Musings From Morocco

Contrary to what you might think based on the title of this article, I’d like to preface this story by saying that I, unfortunately, didn’t have the pleasure of exploring the wondrous sights of Morocco.

What I did do, however, was watch our directors Melinda & Trish do exactly that via Instagram stories earlier this month. And boy was it a joy to experience.

Whether they were wandering the busy souks of Marrakech or relaxing by the intricately tiled pool in their private Riad, I wanted a part of it. Upon their return, I was reeling questions at them like a prosecutor in court.

“What were the people like?” “Did you devour all the delicious food?” “Do they actually tile every single surface there?” The answer to my last question was all I needed to hear. Yes, they absolutely do tile almost every single surface you see. From tabletops to ceilings to pathways and columns, these surfaces are adorned with patterned designs made up of gloriously coloured tiles.

If you know me by now, which I hope you do dear reader, you will know that this tile situation is something out of my dreams. In an ideal world, this Moroccan tile fantasy of mine would be more widely accepted as normal or appropriate here in Australia.

But no, we as a people are far too concerned with perfectionism and functionality and ‘safety’ (whatever) to embrace the wondrous beauty offered by imperfect coloured clay tiles. To that, I say, how boring!  

Look, I know that the irregularities and imperfections inherent to Moroccan tiles just aren’t for everyone. But have you ever wondered why some of you may be inclined to think this way? I personally think our obsession with practicality and flawless surfaces has clouded our understanding and appreciation of beautiful design.

Moroccan artisans have handcrafted these tiles based on centuries of tradition. The resulting pieces are works of art complete with cracks, chips, and variations in colour, thickness, and size. They’re then laid in intricate patterns and glued down to every staircase, living room floor, shower base - and any other surface you can imagine – to create incredibly tactile and organic moments of pure beauty. That is the magic of Moroccan tiles.

If you’re going to take anything away from my musings today, let it be this: let go of perfect and think like the Moroccans do.

Just tile the damn floors and don’t get caught up on the slip ratings. P.S. small tiles = more grout = better slip resistance. You’re welcome.

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 27 May 2023

Trend Report | Cersaie 2021

For what has felt like a lifetime between exhibitions, the 38th International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, Cersaie, finally had the opportunity to open its doors and welcome visitors and exhibitors in person since 2019. The exhibition ran over five days from 27 September to 1 October, and saw a total of 623 companies showcasing their new collections to a total of 62,943 visitors.

As much as I wish I were one of the 24,019 international visitors present this year, I was more than happy to scroll through Instagram daily to catch a glimpse of the hottest trends from the tile and bathware world. While I’m not sure which of these beautiful products we’ll be privy to here in Australia, I wanted to take you through some of the standout themes to keep an eye out for.

Imagine by La Fabricca Image: Courtesy of FAP Ceramiche

Floral motifs

There’s nothing inherently new about tiles with floral motifs. However, each year, tile manufacturers take designs to the next level, and a pandemic wasn’t going to dim the light on their brilliance.

One of my favourite expressions of floral design showcased at Cersaie is ‘Imagine’ by La Fabrica. Each design features a variation of exotic plants in different colours and textures on thin slabs of porcelain for a dramatic effect. With this collection, La Fabrica has achieved wallpaper-like aesthetics with the durability of porcelain.

Mystic by Ceramica Sant’Agostino Image: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant’Agostino

Stone interpretations

Another constant in the tile design realm is natural stone-look porcelain. I can’t even begin to describe how many times my jaw hit the floor when I saw some of the collections. Some interpretations looked so real; it was hard to believe they were porcelain tiles.

‘Mystic’ by Ceramica Sant’Agostino caught my eye, and it was love at first sight. Inspired by the essence of marble, each graphic face of Mystic is a piece of art and captures the beauty and intricacies of natural stone.

Infinite Majesty by Masquespacio x Roca Tile Image: Gregory Abbate

Decorative features      

Cersaie also highlighted the versatility of porcelain, with many manufacturers showcasing bathware and decorative pieces constructed entirely of porcelain stoneware. Spain’s Roca Tiles took three of their stunning tile collections and transformed them into a sculptural masterpiece.

Through a collaboration with creative studio, Masquespacio, they created a collection of small sculptural and furniture pieces as part of their installation. Aptly named ‘Infinite Majesty’, the collection features polychromatic spheres, cylinders, cones, and prisms. But most importantly, the installation reminds us that porcelain can go beyond its traditional applications on floors and walls.

Cersaie 2021 was certainly a success (in my eyes anyway). Now, please help me manifest a world where these collections land in our showroom soon!

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 16 October 2021

Tile Selection Made Easy

Tile selection. For some, this task is the most fun and exciting step of the building process. But for others, the mere thought of choosing tiles is anxiety-inducing. If you fall into the second category, please don’t fret. We’re here to walk you through the absolute basics of tile selection to make sure your experience is seamless and stress-free.

Large tiles create the illusion of a bigger space

Get the Size Right

One of the first elements to consider when selecting tiles is the size of your space and the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Most people seek to get the most out of their space by making it look bigger than it actually is. The best way to achieve this is by installing larger tiles. Tiles 600mm x 600mm and larger require less grout, creating a more seamless finish. This also means less grout to worry about cleaning – winning!

If you’re not really interested in creating the illusion of grandeur, then any tile combination will work in your space. Just remember, as long as the design is a reflection of your personality, you’ve created a winner.

Different colours evoke various emotions, so think about this when you’re designing your space

Colour Your Mood                     

Just like the size of your tiles, the colour you choose can have an impact on the way people feel within the space. Lighter colours like whites, greys, and neutral beiges will add to the illusion of a larger space – if that’s what you’re looking to achieve.

Adding colour to accent walls, floors or splashbacks can impact the mood of a room. Different shades evoke various emotions, so it is important to think about the kind of atmosphere you wish to create.

Naturally, blue hues create calmness and tranquility – perfect for coastal-style homes. If you’re looking to radiate optimism and joy, yellow is your best friend. Power and sophistication are instantly achieved with black.

Matte vs Gloss

There is a common misconception that matte tiles are less desirable because they hold more grime than polished tiles. Let us set this record straight right now; matte tiles don’t hold any more dirt than their polished counterparts.

Generally, porcelain and ceramic tiles are glazed, and regardless of their final finish, this glaze acts as a sealant to prevent stains and ensuring easy maintenance. Matte tiles are also perfect for floors (especially in wet areas) and create a natural finish.

Gloss tiles are traditionally used on walls. Whether they’re large format or smaller subways or mosaics, gloss tiles will reflect the light to create the illusion of a larger space. Gloss tiles, however, can show water spots and streaks after cleaning more easily.

Matte and gloss tiles have a place in every space and it always comes down to personal preference and the aesthetic you want to achieve in your space.

Grout Selection 101

Selecting grout could quite possibly be the most important choice you make during this process. So, you want to make sure you get it right. Here are some things to consider: 

Matching grout

By selecting grout that is the same colour as your tile, you can achieve a much more seamless look. Matching grout also helps achieve a textural finish. Use this method if you don’t want to draw too much attention to the tiles. This works perfectly with plain tiles like penny rounds, square mosaics, or subways.

Contrasting grout

Contrasting your grout colour is a sure-fire way to create a statement with your tiles. This method will emphasise the shape and pattern they’re laid in; think black grout with white subway tiles in a herringbone pattern.

Complementing grout

Multi-coloured pattern tiles, terrazzo, or natural stone will work best with complementary coloured grout. Heck, any tile will benefit from a complementary colour.

Select tiles that reflect your personality and aesthetic Build: Doherty Building Group Styling: GT&B Image: Tim Turner

Do You, Always

 At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to design the space that speaks to your aesthetic and personality. Now that you understand the basics of tile selection, you should feel more confident as you embark on your renovation or new build. Visit the Geelong Tiles & Bathware showroom at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown to explore our extensive range of tiles for your next project.

5 Products We're Loving Right Now

As loyal followers and all-round GT&B Lovers, you would know that we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting products to bring you. That’s why we thought we’d take you through some of our current favourites, both new and timeless. Strap yourselves in because you just might find yourselves driving towards Newtown in no time.

Moroccan Tile Panels

We’ve always had a deep love for Moroccan Zellige and Bejmat tiles, but recently, we were introduced to another level of Moroccan tile royalty: Moroccan panels. When we tell you, our jaws hit the floor, they seriously could have caused an earthquake! No exaggeration.

Made entirely by hand, each piece is meticulously glazed, hand-chipped and pre-assembled with an epoxy resin for quick and easy installation. The result you’re left with is an incredible patterned panel with all the texture, variation, and colour you could ask for. Moroccan tile panels are perfect for use on kitchen splashbacks, counters, bathroom floors, walls, or hearths.

Sustainable Grout

Unlike most cement-based grouts on the market, Fugabella Color by Kerakoll is made using a resin-cement. This means it has a lower absorption rate and achieves other performance characteristics such as high surface hardness and high resistance to the most common acidic substances. The resin component also helps eliminate the risk of efflorescence, shading, and provides long-term colour stability.  

Formulated using a new mix of pure and natural binders, Fugabella is green building certified and features a very low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, which is safe for people’s health and in-turn has a lower environmental impact. Available in 50 impressive and decorative colours, Fugabella Color is the grout you need in your life.

Parquetry Flooring

We can’t help but fall deeper and deeper in love with parquetry every time one of our awesome clients select it for their project. Parquetry flooring achieves a timeless aesthetic with every application and will create a beautiful canvas for your furniture and interior furnishings to sing.

What we love most about parquetry flooring is its versatility – especially in porcelain form. Available in classic patterns and contemporary colours, parquetry-look porcelain tiles allow you to bring that style into wet areas and, in some cases, externally for a seamless and continuous look throughout your home.

Japanese Mosaics

Our new range of Japanese mosaics are full of history and character. The range, Mino, is named after the city they are manufactured. Mino is located within the Gifu prefecture, which has a long history of producing and innovating fine porcelain products.

A contemporary celebration of the manufacturing traditions and practices of this prefecture, our Japanese Mino mosaics are the perfect solution for anyone seeking an organic aesthetic in their home. In all honesty, they’ve made us want to tile every single surface of our own homes, they’re that perfect. Available in two distinctive styles – Linen and Crosshatch – and four colours each.  

Vilo Sink Mixers

The Vilo Pull-Out Mixer, a true icon of the sink mixer realm, has new friends! And they’re glorious. Just launched by Oliveri, the Italian-made Vilo now comes in an additional four colours: Gold, Gunmetal, Natural Brass, and Satin Chrome & White.

Now more versatile than ever, these sink mixers will complement many different styles and colour schemes. We personally love the height of the Vilo and think it will make the perfect statement in your kitchen, pantry, or laundry space.  

Prepare to be Inspired

Our showroom at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown is bursting at the seams with designer products for your renovation or new build. Visit Geelong Tiles & Bathware to explore our ranges and book a selection with one of our designers to get started on your project.

What’s the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?

Deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles looms over every customer when it’s time to redo their bathroom, kitchen, splashback, or tile any other room in the home. However, to most consumers, porcelain and ceramic mean virtually the same thing. While they technically are, there are some elements that separate them from each other. So, allow us to guide you through the real differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles.

High-quality Italian porcelain tiles Product: 600x1200 Opulence Eccentric

Why do People Confuse Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?

Like with everything in the industry, building materials are constantly evolving and improving with technological advancements; and the treatment of porcelain and ceramic tiles has been no different.

For many years, ceramic tiles were the preferred option for tiling floors for their easy installation. But as tile manufacturing advanced, people were introduced to porcelain tiles, the alternative material with a much higher price tag. This left people wondering (and still does); if porcelain and ceramic tiles are used for the same applications and installed with the same methods, why should I pay more for porcelain?

Ceramic floor tile Product: 450x450 Lexicon White

How They’re Made

The major differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles boil down to the process of making them. Porcelain tiles are made with a special, high-density clay, fired at a high temperature, and glazed with a liquified glass coating. Ceramic tiles are made with a coarser clay fired at a lower temperature and then glazed.

Due to the differences in density, porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles – making them the preferable option for high-traffic commercial applications.

The other difference to understand is the way in which they’re finished. Porcelain tiles have straight, rectified edges which means they can be installed with tighter grout lines to create the illusion of a seamless surface. Ceramic tiles come with cushion or rolled edge which requires larger grout lines between tiles.

Similarly, high-quality porcelain tiles feature more intricate and realistic prints to replicate natural stone and concrete surfaces, while ceramic tiles are manufactured with basic glazing patterns with less variation.

Italian-made travertine-look tiles with a rectified edge Product: 600x1200 Reverso Beige

Factors to Consider When Selecting Tiles

When you’re selecting tiles for your next bathroom, kitchen, or renovation project, you should firstly consider the scale of your project, aesthetic, and budget.

Most entry-level builder’s selections will allow a budget for ceramic tiles for their affordability and easy installation. If you’re building your dream home and want to invest a little more into your finishes, porcelain tiles are the perfect solution.

Concrete-look porcelain tiles Product: 600x600 Trust Grey

Doing the Best for Your Project

 There you have it, friends; the real difference between porcelain vs. ceramic tiles explained. Geelong Tiles & Bathware has a huge selection of porcelain and ceramic designer tiles that will elevate the look of your new space. Book in a selection with our designers, who will take the time to understand your needs and find the best material and tile design for your project.

Crazy for Curves

There’s something in the air and it’s making everyone go wild for curves, arches, circles, and soft edges – and we’re definitely here for it. There is something truly calming about the curved aesthetic that has the ability to instantly make one feel grounded and at ease. Whether you’re designing a contemporary or traditional home, the soft silhouette of curves has a place in your space (see what we did there).

The mirror into your soul

Large, small, ornate, or plain, mirrors are a thing of necessity and feature in all homes in one way or another. They have the ability to brighten a room and give the illusion of a larger space – almost like magic!

But lately, they have been getting a whole lotta love across the interior design realm, with shaped mirrors featured in every beautiful home on Instagram it seems. The most popular shape is the arch. With the combination of curved and straight lines, the arched shape feels both contemporary and deco-esque, almost perfect for any application.

Pill-shaped oval mirrors are also featuring heavily in our feeds and the minds of our customers. Striking and equally subtle in appearance, this shape is popular in stand-alone spaces like powder rooms, where you can afford to do something a ‘little different’.

Pill Shaving Cabinet ADP Australia

Textures and tiles

 Now, we don’t have ‘tiles’ in our name for no reason – we’re crazy about them in every shape and form. But for the purposes of this curvaceous blog post, we’re talking all tiles curved and round, 3D and patterned. 

From ceramic penny rounds, to handmade fishscales, and fluted marble tiles, you are bound to make a statement with your choice of curves. And the best thing about it? Just have fun with the design and take it all the way to the ceiling and beyond if you really want to (just like Bonnie did from Three Birds Renovations).

No matter what form of tiles you use, that sense of calmness we mentioned earlier will occur instantly. Create your own oasis, defined by your own terms, and enjoy the beauty of your space.

Now that’s what we call making a statement. Design: Three Birds Renovations

Curve it up with a twist

There are so many ways to express your personality in your home, and if you’re not really interested in putting the curves in your mirrors or tiles, you can always look at other applications of this wonderous silhouette.

We love the idea of curved island benches, arched hallways, and even round rangehoods. What’s more, you might even consider creating features within your home with curved glass, walls, or ceilings to accentuate the shape. Think in colour and texture, and add elements of softness through cushions, rugs, and even bedheads.

We could go on, and on, and on, and on…

Don’t be afraid to let your sense of style shine through your interior selections. If you want to learn more about the curved options we can offer you in store, just reach out to us and book a selection with one of our designers.

Peep Studio Torquay. Design: Salt Design Studio

Creating the Heart of the Home

One of the greatest pleasures working at a store like GT&B is being part of the process in creating incredible spaces in people’s homes. We are so spoilt for choice these days that we can create many different and unique rooms. And for us, one of the most rewarding spaces in the home to create is the kitchen.

This year we have seen some fabulous creations by many talented designers and builders from our region. Our customers are daring to be different, and these risks are truly paying off. With the thousands of products we have on display, our design team is loving working closely on these projects, bringing together all the elements to create an amazing kitchen tailored to each individual style.

If you are in the market for tapware and sinks, you may know that it’s all about colour. Granite sinks are growing in popularity and black and white variations are leading the way. These are often paired with brushed brass and, more recently, matte white tapware. In saying that, matte black sinks and tapware are still here to stay and are often used in both modern and period style homes.

Not only are the fixtures and fittings important when designing a kitchen, choosing your floor covering is just as important. The kitchen is the centre of most homes where the living, dining, and entry ways all lead to, and one of the most popular coverings we see customers using is engineered timber flooring. Our European Oak flooring range has been a stand-out collection for our clients’ main living and kitchen areas. With a wide variety of colours, it really is the go-to product for most homes.

As for the kitchen splashback? Marble has been the tile of choice this season. Hues of green, pink, orange, nero, Atlantic grey, and New York marble options are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. From popsicle shapes to broken shards of marble, the options are endless. What’s better, you aren’t limited to their application either. Think outside the box and tile your rangehood, counter-top, under-bench, or feature wall for a dramatic showpiece.  

Second to the marble mosaic is the classic subway tile. Ever-evolving, this product keeps re-emerging in new size formats and spectacular colours and textures. Many ranges have high variation in colour which adds a raw and rustic look and translates into a relaxed and natural feel.

So, if you are currently creating your dream kitchen, identify your style and have our design team help you bring this vision to life. We love helping clients realise their dreams, so now is the time to create a memorable and beautiful kitchen you can enjoy with friends and family (when we’re all allowed to!).

Melinda Skoko
*As seen in the GT Magazine