IDS Toronto 2015 : what we saw and loved in tiles....

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the trade day portion of IDS in Toronto, Canada.  We saw some amazing pieces and looks, here are some of the highlights that caught our eye.



Patterned tiles:  these were almost everywhere.  They look a little crazy but they look sensational as a back splash with a basic kitchen.  We also saw these as an accent in bathrooms.

Tile shape: Another trend in tiles is the hexagon shape. Ceragres had an excellent display for both floors and walls with this shape. The colours were very neutral (although there are many many choices) but the shape is so interesting!

 

 It just adds an interesting twist to any space (and we are looking at hexagon tiles for our next project, too)  The IKEA kitchen display even had hexagon floor tiles!



 Another shape we saw was the 'lozange' . Again, nothing too wild but just a twist to add to your space. what was great is that the colour waves were still very classic but the shape adds the next level of sophistication to the space.



 Arabesque tiles were also a new and interesting shape.  It adds something new to a classic kitchen or bathroom.  It's an elevated look in the room and adds visual interest.  You can still keep a neutral colour palette.



Herringbone tile formation: again another tile trend we saw a lot of at IDS and we loved!  Again it's visually interesting and makes an impact with going over the top. 

 


This was seen in flooring and on walls. although this image is a more traditional look depending on the actual tile you could create a more modern or contemporary look.


 
And finally the last tile trend we saw a lot of at IDS was the 'wood' tile.  Basically floor tiles that look like wood from a style standpoint they look great and comes in many sizes (we like the 8" x 36"). 

 

And there is a range of looks - reclaimed wood (even a look with old paint residue), light to dark stain, grey tones, white tones and brown tones and some have great texture too! For a busy house hold this is a great option as it doesn't scratch plus if you love the look of hardwood in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchen but you are nervous about water damage this is for you!  It look incredible installed and in the showroom and apparently is something we will be seeing a lot of in new condos....



Overall, shape was the biggest trend we saw.  For the most part colours were neutral (ranging from taupes, beiges, whites, greys and some shades of blue and green and some metallic, too) but herringbone, hexagon, lozange, and arabesque were hot!  And the 'wood' tile was also a big favourite!  If you are not convinced that these 'wood' tiles are for you, definitely check out a showroom near you - I'm sure you will be convinced (I was)

Spice up your kitchen walls!

Paint is pretty and a perfect (and easy) way to transform any wall but check out these unique accent walls in the kitchen....


Tile has so many possibilities - flooring, counter tops and back splash so why not take it to the next level and create an accent wall in the kitchen with tile.  Tiles comes in so many different styles ranging from modern to traditional, a tile accent wall can add visual interest to any space.  Mosaics can add both pattern and colour, glass can add sparkle and shine and textured tiles can give a 3-D effect to your space.....

 

Nature lover?  Bring the outdoors in with natural tumbled stone like Sonoran stone (seen below).  It adds a lot of visual interest to the room with texture and warmth.  The tones in the stone really compliment the wood stain in the kitchen and the accents of black in the lighting and the seating give a bit more depth.  The contrast of the rustic elements and the streamlined furniture and cabinets. This stunning kitchen is warm and cozy and almost takes you away to an Italian villa

 


Classic and timeless and so luxurious....marble.  The marble backsplash in this kitchen has been carried right up to the ceiling and over to the window giving the entire space an elegant look and feel.  the soft grey veins in the marble have been accented with stainless steel elements like the over sized hood fan, stools and light fixtures plus the charcoal quartz counter top gives a bit of depth to the colour palette. The floor to ceiling marble gives this classic kitchen a slight modern (but timeless) edge.

 


 Want to take the industrial look to a new level?  How about covering your walls with corrugated metal?  Texture and shine plus it's easy to clean and maintain.  Paired with over sized pendant lighting and reclaimed wood gives this kitchen a warehouse look and feel.  This would really suit and open layout in a loft space.  This could also work nicely outside of the kitchen in a modern design home.



 


 Looking for some natural yet modern edge to your kitchen?  Stainless steel is great but how about wood panels, modern wood panels.  The natural grain add visual interest and wood adds a lot of warmth to any space. Paired with the white cabinetry and dining chairs and anchored with black counter and floating shelves this kitchen is sleek and chic, minimal with a touch of retro



 





 Here's a kitchen with lots of bold pop!  A Kelly green island with butcher block, over sized commercial grade stainless hood fan with a marble back splash and a floral wall paper accent gives this kitchen a ton of character.  A little eclectic but lots of fun!