Is Terrazzo Dead?

The other week we put one of those question boxes on our Instagram stories in the hope that some of our followers might have a burning question for us.

While it’s no secret most pages do this, I wasn’t prepared to do the classic influencer thing of asking questions from my account to make it look like we had a lot of interest. Instead, I waited it out. 12 hours later, we finally got one. And it inspired me to write this column. 

Our lovely follower wanted to know the next trend to look out for after terrazzo. In all honesty, this is a question we’ve spent a lot of time musing over for the last couple of years. You’re probably thinking, ‘years!?’ Yes, it’s been a slow burn but I’m finally going to address it here.

Terrazzo has held the top spot on the interiors trend list for a good five years. From funky coloured variants to classic greys, and porcelain replicas, this trend has really put its stamp on the hearts and homes of many.

As with most trends, there comes a time when the obsession dies down and the focus shifts to the next ‘in’ thing. And while I personally think terrazzo will never date, it’s time for a shake-up.

Natural stone, raw and organic materials are having a moment

Down to Earth

Echoing the colours, textures, and finishes of the natural world, interiors are beginning to shift into a warmer and more neutral style of design. Earthy and almost rustic, these textures and materials are being used in an incredibly contemporary way to create sophisticated spaces.  

Tones of terracotta, browns, warm whites and creamy travertine make up this earthy colour palette. Evoking a sense of calmness, these colours are warm and inviting – a feeling I’m sure we all look for in our homes.

There really is no room for flawless finishes in these spaces, so when it comes to materiality for this earthy interior trend, it’s all about embracing the beauty of the imperfect. I’m talking about handmade clay tiles, organic metals that will patina, and natural stone. Not only do these organic materials look beautiful once installed, but they also create a sense of tactility, inviting you to touch and feel every surface.

If you’re a colour fiend like me, you’ll be pleased to know that adding pops of colour is welcome in this interior aesthetic. No matter which way you use it, colour is the easiest way to inject your personality into this nature-inspired design style.

With all that in mind, I’ll end with this bit of advice: never feel the need to conform to ‘trends’ just because you see them everywhere. Interior design is just as much about personal style as it is about trends, so, find that perfect chunky terrazzo and go with it!

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 15 May 2022

Things to Consider When Choosing Pool Tiles

As the weather starts to heat up, so does our penchant for laying poolside. While Victoria’s manic weather patterns don’t always allow for the perfect summer, having a resort-like landscape in your home is usually more than enough to make you feel like you’re getting the tropical escape you need. This is, at least, what I imagine it must feel like when you have a pool in your backyard.

So, what does it really take to create the perfect outdoor entertaining and pool design to rival any resort you’ve ever visited?  Mostly, it’s about knowing the design you want to achieve and sourcing the right products to help get you there.

Create the perfect pool area with our selection of tiles and natural stone pavers Featured: Terra Crea in ‘Calce’

Interior Pool Tiles

Selecting the colour of your pool is generally the first step of designing a pool. The most common colours are blue, green, and white as they reflect light and water beautifully, enticing you to jump straight in. Alternatively, if you’re looking to add depth and interest to your pool, darker tiles will create a sophisticated feature in your outdoor space.

The next step is deciding on the type of tile. Ceramic and glass tiles are the most popular options available in the pool tile realm. While both are incredibly hardwearing and durable, they each offer their own benefits. Glass tiles naturally create a more shimmery effect against water due to their composition and can be fully customised to suit your colour scheme or design. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, ceramic tiles are your best friend.

Glass tiles create a beautiful shimmering effect under water Build + Image: King’s Gardens & Pools Tiles: GT&B

Surrounding Tiles

Getting your surrounding tiles right is just as important as the interior of your pool, as it sets the tone for the space. The main things to consider when selecting your tiles are the slip rating, durability, and of course, comfort (you don’t want to feel too hot underfoot).

You also want to think about the other elements you have in the landscape to ensure everything works together in harmony to create that luxe relaxation vibe you’re after. Natural stone pavers and porcelain tiles are the preferred options as they both offer these benefits. Porcelain, however, will offer easier maintenance in the long run.

Samphire House Pool Build: Doherty Building Group Image: Dave Kulesza

Samphire House Build: Doherty Building Group Image: GT&B

Samphire House Build: Doherty Building Group Image: Dave Kulesza

What’s next?

Like with everything, the right option for your outdoor pool area will always come down to budget and aesthetic. If you’re still unsure about where to start, ask the experts! Landscape architects and designers are a great resource to get you started; then visit us next to find the perfect tiles to create the backyard resort of your dreams.

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 20 November 2021

Italy, Natural Stone, and Other Musings

I’ve spent a lot of time this week dreaming about the first place I’d like to visit post-pandemic. Through all my musings and mindless #wanderlust TikTok scrolling, I settled on Europe.

Right now, I’d be happy to start and finish the day with a cone of gelato, devouring bowls of cacio e pepe at every opportunity, and aimlessly roaming cobblestoned streets. Okay, so I’m obviously talking about Italy. Lockdown has clearly gnawed at my brain for some time, but I promise there is a point to this imaginary anecdote.

Rome Streetscape Image: Fineas Anton

The one thing that truly stopped me in my tracks as I was thinking about my dreamy Italian getaway was the cobblestones. “What I would give to roll my ankle on the cobbled streets of Rome right now,” I pondered (note: laughed).

This thought then led me through an extensive exploration of the abundance of natural stone in European streetscapes and architecture. But more than anything, it left me thinking, “why are we so scared to use natural stone in our homes here in Australia?”

Now, I’m not saying this statement speaks for everyone. But from my own experiences speaking with hundreds of you in our showroom over the years, I often found resistance whenever I presented natural stone as an option.

Cobblestone pavement in Riom-ès-Montagnes, France Image: Unsplash

For the most part, the instant reaction related to maintenance; and I totally understand why. Some people want to lead a maintenance-free life wherever possible. But the reality is, natural stone needs no more upkeep than a regular porcelain tile. Maybe just a little extra TLC here and there. You’ve just got to clean spills instantly to prevent staining, seal them every few years, and make sure everyone in your household follows suit. Simple!

I’ve always found this sentiment interesting. Because, when it comes to exterior applications, bluestone, travertine, and limestone are always front runners. You could argue these stones are exposed to much more than sticky toothpaste and pasta sauce sitting outside in the elements; but they are always selected for their durability. And there it is – the key word. Durability. Cobblestones were installed to withstand heavy traffic year-round and Melbourne CBD is covered in bluestone pavers for this same reason.

These stones are nature’s gift, and I’d love to see the conversations around natural stone shift from boring maintenance concerns to a deeper focus on its durability and inherent sustainability. We’ve just got to think like the Europeans and bring a little more romance around the notion of natural stone. Who’s with me?

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 18 September 2021

Tub Time: The Best Bath for You

Stone or acrylic? Solid surface or cast iron? These questions float through our showroom daily as people consider the many options available when selecting a bath. Yes, it can be overwhelming (much like everything else that comes with the task of renovating or building), but it really doesn’t have to be.

With the extensive range of materials and finishes available to choose from, the perfect bath is out there for you. It’s just a matter of finding the right one best suited to your needs and bath-soaking desires. But before you begin to imagine the relaxation you will enjoy in your future tub, it’s important to understand the benefits of each material.

Calmo Freestanding Bath in Pietra Grey Marble

Natural stone

Natural stone baths are luxurious and will bring sophisticated beauty to any bathroom they feature in. Carved from stones such as Carrara, Travertine, Pietra Grey and even Terrazzo, these baths are inspired by natures beauty and are the perfect investment for bath lovers. Stone will naturally retain heat longer than a standard acrylic bath, ensuring you stay warmer for longer as you enjoy the peace and serenity. While these baths will be the striking feature to any bathroom, they do come with a hefty price tag and weigh a tonne (well not that extreme, but they are heavy).

Caroma Urbane Island Bath

Acrylic

Arguably the most versatile material on the market, acrylic baths are highly accessible and come in a range of different shapes and sizes. Acrylic baths are budget-friendly, lightweight and ideal for upper storeys and apartments. Select from freestanding, back-to-wall, claw foot and multi-fit variations to create the perfect bathroom space. While all acrylic baths are made to Australian sanitary grade standards, baths made from Lucite are a higher grade of acrylic and come with greater warranty. This patented cross-linked acrylic is incredibly flexible, strong, scratch resistant and protects against UV rays ensuring the white bath retains its colour for longer.

Concrete Nation Oasis Bath in Midnight

Concrete

What makes concrete special as a product is its extreme durability, meaning it can withstand multiple uses. Most concrete products on the market are constructed with fibreglass reinforcement, making it lighter and 10 times as strong. What’s more, these products are also more eco-friendly than some solid surface alternatives which can consist of synthetic resin binders. A concrete bath is certainly perfect for those seeking a raw aesthetic for their space. With companies like Concrete Nation creating baths in several colours, they are taking the old notion of concrete as a cold and harsh product, and turning it into a beautiful material bursting with design possibilities.

Fienza Shinto Bath Build: Doherty Building Group Image: Tim Turner

Solid surface

Solid surface or composite stone baths are a popular choice for those seeking a refined minimal look for their bathroom. These beautiful baths are made from a combination of resin, granite and quartz composites that mimic the natural stone feel without weighing your pockets down. Much like natural stone baths, a solid surface bath will keep the water warmer for longer. Another feature of composite baths is their resistance to scratching, as any marks can easily be buffed out and the bath brought back to its original state. With more and more manufacturers creating solid surface baths and basins, you have the freedom to design a harmonious space with matching finishes.

Devon&Devon Admiral Luxe Cast Iron Bath

Cast iron

Cast iron baths are the Godfather of baths. Regal and elegant, you can’t go past the timeless aesthetic these baths will bring to your bathroom. Moulded in history, claw foot iron tubs are meticulously hand crafted and can be enamelled in an array of different colours to suit your style. Not only do these baths provide an impacting feature to your bathroom, they will hold their heat just like a good cast iron pot. Choose these carefully, and ensure you have appropriate structural support for a cast iron bath as they are heavier than most freestanding variations.   

Bath lovers may choose to invest in a natural or composite stone bath to soak and relax in for hours. While those seeking the freestanding bath look without the price tag can achieve a timeless look with the simplicity of an acrylic bath. The possibilities are endless and you are bound to find the perfect bath for your needs as you explore our vibrant showroom.

Words: Alana Perin