The kitchen, often referred to as the heart of the home, deserves designs that resonate with both functionality and style. Among the myriad of design elements, the splashback stands out as a canvas waiting to showcase innovation and flair. As we navigate through 2024, here are five splashback trends that are redefining kitchen aesthetics. 1. Natural Stone Elegance: There's an undeniable allure to natural stone. From the timeless beauty of marble to the rugged charm of slate, these materials bring a touch of organic luxury to kitchen spaces. A honed finish offers a matte look, perfect for creating a subtle backdrop that complements both contemporary and traditional settings. 2. Artisanal Ceramic Patterns: Say goodbye to monotonous tiles and embrace the artisanal charm of handcrafted ceramic patterns. These tiles, often featuring intricate designs and textures, add depth and personality to kitchen spaces. Think Moroccan-inspired motifs, geometric patterns, or even bespoke illustrations that tell a story. 3. Bold Color Palettes: Step away from neutrals and embrace bold, vibrant hues. Whether it's a rich cobalt blue, a fiery terracotta, or a lush emerald green, colourful splashbacks inject energy and character into kitchen designs. Pair them with muted cabinetry and countertops for a balanced look that doesn't overpower the space. 4. Reflective Metallic Finishes: For those seeking a touch of glamour, metallic finishes are the way to go. Whether it's the sleek sophistication of stainless steel, the warm glow of copper, or the modern appeal of brushed nickel, metallic splash-backs introduce a reflective element that amplifies light and adds a luxe touch to kitchens. 5. Large Format Slab Tiles: Embracing the beauty of minimalism and continuity, large format slab tiles are making waves in kitchen design. These oversized tiles, often spanning from countertop to ceiling, create a seamless and uninterrupted visual flow. Kitchen splashbacks are no longer mere functional elements; they are design statements that set the tone for the entire space. Whether you're drawn to the organic charm of natural stone or the contemporary allure of metallic finishes, 2024 offers a plethora of options to elevate your kitchen's aesthetic. Embrace these trends, infuse your personal style, and watch as your kitchen transforms into a culinary haven that's as stylish as it is functional.

The smallest rooms in our homes often pose the biggest challenges when it comes to design. However, a petite bathroom shouldn't limit your creativity or style aspirations. Enter the transformative power of decorative tiles! Here's how you can leverage these design gems to elevate your compact bathroom space. 1. Choose Lighter Shades: Opt for lighter-coloured tiles like soft blues, gentle greens, or pristine whites. These hues reflect light, making the space appear larger and more airy. Additionally, light-coloured tiles provide a serene backdrop, setting the stage for other decorative elements. 2. Play with Patterns: While large, bold patterns might overwhelm a small space, delicate and intricate designs can be a game-changer. Consider mosaic tiles or subtle geometric patterns that add depth without being too imposing. These patterns can act as focal points, drawing the eye and adding visual interest. 3. Consider Tile Size: In a compact bathroom, tile size matters. Large tiles can make a small space feel even more confined. Instead, opt for smaller tiles or even subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. This creates a sense of movement and elongates the space, giving the illusion of depth. 4. Vertical Tricks: To visually expand the height of your bathroom, consider using vertical tile layouts. Vertical lines naturally draw the eye upward, making the ceiling appear higher than it actually is. This technique works wonders in creating an illusion of grandeur in confined spaces. 5. Accent Wall Magic: While it might seem counterintuitive, an accent wall can work wonders in a small bathroom. Choose one wall—perhaps behind the vanity or the shower area—and adorn it with decorative tiles. This not only adds a pop of personality but also creates a focal point, detracting from the room's size. 6. Blend with Neutrals: If you're hesitant about going all out with decorative tiles, consider blending them with neutral tiles. Create a border, or intersperse decorative tiles amidst neutral ones. This provides a balanced look, ensuring the space doesn't feel too busy or overwhelming. 7. Reflective Surfaces: Incorporate tiles with a glossy or reflective finish. These tiles bounce light around the room, amplifying brightness and creating the illusion of a larger space. Plus, they add a touch of sophistication and glamour to your bathroom. 8. Consistency is Key: While it's tempting to mix and match various tile styles, maintaining consistency in design can create a cohesive and harmonious look. Stick to one or two complementary tile designs to ensure the space feels unified and intentional. Decorative tiles are a versatile and impactful tool in small bathroom design. By strategically selecting colours, patterns, and layouts, you can transform your compact space into a stylish oasis. Embrace creativity, leverage optical illusions, and let your bathroom shine with personality and flair! After all, good design knows no size constraints.

Armatile Dublin Showroom, Baldoyle is now open!! The luxurious showroom is now open, Retail Director, Chris McCann said our company’s vision was to make the new showroom amongst the best in Europe in terms of design and visitor experience. And this has certainly been achieved. We have displayed many of our bespoke manufactured floor and wall surfaces for residential, hospitality, commercial and conservation design projects. We specialise in the design and creation of truly innovative products and a visit to our new showroom will certainly confirm this! We have been in the tile market for us for many years and the new showroom is very to accessible in the North Dublin Area. Chris McCann continued: “This new facility will provide tangible evidence of our long-term confidence in the Irish marketplace. We have supplied Armatile products to many projects across Ireland such as Mazda Ireland, several Peter Mark locations, and the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan, to name a few. A Dublin expansion has been in our plans for a few years and finally we have the perfect showroom, in an ideal location, with fantastic transport infrastructure for you to visit. “We have developed a reputation as one of the leading suppliers for architectural and interior design tiling solutions throughout Ireland and UK. We can design and manufacture bespoke and repeat mosaics, patterns, features, and fabricated products – all made to a client’s preference in our Armagh manufacturing facility. Our bespoke offering is something differentiates us to others within Irish tile market.” The new Dublin showroom is an inspirational experience showcasing the latest designer tiles from one of the world’s leading tile manufacturers. Customers will be taken on a journey through thousands of different interior design and external landscaping options, from format tiles to authentic wood effect tiles and landscape transforming porcelain paving. It’s a showroom well worth a visit!