In the realm of bathroom renovations, small spaces often present unique challenges and opportunities. This project showcases the transformation of a small bathroom into a contemporary oasis, using the beauty and versatility of Palatina Blanco Brillo, a stunning large format, porcelain slab tile range that promises to elevate even the most compact en-suite. The Palatina Blanco Brillo tiles, boasting a sleek white gloss marble effect, serve as the cornerstone of this renovation project. Measuring 60x120cm, these large format tiles create a sense of spaciousness, making the compact en suite feel more expansive and airy. The timeless elegance of marble, combined with the glossy finish, adds a touch of luxury to the space, setting the stage for a truly sophisticated interior. To complement the minimalist aesthetic of the bathroom, a monochromatic colour palette was employed, with white marble as the dominant hue and black accents used on the vanity unit for contrast. Chrome fixtures further enhance the modern look and feel, adding a touch of glamour to the overall design scheme. The result? A harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication that exudes contemporary charm. One of the standout features of this en suite renovation is the subtle texture introduced through a stacked mosaic floor within the shower area. Utilising the same Palatina Blanco tile but in a matte finish, this bespoke mosaic adds visual interest and depth to the space, creating a focal point that draws the eye and adds a tactile dimension to the shower enclosure. This custom mosaic was made possible through Armatile's WeMake bespoke tile manufacturing service. The renovation of this small en suite demonstrates the transformative power of premium porcelain slab tiles. With their timeless elegance, versatile design, and superior quality, these tiles have the ability to turn any space into a contemporary sanctuary.

Yesterday marked a momentous occasion for Armatile as we proudly celebrated the official grand opening of our new showroom in Baldoyle, Dublin. It was a day filled with excitement, gratitude, and the promise of new beginnings. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our friends, family and associates who graced us with their presence, making the day truly unforgettable. We were honoured to also welcome two distinguished guests of honour: Rory Best OBE, former Irish Rugby Union Captain, and Adrian Henchy, Mayor of Fingal County Council. Their presence added an extra touch of prestige to our celebration, and we are deeply grateful for their support. A Journey of Growth and Success: The opening of our new showroom represents a major milestone in our company's history as we celebrate 49 years in business. From our humble beginnings selling carpet tiles from the McCanns family home-place - a small rural cottage in Loughgall, we have grown into the success story we are today. This new showroom location in the Republic of Ireland will allow us to continue to grow and expand our current market share, serving our customers with excellence and innovation. A significant investment of over £4 million was dedicated to the acquisition and fit-out of our new 15,000 sq ft showroom. This investment underscores our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for our retail customers and professional industry partners, including interior designers, architects, and contractors. The new showroom was designed by award-winning interior designer Garry Cohn. Featuring a design library complete with an extensive range of tile samples, our showroom is a true testament to design excellence and innovation. Garry Cohn also did the honour of being the MC at the event, adding his unique flair to the occasion. As our Chairman and Founder, Seamus McCann, eloquently stated at the event, "Our new facility provides tangible evidence of our long-term confidence in the Irish marketplace." We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and believe that our new showroom will take the Armatile name and reputation to new heights. Acknowledging Contributions: Seamus took the time to thank his wife, Pat McCann, co-founder of Armatile, for her invaluable contribution to the company's success over the years. Family is at the heart of Armatile, and we consider our employees as much a part of our extended family as we do our founders. Managing Director, Paul Quinn conveyed his sincere appreciation to all team members stating, "without our amazing workers we would not be where we are today, so, a huge thank you must go to them. Their tireless work allows us to stand here today in this magnificent new building." He also took the time to thank the companies loyal customers and long standing supportive suppliers. Christopher McCann expressed gratitude to the associates who played a pivotal role in the development and build of our new showroom. Special thanks were extended to Colin McKee, John Hanna, Darren Carr, and Philip Kilpatrick from Moss Construction; Kevin J. Hamell & Associates; Lucas Engineering Services LTD; Shane Fay from Horizon Property Support; Stephen McQuade from 2HQ Consulting Engineers; Ian Donnelly Associates Ltd; and of course, the one and only, Garry Cohn. Once again, we express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended our grand opening event. Your support and presence made the day truly special, and we look forward to welcoming you to our stunning new showroom again soon.

At Armatile, we believe that every home should tell a unique story, reflecting the personality and taste of its inhabitants. Our 'Real Home' feature takes you inside a stunning bathroom renovation project where we turned a vision into a concrete reality using our exclusive Cromat Perla tile range. In a generous 60x120cm size, these tiles became the foundation for a bathroom that would redefine luxury in the realm of residential interiors. The Bespoke Vanity Unit: Tailoring Luxury to Perfection One of the main highlights of this project was the creation of a bespoke vanity unit and basin using our 'We Make' services. The Cromat Perla tiles seamlessly extended from the walls to the furniture, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. This bespoke feature not only added a touch of luxury but also showcased the versatility of Armatile's capabilities. Our 'We Make' services empower clients to bring their dreams to life. From bespoke tile shapes and patterns to custom-designed furniture, the possibilities are limitless. This project stands as a testament to the artistry that can be achieved through collaboration with Armatile's skilled craftsmen. The vision for this bathroom renovation came to life under the expert guidance of our Design Sales consultant Catherine Whyte in our Belfast branch. The meticulous project management ensured that every detail was executed to perfection, creating a space that seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetics. The ultimate measure of success is the satisfaction of our clients. In this case, the client was not just satisfied – they were thrilled with the finished results. The Cromat Perla tiles, coupled with the bespoke vanity unit, transformed their bathroom into a haven of modern luxury. Do you have a project you would like to discuss? Then step into the world of Armatile, where innovation meets luxury, and customisation becomes an art form. Explore the possibilities with our 'We Make' services, and let us turn your vision into a reality. From bespoke tile designs to custom furniture creations, Armatile is your partner in crafting spaces that resonate with your unique style. Contact us at enquiry@armatile.com to embark on your journey of transformation – where every detail matters, and every home becomes a masterpiece.

When it comes to outdoor spaces, durability, aesthetics, and functionality are paramount. While traditional materials have their merits, porcelain outdoor tiles have emerged as a game-changer, offering a blend of beauty and resilience. If you're considering a revamp of your outdoor area, here's why porcelain tiles should be at the top of your list. 1. Unmatched Durability: One of the standout features of porcelain tiles is their exceptional durability. Manufactured under high temperatures, these tiles are dense, non-porous, and resistant to wear and tear. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, and are impervious to stains, making them an ideal choice for outdoor applications. 2. Versatile Aesthetics: Gone are the days when outdoor tiles were limited in design and texture. Porcelain tiles come in a myriad of styles, colours, and finishes, replicating the look of natural stone, wood, concrete, and more. Whether you prefer a rustic charm or a contemporary vibe, there's a porcelain tile that aligns with your aesthetic vision. 3. Low Maintenance Elegance: Unlike natural materials that require periodic sealing and maintenance, porcelain tiles are virtually maintenance-free. Their non-porous surface resists moisture absorption, mould growth, and staining. A simple sweep or occasional wash is all it takes to keep them looking pristine, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your outdoor space. 4. Enhanced Safety: Slip-resistant options make porcelain tiles a safe choice for outdoor areas, especially around pools, patios, and pathways. These tiles offer a textured surface that provides better grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls—a crucial consideration for families with children and elderly members. 5. Temperature Tolerance: Whether you're bracing the heat of summer or the chill of winter, porcelain tiles remain unfazed. Their thermal stability prevents expansion and contraction, ensuring that your outdoor flooring remains intact and aesthetically pleasing, regardless of the season. Transforming your outdoor space is an investment in both your property's value and your quality of life. With porcelain outdoor tiles, you're not just enhancing aesthetics but also ensuring longevity, safety, and ease of maintenance. Their unparalleled durability, coupled with versatile design options, makes them a stellar choice for modern homeowners. Embrace the future of outdoor design with porcelain tiles and create an exterior that's both stunning and enduring.

The entrance hallway of a home serves as more than just a passageway; it's the first impression, the welcoming embrace, and the transition between the outside world and your sanctuary. While many design elements vie for attention in a home, tiling the entrance hallway stands out as a decision with multiple benefits. Here's why you should consider tiling this pivotal space. 1. Durability Meets Functionality: Hallways, especially entranceways, are high-traffic areas exposed to the brunt of footfalls, outdoor debris, and the occasional spill. Tiling provides a robust and long-lasting flooring solution that can withstand the rigours of daily life. Unlike carpets that trap dirt or wooden floors susceptible to scratches, tiles are resilient, easy to clean, and maintain their pristine appearance year after year. 2. Aesthetic Versatility: From sleek and contemporary to rustic and traditional, tiles offer an extensive range of design possibilities. Whether you envision a monochromatic palette, intricate patterns, or textured finishes, tiling allows you to personalise your hallway to align with your home's overall aesthetic. Additionally, tiles can mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone, providing aesthetic appeal without compromising on durability. 3. Enhancing Spaciousness: Opting for light-coloured tiles or those with a glossy finish can make your hallway appear more expansive and airy. Tiles reflect light, creating an illusion of depth and openness—a valuable asset, especially in narrower or darker hallways. 4. Easy Maintenance & Hygiene: Tiles are inherently low maintenance, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep them looking their best. Unlike carpets that harbor allergens or wooden floors that demand specialised care, tiles offer a hygienic flooring solution that's easy to clean, making them especially beneficial for allergy sufferers or households with pets. 5. Seamless Transition: Tiling the hallway provides a seamless transition from the entrance to adjoining rooms. This continuity in flooring creates a cohesive flow throughout the home, enhancing visual appeal and creating a harmonious ambiance. 6. Value Addition: Investing in quality tiling for your hallway is not just an aesthetic upgrade; it's a value addition to your property. Potential buyers often appreciate the durability, functionality, and timeless appeal of tiled hallways, making it a desirable feature in the real estate market. Your entrance hallway sets the tone for the rest of your home. Tiling this space offers a harmonious blend of durability, design flexibility, and practicality. It's a decision that marries aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that your hallway not only looks inviting but also stands the test of time. Whether you're renovating or building anew, consider the transformative power of tiles and make your entrance a statement of enduring style and substance.

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!

Inspired by traditional designs, our Victorian floors are the perfect option for creating classically inspired spaces. Armatile has nearly 50 years of experience with Victorian tile flooring and today we’re going to show you how to choose the colours and patterns that best suit your home or project. What are Victorian Tiles? Victorian Tiles are a series of smaller tiles that make up a repeating pattern. Traditionally they are surrounded by borders and corners that complement the design of the main floor. The designs originated in aristocratic homes and churches in the 1800s and gradually spread to more common usage, especially in Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian era homes constructed in major UK cities pre-war. What are Victorian Panels, Borders and Corners? Victorian panels are the repeating patterns that form the main body of a Victorian tile floor design. We manufacture our repeating Victorian patterns on mesh-backed panels to ensure installation is quick and simple for the installer. Borders and corners are exactly as they sound; These components surround the panels to tie the whole design together. They follow a similar colour scheme and are in turn surrounded by small field tiles to help outline the Victorian tile floor design and centre the layout. Where should I use Victorian Tiles? Victorian tiles are best used in feature areas in the home such as hallways, bathrooms, kitchens and patios/pathways to create welcoming features with an uplifting aesthetic and kerb-appeal. Due to the materials used in the creation of the tiles, which have a naturally high slip resistance, as well as their high surface tension they are a safe choice for high traffic areas. How do I choose the right Victorian Tiles for my home? To choose the right tiles, the first step is to determine WHERE your tiles are going: Victorian Tiles in Hallways: If you are installing Victorian Tiles in your hallway, you should consider the existing colour scheme and features of that room to ensure your new floor complements that space. For example, in a period home is there a stain-glass decoration on doors or dividing panels? The size of your hallway will also affect what designs and patterns make the best use of the space available to you. Bear in mind that Victorian tile patterns are designed to be distinctive and attractive and work best when complementing the existing décor in a home. Victorian Tiles in Bathrooms: In smaller bathrooms complex patterns on the floor make best use of the space. A good rule of thumb to follow is the smaller the repeating pattern, the bigger the room will feel as you will see of the design. If space is not an issue, then the world is your oyster! As long as you consider the natural lighting then any design and colour scheme can be made to work. Victorian Tiles for Porches & Pathways: Originally, Victorian Tiles were used outdoors as a status symbol, adding a touch of grandeur to homes. Nowadays, they help to create kerb-appeal as a stunning outdoor feature. Beyond the inherent aesthetic value our Victorian tiles, due to their effective slip-rating (PTV+36), are perfectly suited for outdoor use as well. The main considerations for choosing tiles outdoors are finding the combination of colours and patterns that make the entrance to your home most welcoming. What are traditional Victorian Tile Designs? Traditional Victorian tile designs use a specific range of shades and colours to create patterns. Black & white, and burnt reddish-brown colours dominate the traditional design schemes and this leads to a very distinctive, classic aesthetic. The shapes are predominantly a mix of triangles and squares, with the latter sometimes angled to look like diamonds. This allows for the use of repeating tile patterns to create stunning Victorian tile features to form a focal point on the floors in your home. The checkerboard design is another popular layout that sees a lot of usage in period homes and buildings. It’s a simplistic design, traditionally using two contrasting colours. Black & White is the most popular combination. Even simple checkerboard tile designs can be visually improved with the addition of complementary borders and corners to centre and frame the layout. What are modern Victorian Tile Designs? Modern Victorian Tile designs typically use brighter colours than their traditional counterparts to put a new spin on the classic designs. The use of pale greens, light blues and soft pinks are being used to modernise designs without impacting the timeless characteristics of Victorian tile designs. The use of gradient colours, such as adding greys to traditional black & white designs, create much more dramatic features. The geometric tile pattern trend has continued to grow in recent years, with encaustic-style tiles especially taking off, so it’s no surprise to see people return to the original patterned floor format. What material are Victorian Tiles made from? Ceramic or Porcelain? Modern Victorian tiles are made from full-bodied porcelain to ensure the end product is durable and very long lasting. Porcelain is a denser, non-porous material that doesn’t require the application of a sealing product, making installation, cleaning and maintenance of your Victorian tile floors easier. Where can I buy Victorian Tiles? You can purchase Victorian Tiles on our site here. If you need help working out the measurements for your space you can submit your measurements by following our quick guide here.