On the tiles – great designs take to the floor

Cheer up a kitchen with swirly pattern

A gently curling design in tones of stone, sand and grey will add the illusion of softness to a country floor. Scrolling patterns with soft curves look wonderful in a country-style home as they reference earlier historical floor patterns and are restful, calming and inviting. Co-ordinate these tiles with walls painted in lime washes and clay paints of putty and stone shades.

Arabesque tiles, 8127V, 15.1 cm sq, £224.95sq m, Original Style.

Create a feature rug panel
In a small bathroom create a sense of space by using border tile designs to resemble a rug outline on the tiny floor space. For a contemporary feel, team simple border tiles with a panel of plain ones, or for a more eclectic finish try decorative floral tiles for the centre with a co-ordinating design for the border.

Add interest with shapely tiles
Panelling teamed with a chequerboard tiled floor is a traditional feature in many country homes. Try Moorish designs with sweeping curves for an eye-catching contrast to angular panelling, to soften the scheme and add splashes of colour.

Arabesque tiles, 12x20.5cm, cols Draa (blue), Imini (taupe) and Dades (white), £119.85 sq m, Fired Earth.

Be in step with a classic scheme
Intricate geometric patterned floors are synonymous with the generous hallways of large Victorian and Edwardian period homes. You can create a welcoming feel for the entrance hall in a smaller country home by using classic encaustic tiles in traditional styles and colours.

Make a patchwork
Embrace one of this season's hot trends by mixing bold patterns in bright shades for a quirky hallway floor. The tiles here are from the same collection and repeat some of the same colourways and motifs, but you could also mix and match. It's a good way, too, to use up stock ends. Marry with vintage-style furniture and accessories for a true country Boho feel.

Design on a grand scale
Add decorative grandeur to a classic country home using a strong-patterned tile alongside plain stone paving tiles. Large-format encaustic-effect tiles with intricate detailing capture the essence of the Mediterranean and, mixed with plain tiles, they will create a feature floor guaranteed to bring elegance to your interior scheme.

FS Salisbury tiles, 45cm sq, £61.68 sq m, Topps Tiles.

Use geometrics in modern ways
For a contemporary twist to a traditional black and white geometric design introduce a new colour such as pale taupe to soften the overall look. Team the flooring with clean-lined period-style details such as louvred shutters, a dado rail, simple wooden furniture or a fireplace surround painted in the same accent shade to ensure there is maximum impact. To avoid patterned tiles competing with period details go for a monochrome theme or reclaimed tiles with their muted patina.

Country meets contemporary
Bang on trend and extremely easy to achieve, a highly decorative tiled floor will lend a period country-style feel to a modern kitchen. Try patterned tiles in subtle shades in rooms without skirting for an earthy pared-back feel. For the most successful effect, stick to a pattern in a soft neutral palette and make it ‘modern rustic', with walls clad in natural wood, sleek white high-gloss units and appliances in industrial-style stainless steel.

Antique tiles, 59.6cm sq, £87.12 sq m, Porcelanosa.

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