Pay in 3 ways with Klarna Free samples with free delivery Free collection from all 300 storesFree direct delivery on orders over £300

What Are The New Neutral Tiles?

Harriet Goodacre

April 13, 2017

Since the word ‘manila' was invented Britons have gone crazy for any kind of beige but over the years this neutral tone has been given rather a bad reputation, we can all blame Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen for that one. We look at incorporating a neutral colour palette into a modern scheme without resorting to the contemporary ‘blank canvas' that is white.

Structure

A great way to add interest into a neutral scheme is the use of texture or a structured tile. Decor tiles like Callow and Durba provide a tactile surface to help create warmth without sacrificing style. Pairing neutral beige with a darker wood will have a similar effect. If you don't like wooden furniture then opt for a wood-effect floor; perfectly durable for a bathroom and compatible with underfloor heating, the humble solid wood floor is no longer the go-to.

Stone Effect & Concrete

Branching out from beige there are plenty of other neutral toned options; available in anything from large XL tiles that create seamless living and small format bricks that can be used in various different laying patterns to suit the mood of your room. We love Antler in a herringbone pattern; it helps blend the dramatic variation whilst still showing off the beautiful mottled finish of the glaze. Antler's neutral shading offers a newer take on the now mainstream industrial look.

When first popular in interiors a couple of years ago, concrete was seen in large expanses in conjunction with harsh white walls and metal furniture; aka a warehouse. We're now seeing concrete softening with subtle shades of grey through to light stone shades. Ranges like Tekno break down the expanse of the material with grout lines and blend seamlessly with other materials like marble. Softer concrete promotes a much more grown up aesthetic and more appealing for those with a less spacious home.

Small Format

With the ever-increasing popularity of XL tiles it's easy to forget the simple nature of the small format tile. These smaller tiles can still pack a punch with pretty patterns, gloss finishes, graphic grout lines and natural texture. Scale the neutral palette with rich terracotta like Elias, the Vulcano shade introduces a brown-grey hue to a neutral scheme giving your room depth.

If pattern is your thing then try Burbank, available in a swallow print or a graphic stitched design, this tile range is the perfect glossy tile for a splashback. Up the drama in your kitchen with bold coloured units and a concrete work top, both practical and graceful.

Tap into our Raw Comfort trend and live in a happy neutral space; our Pinterest board is full of inspirational ideas to get the ball rolling for your next project.