Tile patterns

Herringbone patterns are traditionally seen on wooden parquet flooring, but this skinny slice of bathroom wall makes a real impact, as the unexpected pattern adds interest to an otherwise simple space. Cleverly, the pattern actually extends up from the floor to draw the eye along the length of the room. This is a single herringbone pattern, but there are other variations to try, from double to diagonal.

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Tumbled flagstones in creamy hues work well in a variety of sizes in this Versailles layout. What at first glance appears like a totally random pattern is actually, on closer inspection, a well-thought-out floor. You’ll definitely want to call in the professionals for this one, particularly as cutting real stone is a craft in itself, but the result is full of rustic character.

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A clever trick designers use to make small rooms feel bigger is to lay larger tiles, like these substantial, blocky rectangles, in a no-nonsense, horizontal grid pattern. It creates a sleek effect, with fewer grout lines helping the scheme look less fussy.

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