Play with pattern: how to tile your way to a trendier kitchen

People are often afraid to use colourful, patterned tiles in their kitchen. How do you get around this?

Tiles are the perfect way to add colour to a kitchen. They're a timeless option and bring in an element of texture which you cannot achieve by simply painting a wall.

If you're afraid of adding colour, work in small spaces. There is no need to go big and bold straight away. Keep in mind that while you want to create a feature with colourful tiles, you do not want to feel bothered by them. At Opia Design, we suggest calming colours and earth tones.

You suggest working in small spaces. Where should one use tiles in a kitchen?

A new trend among European designers is using zellige (glazed Moroccan tiles) for countertops and bar areas. When it comes to floors, creating a "rug" visual with
cement tiles surrounded by plain concrete tiles or wooden flooring is another favourite new trend.

What guidelines can you give for using tiles in a practical context?

The most important factor when it comes to tiles is that they protect walls against humidity and damp, especially when water condensation is not always absorbed by extractors in your kitchen.

The original use for zellige tiles was in spas and steam baths, as they are highly resistant, easy to clean and their colour doesn't fade over time. All these characteristics create a practical yet beautiful kitchen space.

Some tips for combining different tile designs to create a feature?

If you are afraid of using patterned tiles in a large space, mix them up with plain tiles in between. The movement and glazing of zellige tiles reflects light, so place them in direct sunlight or indirect warm lighting.

Mix zellige and cement in the same space; the contrast is magic.