magazine #6

Ceramics Curated

CERSAIE UNCOVERED

JAMES SHARES HIS PASSION FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

The Papier Collection

WALLPAPER-EFFECT TILES

Mega Marbles

DESIGNING LUXURY SPACES

Atmosphere Porcelain Tile

600x1200mm

In and out finish

Atmosphere shown in Grey.

*All prices in this magazine are valid at date of print as of 16 March 2023, for mainland Australia and are subject to change without

welcome to 2023, hopefully, a year of normality and success for everyone!

2022 was a year of significant disruption for the building industry. Product shortages and customer delays meant the availability of trades became very scarce. I sincerely thank all our retail, trade and builder customers, large and small, for their patience and understanding as we worked through these challenging times. And a massive thank you to the National Tiles team, who went above and beyond to help our customers.

The year ahead is already filling up with plenty of excitement and opportunity. To significantly improve our last-mile proposition, National Tiles will be rolling out a number of brand-new stores and launching two state-of-the-art warehouses in QLD and VIC.

As our buying team recently went to Europe, a spectacular pipeline of new products is on the water and ready to inspire our customers in their home creation or renovation. From floral designs to bright colours, the new ranges are the best we have bought into the Australian market for many years.

If Covid-19 taught us anything, it is the value we place on our home to provide a safe and comforting environment. As the largest familyowned tile business in Australia, National Tiles understands that for customers, value for money is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. We continue to work harder than ever to provide our customers with the best quality and prices backed up by our Lifetime Guarantee.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy the latest edition of our magazine. I hope you are just as inspired as I am by the outstanding tile, timber and stone offerings we have for you in 2023.

Campbell

prior notice.

gaden collection

acontemporary classic, the Gaden collection captures the beauty of the traditional and natural travertine stone. The versatility of this tile is mindblowing; manufactured to be used on floors and walls, the detailing that transpires displays characteristics of a natural travertine. Being a large size of 450x900mm for the tiles, they require less grout lines, making a seamless stone effect for both indoor and outdoor applications and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and living areas.

Gaden is available in two tones: cool and silver Perla, and warm and natural Beige. Gaden Perla carries hues of grey with subtle off-white veining and shades of grey with faint earth-like pigments.

Gaden Beige has hues ranging from beige all the way through to pigmented browns.

from the editor...

It’s that time again! Welcome to issue number six of the National Tiles Magazine: Innovation Issue. Colder weather might be on the way, but things are heating up at National Tiles.

We’ve got an action-packed and exhilarating year ahead, with network expansions, trade events, digital innovations and loads of new and neverseen-before tile, flooring and trade products to introduce to the Australian market.

As always, this issue will feature the best of our brand-new ranges, design features, expert tips and interviews. We’ll unpack the Cersaie 2022 experience and explore the latest European

the team

trends, from the traditional to the novel to the beautiful and unusual.

This year’s trend mantra seems to be ‘out with the ordinary and in with the extra.’ Colour of all types is still in the forecast, everything from deep rich block colours that scream sophistication to dreamy botanical murals that exude beauty. Travertine and terracotta return to the throne, along with a myriad of marbles and a multitude of stones.

So grab a warm drink and settle in for a cosy read with the innovation issue of the National Tiles Magazine.

Bart grew up around the building industry, doing rouseabout work for his builder dad, Eddie. He’s been with National Tiles for five years, working in various roles and is currently the digital producer. He manages our website content, campaigns and personalisation, e-commerce catalogue, looking after email and digital marketing. Bart’s idea of colour is dark green, navy blue, black and marle grey.

Olivia is originally from England, but after catching the travel bug, she left in search of warmer waters and landed in Australia. Having made Melbourne her home, Olivia joined the National Tiles family in late 2021 as the Campaign Manager. When she isn’t concepting new campaign ideas, Olivia enjoys riding horses and falling off her skateboard. Liv likes the va-va-voom of pink and red at the same time.

Rachel is a dynamic and results-driven art director with over 15 years in the creative industry. She has built a reputation for delivering impactful solutions that enhance business growth and brand awareness. Rachel thrives when developing effective creative solutions that align with business goals. Her favourite country is Morocco. She loves the tactile textures, colours and culture.

Sami is the newest member to join the National Tiles family. She is a digital content creator who loves pop culture, video content, and endlessly scrolling on TikTok. As the Social and Content Coordinator, you can find her creating content calendars, researching the latest online trends and finding cheeky ways to slip emojis into captions. Her favourite colours are mauve green and pastel yellow.

B art Schofield Editor

Sam i JenkinsContent

RachelWardArt Dire

Olivia HamiltonCampaig

fragmenti cotto

The Fragmenti Cotto collection, made in Tuscany, is now available at National Tiles. This collection is rooted in the Impruneta area, near Florence, in the valleys of the Ema and Greve rivers, and is rich in a unique clay called Galestro that produces a distinctive colour.

anatural and authentic collection made using the traditional techniques of firing and forging. These applications produce a stunning range of contemporary tactile and textured tiles with universal appeal. We talked with two of Australia’s leading design professionals about this range and how it can work for their clients.

Design and analytics came naturally to New Zealandborn Adrian Ramsay, encouraging a desire in him to study architecture. And while dyslexia thwarted this ambition, it led him to explore other creative pursuits, from television production to fashion design. Adrian explains, “I never had any formal training. I learned by experience, from designing swimwear for women to running designs for a brand called Canterbury of New Zealand.” He was UKbased for some time to establish their brand presence in the northern hemispheres before moving to Brisbane with the company. A year later, 22 years ago, he launched Adrian Ramsay Design House on the Sunshine Coast. This thriving building and interior design studio designs new homes, and renovations, across Australia and beyond. The studio specialises in bespoke, environmentally sensitive design that nurtures its occupants.

Adrian firmly believes that all designs need to be fit for the purpose, location and environment. With his love of plastered walls, stonework and hand-worked organic renders, he gravitates towards a Mediterranean aesthetic that offers movement and softness. However, this style is not innately suited to the Sunshine Coast landscape. “Minimal roof overhangs and small windows are not in keeping with the Queensland climate, but I enjoy incorporating influences of organic and natural elements to reflect this artisan-type feel. My other favourite aesthetic is Mid-Century Modern, for this style works more effectively for my clients. The floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, simple styling and open-plan living that exemplifies this aesthetic work beautifully for our lifestyle.”

Our Fragmenti Cotto collection ignited Adrian’s passion with the organic nature of the design, “the hand-made texture and natural detailing are so appealing. The tiles engender emotive responses from tactility and tone, bringing the subconscious into play and telling a story reminiscent of far-off lands. Incorporating the Fragmenti Cotto tile range into a design requires a conceptual context that shows a client how it will bring a space to life. For me, whilst I work with the built form and interiors, design is not so much about the visual, as it is about the client’s emotional response.”

www.ardesignhouse.com

@adrianramsay

luke Fry, an award-winning architect and interior designer, is passionate about creating designled properties that are refined, sophisticated, purposeful and relevant. “I align myself with the philosophy that carefully considered built environments should be for the betterment of the inhabitants,” says Luke.

Based in Melbourne and Mansfield and raised in regional Victoria, Luke has a distinctly Australian perspective and innately understands the topography, context and terrain that informs his work. His designs prioritise sensory impact, light, airflow and tactility with a design language that bears the hallmarks of simplicity, controlled curves and tonal palettes.

Luke and his team are passionate about raw materials, like brick, concrete, stone, timber, steel and glass, focussing on proven materials with a solid construction process. Adds Luke, “These materials naturally lend themselves to a more contemporary language. When undertaking a home renovation, we create a complementary and contemporary design that works in harmony with the original structure of a property rather than competing with it.”

When introduced to National Tiles’ Fragmenti Cotto range, Luke was captivated by the authentic terracotta properties of the collection. “We are in the process of specifying terracotta for a contemporary renovation of a period farmhouse in country Victoria. This textural style product was front of mind, so discovering this range was timely. There is a natural sense of familiarity and affinity that we subconsciously identify with terracotta, having seen it used in European architecture for centuries. It imbues a sense of history and a connection with the earth and the landscape. Terracotta adds a beautiful tonal colour whilst being in keeping with the natural textural elements that exemplify our aesthetic. The patina and tactility that wears over time are so appealing.”

www.lukefry.com.au

@lukefry_architecture

These materials naturally lend themselves to a more contemporary language.

“ “

latest news

What’s making headlines at National Tiles?

your choice = change

National Tiles is extremely proud to partner with i=Change, and donate with every online sale. On 8-10 March 2023, in celebration of International Women’s Day, National Tiles participated in Shop for Change.

legends league

Legends League events are special celebrations organised by National Tiles to acknowledge team members who have achieved service milestones with the company. The celebrations are a way for the company to recognise the hard work and dedication of team members who have played an important role in the company’s success for at least five years.

In 2022, we held two celebrations in Victoria and Queensland, both of which were fun-filled with great food, plenty of drinks and anecdotes about each team member’s time and accomplishments with National Tiles.

Achieving five years of loyalty is a significant milestone for any staff member, and the company is proud to acknowledge and reward this dedication.

For this impact-focused online three-day shopping event, we tripled our commitment by donating $3 from every sale. Our goal was to create change that positively impacted the lives of women and girls globally while meeting your Shop for Change expectations.

When you Shop for Change with National Tiles on International Women’s Day, your choice equals change.

going out west

After launching in Alexandria in 2021, we’re expanding west and opening a new store in Bankstown. This expansion will broaden our NSW footprint with unbeatable ranges, prices, and expert service. Situated in a busy home-makers centre with plenty of off-street

parking, National Tiles Bankstown will be the place to shop for local trades, renovators, homeowners and design industry professionals. National Tiles Bankstown is opening soon at Canterbury Road, Bankstown.

hello graham street

We’re excited to return to the area with our newly renovated office space that boasts a contemporary design and is purpose-built to fit the company’s needs (care of our VM team). Our new headquarters includes a cafe-style kitchen for that all-important coffee hit and several custom-built meeting rooms to maximise planning,

brainstorming and workshopping, as well as being surrounded by an assortment of shops and amenities. After outgrowing our original location in late 2017, National Tiles temporarily relocated to Lorimer Street. However, the company is now thrilled to be moving back to Graham Street, where we will have more room to grow while continuing to serve and inspire our customers to create the best tile, stone and timber finishes.

National Tiles headquarters is moving back to Graham Street in Port Melbourne.

terracotta tones

COPPER AND TERRACOTTA

Michael Cleghorn, Managing Director at MC&Co, has over 30 years of Senior Executive experience in retail manufacturing and wholesale environments. His global connections with major manufacturing retailers give Michael unparalleled industry insights and knowledge. We asked Michael for this style perspective on our brand new Fragmenti Cotto range and how he felt the collection sits globally.

Explains Michael, “Guided textural structures are increasingly popular in all areas of design, from textiles, wood, ceramic and glass finishes. Led by a love of terracotta, this movement reinforces the growing grounded consumer aspirations long for more calming and soothing interior concepts.”

Whereas, “Tile sizes and shapes reflect a trend towards more disciplined approaches to life, and includes emotional connections to being deliberate and serene that speak to a more sustainable style that is long-lasting on the eye. Recently, influenced by Philippe Stark’s interior hotel concepts for Brach Paris and Lily of the Valley in St Tropez, MC&Co forecasts natural orange and terracotta tones, like Fragmenti Cotto, will emerge strongly in 2023 and commence a significant cycle of popularity.”

hello launceston

for the last couple of years, we’ve decided to launch National Tiles in

With perfect proximity to the Launceston CBD and our partnership with JMC property group, this opening hopes to embed us as the number one tile supplier to Tasmania.

TEXTURED COPPER

MARINACE RED STONE

GRADUATING REACTIVE

WAVE CAST IRON

BRUSHED COPPER

MATT COPPER

MINI AGATE SLICE

GOLDEN AGATE

RAW SANDSTONE TONE

TERRACOTTA

STARBURST GLASS

HANDMADE VINCENZA

OMBRE ALUMINIUM

TEXTURED COPPER WAVE

AMERICAN BEECH

MARINACE RED STONE MINI

mystone travertino N O W AVAILABLE W ELBALIAVA

Travertine has been the go-to luxury architectural stone since Ancient Rome when it adorned the world-renowned Colosseum. This timeless material has been faithfully reproduced and refreshed in porcelain for the Italian-made Mystone Travertino collection. This richly-detailed range is aesthetically identical to travertine but in a fully vitrified material. Quite simply, it is the best of all worlds.

Mystone Travertino is available in three different colours, sizes and finishes. Classico delivers the typical pale beige of traditional travertine, and Navona is a slightly warmer neutral tone. While the third option, for today’s modern minimalist look, is a hugely popular hue of Silver. The available sizes are 600x1200mm, 600x600mm and 300x600mm.

Home owners will appreciate the innovative StepWise matt surface finish, which combines a soft touch with an impressive R10 slip resistance. It also includes a wave-effect relief surface, struttura, that provides a striking 3D finish for feature walls. Finally, there is a traditional relief slip-resistant exterior finish with an outstanding R11 slip-resistance rating.

Mystone Travertino is a truly versatile collection. This varied yet harmonious set of surfaces can combine to create spaces with distinctive character (from traditional right through to daring and experimental). Adding even more creative potential, it also complements a broad range of other ceramic tiles.

monumental marble

made to impress, the opulent Statuario Lunensis tile was, and is, the ideal choice for luxurious largeformat indoor and outdoor settings. Part of the broader Ultraslim range, this Italian tile possesses a bold aesthetic and brings unparalleled sophistication to any space.

National Tiles selected Statuario Lunensis to create this showstopping two-storey fireplace project in Sunbury, Victoria. The project took two days to complete, and the result was breathtaking. Due to its beautifully polished finish, striking white marble design and large format size Statuario Lunensis is the perfect tile for a spectacular fireplace in your home. Not only this, but it is also easy to cut and extremely resistant. This versatile product has a thickness of 6mm and is available in two sizes; 1600x3200mm and 1200x2780mm.

The Ultraslim range comes in a wide array of surface finishes, including Polished, Matt, Structured and Natural. This diverse collection features a range of colours and designs, from deep, dramatic and intense to more minimal and subdued. What once took thousands of years to create, patented pressing and printing technologies can now reproduce the look of natural marble in mere hours. This collection is ideal for large-format feature panels, countertops, vanities, splashbacks and bars.

National Tiles are seeing large-format tiles and the ever-enduring marble-look gain popularity for interiors.

In terms of application, use Statuario Lunensis for walls and feature areas. Special kits are also available to create Bookmatching, or Diamond Matching, laying schemes. Achieving this sophisticated effect involves a block of veined marble cut into slabs and numbered systematically. Laying these slabs out side by side creates the impression of a mirror image pattern, similar to butterfly wings. Dynamically coloured and beautifully patterned, the Ultraslim collection is one of the most versatile in our portfolio.

celebrating ceramics

held annually in Bologna, Italy, Cersaie is the world’s premier tile exhibition. It is here that current ceramic innovations are displayed, and design trends established. Every year, National Tiles’ experienced buying team heads off to Italy to meet up with proven partners, while scanning the stands of over 600 ceramic manufacturers. And we are not alone. Last year’s show attracted more than 90,000 visitors.

On the design front, 2022’s dominant trend was wallpaper-effect tiles, produced in XXL formats from 1,000 by 3,000mm upwards. There were tropical plants aplenty, alongside smaller floral patterns. The variety was staggering, spanning everything from orchids to giant jellyfish. The influences were rich and varied, from street art and graffiti, through woven fabric and crisp geometric prints, to origami, abstract art, and marquetry.

Richly detailed, and painstakingly coloured, marble-effect tiles also made a strong impression at Cersaie 2022. This is a design category defined by constant evolution. So, rather than change the fundamentals of classics like

Calacatta or Statuario, the top factories have added new details and nuances, from book-match patterns to enhanced surface structures. Digital decoration can now deliver marble-effect tiles with raised veining and subtle tactile imperfections. These cutting-edge faux marbles deliver a total sensory experience; one felt by the hand as clearly as it is seen by the eye.

In wood-effect tiles, two technologies – sinking inks and digital glues – are now used to produce timber simulations that both feel and look highly authentic. Now grain patterns and knots are not only reproduced in exquisite detail but are perfectly matched by the surface relief.

Cersaie also saw excellent interpretations of cork floor tiles; planks made to look like the timber decks of slipper launches from the 1960s, and tiles inspired by the highly polished hulls of Venetian motor launches.

Other design themes included unusual material combinations, such as wood and stone; as well as designs that reference the Japanese art of Kintsugi; pottery repairs using visible stitches.

But perhaps the most significant trend at Cersaie was not about the products at all, but where they are used. In the past, manufacturers have concentrated on kitchen and bathroom applications in the domestic sphere, and floors, entrance halls, and façades in commercial settings. Now, with the growth of XXL formats slabs and panels, Cersaie hosts more and more porcelain worktops and ceramic furniture facings.

Meanwhile, 20mm and 30mm external tiles have blossomed, in line with the vogue for inside-out living featuring seamless ceramic transitions from internal to external spaces.

In 2022, Cersaie showcased many more bedroom applications, not only walls and floors, but also bed heads and bed frames. There were also many more displays of tiled hallways and corridors, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens.

Cersaie 2022 provided a lot of evidence that the ceramic tile sector is in good health. Alongside enhanced versions of timeless designs, some bold new creative directions that will challenge perceptions going forward.. Roll on Cersaie 2023!

Calacatta Gold

Naomi and Cam

Microcosmi Irish Green

Whoosh Subway Tile 75x300mm

Whoosh shown in White.

Available in 13 colours:

WhooshSeafoam

WhooshTurquoise

WhooshAzurita

WhooshCerulean

WhooshRosewater

WhooshSage

WhooshForest

WhooshBlack

WhooshGrey

WhooshSteelGrey

WhooshSmoke Grey

WhooshGlacier Grey

Matt options available in selected colours.

WhooshWhite

james bought a house

James Treble attributes his love of creativity to his father, who always encouraged freestyle Lego play, inspiring his imagination and instilling a passion for architecture and design. Today, James is a Sydneybased interior designer, TV presenter and writer who loves to share his passion for houses, colour and design.

James’ love of the built form evolved from selling real estate in the early 1990s. He went on to host a segment on The Living Room for seven years. Subsequently, he became a regular guest on Sky News Real Estate before taking over as co-host for over two and a half years.

“If you love what you do, you naturally become good at it. You need to work in a field that you find fulfilling or in a role that provides money for what you want to do. I’m fortunate to have both,” explains James.

A natural in front of the camera, James is currently a regular on two 9 Network TV shows. A presenter on the lifestyle show Open Homes Australia and a host of the newly launched TV show Renovate Or Rebuild. “I love media, for it combines my skill of talking underwater with my passion for design,” adds James.

He is also embarking on a new online series called James Bought a House. Set to broadcast on his YouTube channel in May 2023, it documents the journey of his property renovation on the central coast of NSW, just 600m from the beach.

“It’s an ugly red brick house that my partner Sandro and I are transforming into a Palm Springs-inspired masterpiece,” explains James. “Whilst I create all different styles of homes, Mid-Century Modern, in particular Palm Springs, is my favourite style, and perfectly suits our Australian lifestyle. I love the clean lines, sleek finishes, sculptural elements, textured breeze blocks and cladding. Patterned tiles, like terrazzo, create the inside/outside lifestyle we are so fortunate to enjoy much of the year.”

Before pursuing a thriving media career, James was already a successful interior designer and colour consultant. “I have always been deeply intrigued by houses and the psychology of how we live,” says James, “Interiors greatly influence how we feel, with the impact of the finishes and materiality that surrounds us in our homes often underestimated. Successful design is not about how much money you spend but about making the right choices for your home and lifestyle, and that’s the difference between cost and value.”

James has been travelling to Bologna for over ten years to attend Cersaie, the annual tile trade fair that brings products from around the world to Italy. “It’s so important for me to explore tile directions and innovations. Australia has a strong design voice, and our homes largely enjoy a sense of connectivity through the tiles we feature in indoor and outdoor settings. For most of my projects, the conversation starts with the tiles. You can build the personality of a home with the right tile texture and tone selections for floors, paving, wet areas, and splashbacks. Not only do tiles need to be visually appealing, but as a significant investment, they must be hard-wearing and easy to maintain.”

Colour, texture, pattern and form are the key factors in tile selection, and specifications can vary widely depending on location (given the vast landscape in Australia), climate and culture. “We have been using tiles in our homes for thousands of years because they are such a hard-wearing material,” says James, “One material that has enjoyed longevity is terracotta, with its presence felt at Cersaie. A key design direction was the blurring of lines between brick and tiles, as many more 3-D tiles are available for us, both internally and externally. The textural form attracts the eye, plays with light and undulating surfaces invite a tactile response. National Tiles’ Fragmenti Cotto range is the perfect example of the influence of terracotta and the merging of brick and tile to create feature walls that offer a textural play.”

To learn more about James Treble, his design studio and his review of Cersaie 2022, visit www.jamestreble.com

With most of my projects, the conversation starts with the tiles.

“ “

@designerjamestreble @JamesTrebleDesigner

concept oak

oak is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most popular timber flooring options. Homeowners cherish its strength, refinement, elegance, durability, and timelessness. And we mean ‘timeless’ in every sense; Oak flooring will always be in style and designed to last for decades.

The Concept Oak collection features 12 different coloured oak finishes. It spans pale and bleached effects (Wolgan, Wentworth, Glenbrook), natural timber mid-tones (Leura, Esperance, Cygnet), deep and rich dark wood effects (Medlow, Lawson), right through to a choice of grey and near black finishes (Bilpin, Katoomba, Tomah, Blackheath). The sheer versatility of this carefully curated colour range ensures that homeowners can find a Concept Oak floor that perfectly complements almost any interior style.

Available in a standard plank size of 190 by 1900mm, all 12 design options feature a 3mm solid oak top layer. The result is a powerful design statement, complete with beautiful grain patterns, that will be the talking point in any home.

The Classic Oak range delivers a fantastic option for devotees of herringbone patterned timber floors. Three of the range’s most popular designs (Glenbrook, Esperance, Wolgan) are also available in the 150 by 750mm format, ideal for creating classic herringbone configurations.

All Concept Oak options feature a natural timber finish with bevelled edges. The multi-ply planks are 14mm thick, providing maximum dimensional stability, and carry a 20-year guarantee as standard. The boards have a P3 pendulum rating, providing mid-range slip resistance suitable for indoor applications.

Oak Wolgan Herringbone

Concept Oak Cygnet

capturing the natural beauty of the iconic Ceppo di Gre stone, this porcelain series expertly recreates the irregular textures and tonal contrasts of the prized Ceppo.

Norr 2.0 artfully embellishes the Ceppo design with a myriad of stacked grey tones, incorporating a corresponding collection of large and fine-grained pebbles for a distinctive and harmonious effect.

Available in three different colourways, from light to dark, Norr 2.0 will coordinate with a range of colour schemes as either base or accent. Its natural and structured finishes make it the ideal solution for indoors and out. The striking sophistication of the Norr 2.0 series has been recognised by the 2020 Architizer A+ Awards for superior architectural products as the jury winner for the ceramics finishes category.

norr 2.0

Norr 2.0 Farge Structure

Norr 2.0 Farge Ambient

the papier collection

at National Tiles, we were keen to introduce some of the world’s finest wallpaper-effect tiles to our ever-expanding designer tile portfolio. We evaluated many options before selecting the sumptuous Papier collection of botanical designs from one of Italy’s most advanced and progressive producers. The printing quality of the Papier collection is extraordinary, with the decorative porcelain stoneware designs capable of transforming any setting into a stunning, welcoming space. Two of the most advanced ceramic tile manufacturing technologies, continuous pressing and digital ink-jet decoration, have come together to facilitate a globally sought-after ceramic design trend.

The Papier collection features beautiful floral and plantthemed pictorial designs on large format tiles with a rich palette of contemporary tones. These magnificent feature tiles allure and immerse with a careful balance of nature and modernity.

Ideal for commercial spaces, such as; hotel foyers, corporate lobbies, bars, and restaurants, these wallpaper-effect tiles work equally well in domestic settings. They can make a strong design statement in a living room or form a feature wall in any bathroom or kitchen. They can even be used as a dramatic component of an inside-out design scheme or as a tiled headboard in the master bedroom. Selected with great care to enhance current palettes and contemporary trends, the impressive large format panel sizes, 600x1200mm and 1200x2780mm, complement a wide range of National Tiles’ portfolio.

our interior designers love interpreting these spectacular tiles for internal settings. “Wallpaper-style tiles from the Papier collection offer an exciting way to make a statement in areas where wallpaper may not typically be suitable, particularly wet areas. These designs add drama to a powder room, a space used by all guests away from the main flow of the house, and make it ideal for a daring yet organic look. This design story forms a harmonious space with colours pulled directly from the ‘Paper Palms’ pattern. The dark green ‘Forest Whoosh’ tile mimics the vertical lines on the stone sink and replicates the structured lines in the light fittings. It is softened by the natural movement of the palms in the pattern whilst staying true to the linear elements that dictate this room. The timber blocks of the light fittings and the variation in the colouration of the stone sink and the ‘Pavilion Steel’ floor tile bring in further organic elements, with the story complete by the warmth of the brass tapware.”

Erin Willis, Newstead Design Centre Team Leader

“Soleil, meaning ‘sun’, adds an attractive allure and creates a charming sense of tranquillity with intricate and tonal shades of green and exciting pops of bright colour. The pattern offers warmth and light and is a visual escape to rediscover nature. The porcelain panels transform and create excitement in any space. The Soleil pattern would work beautifully in a residential space like a powder room or master ensuite to create an unexpected but inspiring feature piece that brings a sense of relaxation and nature to your home. Just like being on a tropical getaway amongst the rainforest, surrounded by greenery, sunshine and warmth.”

Monique Mileto, Builders Studio Team Leader

“The unique prints of the Papier collection offer endless opportunities for wall applications including wet areas. From bold and colorful to soft pastels and more neutral designs, Papier injects personality into any space. Picture this, a tropical-inspired home filled with modern furniture, dark timbers and lively tones. Rich flora patterns are showcased throughout the home in the form of artwork and soft furnishings. Papier Encanto (pictured right) becomes the centre piece for the bathroom design, capturing the essence of tropical palms. The addition of Papier Encanto creates cohesion between the bathrooms and living spaces. Carved timber décor, wicker and handmade ornaments are the finishing touches to creating a home that is your own slice of tropical paradise.”

Zoe King, Studio M Tiles Team Leader

“The Papier collection is transportive, reflecting a bygone era, far-off countries and warmer climes through the infusion of luxurious and alluring patterns. The perfect choice to make an impact in a bedroom, entry hall, powder room or dining room, this range adds a visually pleasing feature that brings the outdoors in. It can also offer unexpected delight in a laundry room, men’s study or bar by adding another layer of colour, tone or pattern that paint alone may not provide.”

Emma Featherstone, Warana Design Centre Team Leader

costa nova

costa Nova is a delightful Portuguese village famed for its magnificent sandy coastline and colourful beach houses. These quirky and charming seaside homes are painted in traditional striped patterns, attracting socialmedia-savvy visitors, who flock to take selfies in front of the cheerful exteriors. Our Costa Nova range captures the spirit of this area in an iconic collection of 50 by 200mm tiles in fifteen soft and vibrant colours.

Offered in two elegant finishes, gloss and matt, it opens up the potential for the subtle surface contrasts that are becoming a staple of the contemporary bathroom and kitchen design. Augmented by two crisp rectilinear decorations, this classic rectangular collection features four strips per face each. Onda is curved to represent the sea’s waves, and Praia is more angular to emote the pointed shapes of the beach huts. Costa Nova is a deceptively simple collection with virtually limitless applications.

Combining a versatile shape, two finish options, and two adaptable decors, all equally effective in either horizontal or vertical configurations, allows the range to be a distinctive design statement in its own right but also complements a wide range of paint finishes, timbers, stones, or wallpapers.

Costa Nova offers white body wall tiles in the following options: plain, gloss finish; Plain tiles, matt finish; Onda décor; Praia décor. National Tiles offer all four finish/décor options in 15 colours. These colour options are Aloe, Baby Blue, Banyan Blue, Black, Glacier, Grey, Laurel Green, Naval, Pale Beige, Stony Pink, Straw, Tansy Green, Terra, White, and Yellow.

Costa Nova Terra Matt

Costa Nova Onda naval, Banyan, Baby Blue

perfect portuguese palette

for product and interior designers across the globe, Pantone has established its Colour of the Year as a key diary date. “In 1999, when we launched the initiative, we were all worried about Y2K and whether our computers would crash. We chose a colour for 2000 that would personify the future, Cerulean Blue, because it was inviting, hopeful, clean, and enduring,” notes Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute. Today, a staggering amount of knowledge and care goes into making this selection. Viva Magenta 18-1750, the 2023 Colour of the Year, is billed as an unconventional shade for an unconventional time. A powerful and life-affirming red tone that celebrates life while having connotations of audacity and rebellion.

Given the turbulent times, it is great to see such a positivelooking hue selected. Possibly influenced by the increase in working from home, this reaction is further evidence that the global response to the pandemic has differed from the design realignments that followed 9/11 or the 2008 banking crisis. Global catastrophes previously triggered a return to safe and neutral interiors, with beige, greige, and magnolia at the fore. Homeowners and commercial designers are embracing colour to inject more life and positivity into the built environment.

Therefore, it is no surprise that one of National Tiles’ most popular launches in the past year has been Aleluias’ Urban Atelier. The exquisite Portuguese tiles, available in a broad range of vibrant shades, make a colourful addition to our growing tile family. Urban Atelier’s rich tonal variation combines a beautiful handmade look, an organic surface texture and a deep glaze. Perfect for a powerful feature wall, personal design and unique layout, the classic 100 by 100mm format offers the complete stylistic freedom to create traditional or more contemporary interiors.

Produced in Portugal by Aleluia, a company with a deep ceramic tradition, Urban Atelier is a charming Mediterranean dream. The range has four primary colour families, allowing for playful mix-and-match multi-hued displays and colourfully creative masterpieces.

Warming oranges and reds, calming oceanic blues, natural greens, and an array of neutrals demonstrate the spirited patchwork potential of the collection.

Don’t be afraid to experiment when it comes to colour. There are no fixed rules of colour. Keep an open mind. Leatrice, the foremost global colour expert, encourages keeping an open mind while discouraging the idea of fixed colour rules, “There are so many urban legends that fly around the Internet that I try to dispel, like the old rules about what goes with what. If you have a favourite colour, you can find a way to make it work.”

And, with Urban Atelier’s extensive special-order palette, you will find a tile in our portfolio that will make any of your colour dreams come true.

mudrooms mainstreamgo

in recent years the mudroom has seen a sharp increase in popularity, becoming an integral part of interior space planning for new home builds and renovations. What role does a mudroom play in a modern Australian home? The primary purpose is to keep the rest of the house clean and organised, and typically incorporates an external entry point or internal via a garage to keep it out of guest’s way.

The space should be warm and functional with a comfortable bench seat (that doubles as storage) for you to sit and either put on or take off shoes and gumboots. Adding a storage area for each family member helps with the smooth running of a household. Baskets, lockers, cupboards or shelving provide a perfect spot for school bags, sports equipment, and depending on the location, alpine or beach gear. Wall hooks and hangers, ideally well-spaced, for overcoats, raincoats, scarves, hats and bags are crucial for this space.

A well-designed mudroom is one of the cleverest design ideas for reducing household mess and confusion while contributing to a happy, stressfree home. Adding a built-in dirty laundry basket, and storing simple cleaning supplies, like fresh towels for wet hair and wipes (for your boots), as does keeping clean ugg boots, thongs or slippers on hand.

When designing your mudroom, select materials that are easy to maintain and keep clean. Choose warm tones and textured finishes. Tiled or timber floors and walls are ideal, especially with timber cabinetry and stone benchtops to complete the look.

The National Tiles series, Pietra di Ostuni, is ideal for a mudroom floor. Emulating the natural stone hues of limestone and travertine, the unique elegance of the famous French pattern is available in internal and external finishes to create a timeless space throughout the entire home. Cutting-edge design technology, and the chiselled edge, contribute to the authentic look and feel of natural stone while maintaining the durability and easy upkeep of porcelain.

Design: KWD

Image: Armelle Habib

talking with kate walker

inspired by the traditional tile-making methods of Morocco and the Mediterranean, the hand-crafted look of Zellige tiles achieves a rustic yet ultracontemporary appearance.

When National Tiles introduced the Zellige collection, interior designer Kate Walker (founder of KWD) was immediately enamoured. “This Spanish-made collection captures a handmade texture so beautifully,” says Kate. “The varying surfaces create a play of light and movement that adds a unique touch to every project.”

Having grown up in the tile industry, Kate has always been passionate about using tiles in the most effective way possible. “I love being innovative and creative with tiles to design spaces that reflect the style of the home surprisingly and invitingly,” explains Kate.

“Over the last 20 or so years, there have been significant developments in tile technology. Ceramic tile manufacturers are developing creative, cutting-edge, ground-breaking designs that explore colour, texture and tone in extraordinary ways. I love working with organic materials with movement, surface interest, and a handmade feel.”

Kate has incorporated each colour from the Zellige range into a wide variety of projects, “I love the undulating textures and colours, and I have featured the aqua, turquoise and white tiles in a wide variety of projects. The two different finishes create very contrasting looks. The gloss bounces light around the room and adds shine to a space, whereas the matt finish resembles polished plaster and reflects the Moroccan influence.”

The innovative Zellige tile is square and can be creative with lay patterns. Explains Kate, “We have laid these tiles stacked, off-set, on the diamond and, in some projects, we have combined the lay patterns to great effect. There are many ways to play with these tiles and create new looks. We’ve even laid them on the ceiling in a bathroom.”

Zellige tiles have become Kate’s go-to range. They are timeless and elegant while complementing every aesthetic. “I love organic products. I am a huge advocate for texture and tone. I enjoy researching and exploring the history of tiles, as well as the different ways in which they get made. Zellige tiles work for us for all these reasons - it’s the ideal tile for any design style.”

“Having National Tiles offer this range has helped us elevate our projects, and now I look forward to the next incarnation of the collection. I’d love to see a rectangular version and the introduction of some bold shades to expand the range, like emerald green, cobalt blue and my favourite new colour combination: oxblood, bone and Yves Klein Blue.” www.katewalkerdesign.com.au

Design: KWD

Image: Armelle Habib

Kate Walker

This Spanishmade collection has captured a handmade texture so beautifully

“ “

Design: KWD

Image: Armelle Habib

Regal shown in Sea Grass.

Regal Mosaic Tile

259x273mm

Available in 7 colours:

RegalCharcoal Grey RegalDoveGrey

RegalTealBlue RegalSeaGrass

RegalPaleBlue RegalRosePink

RegalBrightWhite

get lookthe

our National Tiles team of talented interior designers works with homeowners all around Australia, helping them to clarify the style of home they want to achieve and the materials that will help them achieve the look they are trying to create. These design professionals have experience working with every aesthetic, and they understand the key elements required to bring these aesthetics to life in a home. We asked them to create flat lays for four of the most sought-after design styles and explain the best ways to get the look.

MODERN FARMHOUSE:

Caitlin Wallace, Adina Pegg & Sarah Warren Mile End Design Group, South Australia

The Modern Farmhouse aesthetic balances the rustic nature of a farmhouse with the sleek industrial elements of modern design. The black and white foundation is built upon with pops of colour influenced by Mother Nature. Textural elements like bricks, timbers, wood panelling, shiplap, strapping and exposed beams add warmth, visual interest and character. Patterned tiles pay homage to the classic country farmhouse, whilst sleeker finishes and black detailing reflect the industrial edge.

Featured tiles: Zellige White Gloss / Zellige White Matt / Pietra Di Ostuni Grigio French Pattern / Masia Nero Gloss / Plus Concept Oak ‘Leura’ timber flooring

TALKING DESIGN

COASTAL CONTEMPORARY: Mitcham,

Victoria

A Contemporary Coastal aesthetic is a fusion of raw and rugged materials with a purified simplicity and pared-back style. Neutral tones, natural textures and seaside shades create harmony. Taking cues from a Contemporary style with clean lines and integrated storage a dark masculine edge is softened with shades that reflect the coastal feel. Concrete and render, timber cladding, and floor to ceiling glazing create large open and light-filled spaces.

Featured tiles: Nordic Grey Honed / Marrakech White Gloss / Stripes White Stone / Canyon Stone Glacier

MID CENTURY MODERN:

Simonds, Melbourne

The Mid Century Modern architectural style is inspired by the Bauhaus movement. The colour palette features soft shades of mint paired with chromed steel, a walnut interior, and deep olive & brown tan highlights that bring the outside in. The retro minimalist look is understated with clean lines and minimal fuss. Timber is a key material – for floors, panelled walls, ceilings and furniture. Patterned, shaped and bold coloured tiles, terrazzo and dark timber cabinetry create a playful mood.

Featured tiles: Café White Matt / Concreto Greige / Rhombo Materia Cloud White / Revival Penny Noir

CONTEMPORARY:

Simonds, Victoria

Contemporary interior design is sleek and minimalist, featuring masculine shades of grey, white and brown. The tonal palette forms a seamless simplicity, complemented with large format tiles, natural materials, timber and metal finishes. The look is completed with stylish concealed storage, integrated appliances and smooth surfaces. Textural details are kept to a minimum, and furniture and furnishings are fuss-free, effortless and elegant.

Featured tiles: Orvieto Black / Paloma Ash Gloss / Marrakech Ebony Gloss / Orvieto Light grey

Kriza Abellon

KristaTaylor

KimberleySimpson

stone union

for the Stone Union collection, we wanted to reproduce and celebrate all the unique elements in stones given by nature. Stone Union features state-of-the-art insideout surfaces, allowing seamless transitions between internal and external spaces. This collection is increasingly valued by architects, designers and homeowners, for patios and outdoor kitchens are, more and more, viewed as fully-integrated extensions of homes. With neutral cement- and stoneeffect tiles, the devil truly is in the detail. For cooling contemporary ranges like Stone Union, the subtle colour variations, shading options and surface patterning prevent neutral versatility from slipping into uniform blandness.

Considering that warming tones are coming back strongly for interior design aesthetics, the Stone Union collection blends well with popular greys and caters to new contemporary tastes. There are six colourways; the cool tones are Bianco, Moonshine and Grigio, while the warm tones are Almond, Greige and Flint. All stock is produced with the latest digital printing technology and in glazes called In-Out finish, which is smooth to the touch and reaches a P4 rating when wet.

porphyry please

our stunning new Porfido range reimagines classical porphyry stone into durable Italian porcelain stoneware. The timeless appeal of this versatile and durable stone makes it the perfect external floor tile.

This range is offered in two standard size formats, 250x250mm and 250x500mm, and is accompanied by matching special pieces for pool surrounds and step edges. The 300x150x30mm Drop Edge provides a classic monolithic look with great design impact.

National Tiles selected this range in part due to its rich history. Porfido, the English translation of Porphyry, is a striking igneous rock featuring large quartz and feldspar crystals scattered in a fine-grained silicate-rich ground.

Porphyry derives from the Ancient Greek word for purple, the colour of royalty. Much prized for its hardness and deep tones, it was favoured for monuments and prestige buildings in Imperial Rome and has been used across Europe ever since.

Porfido has quickly become popular amongst commercial and residential clients. We sat down with Silvia Roldan from Studio Esar, one of Melbourne’s leading interior designers, to get her thoughts on this fantastic porcelain stone.

What do you love most about Porfido?

“The Porfido range is a fabulous substitute for any stone look tiles or finish for your outdoor area. The size of the tiles allows great flexibility to lay out a range of patterns and colour options, from light off-white, warm sand tones through to a dark grey, and means you’ll have endless options to work this in with your exterior palette.”

Which clients will be best suited to Porfido?

“Due to its timeless quality and the ability to use it with a wide variety of outdoor areas, we see this range suiting all clients looking to add something special to an outdoor entertaining area.”

How would you style this product in an outdoor setting?

“Steel framed furniture with fun outdoor fabrics, like velvet, or heavy linens to create softness when paired against the monolithic qualities of Porfido.”

What are the benefits of the bullnose edge for pool surrounds and step edges?

“The bullnose edge will soften the look of pools and step edges while enhancing the durability of the tile and making it less susceptible to chipping or breaking. The smooth appearance of the edge is also safer and creates a timeless appearance.”

Which tile in the range best speaks to your personal style?

“We love Porfido Rosso, the warmer grey colours work with everything!”

This brilliant porphyry imitation has several benefits over the natural stone that inspired it. It is more cost-effective to install and can be laid on a standard adhesive bed with a minimum 3mm grout joint. In contrast with most natural stone products that must be laid in a thick mortar bed.”

Added benefits include lower transport costs and easier site handling. Porfido porcelain tiles are just 10mm thick, whereas natural stone alternatives are typically 30 to 50mm thick. Finally, these tiles require minimal maintenance as they are not affected by UV light and do not require sealing.

For a much-prized porcelain stone tile that will complete your outdoor setting - look no further than Porfido.

“ “

chalet chic

i

nspired by timeless European oak and Australian native timbers, and characterised by its hyperrealistic wood grain, National Tiles’ versatile Chalet range of AC4-rated laminate flooring comes in generous 2,240 by 195 by 12mm planks. With six stylish options in stock plus two available on special order, the Chalet range has a timber to suit any home or commercial interior.

The secret to the physical strength of the Chalet range is its 910 kg/m3 Pure Pine High-Density Fibreboard core that allows it to deliver exceptional moisture resistance, stability and durability. Unlike other boards, Chalet’s core uses only carefully-selected timber and excludes any impurities, such as the bark, that could compromise quality.

The decorative surface of the Chalet range features a highly resistant transparent overlay that protects against stains, impact, and scratches, achieving an AC4 commercial rating. It covers a high-definition decorative paper printed using state-of-the-art digital techniques.

The base layer is a Back Balance Layer, which guarantees a perfectly balanced board that will not cup or bow when properly installed and maintained. It also protects from the ingress of moisture from below.

Each Chalet board features a micro-bevel to four sides, and joints use the simple yet strong Drop Loc glueless jointing system.

Chalet comes in two surface options, with a smooth finish used on the Chalet Coastal Blackbutt, Brushbox, and Spotted Gum native species designs; and with a matte embossed finish used for the Chalet Oak Savannah, Cedar, Marri, Oak Pearl, and Blackwood designs.

The degree of pattern variation in each style ranges from moderate to strong and will depend on the timber reproduced. However, all eight Chalet designs are highly realistic, faithful, and detailed reproductions of the source species.

For full range visit www.nationaltiles.com.au/chalet-brushbox

townsville

originally from Melbourne, Tamara and Dean Parfrey have made Townsville their home. Dean lived and worked in Townsville as a tiler for five years before Tamara moved there to join him 13 years ago. “Having grown up in a big city, moving to a regional town was certainly a significant change,” explains Tamara.

“Now that I have a young family, I love the familiarity of where we live and that everything is close at hand. And we get to live an outdoor lifestyle with the beautiful Townsville climate, so it has been a wonderful life-changing move.”

When the opportunity for a National Tiles franchise arose through a builder Dean had worked with for over ten years, he was immediately keen, although, as Tamara explains, he said he had to ask his wife first. And that was another fortuitous decision. “When we spoke about it, we understood that tiling was extremely physically taxing on him, so we needed a progression plan. Operating a retail tile business seemed like a natural next step, and we both felt very comfortable with the idea. Having been a tiler for 25 years, Dean knew the product, and by association, I had a good idea about the product too. What we lacked was retail experience. However, most importantly, we knew the local market, and Dean was heavily involved with builders and working in the industry. So, it all came together very smoothly once we were committed to making it work.”

The process of undertaking the franchise was simple with the support of the National Tiles franchise team, and 18 months later, in 2019, the business was underway. Four years later, Tamara and Dean have been on a steep learning curve that started with steady growth before reaching their busiest trade period in 2022. “We grew phenomenally, establishing ourselves with local builders and creating strong relationships,” says Tamara. “We are very competitive, pricewise, and have had no stock availability or delivery issues,

which makes us a very reliable tile and flooring destination. And customer service is so important to both Dean and I, so we always ensure we offer our customers guidance, advice and a solution.”

Adds Tamara, “I grew up with a father who was an ownerbuilder, and I spent a lot of time with him on site, so construction was a significant part of my childhood. I am very comfortable in the industry and feel so excited when I get to join our customers on their design journey. They have often been saving for years to build their first home or the dream home, so it’s an honour to help them achieve their goals.”

Today Tamara and Dean are part of a team of seven who service the Townsville market with tile and flooring materials, offering tiling guidance and advice from their many years of experience in the industry, all backed by the National Tiles range and supply chain. “Our client base is evenly balanced between the DIY, independent residential and local builder customers. A very even mix that gives our team a great variety of tiles to specify, from everyday styles to the more premium, designer collections. Local customers have taken to the vinyl and hybrid timber range. At the moment, the 450 x 450mm pressed edge tile is definitely the most popular. The light, fresh palette is perfect for the indoor/outdoor feel that reflects our summery, tropical lifestyle complete with palm trees and swimming pools.”

“For Dean and I, creating a family business certainly comes with challenges, especially with young children. Overall, it has been an amazing experience, and we feel very grateful for the lifestyle we have created with a National Tiles franchise.”

www.nationaltiles.com.au/locations/garbutt

301 Bayswater Rd, Garbutt Queensland info@nationaltilestownsville.com.au

(07) 4409 1850

coffs harbour

coffs Harbour locals Simon and Fiona, have been in business for 17 years with their flooring retail operation. “When a business opportunity came up, we decided to jump in and have never looked back.”

Originally an accountant, Fiona had a natural affinity with finances, and Simon had experience in both building and retail, so they had a strong foundation for what was to come. “We have been in our current location for over 10 years. It’s a very well-situated store in Coffs Harbour, on Pacific Highway near Bunnings. Our location is superb, our store layout is fantastic, and our team always strives to provide exceptional customer service, so the formula has proven very successful.”

This reputation for excellence spurred Nick Walker of National Tiles to approach Fiona and Simon in 2018 with a franchise opportunity. Explains Fiona, “Nick had done his research and knew we were his best partners. It was very timely because the tile range complemented and completed our floor offering and expanded our portfolio. The transition was very smooth. The most challenging part was the trade side of the business, so we have been working hard for the last five years to introduce the trade range to local tilers and to instil confidence in the offering.”

Fiona explains that their core business is predominantly residential customers who are undertaking renovations, as well as prominent local builders. “There’s a real mix of architectural and design styles in Coffs Harbour, and the tile range on offer has been consistently strong since we launched. We sell a wide cross-section of tiles from the everyday budget range to the premium, designer collections. A coastal palette is consistently popular, with customers increasingly wanting to add a splash of colour.”

Fiona, Simon and the team work closely with their client base to ensure they offer the best solution. “We love helping our customers make their dream a reality.”

A team of 21 dedicated professionals now runs the Coffs Harbour National Tiles franchise. Simon & Fiona attribute the success of the business to the amazing team who always strive to provide outstanding customer service through dedication & hard work.

www.nationaltiles.com.au/locations/coffsharbour

1/22 Keona Circuit , Coffs Harbour NSW sales@coffscarpetcourt.com.au

(02) 6652 4866

decadent deco

WON ELBALIAVA

When it comes down to designing a luxury space, nothing says quality more clearly than marble. National Tiles takes this one step further with their simply stunning Galleria collection, which combines the decadent beauty of natural marble with the strength, versatility, and sheer practicality of porcelain.

This porcelain collection uses cutting-edge digital imaging and inkjet decoration technology to create six stunning largeformat marble-effect designs virtually indistinguishable from the source material. Galleria is highly versatile and will complement many surroundings, from domestic living spaces to high-end commercial projects.

Featuring dramatic shade variation and painstaking vein detail, Galleria is the ultimate surface covering, delivering visual impact for walls and floors with maximum wow factor. However, the lighter designs can blend into the background allowing feature furniture and rich fabrics to shine.

Marble may not be the edgiest in the home or a Pinterest pacesetter, but it is a safe, timeless choice that will never date. Marble still attracts fresh devotees, who use this luxury surface everywhere, from dramatic halls to boutique bathrooms.

Galleria is in tune with one of the dominant looks in today’s interiors; Art Deco is the epitome of grandeur and opulence and features classic geometrics, crisp patterns, and contrasting colours.

The bold marble effects in the Galleria collection align perfectly with the Art Deco trend, where highly polished finishes and traditional black and white colour schemes

amplify the strong marble effects and directional veining. While the Art Deco trend is in favour, there will always be demand for tile designs in monochrome colour palettes with dramatic marbling.

What makes a modern marble effect like Galleria so attractive is the sense of real luxury it offers at a fraction of the cost of the actual material. Perfect for high-end bathrooms or living spaces, marble is also in demand for exteriors just as much as it is for interiors. Real marble is not as suited to outdoor living due to the cost of the stone, installation, and upkeep. It requires regular maintenance (treating and cleaning the surface) to keep them looking as good as new, which can deter homeowners and designers.

Marble effect porcelain tiles like Galleria fill this gap effortlessly, offering the same design aesthetics but with all the practical benefits of porcelain, including being easy to maintain and resistant to wear and staining.

Open-plan living and inside-out design are two architectural trends that look set to stay, particularly in Australia, whose culture is built around al fresco living. This means demand for matching indoor and outdoor porcelain ranges can only grow. Galleria allows homeowners to extend this classic look from interior to exterior seamlessly. Hardwearing and practical, these marble-effect porcelain tiles can transform kitchens and patios by connecting the two spaces. They also provide an excellent alternative to natural stone or timber decking outside.

Full range available in 6 colours.

talking trade

proudly since 1996

Roberts Designs has proudly supported caulkers and tilers since 1996. For over 25 years, customer satisfaction and product innovation have been the centre of everything they do. An Australian-owned family business that proudly retains a culture of trust, respect, transparency and accountability.

Motivated by reducing time and cost while providing maximum value, the team stays focused on finding their next innovative product and solution.

“We have become a wholesaler of choice, across Australia and New Zealand, for premium tiling tools. And the proud owner of Maxisil sealants, among many other products,” says Paul Hayes, Roberts Designs Managing Director.

“Investing in quality materials and refining the manufacturing process has allowed us to grow our offering, and to celebrate our 25th birthday, we have implemented many new initiatives,” concludes Paul.

Maxisil Trim

Releasing new tiling trims that match Maxisil silicone, delivering a full-colour match system for tile, trim, grout and silicone.

Maxisil Grout

Developing a new sand-free and colour-fast grout that perfectly matches their silicone. Maxisil Premium Grout is suitable for wall and floor tiling for most ceramic, porcelain and natural stone applications.

Baron

Becoming the official distributor of Baron, a brand that aligns with their quality-first values. Offering conveyors, forced action mixers and various accessories to the trade market.

skimmer lids

HIDE Skimmer Lids, Access and Drain Covers are engineered from premium 316L marine-grade stainless steel. They are available as a complete off-the-shelf kit and are tried and trusted by over 70% of Australian pool builders.

The HIDE system incorporates your material into the lid, allowing it to blend into the landscape, creating a luxurious, uninterrupted outdoor space.

HIDE fully inclusive stainless-steel kits have a massive 20-year manufacturer warranty. HIDE Skimmer Lids conform to Australian Safety Standards. HIDE is designed and built for the outdoors!

new evolution

KERAPOXY EASY DESIGN is an epoxy grout with improved workability and shining performance. The product is available in a wide range of colours and is easy to clean. Not only does it provide a beautiful finish, but it’s also certified antibacterial, mould-resistant, and non-absorbent.

Mapei colours featured across the grout range match with Mapesil AC sealants.

• Easy to apply

• Non-absorbent and easy to clean

• Certified anti-bacterial and mould-resistant

• Helps keep the interiors healthy

• Complies with HACCP food safety management procedures

• Wide range of colours

• Suitable for groups up to 15mm wide mapei.com/au

hidden heat

Thermonet Electric Underfloor Heating provides an energy efficient, on demand heating system that allows for interior design flexibility and improved comfort. In the past, Underfloor Heating has been considered a luxury however today Underfloor Heating is becoming increasingly popular as an efficient and effective way to heat your entire home in both new builds and renovations.

With Underfloor Heating installed throughout your home you can expect to experience a much more comfortable heat as naturally hot air rises therefore heating from the floor is the best way to evenly warm any room. Traditional heating methods typically have heat coming from one source, often in the roof or on the wall which blows hot air into the room. Underfloor Heating gently warms the room

silently creating a comfortable enjoyable environment without it becoming hot and stuffy.

Contrary to popular belief, Underfloor Heating has low running costs and is more cost effective to run than traditional heating methods, there is also no ongoing maintenance or servicing involved with Electric

Underfloor Heating!

Key Benefits of Underfloor Heating include:

• Energy efficient

• Zero maintenance

• Lifetime Cable Warranty

• Eliminate the buildup of mould and grout discolouring in your bathroom

• Warm floors

• Allergy friendly

Thermogroup has 20 years of experience in supply

Underfloor Heating in Australia, our team is ready to support with any technical advice or product suitability.

Most National Tiles Stores hold stock of popular sizes so speak to a consultants instore today or call on 1300 733 000, you can also order online www.nationaltiles.com.au/shop-installation/shop-bytype/underfloor-heating

to the maximus

Designed in Melbourne by tilers, for tilers. The Maximus pedestal system provides a one size fits all solution for externally located elevated floors. It’s the most innovative pedestal used for external innovations.

The Maximus triple screw thread technology outperforms most other products on the market. Maximus boasts the smallest range of products with the greatest level of adjustment, replacing up to a dozen of its competitors’ products.

As commercial tilers, we grew tired of multiple-sized pedestals and needing to rely on tiling crews to use the correct ones. This became problematic with tilers grabbing whatever was available in arms reach and stacking foreign objects under the pedestals to achieve a certain height. Ultimately, this can compromise the waterproof membrane installed underneath and cause instability. Hence, we developed our Maximus range with its unique ability to adjust up to three times its original size to overcome these issues.

maximuspedestalsystems.com

trex power

The T-REX® range of adhesive sealants fix, bond, and seal everything to everything.

Based on the unique neutral curing SMX® Polymer Technology developed by SOUDAL, each product in the T-REX® range has unique properties suitable for a wide range of applications.

T-REX® Power Fast Grab is versatile, has a one-second grab and an end strength of 320 tonne/m2.

T-REX® Crystal produces invincible strength and is the clearest on the market.

T-REX® Turbo has a fast strength build-up and is ideal for applications when super-fast bonding is required. Once cured, it forms a strong, elastic and waterproof seal.

T-REX® contains low VOC making it suitable for a GREEN STAR RATING. It adheres to wet/damp surfaces, lessening the waiting time to finish your project. Available in various colours and packaging sizes.

innovators not imitators

bAT TRIMS was the first company to design and produce Metal Tiling Trims in Australia. The Family Business, established in 1985, commenced manufacturing basic Tiling Angles that year in various sizes and metals; predominantly Brass and Aluminium, hence the name BAT - Brass and Aluminium Tiling Trims. Soon after, many new and unique designs of trims were introduced to suit various applications, e.g., Cove Trim.

The Cove Trim design was registered in May 1987. It was developed in consultation with numerous local Council Health Departments to provide an easy-to-clean wall-tofloor junction, mainly for use in food preparation areas. Numerous other new designs followed thereafter, of which many can be found in suppliers’ catalogues worldwide. BAT Trims has often been described as the “Innovators, not the Imitators” in

no bull

the tiling industry.

Today, our trim product range comprises of a variation of over 1400 different sections, sizes, and colours, with the vast majority held in readily available stock around the country. We are also equipped to design and manufacture specialised project-specific products, often working together with architects and designers on customised designs, sizing and finishes. We pride ourselves on having completed many unique bespoke works. Some of our larger and specialised projects have included the custom design of our in-house manufactured Expansion Joints. Projects including the Jerudong Amusement Park in Brunei, Flinders Street Station in Melbourne and numerous shopping centres, airports and hotel developments worldwide. We remain an Australian-owned and operated Family Business, with five branches and 35 staff Australia Wide.

Designed with today’s professional tradie in mind, the OX Tuff Rule is a rigid, versatile, and compact metric measuring rule built with a practical purpose for all tradesmen and is now transforming the way we build.

Designed by tradies for tradies, every dimension on this rule, the length, width, and thickness, serves a practical purpose incorporating the requirements of everyday construction. Inspired by old-school quality tools, the Tuff Rule is made for the way we build today.

Each fold-out increment on the rule represents 150mm in length, featuring the common measurements on the job site: 150mm, 300mm, 450mm, and 600mm. Once fully extended, the OX Tuff Rule is 600mm long, designed for quick checking of common tile sizes (75x300mm, 300x300mm, 300x600mm, 600x600mm).

The OX Tuff Rule includes a bonus angle finder measuring angles from 0-180°. This allows for easy marking of mitres for shower wastes, niches, and floor tiles. The centre line feature also allows for easy marking of tile penetrations such as shower mixes, shower heads and taps, saving you time on the job site.

Available in black, white, green, and blue, the OX Tuff Rule is the ultimate rule for every modern measurement. Compact, precise, and relevant to the way we build today, the Tuff Rule is fully packed with practical features for every tradesman!

No Bull. Just OX.

technology meets tradition

Rafael Fabregat CEO and Founder

since starting production in 1987, Fanal Ceramica, the Spanish floor and wall tile manufacturer, has built its business on a philosophy of hard work, informed design, and advanced technology.

Intensely proud of its contribution to Castellon’s rich ceramic heritage, Fanal is equally passionate about harnessing the latest tile production technology and setting the benchmark for aesthetic appeal and technical performance.

Renowned for anticipating aesthetic trends and developing innovative collection textures and formats that satisfy even the most demanding markets. Fanal’s innovative tile journey spans over 35 years of constant evolution and investment:

1987. Establishes their first home, a 13000 square metre factory in Alcora, and their core ethos: respect for others, teamwork, and diversity. Initially only producing red body tiles in two popular formats: 310x310mm and 410x 410mm.

1999. Fanal constructs a new factory for producing 330x330mm and 430x430mm format red body tiles.

2001. Doubles production capacity by acquiring two new presses, a second kiln, and two additional glazing lines.

2002. Begins producing glazed porcelain in two formats: 320 by 320mm and 450 by 450mm.

2004. Starting to really harvest the fruits of its ongoing investment, Fanal closes the year with a 20% increase in total sales. Driven by the strong export performance, up 24%, of porcelain tiles marketed under the Fan Porcelánico brand name.

2005. As demand grows, so does the pressure on logistics. To address this challenge, improving customer service and delivery efficiency, Fanal goes on to invest in an automated warehouse. They go on to produce 600x600mm large format tiles.

2009. Increases product offering with body wall tiles in 250x500mm and 320x600mm formats.

2010. Acquisition of the first Durst inkjet decoration machine means product design and productivity take a significant leap forward.

2011. Introduces impressive white body wall tiles in a new

316 by 900mm format and reaffirms the tech investment from the previous year.

2013. Polishing and rectifying lines added; allow for further product portfolio growth while increasing the surface sophistication levels on offer.

2014. Develops Nano-Plus, a pioneering technology that offers an exceptional gloss finish. Adds 750x750mm porcelain tiles to the growing product portfolio.

2017. Creates second polishing and rectifying line.

2019. Releases striking new designs and sizes: 900x900mm and 450x1200mm. Great success launching new high-performance non-slip finishes with great success.

2020. Continues to invest in large sizes; launches 600x1200mm porcelain tiles.

2021. Commissions VX Lab to create a new website that fully reflects the depth and quality of the porcelain product portfolio. A simple yet elegant structure that maximises the product catalogues accessibility and enhances user experience.

2023. Nine production lines, more than 40,000 pallets of tiles manufactured per year and a robust international presence exporting to 90 countries. The main markets are the USA, UK, Greece, Israel, Ireland, Canada and Australia. Spanning more than 35 years of evolution and investment, Fanal has cemented a reputation, and commitment, to staying at the forefront of ceramic development in design, quality and technical performance.

luce series

luxurious, luminous and tactile. The Luce series showcases both tradition and technology through its esteem for Italian marble and dedication to design innovation

Inspired by the timeless beauty of Italy’s most precious marbles, the Luce series captures the essence of natural stones in the highest-quality Italian porcelain.

Available in two stunning colourways, Luce’s design features an alabaster base crisscrossed by dramatic and delicate grey or golden vein patterns. This sophisticated series also boasts a geometric decor tile developed to match this series and the Siena series.

Available in three satin-finished sizes for maximum versatility. The Luce series achieves its authentic look and feel by carefully calibrating the finishing stage that maintains small surface nuances in line with nature.

@alexanderhgouse_

let’s get social

We’re always blown away by the creativity of our customers. We’re proud of how active our community is online - especially when it comes to Instagram. Over the last year we have seen many stunning tile projects, transformations and DIYs that we simply had to double tap. We have seen classic subway tiles more popular than ever, adding visual interest with unique tile lay patterns, bold decorator tiles used for eye-catching feature walls or splashbacks - and the list goes on. Got a recently finished tile project? Tag us on Instagram; we’d love to see it!

nationaltilesau The before and after of our DREAMS in our opinion, our Colosseum tiles steal the spotlight in this stunning kitchen reno by @alexanderhouse_

nationaltilesau Main bathroom for @mulberry_manor featuring our Paloma White and Frammenta Bianco Natural Tiles. photography by @villastyling build by @ausmarhomes

nationaltilesau We love this light and bright ensuite bathroom reno by @rhiannonsmyth! Our White Whoosh Matt Wall Tile is a sleek addition to any bathroom.

@rhiannonsmyth

@mulberry_manor

@smarterrenovationsmelb

nationaltilesau TREND ALERT! Make a statement with a classic herringbone tile lay pattern for your next bathroom reno.

@kodiakprojects

nationaltilesau Our Marrakech tiles styled two ways in this funky bathroom by @the_chartwell – for a subtle patterned look, go for tiles with a subdued colour palette like our Marrakech biscuit and decor tiles.

nationaltilesau We love this kitchen build featuring our Japanese Impression Snow Mk2 Tile. The stunning Bella House, built by our friends at @kodiakprojects emphasises warmth and light with timeless neutral tones.

@worldofstylebyporterdavis

nationaltilesau Dreamy bathroom inspiration featuring our effortless Whoosh Forest Gloss Tile Photo credit @worldofstylebyporterdavis

@the_chartwell

Kimberley Hybrid shown in Black Butt Light.

Kimberley Hybrid 1220x180mm

Available in 6 colours:

BlackButtLight

BlackButtDark

SpottedGum

Driftwood

Ash Storm

the catch-up

At the weekend you will find me…

Entertaining with my kids and friends, at home, poolside, or out and about at a kids party or exploring parks, zoos, fairs and theme parks. Just about anything to keep the kids happy, active and entertained.

My ideal dinner menu is...

A seafood extravaganza with oysters, scallops, chilli garlic prawns, lobster mornay, and a side of broccolini.

I am inspired by...

Creating a winning environment where everyone is inspired to succeed. I love helping others to grow and be their best.

One thing most people don’t know about me is...

In my late 20s, one of my proudest pre-kids moments was completing my Masters in Marketing and receiving the Dean’s Medal (highest achievement) for my year.

My favourite home design style is...

I plan to start renovating next year and will be adopting a modern minimalist design approach. I like clean, crisp lines with little clutter and lots of natural light. The best advice I have been given is...

There are a few key quotes that I live by every day; Carpe Diem or seize the day.

Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

What I am loving about National Tiles at the moment is...

TRADE! The trade focus and growth. The new and revamped trade stores.

What I love most about working at National Tiles is...

JANINE PUCCIO SENIOR CATEGORY MANAGER, TRADE

janine Puccio joined the National Tiles team in 2021 as the Category Manager for Trade. After many years of experience in the B2B space for the hardware and tool industry, she is an ideal conduit between supply partners, trade stores and tilers. She understands every aspect of her portfolio, from market-based pricing to product offerings and works closely with all parties to ensure National Tiles supports, excites and inspires our trade customers with fit-for-purpose products at the best possible prices.

My favourite childhood memory is...

Two specific memories from my childhood that stay with me.

Spending the summer holidays at my pop’s place in Bawley point, where my family (including aunts, uncles and cousins) would gather to play beach cricket, enjoy beach walks and swims, catch and cook crabs and play card games of 500 until the early hours of the morning.

Every year on my birthday, mum would take the day off work and take me to White City to watch the Sydney International tennis. I loved the proximity to the courts and the action!

I am passionate about…

Trying new things with my family, such as experiences, restaurants, holidays, walks and parks.

The passion and excitement of the National Tiles team, particularly the Trade team I work with. I love bringing new products to market that give our customers greater choices and help solve their problems or save them time and money.