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While tiles have been a popular choice for bathroom walls for many years, Google searches for ‘bathroom tile alternatives’ have increased by 48 per cent over the last three months. So why exactly are a growing number of homeowners exploring tiles alternatives for their bathroom, and what does this mean for retailers and installers?

The manufacturing process of tiles is particularly energy intensive. Considering that the cost of energy traditionally represents around 50 per cent of a tile’s overall cost, the recent surge in energy prices has forced manufacturers to increase product price points. Likewise, the same energy price surge has caused homeowners to abandon tiles for cost-effective methods of bathroom refurbishment.

bathroom tile alternatives Mermaid Panels

Homeowners are also looking to save money on the installation process, as well as product. It’s said to take three to four days to tile the average bathroom, at a cost of £700-£800. In comparison, fitting out an entire bathroom with wall panels can take as little as four to six hours, offering homeowners a significant saving on their total project cost.

Sources of bathroom styling inspiration are everywhere and as a result, there is a stronger desire for a more personalised interior. Rather than opting for a cold tile, homeowners can turn to bathroom wall panels to replicate natural materials such as wood or stone to create a unique bathroom space with added texture and depth. Time-poor homeowners can also eliminate the arduous cleaning process that comes with tiles and grout, as bathroom wall panels can be cleaned with the simple wipe of a cloth.

Quick to fit, easy on the eye and simple to maintain, bathroom wall panels have never been more appealing, creating a competitive tile alternative that may not have always been viable. Retailers and installers who are familiar with panelling and able to offer a broad variety of finishes stand to benefit hugely from what looks to be a market set for significant growth.

bathroom tile alternatives Mermaid Panels

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Utopia has added four new decors to its exceptionally popular range of 20mm solid surface worktops. Available with a choice of inverted chamfered or chamfered profile, the new decors include three on-trend veined marble effects, namely, Imperial White, Palladian Grey and Tempest Black, plus Metropolitan Grey, a granite effect worktop.  

Imperial White and Tempest Black both offer striking patterns for a bold and dramatic statement effect whereas Metropolitan Grey and Palladian Grey are subtle patterns designed to blend unobtrusively with the overall interior design scheme of the bathroom.

Imperial-White-20mm-solid-surface-worktop-from-Utopia

The new decors combine the look of natural marble or granite with the convenience, warmth and versatility of a manmade material. All are solid cast which means the pattern continues throughout the thickness of the material adding to the realistic effect.

The new additions capitalise on current and future colour trends, complementing Utopia’s extensive range of door finishes. Together with the existing 20mm solid surface effects, Polaris Crema and Polaris White, Utopia is delighted that these four new additions will offer the consumer a much broader and appealing choice, particularly in conjunction with its recent Roseberry launch.

Tempest-Black-20mm-solid-surface-worktop-from-Utopia

www.utopiagroup.com

Utopia has added four new decors to its exceptionally popular range of 20mm solid surface worktops. Available with a choice of inverted chamfered or chamfered profile, the new decors include three on-trend veined marble effects, namely, Imperial White, Palladian Grey and Tempest Black, plus Metropolitan Grey, a granite effect worktop.  Imperial White and Tempest Black both offer striking patterns for a bold and dramatic statement effect whereas Metropolitan Grey and Palladian Grey are subtle patterns designed to blend unobtrusively with the overall interior design scheme of the bathroom.

The new decors combine the look of natural marble or granite with the convenience, warmth and versatility of a manmade material. All are solid cast which means the pattern continues throughout the thickness of the material adding to the realistic effect.

The new additions capitalise on current and future colour trends, complementing Utopia’s extensive range of door finishes. Together with the existing 20mm solid surface effects, Polaris Crema and Polaris White, Utopia is confident that these four new additions will offer the consumer a much broader and appealing choice, particularly in conjunction with its recent Roseberry launch.

Family-run, independent online tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles predicts beige tiles will lead bathroom trends in 2023. This enduring neutral is not only endlessly versatile but it makes the perfect colour choice for a bathing haven. 

Richard Skeoch, director at Hyperion Tiles, explains: “Unfairly maligned for being bland and boring, beige is a shade with plenty of character. Mixed through brown and white or white and yellow, it’s a warm colour which works well with natural materials, such as stone, clay or wood.

“At Hyperion Tiles, we have a comprehensive collection of beige tiles, designed by leading tiles brands, such as Bert & May and Ca’ Pietra. This coloured tile makes an ideal choice for those who want to create a spa-style sanctuary.”

Hyperion Tiles






Understated contemporary style on a scale that delivers a dramatic backdrop encapsulates Metropolis, the latest tile range from Ceramique Internationale.

These impressive 900mm x 900mm slab tiles are available in three gentle tones – graphite, sand and silver – with a subtle tactile variation drawn from the urban characteristics of cement and concrete.

Designed in Italy by Casalgrande Padana, Metropolis tiles provide a seamless backdrop which will harmonise with any setting, from living room, kitchen or conservatory, to bathroom, patio or pool. They also deliver durability and ease of maintenance, providing the perfect relaxed feel for both floors and walls.

Director of Ceramique Internationale, Peter Vann, said: “Italy is the design epicentre of the tile world, and nobody does contemporary style better.

“The Metropolis collection is a perfect example of the Italian flair for combining subtle style with urban edge, ideal for creating a seamless modern look that will never date.” More information on the Metropolis collection can be found at https://tilesandmosaics.co.uk/?s=metropolis&post_type=product

Leading commercial tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles has revealed its latest carefully curated tile collection, seamlessly combining style with substance.

Responding to the changing demands of its customers, including architects and interior designers working across the commercial sector, CTD Architectural Tiles’ latest collection launch enhances its current offering of tiles suitable for a variety of applications and styles. The collection features both brand new tiles and updates to existing ranges, offering customers a variety of porcelain and ceramic tiles in a series of designs and sizes.

Details of all tiles available in the collection can be found on CTD Architectural Tiles’ website, where it’s easy to request free samples to discover the look and feel of each product. The supplier also offers unique Unboxing Presentations, where architects and interior designers can physically engage with samples while discussing them with a member of CTD Architectural Tiles’ expert team either in person or via video call.

The newly-launched collection includes several tile ranges offering users the highly sought-after mix of style and safety. Tele di Marmo Onyx perfectly captures this by providing the rare combination of a Pendulum Test Value of 36, the legal requirement for floor tiles in the UK, without dulling the marble-style finish. This unique tile is available in five shades comprising rich tones and contrasting transparent layers for a striking finish ideal for a luxury hotel or spa project.

CTD Architectural tiles
Tele di Marmo Onyx offers a luxury style combined with safety thanks to its PTV36 rating, making it ideally suited to high end commercial projects

Also offering a unique finish is Jive, a striking wall tile suitable for use both indoors and outdoors due to its glazed porcelain surface. This volumetric tile range plays on movement through its deep curves which utilise shadows for a three-dimensional finish, and is set to be a popular choice for feature bars and reception desks.

For a more classic look, Forest Jungle is a wood-effect floor tile with a difference. These tiles offer an unusual small format that is ideal for projects requiring the on-trend herringbone finish. Forest Jungle’s small configuration combined with shade variation and an aged surface design result in a modern take on this classic look.

The latest collection also features several tiles which are part of CTD Architectural Tiles’ ‘From UK Stock’ range, which encompasses highly technical and on-trend products suitable for any commercial project. All tiles included in this core collection are available for next day delivery across the UK; ideal for any project requiring a quick turnaround.

To discover more about CTD Architectural Tiles’ latest tile collection and to request free samples of the new tile ranges, please visit www.ctdarchitecturaltiles.co.uk

CTD Architectural tiles

Carbon neutral Dekton® is suitable for any areas which require surfacing – from walls, floors and ceilings, to wash basins, worktops and splashbacks – offering limitless interior and exterior design options.

The latest collection from its leading ultra-compact brand has been designed alongside international interior design powerhouse, Nina Magon, creating a one-of-a-kind surfacing collection.

Inspired by marble patterns and immersive living, the stunning series showcases eight daring and luxe colours: Awake, Lucid, Somnia, Neural, Trance, Vigil, Daze and Morpheus, which embody sustainability, forward-thinking innovations, and timeless elegance. Onirika represents a powerful journey where boundaries between dreams and reality become blurred.

Dekton Onrika
Dekton Somnia

Nina Magon said of the creation of Dekton® Onirika, “When working with the product development team, we realised we’re not attempting to mimic any existing natural stone. With Dekton technology, we are able to create our own colours and structures, bringing to life something that is unique, beautiful and irreplaceable. The purpose of Onirika is to showcase the versatility of Dekton. We want all designers, architects, and people around the world to see that the product is not only a book matched worktop with a waterfall, but can also be used on walls, ceilings, facades, outdoor spaces, and more”

Dekton Onrika
Dekton Lucid

Carbon neutrality has been achieved for the entire life cycle of Dekton®, covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, from the extraction of the raw material and the calculation of the direct and indirect emissions from its production cycle, and those derived from its use, to the end of the product’s life.  Thanks to its unmatched hardness, strength and durability, 

Dekton® is perfect for use in both outdoor and indoor applications, such as floors, wall and furniture cladding, kitchen and bathroom worktops and splashbacks, shower trays and washbasins. Available in various thicknesses and large format slabs, Dekton® is the perfect solution for any home project.

Creating a virtually seamless, durable mural, Metamorfosi from RAK Ceramics is a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eye-catching impression for any interior.

Metamorfosi is a large-format surface, available in two sizes – 120x260cm and 120x120cm. Inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature and responding to this important interior design trend, Metamorfosi is highly durable and splash resistant, just as porcelain should be, yet visually striking in its appeal, with several design options to choose from.

From geometric and floral patterns and lush tropical leaves, to bold and vibrant shades that tap into the trend for block colouring, Metamorfosi brings the beauty of nature in all its boldness indoors.

metamorfosi

The collection includes nine colours and 11 decors transferred on to large-format brushed resin porcelain stoneware slabs, to create striking wall decorations that become part of the interior design. The shapes on the ceramic surfaces have a handmade appearance, creating a versatile, contemporary a wallpaper effect.

Metamorfosi is part of the Signature Collection from RAK Ceramics, a modern, sophisticated product range of cladding solutions for all design requirements.

More news and product information from RAK Ceramics

metamorfosi

Showerwall, a leading designer of wall panelling, has unveiled its new Compact Collection, offering the real look and feel of tiles without the need for grout.

With five designs available, Showerwall’s Compact Collection is an effortlessly chic range that takes inspiration from some of the most popular trends and contemporary colours in bathroom and home design.

Compact Panels are made from a strong solid composite material, embossed to create a tile effect wall and the designs include the stylish Dove Grey and Silver Grey, the striking Midnight Blue, the nature inspired Hunter Green and the elegant Lily White.

These 3mm solid laminate panels are easy to fit through a waterproof system, reducing the fitting time compared with traditional tile products, and offer hygienic benefits as they are easy to clean and maintain.

Steph Harris, Product Manager for Showerwall comments: “Wall panelling has risen in popularity over the past 10 years, with more homeowners opting for the many benefits it offers. The Compact Collection offers the best of both worlds with a tiled aesthetic that features the unique, unrivalled benefits of Showerwall’s panels.

“The expansion of our range has been a truly exciting development. The simplicity of the collection it can easily be incorporated into any home, and the panels can be fitted over existing tiles allowing for quick bathroom refreshes.”

The Compact Collection panels measure 1220mm x 2440mm and are a waterproof system when installed correctly with coordinating trims, available in four complementing colours including Chrome, Satin Silver, White and Black.

The full Showerwall collection of Laminate, Compact and Acrylic panels offer a range of comprehensive decors to suit all tastes, backed by a guarantee of 30-years. The Laminate and Acrylic panels collections are currently available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200 x 2440mm.

For further information visit: https://www.showerwall.co.uk/

UK manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, Bushboard, has extended its wall panelling system. Nuance now includes 11 easy to install options in a move it says reflects changing interior trends and helps retailers meet the demand for natural-looking bathroom wall solutions.

Nuance, Nuance Designer and Nuance Acrylic are new for 2022, as is Nuance Vanity Worksurfaces which offers a wide choice of laminate surfaces that can be mixed and matched.

Bathroom_Review_Naunce_Bushboard
Alhambra and Driftwood

Nuance offers five on-trend categories that combine the appearance of stone, marble, wood, travertine and quartz together with textured finishes. Latest introductions include the stone inspired Lumiere and Light Portland panels, plus Cirrus Marble and Doux Lime Quartz, which are also replicated as vanity worksurfaces.  

Uniquely manufactured in Britain since 1935, all Nuance panels have high performance surfaces and a synthetic homogenous core that is 100 per cent impervious to water. Showrooms can present the panels in-situ in a variety of settings such as shower areas, wet rooms and finishing walls around baths.

Easy installation

Retailers will be able to appeal to time-pressured installers with Nuance’s ease-of-installation and quick-fitting time. While traditional tiling often requires specialist tooling and can take a significant amount of time to complete, Nuance can be sized, trimmed and fitted by an installer in a matter of hours. Flexible panel sizes include postformed panels and standard tongue and groove panels, which can be linked together to create walk-in wet rooms or shower enclosures. The 160mm finishing panel allows a run of tongue and groove panels to be finished vertically, also with a neat postformed edge detail.  

Thanks to the pre-finished profile of certain panel sizes, Nuance’s patented trim-free system means no edging strips are required for finishing either. Creating a dynamic showroom display is possible with the ability to rotate panels 90 degrees in any orientation to achieve matching or contrasting looks, as well as half height features or bath panels.

Bushboard also supply its own specialist ‘Complete’ adhesive and sealant which easily provides a professional and watertight finish. Available in 10 colourways which have been matched to the full range, Complete’s advanced formulation has excellent grab adhesion, gap filling properties and is straightforward to maintain and clean. Retailers can sell Complete alongside the Nuance range, with panels carrying a 15-year guarantee when used with the adhesive.

Bathroom_Review_Nuance
Nuance Panel Chalky Wood

Paul Findley, Product Sales Manager for Nuance, said: “The latest additions to our Nuance range have been carefully developed by our in-house team to offer a versatile range of wall panelling solutions that will help retailers meet the needs of installers and homeowners alike. Whether the customer is looking to tackle a complete bathroom renovation, refurbishment work or updating a shower cubicle, retailers can rely on the versatility of the Nuance collection when finding a product that will suit most customers’ personal tastes and requirements.

“As well as being visually impactful, featuring decors that have been inspired by natural materials, geometric shapes and tile effect layouts, the panels are really quick to fit too. Using Nuance, large wall areas can be covered in a fraction of the time it takes to apply individual ceramic tiles.

“When retailers are approached by installers, recommending Nuance is undoubtedly a win-win scenario that makes perfect sense, every step of the way.”

For more information about Nuance and the complete spectrum of bathroom surfaces available, or to order a sample, visit: http://www.bushboard.co.uk/nuance