thisplace.com.au - Tiling - achieve the look without the price tag

For those of you who are looking to achieve the "look" without the price tag try a few of the tips below.

Always ask your tile shop if they have any discontinued lines; if you only have a small project, more than likely you will get lucky.

Even if you are not able to afford expensive floor tiles always remember "tezzetto" - these are the small feature tiles, which can really lift a simple floor (see photo 1). They range in price from around $8 to $25 and you can certainly get attractive ones for around $12.50.

If a feature tile is out of your budget think about the addition of a plain tile, which can be achieved by cutting one of the large tiles in quarters (think impact colours, eg. turquoise with white, as shown in photo 2).

Another attractive look, which is a big money saver, is framing your bathroom mirror with tiles, either using a plain tile cut into thirds to border the edge or using a border tile. Unfortunately, border tiles are ordered individually and are not usually on sale (photo 3).

Also for something different you might be able to ask your tile shop for any broken tiles, which they will (usually) be happy to give you. Then break them up into useable sizes to make a mosaic. Speak to your tiler about using the mosaics as your feature in the centre of the bathroom, at least you will always know your bathroom will be unique. All it takes is a little effort and imagination on your behalf to lay out the pattern.

Consider laying your floor tiles on the diamond. It does cost a little more but is well worth the effect; to finish it off think about a border as well. Remember that it will cost approximately 15- 20% extra in labour and allow 10-15% for tile wastage. But hang onto those excess tiles!!!! You never know when you may be producing that next mosaic.

A nice way to make your kitchen or bathroom basin really stand out is to use a small number of feature tiles as a splashback. These tiles are more expensive (upwards of $50 per square metre) but can be really effective (see photo 4).