More often that not, the hallway is the room last on our list when it comes to interior design. We need the kitchen re-configured, the French doors installing and the bathroom re-tiling. The hallway is just the place we pass through, right?
Wrong.
As my grandma always used to say, “First impressions count”. And the first place most people walk into in your house, is the hallway. So we need to grab their attention, perk their imagination and make them just a little bit envious.
Ripping up those tatty old floorboards or worn out carpet and putting down a patterned tiled floor is a great way of adding interest to your hallway and making it a space you’ll enjoy passing through. Not only that, the tiles will prove a far more practical choice for the main entrance into the rest of your home.
Let’s take a look at a few examples:
Monochrome Patterned Tiles
A classic look that’s well suited to period properties of the Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian eras. The black and white checkerboard pattern is a simple but highly effective way of turning very narrow, non descript hallways into spaces that ooze class, style and sophistication.
For a similar look, try pairing our unglazed Victorian Black and White tiles with matching border tiles. These borders are mounted on a mesh for ease of installing. Trust us, your tiler will thank you!
And he’ll also thank you if you choose our Dorchester Decor victorian-style tiles. These are based on more intricate geometric patterns the Victorians were famed for, and will make a great statement on any floor. Unlike the original tiles, which took an age to install, Dorchester features a glazed grout joint so it’s really quick and easy to lay.
Victorian Warmth
The Victorians didn’t mess around when it comes to tiling. Highly detailed patterns were the norm in hallways up and down the country. Many have survived the passing of time and trends and it’s not difficult to see why. The terracotta tones add a familiar and friendly warmth to hallways and porches alike. Walking down the stairs to these in the morning should bring a smile to even the grumpiest of morning people.
There are still very gifted craftsmen who are able to tile (and restore) these intricate patterns. Unfortunately such work can be beyond the budget of many of us mere mortals so for a similar look, try our Richmond ceramic tile. Rather than being made out of small pieces, this comes in a large size that creates the pattern when laid together. As with Dorchester, it’s far less expensive much quicker to lay than by using original tiles.
From Marrakesh with love
The geometric prints of Moroccan cement tiles have been popular with proper tile aficionados for years. Bright, eclectic and totally unique, these are a great way of adding fun and colour to your hallway. The latest inkjet tile designs have created porcelain tiles that are the same as these traditional designs at a fraction of the price.
They are also far easier to live with as they need no sealing or ongoing maintenance. A brush, vacuum or mop will do the job just fine and you don’t need to worry about damage. These are hardwearing tiles!
Take a look at our Patchwork Pattern, Abbey Decor and Tapestry ranges.
