lisa & Ribz brought their industrial, contemporary look from their apartment through to their terrace floor tiles. They used refined concrete look tile Surface Mid grey in a grip finish and 600x600 size. With a growing trend in indoor-outdoor flow, porcelain tiles are the ultimate choice for creating a seamless transition, not to mention their weather-resistant and easy to clean qualities.

Tiles used

Floor tile:  Surface Mid Grey Grip 600x600

Sophia & Mikaere’s Panoramic Penthouse Patio

Sophia & Mikaere's penthouse apartment has panoramic views over Eden park and a stylish wraparound terrace. They used an Italian marble look exterior tile in a 20mm thickness for their terrace floors. They created an entertainers dream spot with customised tiled dining table and BBQ stand, continuing the bespoke trend seen throughout their apartment.

Sophia & Mikaere gave their second terrace a laid back vibe perfect for relaxing in the sun. Porcelain tiles are easy to clean and maintain, making them a great choice for outdoor use.

Tiles used

Floor tile: Marvel Grey Fleury 450x900

Custom Table & BBQ:  Metaline Iron Matt 1200x2600

The Block NZ 2019 Common Lobby Tiles

Throughout Three's The Block NZ: Firehouse is our new arrival: Eme Anthracite, a Spanish stone look tile in a matt finish and suitable for high traffic areas, giving it the green light from Peter Wolfkamp. Based on the look of Ceppo di Gre, a unique type of pressed stone from Italy, Eme Anthracite adds a rich and contemporary look to the space. The main aesthetic feature is its harmonious combination of grey and white chunks which gives a natural yet decorative feel.

Tiles used

Lobby floor tile:  Eme Anthracite 600x600

Stacy & Adam’s Lobby Entrance

Lisa & Ribz’ Lobby Entrance

Ethan & Sam’s Lobby Entrance

Sophia & Mikaere’s Lobby Entrance

Sophia & Mikaere used the same tile seen in their Living room Marvel Statuario Polish, to create these amazing marble look plinths.

Do you still have questions? Find your nearest Tile Space store to talk to one of our expert design consultants or check out our Tile Advice page for more tips.