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A SEASON TO SIMPLIFY and refresh
With the chill of winter settling over most of South Africa, many of us are retreating indoors, making this the perfect season to turn our attention to the spaces we call home. In this issue of EasyDIY, we’re embracing a theme of simplify and refresh – helping you shake off trend fatigue and reconnect with timeless style.
In a world where design trends come and go faster than the seasons, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re focusing on ideas that endure. From our guide to timeless subway tiles – a staple that never falls out of vogue – to decor and paint tips that help you
CONTENTS
BITS ‘N’ BOBS
3 Cosy bathrooms and fiery fireplaces. We round up the best options for your renovation
EXPERT ADVICE
6 WOOD WORKS
Whether you’re building a bookshelf, cladding a wall or revamping your patio, choosing the right type of timber matters.
9 BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME?
refresh without a complete overhaul, this edition is about finding comfort in the classics while adding your own modern twist.
This season is also the ideal time to tackle those cosy indoor projects. Whether layering textures for warmth, experimenting with deeper paint shades or giving tired furniture a new lease of life, you’ll find practical inspiration in every feature.
So, as you sip your favourite warm drink and nestle in against the cold, let EasyDIY spark your next home refresh – simple, stylish and satisfying.
RainaJulies
Copyright: Picasso Headline. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. EasyDIY is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials and promotions have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.
You’ll need to navigate a maze of professionals, permits and processes to ensure your building is compliant and covered. We share an easy but much-needed checklist.
12 BEYOND FOUR WALLS
In today’s property market, a well-designed entertainment space is more than just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle necessity.
PROJECTS
15 TREND FATIGUE
Are you tired of constantly refreshing your home decor to keep up with the latest trends? Do you feel your carefully curated space looks dated just months after a makeover? You’re not alone. That’s trend fatigue – we share the antidote.
20 JUST A LITTLE COLOUR
Discover budget-friendly paint tips to add personality and charm to every corner of your home.
DIY 101
23 IN CELEBRATION OF THE TIMELESS SUBWAY TILE
Subway tiles continue to captivate with their rich and storied history, and their famous adaptability. Whether you’re looking for subway tiles for kitchens, bathrooms or floor spaces, discover fresh ways to lay, grout and style this timeless tile to transform your home.
Sculpted IN STONE, FORGED IN FIRE Redefi ning luxury for South African homes
Bring elemental beauty into your home with two handcrafted and locally made masterpieces celebrating stone and re
There’s a reason stone baths are making a powerful return to stylish homes across South Africa. Long celebrated for their raw beauty and enduring strength, stone baths, such as those handcrafted by Livingstone Baths, capture the essence of timeless elegance while offering modern-day indulgence.
Leading the collection is the Taylor Bath (1 625mm long x 780mm wide x 525mm high), the brand’s best-seller by sales. This bath is a perfect blend of timeless luxury and natural elegance, crafted to be a striking centrepiece in any bathroom. Meticulously sculpted from a premium resin and stone blend and finished with a hand-polished sheen, the Taylor Bath offers a sleek, refined look. Engineered for superior heat retention, it keeps water warmer for longer, delivering a truly indulgent, spa-like soak every time.
For those drawn to graceful curves and fluid lines, the Sienna Bath (1 600mm long x 805mm wide x 610mm high) is a sought-after
ELEVATING STONE TO ENDURING LUXURY
choice. Its elegant silhouette seamlessly blends durability with sophisticated design, making it equally at home in minimalist sanctuaries or luxurious retreats. Like all Livingstone baths, the Sienna is handcrafted and polished by hand to enhance its smooth, tactile finish while ensuring lasting beauty and exceptional performance.
For those who favour a more intimate yet equally luxurious bathing experience, the Frances Bath (1 500mm long x 755mm wide x 530mm high) creates a sanctuary of sophistication. Its refined proportions and hand-sculpted form offer comfort and style, turning every soak into a relaxation ritual. With superior heat retention and artisanal craftsmanship, the Frances proves that smaller scale doesn’t mean compromising indulgence. What makes Livingstone’s stone baths truly timeless is their versatility – they are equally suited to contemporary, industrial or classic interiors. Their handcrafted artistry
Plumbing guidelines
2025 brochure
and natural textures connect us to elemental beauty, while their lasting durability ensures they will be cherished for years. In every sense, Livingstone Baths proves that stone is not just a material; it’s a canvas for elegance that never goes out of style.
For more information: https://livingstonebaths.com/
The Taylor
The Sienna
The Frances
BEAUTIFUL FIRES
A new collection of locally manufactured, closed-combustion fireplaces that combine solid build quality, performance and clean design – at a price that makes sense – has just been launched. The Forged Fire Collection by Beauty Fires is manufactured with premium-grade steel, and the closed-combustion range includes both insert and freestanding fireplaces.
The designs apply well-established airflow technology, resulting in units that burn cleanly, heat efficiently, and are built to last.
A highlight of the range is the I120/F120 –currently the largest hinged-door wood-burning closed-combustion fireplace available in South Africa. At 1 200mm wide, it offers generous heating capacity without sacrificing style.
Additionally, the Forge Fires inserts have been specifically designed to replace standard open wood-burning units without the need to break or rebuild the cavity, making them a practical solution for renovations and upgrades.
The Forge Fires range combines practical design and quality manufacturing, and is ideal for contractors, architects, designers and homeowners alike.
Where can you get yours? Available at all Beauty Fires stores, Forge Fires is made in Cape Town and designed with South African homes in mind. Visit www.forgefires.co.za
WOOD WORKS: THE BEST timber FOR EVERY DIY JOB
Whether you’re building a bookshelf, cladding a wall or revamping your patio, choosing the right type of timber can mean the di erence between a polished pro ect and a frustrating flop, writes Raina Julies
Picking the right wood is essential for success – especially given the variety of climate conditions we have in South Africa and the price of materials.
Here’s our no-fuss guide to getting it right the first time:
1. Pine: the budget-friendly all-rounder
Pine is one of the most commonly used woods in South African DIY, and for good reason: it’s affordable, easy to cut and sand and widely available at hardware stores such as Builders and Timbercity. It’s ideal for indoor furniture, shelving and wall panelling. However, untreated pine isn’t weather-resistant so it should be avoided outdoors unless properly sealed or pressure-treated.
Pro tip: look for SABS-approved pine to ensure quality and sustainability. South Africa grows much of its pine locally, particularly in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
2. Plywood: the versatile sheet hero
Plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together, making it stable and less likely to warp. It’s perfect for cabinetry,
built-ins and even decorative panels. Marine-grade plywood is best for high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens. It’s slightly more expensive, but worth the investment.
Use it for: cupboard doors, wall panels and kids’ furniture.
Avoid it for: load-bearing structures or exterior use unless marine grade.
3. Hardwood: the premium performer Hardwoods such as meranti, kiaat and oak are prized for their strength and
QUICK-REFERENCE WOOD CHART
beautiful grain. While more expensive, they’re excellent for projects that require durability and style – think doors, dining tables and countertops. Kiaat, a popular local hardwood, is termite-resistant and ideal for outdoor furniture.
Pro tip: for a sustainable option, look for FSC-certified hardwoods or consider reclaimed timber from salvage yards.
4. Treated timber: outdoor warrior If you’re building a patio, pergola or garden bed, CCA-treated pine is your go-to. It’s infused with preservatives to protect against rot, insects and weathering. Treated timber is slightly greenish in colour and often used in fencing or structural outdoor work.
Caution: always wear gloves and a mask when cutting treated wood, and never burn offcuts – the chemicals can be toxic.
Pine (untreated) Low Medium Indoor furniture, shelving
Meranti/KiaatHigh High Doors, tables, premium projects
Treated Pine Medium Very HighDecking, pergolas, garden projects
The best wood for your DIY job isn’t always the most expensive – it’s the one that suits your project’s needs, environment and your skill level. Start with smaller projects to gain confidence. Always check moisture levels, grain direction and whether the wood is seasoned before you buy.
Your checklist for a seamless process WHEN BUILDING YOUR dream HOME
When building a home from scratch, many permits and processes are required to ensure your building is compliant and covered. By
Wynand van Vuuren,
client experience partner at
King Price Insurance
The home-building journey will keep you on your toes. The smoother the process, the sooner it’ll be ready for you to move in, however, you shouldn’t lose sight of some vital elements.
To help make it trouble- and stress-free, here is a guide to the experts you’ll need, the required inspections and the necessary insurance to secure your investment.
1 2
Start on solid ground before a single brick is laid.
Check that the seller of the land is above board and has a solid track record. Then, check that the land is fully transferred, registered and has essential services, like water and electricity, ready to go. Once these boxes are ticked, consult a land surveyor and secure a geotechnical report to ensure your future home will have a stable foundation. At this point, you may also need to bring a structural engineer on board.
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Keep all third parties in the loop. If you’ve bonded your build, the financing institution will need to have these geotechnical and structural assurances and requirements for their records. When you sign for your bond, make sure you know what they need to see and when. If you’re building in an estate or complex, it’s critical that you remain in close contact with the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) throughout the process. They have the right to halt the work in progress and also to instruct you to knock down and rebuild, if their rules aren’t followed to the T.
Assemble your team of experts. Good foundations aren’t only about the concrete under your feet; they’re also about working with a budget-conscious architect, a thorough structural engineer and a seasoned builder with impeccable attention to detail. Your
4
architect will draft the plans, but an engineer must certify the structural integrity of your project. Builders, who must be registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), perform and oversee the actual construction. You should review builders’ certifications to confirm their membership. Before appointing providers to install the electricity, gas and solar systems, check their certifications and ensure they’re able to provide compliance certificates. Be hands-on.
You should visit the site regularly to check for faults that the builder may have missed.
5
Who inspects what?
To get council approval, your submission needs HOA sign-off (if applicable) and must include detailed documentation: proof of transfer, land survey reports, structural engineering requirements, architect’s plans and, sometimes, an energy-efficiency model. As you progress, you’ll need NHBRC and engineering inspections at key milestones, such as foundation setting, slab pouring and roofing, as well as regular safety checks to comply with labour regulations. Remember to send all these documents to the bonding bank as well.
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Get insured.
The construction company must have contract work insurance throughout the building process. This covers the site and materials against loss and damage, and the construction company’s liability for third-party injuries that happen on-site. However, the insurance responsibility shifts to you the moment you receive the keys. Chat to your insurer well in advance to ensure your home is covered from this day forward.
ENJOY PIZZAS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
Purchase and install a DIY pizza oven kit from Italoven and enjoy delicious homemade pizzas
Get cooking and eating with a DIY built-in 900mm pizza oven kit from Italoven. A space of 1.4 x 1.4m is required for the installation of the oven. Follow the Italoven installation instructions below.
HERE’S HOW TO INSTALL YOUR ITALOVEN DIY PIZZA OVEN KIT
1. Build a base with double brick walls 1400 x 1400mm, leaving an opening for wood storage, normally straight under the pizza oven’s mouth opening.
2. Construct this base with a solid concrete slab, 1m high from the finished floor level.
3. Extend the outer wall of the base with one layer.
4. Pack loose bricks to fill the inside.
Make a dry mix topping with sand and cement. This goes on top of the clay bricks and must be 70mm
5. Make a dry mix topping with sand and cement. This goes on top of the clay bricks and must be 70mm thick and slightly compacted. The topping must be completely level to support the floor of the oven.
6. Now position the floor on top of the topping. Once in position, you can place the dome on top of the floor.
7. Install the brick sill in front of the oven with the top of the still level with the pizza oven floor.
8. Once the sill is in position and cemented, place the brick arch on top of the sill.
9. Place the smoke outlet behind the arch. It will naturally follow the contours of the dome. Small gaps between the dome and the smoke outlet and between the smoke outlet and the arch will appear. These gaps must be corked with normal Building mortar.
10. IMPORTANT: the gaps between the pizza ovens floor and dome must be left as is. Do not cork these gaps with Building mortar.
11. Mix C1010 (rock wool) with water into a paste. Plaster the entire oven with this product.
12. Now place the boiler packing against and over the entire oven.
13. Start closing the oven by building an outer skin with clay bricks. A cavity will be formed automatically, this gets filled with filling sand.
14. Continue by plastering the oven and cork the brick arch’s gaps to blend in with the plaster.
15. Once the plaster is dry, the oven can be painted with normal PVA paint.
Your oven is ready for use. Enjoy and buon appetito!
Gauteng Branch
Plot 11B Stegman street, Terenure, Kempton Park
Office: 011 393 2597 | Cel: 076 076 7894
Email: leanic@mweb.co.za
Wood Burning Pizza Ovens, Oven’s ideal for cooking any type of meal!
In today’s property market, a well-designed entertainment space is more than just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle necessity. DG Properties MD Alexa Horne and Paul Upton, head of developments, weigh in on what makes the perfect entertainment space – and why it’s a feature worth considering
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance your living experience or an investor seeking to boost property appeal, the right entertainment area can set a home apart. Across the world, home entertainment spaces are evolving to meet changing lifestyles and design preferences.
•Australia is seeing a surge in al fresco living, with fully equipped outdoor kitchens, retractable walls and weather-adaptive patios becoming standard in new home designs.
•In the USA, multifunctional entertainment areas are on the rise, with homes incorporating indoor-outdoor bars, firepit lounges and dedicated home cinemas for flexible hosting options.
• Europe’s compact urban homes are embracing clever space-saving solutions, such as extendable dining tables, collapsible outdoor seating and modular furniture, that maximise small spaces without compromising entertainment potential.
•In South Africa, where a vibrant social culture revolves around food and gatherings, entertainment spaces hold even
greater significance. The traditional braai remains central to many homes, making built-in braai areas, covered patios and seamless indoor-outdoor integration some of the most sought-after features. However, does investing in an entertainment space add real value to a home? And what do buyers and tenants truly look for when considering a property’s hosting potential?
WHAT DO BUYERS AND TENANTS LOOK FOR IN AN ENTERTAINMENT SPACE?
Modern property seekers prioritise homes that accommodate their lifestyle, especially when it comes to entertaining.
Buyers and tenants are looking for homes that offer more than just standard living spaces. They want seamless indoor-outdoor connections, flexible layouts and smart design elements that allow them to host effortlessly.
Key features of a well-designed entertainment space
•Open-plan layouts encourage easy movement between the kitchen, dining and lounge areas.
•Seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Stackable doors, covered patios and built-in braais are particularly desirable in South African homes.
•Technology integration. South African homeowners are increasingly embracing smart solutions – automated pergolas, energy-efficient outdoor heating, smart speakers and artificial intelligence-driven lighting systems to enhance the functionality of entertainment spaces.
•Flexible seating options. Modular or built-in seating adapts to different entertainment needs.
•Dedicated entertainment areas. Media rooms, home bars or outdoor lounges boost a home’s appeal.
In today’s market, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating homes that cater to how people live and entertain. We’re seeing a clear shift towards integrating entertainment zones into the overall design of homes within new developments, especially outdoor spaces that blend functionality with lifestyle. These features are no longer considered extras – they’re becoming essential components of modern developments.
SHOULD YOU INVEST IN AN ENTERTAINMENT SPACE?
Homes with well-designed entertainment areas not only attract more buyers and tenants, but also increase property value.
A beautifully designed entertainment space is an investment that enhances both your lifestyle and resale potential. With South Africa’s emphasis on social living, entertainment-friendly homes stand out in the market and attract higher prices.
Properties featuring indoor-outdoor flow, built-in braais, pizza ovens, firepits or entertainment rooms are particularly sought-after in Cape Town and other urban hubs. Additionally, homes with versatile entertainment spaces appeal to a wide range of buyers, from young professionals who love to host to families looking for comfortable gathering areas.
Entertainment spaces also increase rental appeal as tenants prioritise homes offering social and leisure experiences.
CLEVER TRICKS FOR CREATING AN ENTERTAINMENT SPACE (EVEN IN SMALLER HOMES!)
Not every home has vast entertainment areas, but with a few smart tricks, any space can become a hosting haven.
• Opt for multipurpose furniture. A dining table that extends, a bench with built-in storage or a coffee table that lifts to become a workspace.
•Maximise outdoor space. Even a small balcony or patio can be transformed with seating, plants and string lights.
•Use mirrors to open up a room. Strategically placed mirrors create an illusion of space and enhance natural light.
• Create a mini braai area. Even a compact outdoor space can house a small built-in or portable braai, adding instant entertainment appeal.
•Choose portable entertainment solutions. Think Bluetooth speakers, foldable bar carts and modular seating for flexibility.
MAKING EVERY HOME AN ENTERTAINER’S DREAM
A well-designed entertainment space is more than just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle feature that adds value, functionality and desirability to any property. Whether upgrading your home for personal enjoyment or market appeal, investing in an entertainment area is a smart move.
Superflex Evolution Diamond Blades: NEW LOOK, IMPROVED PRODUCT
oasting new blister packaging and an improved product, uperfle volution iamond Blades from GRINDTECH feature e cellent longevity and advanced cutting ability
Available in two derivatives – the segmented and continuous rim, these blades fit directly onto a normal angle grinder.
The segmented rim, which is generally used in the construction industry to cut brick, concrete and stone, will ultimately provide the fastest cut. This blade is generally used for dry cutting, as the segmented rim allows air to flow through and cool down the blade during application, and debris to exit faster during the cut.
The continuous rim is favoured for tile cutting as it provides a slower, but much neater cut that reduces chipping to almost zero. Suitable for wet cutting applications on hard materials such as glass, porcelain, ceramics, marble and granite.
Apart from the new blister packaging, Superflex Evolution Diamond Blades now feature improved durability and longevity due to the enhanced design, which ensures multiple cuts for longer.
Superflex:
•Durable
•Dependable
•Different
The Superflex Evolution range is available from major retailers.
For more information: +27 11 271 6400 info@grindtech.com www.grindtech.com
Timeless design: THE ANTIDOTE TO trend FATIGUE
Are you tired of constantly refreshing your home decor to keep up with the latest trends? Do you feel your carefully curated space looks dated just months after a makeover? You’re not alone. That’s trend fatigue. Nicole Russell from Italtile explores the concept of timeless design and enduring style as a refreshing antidote
Trend fatigue is the feeling of exhaustion and frustration that arises from constantly chasing the latest interior fads, fashions and design trends. It’s the sense that your home is never quite “finished” because the goalposts keep moving. This cycle of buying, discarding when the novelty wears off and redecorating can be expensive, unsustainable and ultimately unsatisfying.
We see a trend explode on social media, in magazines and stores, and – whether it has relevancy in our lives and home aesthetic or not – we invest and then, seemingly overnight, it’s replaced by something new. This excessive, conspicuous consumption and constant churn leaves many feeling overwhelmed and disillusioned with the concept of interior design. It’s hard. But it doesn’t have to be.
WHAT IS TIMELESS DESIGN?
Timeless design, on the other hand, focuses on creating spaces that transcend fleeting trends. It’s about incorporating enduring principles of design that remain stylish and functional for years. Think classic architectural details, quality craftsmanship and a focus on comfort, durability, functionality and liveability. Timeless design isn’t about avoiding all trends, but rather about selectively incorporating elements that complement a core foundation of enduring style. It prioritises quality over quantity, investing in pieces that will stand the test of time, both aesthetically and functionally.
DESIGN HACKS FOR A TIMELESS HOME (WITH A TOUCH OF TREND)
The watchword is “curation”. Here are some actionable tips to help you curate a timeless home that reflects your personal style:
1Cleverly blending trends with timeless looks
Don’t be afraid to incorporate current trends, but do so strategically. Instead of investing in a trendy sofa that might look dated in a year, consider adding a pop of trend through easily replaceable accessories such as cushions, throws, or artwork. This allows you to refresh your space without a complete overhaul. For example, if the current trend is bold geometric patterns, incorporate it through a rug or a set of decorative pillows, pairing them with a classic neutral sofa. (And yes, you can indulge your need for bouclé here!) Our current favourite trend blender is to take an absolute classic: a white bevelled subway tile like the Metro Blanco Biselado Gloss Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile 100 x 200mm, and give it a trendy twist by adding a contrasting grout colour or laying it in a modern way. Herringbone, basketweave or a vertical stack are very popular installation patterns right now ... all of which are ages old and make regular happy returns to the trend lists.
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Authenticity – personal resonance is key
Your home should be a true reflection of you, not the pages of a magazine. Focus on creating a space that resonates with your style and values. Authenticity rather than insincerity. Think about the colours, textures and patterns you love and that make you feel comfortable and happy. Incorporate items with sentimental value or that tell a story about your life. This personal touch will ensure your home feels authentic and unique, regardless of current trends. As interior decorating magazine, House Beautiful, often emphasises, a home should tell your story.
Functionality and practicality first
A beautiful home is only successful if it’s also functional. Prioritise practicality and consider how you actually live in your space. Choose furniture and decor that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also durable and easy to maintain. Think about the flow of your home and how you use each room. A well-designed space should make your life easier, not more complicated.
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Invest in quality
Favour well-made, well-built and durable elements. Investing in quality pieces that will last for years is a cornerstone of timeless design that also
promises an attractive return on investment when the time comes to sell. Choose furniture and decor made from high-quality materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear. This approach is more sustainable in the long run, both environmentally and financially.
Sustainability
When designing your living spaces, incorporating sustainable elements is crucial not only for reducing your environmental footprint, but also for developing your individual timeless aesthetic that promotes wellbeing and harmony in the long term. By choosing eco-centric materials, energy-efficient and water-saving solutions, and responsibly sourced products, you can craft a beautiful and enduring sanctuary that benefits you and the planet.
WHEN A TREND BECOMES A LASTING LOOK
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Diversity
Here’s where you can get smart with the inclusion of appropriate trends into your mood board elements: varied textures, patterns and a variety of styles. This diversity adds depth, visual interest and personality to a space that will reflect your unique experiences, culture and perspectives. By focusing on these principles you can create a home that is not only beautiful and stylish, but also timeless and personal. Say goodbye to the stress of keeping up with fads and fashions and the more fleeting trends ... and embrace a design approach that celebrates enduring style and individuality.
The rather wonderful thing about life is that certain times throw up opportunities for new ideas to develop into mainstream movements. Three interior trends that flew in because of circumstances, stayed and settled into noble aesthetic considerations are:
Biophilic design: The wellbeing movement that crept in during the dark years of COVID-19 and answered our longing for connection with nature when we were kept inside through lockdown has became a megatrend and way of life.
The home office: Another COVID-19 phenomenon where work-from-home became the norm and is now a practical feature of today’s hybrid and remote working situation.
Sustainable design: Hard to believe this mindful and thoughtful way of life began as a trend. Explore how to refresh your home the green way.
JUST A LITTLE colour
Discover budget-friendly paint tips to add personality and charm to every corner of your home. By Palesa Ramaisa, ulu colour e pert
GIVE YOUR DOOR A PERSONALITY
A newly painted front door can dramatically change the look of your home. The best colour for a door depends on the style of the house design and the colour of your exterior paint. As a guide, traditional homes generally suit high-gloss finishes, such as rich red or navy, while modern homes suit more contemporary shades such as warm greys, smoky lilac and teal.
SMALL CHANGES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Newly painted shutters, window frames and trim can make a huge difference to how your exterior looks and feels. You can use leftover exterior paint colours from a previous project to give your window frames and trims a fresh look. You can also revive your old pot plants with a fresh coat of paint.
CUE THE COLOURFUL ACCENTS
Add a bold pick-me-up with soft furnishings in vibrant paint colours and modern prints like stripes and florals. A pop of colour adds a distinctive touch to a space – it could be a vibrant rug in a neutral-toned room, a bold-coloured chair in a room with a muted colour scheme or artwork with a contrasting colour palette.
GIVE YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE SOME LOVE
A good interior/exterior varnish, like Dulux Woodgard Timbervarnish, fortifies wood against wind, sun and rain. Refreshing your furniture with a new coat of paint every two to three years will help strengthen the timber, reducing the likelihood of replacinng it with new furniture. And, as a bonus, you’ll always have a colourful backdrop for outdoor festivities.
A small tweak here and there could uplift the look and feel of your home without spending a lot of money. Identify small things you can change in your home by just reviving and adding a bit of colour to transform it into a space where you will enjoy spending time.
Celebrating the TIMELESS SUBWAY tile
Subway tiles continue to captivate with their rich and storied history and their famous adaptability. Whether looking for subway tiles for kitchens, bathrooms or floor spaces, discover fresh ways to lay, grout and style this timeless tile to transform your home. By Nicole Russell from Italtile
Interior design maven Melanie Ewing, CEO of Chapters Interiors, calls the over-100-year-old subway tile “the eternal child” of the decor world: forever fresh and fabulous and at home on just about any mood board. This iconic little charmer is the ultimate style chameleon with the uncanny ability to adapt itself to modern trends.
INNOVATIVE WAYS TO LAY SUBWAY TILES
The original installation pattern was called a brick pattern or a classic brick bond, where the tiles are laid horizontally and staggered by a half or a third for each row. A more modern take on the classic brick pattern is a stacked block with no staggered joints, vertical or horizontal. A popular pattern is the herringbone shape and variations of it. Today, there are several creative ways to mix it up and make your subway tile feature wall as eye-catching as possible. Get creative and take your subway tiles from classic to contemporary to elevate your interiors.
Here are 12 different ways to lay your subway tiles:
1. Herringbone at 90 degrees.
2. Step ladder.
3. Classic subway, stacked like bricks.
4. Geometric look.
5. Classic at a diagonal.
6. Stacked vertical.
7. 90-degree classic.
8. Stacked horizontal tile.
9. Stacked vertical – alternating.
10. Classic herringbone.
11. Stacked horizontal – alternating.
12. Herringbone at 45 degrees.
THE BEST SPACES TO FEATURE SUBWAY TILES
Subway tiles for kitchens and bathrooms are ideal because they are nonporous and durable, offering low maintenance. They shine as kitchen splashbacks or as accent walls in bathrooms and wet rooms, enhancing both style and functionality. Subway tiles on floors? The jury’s out on this option. While I agree that their small size, along with grouting, will assist with grip, their surfaces are too slippery. Some subway tiles may not be durable enough for floors and will crack under repeated impact. Check the manufacturer’s rating for the tile you’re interested in.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GROUTING FOR YOUR SUBWAY TILES
Your choice of grouting can take your subway tile installation from classic to contemporary. It plays a really important role in the overall aesthetic as it can either unify the look or build contrast. Stick to matching grout for a more seamless aesthetic: for example, white with white, black with black. But we’re here to say ... how about something different? Create contrast, colour the lines and deliberately draw attention to the installation pattern by choosing a contrasting grout colour. Grey or black with white. White or grey with black. Consider fun options like glitter grout for added quirk or flair. You decide, depending upon your appetite for the unusual.
Italtile stocks a wide range of grouting options by our partners ProGrip, offering the very latest in polymer technology, with water-repellent qualities.
Then there’s the Litikol Starlike Evo range of glitter grout, designed to give your exclusive, luxury subway tiles the glamour they deserve. Both grouting labels carry the LiveGreen label for sustainability.
THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SUBWAY TILES
Advantages:
• Easy to maintain, nonporous and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Durability: subway tiles are water-resistant and can handle the humidity of a bathroom or kitchen.
• Aesthetically pleasing: thanks to the variety of sizes, textures, colours, finishes and patterns available, subway tiles will please the most discerning style palates.
• Versatile: the myriad modern installation patterns allow you to create the accent wall you desire.
• Subway tiles brighten up a space: these iconic glossies reflect light, which brightens up a space and can make a room feel bigger.
Disadvantages:
• Grout maintenance: depending on the grout you choose, porosity can pose a challenge, leading to maintenance issues over time. Grout, depending on the quality you use, can stain and discolour over time or grow mould. Regular cleaning is required.
• Susceptible to chipping: depending on the quality of the tile you choose, the glazed surface can chip, especially in heavy traffic areas where impact is possible.
• May not be the best choice for an ultra-modern aesthetic: although we at Italtile believe subway tiles are suitable for pretty much all interior design styles, personal choice may not include them in an ultra-modernist space as they may be considered too “sentimental” or nostalgic.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SUBWAY TILES
Bathrooms and kitchens are humid environments: a daily wipe-down of your easy-to-clean subway tiles and grout lines with a soft damp cloth or sponge is advised. Watch out for areas likely to take spills and splashes, for instance, around the sink or stove. I recommend mixing a drop or two of dish soap in warm water to mop up the oopsy asap.
SHOULD SUBWAY TILES BE SEALED?
No. Please resist the urge to use a sealant over glazed ceramic subway tiles and specialist grout.
ARE WE OVER THE WHITE SUBWAY TILE TREND?
In a word ... no. There will always be a space in our hearts for the classic glossy white subway tile. The white subway tile is like the little black dress of tiles – it’s a timeless investment that will hold its value when you put your house on the market. However, it must be said that we are also enamoured of the fabulous variety of coloured and textured subway tiles at Italtile, which offer a fresh perspective and keep the aesthetic in vogue while honouring the original design’s charm and simplicity.
WHAT GOES WITH WHITE SUBWAY TILE?
Literally, everything! A classic white subway tile allows for a gazillion interior design possibilities because it’s the perfect blank canvas. Having said that, a good starting point is a richly glazed subway tile with matching white grout, married with a smooth wood-look porcelain tile. Classic. Looking for something a little more modern? Finish off your subway tile with a contrasting grout colour and add a contrasting smooth geometric patterned tile, like super-popular hexagonal tiles. Stone-look tiles, screed-look tiles, patchwork tiles and patterned tiles all play nicely with white subway tiles. Really, it’s up to you and your preferences.
SUBWAY TILE SIZES
The most commonly available subway tile size is 75 x 150mm, but due to the diversification of these popular tiles, you’ll find various formats available, from ultra-slim silhouettes like 70 x 240mm (blurring the lines between subways and KitKat tiles) to more substantial options – like 152 x 304mm or 100 x 400mm. Subway tile slash metro tile 2.0 if you like: snazzy updates that will offer a more modern design element to elevate your space.
