Bolton Showroom
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sun: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Christmas / New Year Opening Times:
Tue 23rd Dec: 8am - 4pm
Wed 24th Dec to Fri 26th Dec: CLOSED
Sat 27th Dec to Tue 30th Dec: 10am - 4pm
Wed 31st & Thu 1st Jan: CLOSED
The showroom times will operate as usual from Friday 2nd Jan onwards.
Design & Ideas
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas That Elevate Your Space
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas That Elevate Your Space A kitchen backsplash is often one of the final elements chosen in a kitchen renovation project, yet it has the power to transform the entire room. More than just a practical splashback, the right backsplash tiles protect kitchen walls from spills and heat while acting as a striking design feature that ties together cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. A backsplash can also be a low-maintenance option that adds a personalised look to kitchen walls, allowing you to showcase your unique style with ease. Kitchen backsplash tile ideas can also serve as inspiration for homeowners, helping you visualise and plan a stylish and functional kitchen space. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or refining details in your dream kitchen, thoughtful kitchen backsplash tile ideas can add texture, character, and lasting style to your cooking space. Why the Kitchen Backsplash Matters in Kitchen Design At its most functional, a kitchen backsplash protects the wall behind the hob and worktop from cooking splashes, heat, and stains. But from a design perspective, it does far more. A well-designed kitchen backsplash: Anchors the kitchen visually Introduces texture, colour, or pattern without overwhelming the space Creates a natural transition between cabinetry and worktop surfaces Adds personality while maintaining a timeless look Because the backsplash occupies a focused area, it’s the perfect place to introduce detail or contrast in an otherwise restrained kitchen design. A kitchen backsplash can also serve as a piece of art, becoming a decorative focal point that elevates the overall aesthetic of the space. Kitchen Backsplash Ideas: Finding the Right Style Direction There’s a growing trend toward using backsplash tiles as a design moment rather than a background surface. Some kitchens benefit from subtle, tone-on-tone tile choices that quietly complement wood cabinetry or marble countertops. Others use bold patterns, mosaics, or handmade tiles to create a more personalised, statement-making design that reflects your unique style. When exploring kitchen backsplash ideas, it helps to decide early whether you want: A backsplash that blends seamlessly into the kitchen walls A tile backsplash that acts as a focal point A balance between the two, where texture does the talking rather than colour Bolder geometric patterns are favored in contemporary spaces for backsplash design. This clarity makes it easier to narrow down tile materials, shapes, and layouts. Choosing the Right Tiles for a Kitchen Backsplash Different kitchen tiles offer different visual and practical benefits, making material choice one of the most important decisions. Ceramic tile remains a favourite for backsplash tiles thanks to its versatility, durability, and wide range of colours and finishes. From classic subway tiles to modern shapes, ceramic tiles suit both traditional and modern kitchens. Porcelain tiles offer excellent durability and stain resistance, making them ideal for busy cooking spaces where spills are part of daily life. Glass tiles reflect light beautifully and can help smaller kitchens feel brighter, though they show marks more easily and require regular wiping with a damp cloth. Stainless steel tiles work particularly well in modern kitchens and pair effortlessly with stainless steel appliances, creating a cohesive, professional feel around the hob. Natural stone tiles, such as marble, add natural variation and elegance, but they require sealing and careful maintenance to protect against stains. Hand painted tiles introduce charm and individuality, offering a unique style that feels handcrafted rather than mass-produced. Tile Backsplash Materials and Durability Durability is just as important as appearance, especially in high-heat zones near the hob or range. Porcelain and stainless steel perform particularly well where heat and moisture are constant. Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to maintain, while natural stone and handmade tiles need a little more care to preserve their beauty. Choosing materials that suit how you cook ensures your backsplash continues to look stylish long after installation. Hand Painted and Handmade Tile Backsplashes Hand painted tiles are often chosen for their character and artistic quality. Slight variations in colour, pattern, and shape give these tiles a depth that machine-made options can’t replicate. They work beautifully as: A framed splashback behind a range A decorative panel in an otherwise modern kitchen A subtle pop of colour in a neutral space Because handmade tiles are often more porous, sealing is essential to protect them from spills and stains, particularly in areas exposed to cooking splashes. Styling Kitchen Backsplashes for a Timeless Look While trends come and go, certain backsplash styling choices tend to age better than others. Full-height tile backsplashes that run from worktop to ceiling create a clean, architectural look that feels intentional and modern. Subway tiles laid in a simple pattern offer a timeless look, while mosaics or bold shapes add interest when used in moderation. Colour plays a key role too. Dark tiles can add drama and contrast, while lighter tiles reflect light and help keep the space feeling open. Even a subtle yellow or green tone can add warmth without overpowering the room. Designing a Backsplash Around Stainless Steel Appliances Stainless steel appliances often act as visual anchors in a modern kitchen. Pairing them with backsplash tiles that complement their finish creates a more cohesive look. Matt or softly textured tiles balance the reflective nature of stainless steel, while grout colour choices can subtly enhance or soften contrast. Stainless steel tile sections behind the hob can also echo appliances while providing excellent heat resistance. Installation and Maintenance Considerations Some backsplash tiles are suitable for confident DIY installation, but complex patterns, mosaics, or large-format tiles are often best installed by a professional. Many tiles, such as ceramic, subway, and mosaic tiles, are designed for easy DIY install, allowing homeowners to install a backsplash in a weekend. Peel and Stick Tile is ideal for backsplashes that can be installed in one weekend for a DIY project. Maintenance is generally simple: Wipe tiles regularly with a damp cloth or mild cleaner to keep backsplash kitchen tiles looking fresh Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage grout or surfaces Reseal grout or natural stone as needed Good installation and aftercare protect both the tile and the kitchen wall tiles beneath. Kitchen Design Tips Using Backsplash Tiles In smaller kitchens, simpler tile layouts and lighter colours help keep the space feeling balanced. Larger kitchens can handle bolder patterns or darker tones without feeling heavy. The backsplash should complement, not compete with, cabinetry, floor finishes, and worktops. Even when using bold tile, keeping surrounding surfaces calm allows the backsplash to shine without overwhelming the room. Budgeting for a Kitchen Backsplash Backsplashes offer one of the best opportunities to introduce style without exceeding budget. Because the tiled area is relatively small, investing in higher-quality or handmade tiles can still be achievable. Ordering samples allows you to see how tiles interact with light, wood tones, marble surfaces, and cabinetry before committing, an essential step for achieving a perfect blend. Final Thoughts: Elevating the Kitchen Through Thoughtful Tile Choices Kitchen backsplash tiles may cover only a small surface, but their impact on the room is significant. When chosen with care, they protect, enhance, and personalise the kitchen, turning a functional splashback into a lasting design feature. Whether your style is bold or subtle, modern or classic, the right backsplash tiles bring character, durability, and elegance to the heart of the home, and that’s what makes a kitchen truly complete.
Designing for Longevity in a Trend-Driven Industry: Creating Kitchens And Bathrooms That Age Well
Designing for Longevity in a Trend-Driven Industry: Creating Kitchens And Bathrooms That Age Well Introduction: Designing Beyond the Trend Cycle Design trends come and go, but kitchens and bathrooms are rooms we live with every single day. When designed with careful attention to detail, they become spaces that feel just as right years from now as they do on day one. Designing for longevity is not about avoiding creativity, it’s about creating kitchens and bathrooms that age well, adapt to daily life, and remain practical, elegant, and user friendly as a house and its occupants evolve. Whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation for a first home, upgrading a family bathroom, or creating a new bathroom in a primary bedroom or ensuite, longevity starts with thoughtful decisions that go beyond surface-level trends. Seeking advice from experts and learning from personal experiences can help you make informed decisions for kitchens and bathrooms that are both long-lasting and stylish. Researching design ideas on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can also help refine your choices for bathroom renovations. Designing With Time in Mind Interior designers often talk about timeless design, but what this really means is designing rooms that still work when your lifestyle changes. A bathroom that feels fresh today should still feel calm and functional when children arrive, routines shift, or accessibility becomes more important. One key idea for kitchens and bathrooms that age well is to incorporate features that support longevity, such as wide walkways and doorways, essential components of an ageing-in-place design. Kitchens and bathrooms that age well tend to prioritise: Simple, well-proportioned layouts Durable materials that handle moisture, heat, and daily use Storage that supports real life, not just styling Light that works from morning through evening These principles apply whether the room is compact or generous, vibrant or restrained. Kitchen Design That Lasts Beyond Trends Kitchens often anchor the whole house, influencing how other rooms flow and function. When planning a kitchen that stands the test of time, it helps to think beyond finishes and consider how the room will be used every day. The 'Working Triangle' rule is essential for maintaining an efficient flow between the sink, oven, and refrigerator, ensuring the kitchen layout remains practical and user-friendly. Worktops, backsplash tiles, and cabinet doors should feel cohesive rather than decorative. White tiles remain popular for good reason, they reflect light, work with changing accessories, and allow texture or subtle pattern to take centre stage elsewhere. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry can maximise storage and reduce visual clutter, while a carefully chosen backsplash tile introduces character without overpowering the space. Even in a vibrant space, restraint allows the kitchen to evolve naturally as furniture, rugs, and accessories change over time. A well-chosen rug can add warmth and texture to a kitchen, complementing the overall design and providing both comfort and style underfoot. Bathroom Renovation: Start With How the Room Is Used A successful bathroom renovation begins with understanding how the room fits into daily life. A family bathroom has very different needs to an ensuite in a primary bedroom, and both should be planned accordingly. Good lighting is essential in a bathroom to create a welcoming environment and enhance functionality. Before selecting tiles, marble finishes, or shiny surfaces, it’s important to establish: Who uses the bathroom and when Whether the room supports baths, showers, or both How storage will function for towels, toiletries, and cleaning items A bathroom can also be decorated with accessories, artwork, or wallpaper to create a stylish and personalized space. This foundation ensures that design features feel intentional rather than purely decorative. Bathroom Vanity Units That Balance Style and Storage Bathroom vanity units are often the hardest-working pieces of furniture in the room. For longevity, they need to be both stylish and practical. Wall hung vanity units create a lighter visual feel and make cleaning easier, while floor-standing designs can offer additional storage where space allows. A double vanity works beautifully in shared bathrooms or a primary bedroom ensuite, giving each user defined space and reducing daily friction. Deep drawers are far more user friendly than shallow shelves, especially in family bathrooms where children’s items and toiletries accumulate quickly. Choosing durable runners and solid carcass construction ensures the vanity continues to perform well long after installation. Walk-In Showers, Bathtubs, and Flexible Layouts A walk in shower with a barrier-free, step-free entry is one of the most requested features in new bathrooms, offering enhanced accessibility and safety for people of all ages and abilities. Step-free entries, clear glass, and well-drained shower areas are practical, accessible, and visually clean. Walk-in showers with step-free entry enhance safety and accessibility for aging in place, making them an ideal choice for inclusive, functional bathroom design. In rooms large enough to accommodate both a shower and bathtub, zoning becomes key. Positioning the tub in a corner or beneath a window can create a natural focal point, while keeping the shower area simple and enclosed helps control moisture. Nonslip flooring is critical in bathrooms to prevent slips and falls, further supporting safety for all users. For those considering a flooring update, check out this guide on how to tile a bathroom floor. For family homes, baths remain essential, especially with young children. Designing the space to accommodate tired feet, bath toys, and towels ensures the room continues to function as needs change. Lighting That Evolves With the Room Lighting has an enormous impact on how a bathroom or kitchen feels, yet it’s often treated as an afterthought. Wall lights positioned either side of mirrors provide balanced illumination for daily routines, while pendant lights can be used carefully over vanities or tubs to add softness. Layered lighting allows the room to transition from practical in the morning to restful in the evening. Mirrored panels help reflect light in rooms without large windows, making smaller spaces feel brighter without relying on shiny surfaces. Dimmers offer flexibility and ensure the room always feels appropriate to the moment. Materials, Tiles, and Surfaces That Age Gracefully Tile choice plays a major role in how a bathroom or kitchen ages. Mosaic tiles can introduce texture and interest in small areas like shower walls or backsplashes without overwhelming the room. Green tiles or backsplashes can add a calming, natural ambiance to kitchens and bathrooms, creating a nurturing atmosphere. Matt finishes tend to disguise wear better than high-gloss options, while subtle texture adds depth. Marble and stone-inspired tiles bring elegance but should be used thoughtfully to balance practicality and maintenance. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are durable, water-resistant, and versatile options for kitchens and bathrooms. Grout colour, tile size, and layout all matter, especially in wet areas where water, soap, and steam are part of daily life. Low-maintenance surfaces, such as larger tiles with rectified edges, reduce cleaning effort and prevent mold buildup. Creating a Focal Point Without Locking in a Trend Every well-designed room benefits from a focal point, whether it’s a bathtub, vanity, or feature wall. Framing this element with tile, light, or carefully chosen features creates interest without relying on short-lived design trends. A bathroom should be as thoughtfully designed as any other room in the house, balancing aesthetics and practicality to make it an inviting and functional space. Keeping surrounding walls, floors, and ceilings calm allows the focal point to shine while preserving flexibility. Be cautious when choosing overly bold or patterned tiles for a focal point, as these can lead to a design that feels outdated quickly. This approach ensures the room can be refreshed easily with new towels, mirrors, or accessories rather than a full renovation. Designing for the Future, Not Just the Present Designing with future needs in mind doesn’t mean compromising on style. Step-free showers, wide doors, and reinforced walls for future fittings all contribute to a bathroom that remains comfortable and safe. In primary suites, thoughtful bed placement is essential for accessibility and comfort, ensuring the space remains practical as needs change. Storage that adapts, lighting that can be adjusted, and layouts that remain accessible help the room support changing routines, growing families, and long-term living. Installing grab bars in showers and alongside toilets enhances safety. Easy-grip handles for taps and cabinet hardware are recommended to accommodate limited dexterity. Investing in quality fixtures and materials can also prevent future maintenance issues in bathrooms. Budgeting for Longevity Even on a tight budget, longevity is achievable by prioritising the right elements. Waterproofing, plumbing, and layout should always come first. Cosmetic elements can be phased or updated later, allowing the room to feel fresh without major disruption. Interior designers often advise investing in the parts you touch every day, taps, drawers, doors etc. as these affect how the room feels far more than purely decorative details. Final Thoughts In a trend-driven industry, designing kitchens and bathrooms that age well is a considered choice. By focusing on proportion, light, storage, and material quality, these rooms can evolve gracefully alongside the rest of the house. With extensive experience in interiors and interior design, we understand how thoughtful choices shape spaces that stand the test of time. The result is a bathroom or kitchen that feels complete, comfortable, and timeless, not because it follows every trend, but because it supports real life, now and in the future. Durable materials, flexible layouts, and warm timeless aesthetics are key to designing kitchens and bathrooms that maintain appeal beyond 2026.
Earth-Toned Interiors: The Shift Toward Warmer Neutrals
Earth-Toned Interiors: The Shift Toward Warmer Neutrals Introducing Earth Tones to Your Home To create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your earth toned interiors, it’s important to thoughtfully introduce earth tones into your home décor. Choosing the right mix of earthy tones is essential to start building a cohesive scheme that feels both natural and harmonious. Starting with a neutral backdrop, such as classic neutrals like beige, taupe grey, or soft sand tones, allows you to build layers of varying shades and rich colours that add depth and warmth without overwhelming the space. These background colors serve as the foundation for the overall scheme, allowing accent colors to stand out and create visual interest. Earthy tones include colors like brown, green, grey, orange, red, and yellow, so shades found naturally in the world around us. Earth-toned interiors utilise a natural palette inspired by the earth, including warm browns, olive greens, terracotta, beige, and soft rust. A neutral color palette is widely made up of varying shades of earthy tones and is incredibly versatile. Earthy interiors benefit greatly from the use of natural materials, wood, linen, rattan, and stone, that complement these earth toned colours and contribute to an organic feel inspired by the natural world. Earthy Color Schemes for Different Rooms Living Room Ideas In the living room, earth toned colours like warm browns, chocolate brown, and terracotta pair beautifully with shades of green such as sage green, olive, or pine green to create a balanced and sophisticated space. Olive green is an earthy tone that adds vibrancy to a room when used in rich shades. Incorporate soft furnishings in these earthy hues to add texture and comfort, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. A bold piece, such as a statement chair or artwork, can draw the eye and create contrast within the scheme, making the space visually dynamic. A feature wall painted in clay or ochre can add richness and serve as a stylish focal point without overpowering the room. Bold accents and plenty of cozy textures help create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Rich wood floors are a classic choice for incorporating earthy tones and enhancing the cozy, cocooning effect of warm browns and terracotta. Natural light plays a crucial role in highlighting the subtle variations in these shades, making the space feel calm and welcoming. The primary effect of earth tones in the living room is a sense of relaxation and serenity, making them ideal for this space. Dining Room Inspiration For the dining room, rich reds and burnt orange accents can be introduced through furniture or accessories to add vibrancy, warmth, and a sense of sophistication. Adding a fun piece, such as a colorful vase or a unique light fixture, is a great way to prevent the space from feeling too formal. Paired with a neutral backdrop and natural wood dining furniture, these earthy colour palettes create a welcoming environment that encourages connection and conversation. Designers recommend prioritizing composition over decoration by layering endless combinations of natural materials like wood, stone, and linen to enhance the atmosphere. The current trend in earthy colors includes rich, energizing tones like burgundies, spicy browns, clay pinks, ochres, and olive greens. With these designer suggestions, you can rest assured that all your decorating needs are covered, and these strategies do the job of creating a warm, inviting dining space. Bedroom Ideas Bedrooms benefit from the softer side of earth tones, such as taupe grey, beige, and muted greens, which foster a relaxing atmosphere and tranquility. Painting walls in these shades or incorporating them in textiles and soft furnishings creates a soothing retreat. Cream is an ideal accent for creating a restful and cozy bedroom, especially when paired with richer hues. Choosing colors that are closer in hue helps create a harmonious and restful scheme, enhancing the sense of rest. Complementing these colours with warm tones like ochre or chocolate brown in throws or cushions adds richness and warmth to the space, making it a great choice for a restful environment. Earth tones reduce stress, foster a connection to nature, and provide a sense of stability, making the bedroom a place you won't want to leave. Key colors for earth-toned palettes include beige, taupe, sand, cream, mocha, chocolate, sage, moss, terracotta, burnt orange, slate grey, and deep navy blue. Earth tones are revered for their grounding and calming qualities, making them ideal for restful bedrooms. Bathroom Ideas Incorporating earth tones in the bathroom creates a serene and spa-like atmosphere that promotes relaxation. Use warm browns, soft beiges, and muted greens in tiles, paint, or accessories to bring a natural, calming vibe. Natural materials like stone and wood accents enhance the organic feel, while these hues help make the space feel warm and inviting. Earth toned bathrooms offer a timeless look that’s easy to refresh with simple decor changes. The Role of Texture and Natural Materials Texture is essential when working with earth tones to avoid a flat or monochrome look. Even a touch of natural materials or color can lend a grounded, organic feel to the space. Layering different textures, such as a wool rug, linen curtains, leather furniture, or woven baskets, adds richness and tactile interest. Using natural materials not only enhances the organic feel of earth toned interiors but also strengthens the connection to nature, reinforcing the calming and grounded qualities of these earthy hues. There is a growing appreciation for how these elements contribute to a soothing and grounded atmosphere. Earthy tones are shades that you would find out in nature, including terracotta, tans, browns, greens, reds, and blues. Pairing Earth Tones with Other Colours While earth tones and earthy tones are versatile on their own, pairing them with complementary colours can elevate the overall interior design. A neutral color palette, made up of varying shades of earthy tones, is incredibly versatile for pairing with other colors. For example, deep navy blue contrasts beautifully with warm terracotta or burnt orange, creating a dynamic yet balanced look. Incorporating light wood furniture or brass accents is a great way to brighten and add contrast to earth-toned interiors. Similarly, soft yellow or muted blue accents can bring freshness and lightness to an earth toned colour palette, keeping interiors from feeling heavy. Gray is another excellent choice, as it can be paired with other earthy tones to create a sophisticated and calming scheme. Using bold accents is a way to make your space stand out and brighten the overall palette. Insights from Interior Designers Earth toned interiors are experiencing a major trend, with designers and homeowners alike embracing these palettes for their modern yet timeless appeal. Interior designers often recommend starting with a foundation of neutral colours and gradually layering in earthy hues to create a space that feels both current and enduring. If you're ready to refresh your home, stick to a cohesive palette of natural shades for a harmonious look. They emphasise the importance of considering natural light and room orientation when selecting earth toned colours, as these factors influence how colours appear throughout the day. The answer to creating a timeless space is to remember to stick to natural, earthy hues and layer materials for depth. Modern earth-toned interiors often prioritize composition over decoration, layering various natural materials to enhance the atmosphere. Incorporating classic neutrals with rich, warm tones ensures interiors remain stylish and inviting over time, making earth toned interiors a sophisticated and contemporary choice. Other Ideas for Enhancing Earth-Toned Interiors To add personality and uniqueness, consider incorporating artwork, ceramics, or decorative objects in rich reds, ochre, or clay hues. Adding a unique piece can instantly transform a place and make it feel more personal. There are plenty of ways to enhance earth-toned interiors, and all ideas are covered in this guide. Indoor plants also complement earthy interiors by introducing vibrant greens and reinforcing the connection to nature. Additionally, using painted walls or feature walls in earth tones can dramatically transform a room’s mood, creating a welcoming and sophisticated space. The endless possibilities of earth-toned palettes allow for creativity and personalisation in interior design. These ideas help you create layered earthy color schemes that feel modern and timeless. Why Earth Toned Interiors Feel Modern and Timeless Earth toned interiors strike a perfect balance between contemporary style and timeless appeal. Their grounding, warm tones evoke comfort and stability while allowing for flexibility in styling and colour combinations. Whether through painting walls in subtle taupe grey or layering furniture and décor in rich browns and warm oranges, these interiors create spaces that feel both fresh and enduring. By thoughtfully incorporating earth tones, different shades, and natural textures, you can create interiors that not only look stylish but also provide a calming, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of the natural world.
