Patterns, materials, colours – the options are endless. Here are several tips on how to choose the right surface materials for your bathroom.
Forgo real wood for some realistic dupes
Wood is not advisable as a bathroom surface as it could be damaged due to the moisture in the bathroom. An alternative would be wood lookalike porcelain tiles – designed to look like real wood but are water and heat-resistant. Wood tones also give a space an earthy and cosy vibe, making spaces appear warmer – a good look for the sanctuary that is the bathroom.
Image credit: Hup Kiong
Play with shapes and textures
Tiles with similar textures and hues can bring a different look to the space. Here, the wood patterned tiles used as flooring are contrasted against similar wood textured tiles in smaller sizes on the wall to create a quiet contrast to the wall and concrete bath for a rustic look.
Image credit: Hup Kiong
Keep it interesting with patterns
Patterned tiles are a great choice for creating accent walls and as an alternative to textured tiles and mosaics that may be hard to clean. To prevent the space from looking too cluttered, stick to two or three colours for your bathroom theme and balance out the accent tiles with simple monocoloured surfaces and fixtures.
Image credit: Hafary
Unconventional shapes are always fun
You can put an interesting spin in your bathroom by using non-conventional tile shapes such as rhombus and hexagons without adding a contrasting colour. For easier maintenance, use glazed tiles, which are easy to clean. If you prefer matte tiles however, go for surfaces which are level and not too rough for easy maintenance.
Image credit: Hafary
Get creative with concrete-lookalike materials
Concrete screed can achieve a raw, industrial look but is not suitable for the bathroom as it is porous and absorbs water, making it prone to stains. A good alternative would be to use concrete screed coloured tiles to create the same vibe. The tiles, available from Hup Kiong, are made of porcelain, can withstand water and are easy to clean – making it a hassle-free solution.
Image credit: Hup Kiong
Keep your vanity clean and simple for easy maintenance
For a low-maintenance and durable bathroom countertop, opt for quartz. Silestone, known for its quartz surfaces has a wide range of colours and finishes with their range that also allows for the integration between the countertop and sink resulting in lesser joints and seams, making cleaning easier.
Image credit: Cosentino
This was adapted from an article originally published in the July 2017 issue of SquareRooms.
