The Environment and Your Home

Global warming is a pretty commonly used term in our modern society. I think majority of people these days have a general idea of the concept. Excess greenhouse gases produced from burning fossil fuels are trapped in the earth's atmosphere and creates a warming effect. Although this may seem like a potentially fantastic endless summer, in reality global warming is having catastrophic effects. The people of low lying island nations are slowly loosing their home to the sea, as are the animals living on the poles who's survival is dependent on the melting ice and there has been an undeniable increase in weather disasters in recent years. Global warming is a global issue and we all have to do our part to help reduce its effects.

Now I'm not suggesting revolutionary stuff here. I'm not saying throw out your phones, sell your cars and start using candles, but I thought I'd share some tips to get your home environmentally friendly. Not only will it help save the environment, in the long run it will help save you money.

Lights

Install energy saving light globes. They provide great lighting without using as much energy.

Separate your lighting. This way you can switch on only the lights you need, saving power.

Buy and use lamps. If you only need a small amount of light lamps are ideal as they use much less energy than lighting up a whole room.

Switch your outdoor lights over to solar power. This way you can light up your backyard using only the power of the sun.

Water

Install water saving shower heads. This reduces the amount of water you use per shower, therefore also reducing the amount of energy used per shower to heat the water.

Buy and use a dishwasher. A full dishwasher uses much less water than filling the sink and washing dishes by hand. Not only will you save water, but you will save time.

Heating/cooling

Invest in a good air con/heating system and ensure all doors are closed when using it.

Installing curtains will also keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter through insulation. A very good investment!

Bathroom Ideas to get your Heart Racing

Even though this years Melbourne Cup Carnival is nearly over, it does not mean that you can't have the sophisticated fashion emanating throughout your home for the rest of the year. This week I thought I'd take inspiration from the fashionable Melbourne ladies and share some bathroom ideas that fit with each of the major races dress code. Enjoy!

Derby Day kicks off the carnival with the classic black and white style. This is also a classic look for your bathroom. It is timeless and elegant and can have just as much of an impact as its colourful counterpart. 

Melbourne Cup is the biggest and brightest race the season. It's all about pops colour, which looks fantastic in any bathroom. You'll be surprised what a little splash of colour can do.

Oaks Day, also known ladies day, is about feminine hues, so think soft pinks and pastels. This colour scheme gives your bathroom a soft, relaxing feel.

Stakes Day has a casual dress code. So think dressed down and homely.

 

Photo credit: homeadore.com

Beautiful Bedrooms

These days I feel like our bedroom is more than a bedroom. I study there, play on my computer there, catch up on TV there. Essentially I do anything but sleep there!  However, in these busy modern times I think it’s more important than ever to have a sanctuary in your home, somewhere where you can relax and unwind. It’s time to convert our bedrooms back into cosy sleepy hollows and I have a plan!

Photo credit: Simon Whitmore for Ideal Home

1. Make friends with plants. Introducing a plant into your bedroom can purify air and reduce stress. A house plant is a perfect bedroom companion.

2. Invest in a beautiful bedspread. Go out and buy that ridiculously expensive bedspread you’ve fallen in love with. There is nothing more satisfying at the end of the day than collapsing into a soft bed you love.

3. Fill the room with wonderful scents. Lavender, vanilla, jasmine and rose all have calming effects which is exactly what you want in your new sanctuary. Try spraying your linen or burning a candle with these oils, you’ll be surprised of how the mood of your room changes.

4. Opt for candles or fairy lights. Not only do these types of lighting look beautiful they are less harsh and more calming than switching on an ordinary light. It will make it so much easier for you to get to sleep.

5. Make it your own. Your bedroom does not have to look like an Ikea catalogue room. The more you make it your own with pictures and holiday mementos, the more safe and calm

ing your room will feel. I know I love coming into my room and seeing the pictures of my best friends and family, it brings a sense of happiness to my room. Just don’t go crazy and clutter your space! Clutter equals stress, the opposite of what we’re going for here.

Photo credit: Katya De Grunwald for House to Home

So together let’s go back to when the bedroom was for sleeping and relaxing. We will all be better rested for it!

Summers nearly here, bring on the barbeques!

With the AFL Grand Final weekend been and gone, Australia can truly say goodbye to winter and hello to summer. With the arrival of summer I’m predicting a lot of cricket, sun-burnt noses and the constant smell of barbeques. On this note I wanted to write this week about creating the perfect, low maintenance outdoor entertaining area.

In Australia the barbeque has become something of a spiritual ritual, where whoever holds the barbeque tongs truly holds the power. Consequently, us Aussies seem to take a lot of pride in the condition of our backyard, however, hardly any of us have the time to maintain our backyard regularly. This is where some of my handy hints come in.

1. Opt for tiles or pavers. Of course we’re going to opt for tiles in any case, we sell them. However, for a low maintenance area tiles and pavers make sense. Typical decking, being wood, requires constant maintaining to retain its condition. Tiles won’t rot and maintain their good looks. If it’s the decking look you’re after there are now tiles that replicate the wood look, so it’s win-win.

 2.  Keep the grass to a minimum. Although grass looks and feels great it requires consent mowing in spring and watering to stay alive in summer. If you’re not sure you have time to maintain a lawn don’t plant one! 

 3.  Choose native plants. Our climate is not a very welcoming one and those water loving foreign plants won’t love it. Australian natives were born and breed here, they are made for our weather, and with such a wide variety of plants to choose from why wouldn't you go native? 

4.  Make it your own. You’re not going to love entertaining out there if it’s not you! So flick through magazines, scroll through the web and find your own style. Don’t conform, be you!

Hopefully this helped you with your outdoor entertaining area or at least got you thinking about it. Now I’m back to counting down the days until summer (and fingers crossed warm weather) kicks in. Only 60 days now I think...

Global Tiles: Mexico

When I think of Mexico, I wouldn't necessarily think of tiles. In fact, you wouldn't find tiles anywhere near my list of “things that remind me of Mexico”, which consists entirely of tacos, sombreros and the little girl on the ‘Old El Paso’ ad. However, if you put tiles and Mexico into the same search bar on Google you will not be disappointed!

(photo credit: http://www.sunset.com/home/before-after/oakland-home-remodel/tiled-stairs)

Mexico is actually famous for their beautiful hand crafted ceramics tiles known as Talavera. Talavera is white, tin-glazed type of ceramic, first introduced to Mexico by Spaniards in the sixteenth century. The city of Puebla is home to these stunning tiles where, due to the city being founded nestled between volcanoes, an abundant supply of quality clay can be found. The prevalence of art in Puebla means Talavera is achieved to such quality and beauty that it is exported to the rest of the American continent.

And Talavera is not limited to tiles! You can find an array of Talavera pottery that feature the same vibrant colours and hand crafted mastery. The craftsmen of Puebla make everything from a simple urn to a magnificent toilet with Talavera.

(photo credit: http://virtualvallarta.com/puertovallarta/puertovallarta/behind-the-scenes-at-a-ta.shtml)

A craft that has not changed since the sixteenth century Talavera is a true tile treasure of the world.

Mez's Living Room Reno

One of our team members shares a few of her living room renovation photographs using our stunning new Woodstyle Noce 300x1200. The transformation of this room is unbelievable! 

Before: 

During: 

After:

Bright and Bold Bathrooms

Eclectic Bathroom by Winnipeg Interior Designer Fenwick & Company Interior Design

Quite often our clients select bathroom tiles that are 'safe' and 'won't date too quickly', despite the fact that they really love a particular colour or look.

It's quite clear the the owner of the above bathroom loves blue as they have committed to the colour in a very large way, and there is no reason you shouldn't too!

If used well, colour can look fantastic! In this bathroom, the blue tones all work together to create a very luxurious space. They are then grounded by the neutral floor. 

If you are staying in your house for a number of years, whatever you pick will be dated by the time you sell anyway, so why compromise on having what you love?

Finally your home should be a reflection of the people who live in it. If you are vibrant people who love a bit of colour, then why compromise so that other people like it?

Decadent Dining

Sharing food with family and friends is an important part of any culture, which is why it is imperative for dining rooms to not only look great, but be comfortable and functional as well! 

We are seeing much more focus and importance being placed on the design of "entertaining areas" (living, dining and alfresco) as these form the social hub of the home, and so have decided to share some favourites with you.

Image From: Houzz

This dining room  uses a stunning combination of natural textures and tones to create a warm and welcoming feel.

Carefully selected furnishings ensure that this area is comfortable and stylish, while the deep tones ooze sophistication.

Products to view: Traverstone, Travertino Navona, Claystone 

Image From: Houzz

This space draws on lighter brighter tones, large open windows and mirrors to create a bright. open space. Once again, the furnishings have been carfully selected to be asthetically pleasing, functional and comfortable.

Products to view: Valmalenco, Travertino Navona, Caraculla

My Top 5... New Releases

I'm not going to deny it... I've been a bit slack on the blog writing of late. I've been going a bit crazy working on our new website, which has been a massive job, and forgot to update our blog... Sorry! 

But, on the up side, I have now decided that my main Monday job will be to write a blog post so below is today's. Enjoy!

Kim

My Top 5... New Releases

Counting down from 5 to 1, here are my very favourite new releases:

5 - Soho Walls

I love these wall tiles! They're available in 4 neutral colours and are 70x300mm. Their slightly textured surface gives real a point of difference.

 

 4 - Runway Walls/Light Traffic Floors

This series come in 2 formats (300x600 and 150x600) and 3 colours and offers a really funky option for a variety of applications.

3 - Compact Floors

These tiles come in 3 colours and would be perfect for a rustic/industrial concept. They have a fantastic textured finish and are great for feature walls in a variety of areas

2 - Graphic Walls

These wall tiles come in a sensational array of colours. My favourite is the blue! At under $50m2 they are a great deal cheaper than glass, but they look just as incredible.

1 - Zenith Floors

I have always loved travertine look tiles and these are no exception!
450x900, a gorgeous satin finish and

Brown paper packages tied up with strings...

We know that entering our showroom can be quite daunting to many. There are so many options and the hard part is always where to start. I often get asked what I would pick for my own home, and to be honest, I have no idea at all! There are so many different styles and items that appeal to me that I really would struggle if I were on the other side of the counter.

What I can share with you however are a few of my favourite magazines, websites and blogs. These have all, at some stage, given me amazing ideas and inspiration.

Without a doubt, my favourite website would have to be Pinterest. For those of you that have not discovered this amazing website, Pintrest is essentially a pinboard of inspiration and ideas for everything from home decor, to events, to automotive. There are thousands of images shared by thousands of users which means plenty of idea sharing! 

Another of my favourites is IKEA Hackers. I'm not a massive fan of the Ikea product as it is over used and not always the best quality, but I do love this website. It provides plenty of 'think outside the box' ideas that can be applied to a variety of objects. It is also great inspiration for small spaces. 

My newest favourite thing is Inside Out magazine. It's a magazine that has been out for quite a while but I have only recently discovered and I find myself counting down the sleeps until the next issue is released. This magazine, unlike many others, has something useful on almost every page, rather than being filled with product advertising. 

I also love the tips and tricks provided on the Honey&Fitz blog. There are also many other blogs floating on the internet that are full of information and inspiration which can be discovered by performing a blog search.  Enjoy x

When Less is More...

We quite often have customers visiting our showroom wanting to know how to make their home look ‘bigger’. A common misconception is that smaller tiles will make a room look larger as there are more tiles on the walls/floor, but this is not always so. Larger tiles can often make rooms appear larger as they provide more flow and fewer interruptions. Rectangles, laid horizontally, are also great for making rooms appear larger.

Gloss white 300x600 tiles are a favourite for bathrooms, particularly for those with dark, shadowy rooms, though it can be fun to think a little outside the box and go for something a little more dramatic.

Luxury Bathroom

Working with small, dark spaces doesn’t necessarily mean gloss white tiles. Working with the shadows and using dark tiles can create a magnificent room, full of drama and class. The bathroom to the left uses a combination of large format charcoal tiles and highly reflective glass mosaics, along with simple, clean lines with respect to the mirror, shower screen and vanity.

 

Kwreps

Similarly, this rather small kitchen uses dark and light contrasts to make a small, crammed space come to life. In this instance, the owners have chosen to use a small mosaic tile for their splashback, which brings together the dark and light tones of various finishes within the room.

The important thing in both of these rooms is the lack of clutter. Over styling and too many sentimental knick-knacks are the downfall of many fantastic rooms, making the space feel small and busy. A few choice objects around the room, and all clutter hidden, is the way to go, not only is it less to dust but it makes the space feel open and inviting.

Exciting Times Ahead

There are many exciting times ahead for Ultimate Tiles, which means many exciting times ahead for you, our customers.

At the moment we are working on the release of our new e-Newsletters which are tailor made to suit four different consumer categories (retail, design, trade and clearance specials). Our subscriptions are free and you can subscribe to more than one mailing list if you wish.

Our Facebook page has also been updated to include images and details of some of our clearance lines which means that you are now able to see what is on offer without leaving the comfort of your home!

But, by far, the most exciting thing that is happening at the moment is that our suppliers have FINALLY started to catch up with the international market and we are receiving some incredible new products that we are all just in love with! There are some divine digital prints that mimic beautiful natural stone (without the maintenance issue), large format products (800x800, 600x1200, 450x900), fantastic feature panels, beautiful new mosaics and new colourful options.

We have also seen the reappearance of the popular 100x100 format, coloured tiles. The colours that have been selected work beautifully within today's colour trends. There are 15 colours within the series that range from bright reds, blues and greens, through to neutral greys and browns, blacks and whites.

If you haven't found what you are looking for just yet, be sure to keep checking in store regularly. We have new products arriving constantly.

New Supplier = New Pretty Things

So it's been a while since our last blog post and my have things changed in store! We have recently established connections with a new supplier who import an amazing range of products that are completely different to much of what was previously on the market.

Each product has been carefully selected to fill a void in our current product range. There is a sensational array of tones, textures and sizes with many different installation options. Mosaic features, stone look wall panels, large format floor tiles and patterned wall tiles are all covered and provide a real point of difference for your next project.

To make way for these amazing new products, we have also been hard at work revamping our showrooms to allow for more display space and a more modern selection of concepts and ideas. This has been quite exciting for all of our team and there is a new energy in the air!

Our wonderful staff are, as always, on hand to assist you in the decision making process. Between us we have many years of experience (and perhaps wisdom) and a lot of design talent. If you're feeling a little bit lost, or can't quite find what you are looking for, now is a great time to come in and view our range!



As easy as 1...2...3...

Choosing colours for your new home or renovation can be so daunting and scary, especially if you have never done it before. There are so many objects, surfaces and colours to consider and if one thing isn’t right the whole project can be thrown into turmoil. 

So how do you make sure that you select the right colours? You could pay a small fortune for an interior designer and let them do it all for you, or you can follow these few steps and give it a go yourself! 

Step 1 – Research

Make sure you know what you like and what you think looks good. If you go into a show room and the salesperson shows you something you don’t like, don’t buy it just because the salesperson tells you it’s really popular. Trust your gut instinct and go with what you like; you have to look at it every day, not us!

Magazines, the internet and display homes are all great sources of inspiration. Have a bit of a look around before embarking on anything major.

Step 2 – Collect 

Collect samples and pictures of anything that takes your fancy. Spread them all out over a section of flooring that is in natural light and try to start to build a bigger picture of your project. Try to avoid picking the bathroom and then in six months time starting on the kitchen. Collect an array of surfaces and products that complement each other that you can then select from for each area of your home. 

Step 3 – Select 

Using the collection of things you have liked, try to select the colours for your whole house before starting anything so that, once finished, your house has some consistency. You don’t necessarily have to select the exact same cabinets in the bathroom as the kitchen and you don’t have to try to knock over your renovation in six weeks, but having an idea of where you are going with your project in its entirety before you start will give you a flowing, well finished home.

Brazilian Brilliance

Portobello

Coming soon to Ultimate Tiles are three amazing new ranges from Portobello in Brazil. These three ranges all offer a point of difference from our current lines and we think they are fantastic! 

The first of these ranges is the Eco Wood series. With six colours and two finishes, this range covers a wide range of timber colours and covers a multitude of different styles, from traditional to contemporary. 

I personally just adore the Eucalypto colour way. It combines beautiful washed neutral tones and gives an amazing base for so many fantastic designs. It would easily compliment French Provincial, Ultra Modern and Urban Contemporary styles and its warmth makes it perfect for use throughout the entire home. 

Portobello

The second range is the Travertino Navona series. This range has two colours in two large format sizes, 600x600 and 600x1200, and mimics the beauty of natural stone slabs. These tiles would make a stunning addition to a naturalistic or minimalistic themed home and tone beautifully with a multitude of different features and furnishings.

Portobello

The third range is the Pietra e Mattoni series. This series introduces five exciting new brick/subway tiles into the range. This series comes in varied colours and textures and has an option for every style. 

These stunning new products will be in our showrooms very shortly so pop by in the near future and check them out!

Urban Groove

homeinteriordesign

Sleek, modern and funky. ‘Urban Contemporary’ is a style which is being used more and more often in new homes and renovations. The style combines stone-like tones, dramatic contrasts and clean defined lines to offer a sleek yet welcoming finish. 

I love that this style allows for a house to really be a home! Whilst the furnishings in this style are minimalistic, this style has plenty of room for personal items such as photos and trinkets, as long as careful consideration is given to their placement. The style also encourages a creative use of available space, using wall units, chunky ottomans and couches that incorporate storage to conceal everyday clutter, keeping your home looking tidy and spacious. 

versace

Ultimate Tiles are currently displaying a large array of stone look products that range from budget smaller format tiles, right through to upmarket 800x800 tiles. We also have an amazing array of stone and glass/stone feature mosaics, with just about every colour, size and format catered for.

This is also an area of our range which has frequent new releases. Tiles mimicking natural stone and its drastic variation are becoming more and more popular. Several new releases within this area are indicative of a sway in trends from the traditional ‘brown and cream’ style of neutrals to naturalistic stone-like greys and soft whites, complimented by natural wood or natural looking wood laminates.

Just in Time for the Weekend!

Such a busy week we have had at Ultimate Tiles! We’ve landed a large selection of new ranges which have required some re-arranging and re-assessing of current product line. 

Brasil Lappatto

A favourite for all of our staff is the Brazil Lappatto! A stunning semi-polished tile that comes in 600x600 and 300x600 formats. This charcoal based tile has beautiful red-purple hues and can be described in no other way than ‘completely stunning’, surprisingly too; it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. 

We’ve also landed a couple of new ranges in the glazed product area. These ranges consist of matching floor and wall options and cover a multitude of colours and styles. The floors come in a 300x300 and 400x400 matt finish or a 400x400 gloss finish, with a 300x400 gloss wall. 

There are two series in this release. One has a mottled, somewhat uniform pattern, while the other is designed to mimic the movement patterns of natural stone. Both of these series are reasonably priced and work well with a variety of different feature products. 

One of our new 'Glazed' releases

If you’ve been struggling to decide, and haven’t quite been able to find the tile for you, head down to Ultimate Tiles and view our new arrivals. The products above are just 2 of the exciting new releases we’ve had this week, there’s plenty more to view in store.