SPRING 2025 | Mid-Western Living Home | 11 Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, planning a kitchen splashback, or refreshing your outdoor area, understanding the details - grout, laying patterns, variation and materials - will help you make smart design decisions that last. Don’t Fear Variation - Embrace It Some tiles - particularly those that replicate natural stone, timber or handcrafted materials - are designed with slight variations in shade, texture or grain. Known as a V2 variation rating, this subtle difference between pieces creates a more organic, layered look. While uniform tiles (V1) offer consistency, V2 variations add depth and realism. The key to working with these tiles is careful planning before installation. Laying out a sample set and mixing tones evenly across the space helps avoid noticeable clusters of lighter or darker tiles. Outdoor Entertaining & Pool Pavers With Spring in full swing, outdoor spaces come into their own - and pool areas, patios and garden zones are the perfect candidates for a seasonal refresh. Natural stone pavers like travertine, limestone, and marble remain popular choices for pool surrounds and entertaining areas. They offer a timeless aesthetic, remain cool underfoot, and provide excellent slip resistance when sealed correctly. Outdoor tiles should be selected for both style and performance - factoring in exposure to sun, moisture, and wear. Colour choices can help blend the area into the garden or create a striking contrast with built elements like fences, decking or outdoor kitchens. TIP: When updating an outdoor area, choose materials that tie into the palette used inside the home. This creates a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and helps make smaller areas feel larger. Grout - The Unsung Hero Often overlooked, grout plays a major role in the overall appearance of tiled spaces. Choosing a grout that closely matches the tile can create a seamless, continuous surface, while using a contrasting shade can highlight the shape and placement of each tile. Grout colour can subtly shift the mood of a room, and it’s worth considering how the tone interacts with surrounding elements like cabinetry, benchtops or lighting. Quality grout also serves a vital functional role - helping seal gaps, prevent water ingress, and extend the life of the installation. 22 Perry St, Mudgee 02 6372 6655 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 12pm
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