Lucy Gleeson Interiors, formerly Lucy Loves Ya, is an interior designer and stylist. She also regularly updates her colourful blog with inspiration for the home on any budget and DIY ideas.
Lucy has recently embarked on a total kitchen refit, Lucy explains: ‘We wanted something easy to maintain and contemporary but also classic enough to ensure we never tired of it. As our home isn’t old, although has been built to look it, I really had to weigh up what would work both aesthetically and practically. The original ones laid were quite petite and I felt did nothing to accentuate the size of the kitchen. They were swallowed up – plus I really didn’t like the colour as it dominated too much. It just wasn’t me’
After much deliberation and searching for samples, Lucy selected one of our floor tiles, Urban Grey 600x600mm. Urban grey is a porcelain tile which has an ink jet print, creating a subtle, minimal cement effect.
You can check out Lucy's full blog, where she explains her selection process and finished result, here: five things to consider before choosing your floor tiles
1. Price
Lucy explains in the blog that your budget is probably the first thing to consider. It's great finding all your inspiration on the internet, however you have to be realistic regarding what you have to spend. Urban grey floor tiles are amazing value for an ink jet porcelain tile, and come with a beautiful matt finish.
2. Colour & Style
Lucy selected a stunning teal colour for her kitchen units with amazing gold accent. She wanted a colour tone and style that would create a minimal backdrop and the soft grey tone of urban grey complemented her colour scheme perfectly. Urban grey also has a modern styling, with a honed concrete effect and cement look, so was just the style Lucy was looking for.
3. Size
The format of the tile is key to consider and the larger 600x600mm size opened up Lucy’s floor area, with smaller grout lines creating a seamless effect to the floor.
4.Durability, Suitability, Texture.
Considering the room's purpose is key. Kitchens today tend to be the hub of the home, taking a lot of busy footfall. So Lucy wanted a non slip surface which was hard wearing. Urban grey floor tiles have are a great choice as they have a strong slip raiting and are also suitable for under floor heating, so perfect for a busy family kitchen in both a country or urban living setting.
4. Fitting
Ensuring your substrate is prepared well is important when fitting large format floor tiles, as having a flat level surface is key to ensure you don't have any unsightly lips from tile to tile. Tiling on top of existing tiles if you have the ceiling height is a great option as long as they are sound. If you have don't already have under floor heating, you could consider putting under floor matting below the tiles so you can warm your tiles on a chilly morning.
This is a collaboration with Lucy Gleeson
Tiles Gifted.
