Hi Debbie,

I am re-doing my kitchen and am looking for some funky wall tiles. Not sure where to look? I'm planning to use plain white tiles but wanted to put in about ten patterned ones. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Our Shopping Expert replies:

Hi there,

Choosing tiles for a kitchen or bathroom is always a tricky business. If you decide on something too patterned they can dominate the scheme but plain white can look a little clinical. The obvious advantage of plain white tiles is that they are relatively inexpensive. Wall tiles come in three sizes: 8in, 6in and 4in and generally speaking the smaller they are the more you'll pay. Homebase's York range 6in tile costs £12.99 per square metre, whereas B&Q's Oasis range of 4in tiles costs £40 per square metre. The smaller tiles are more contemporary looking, particularly if they have a slightly rustic appearance. You'll need to think about how you are arranging them on the wall too: horizontally, or in a diamond pattern. A horizontal layout works best when other colours are sprinkled in whereas a diamond arrangement can be very effective if you stick to plain white.

Also take a look at the tiles at Fired Earth. These tend to be expensive but they are inspirational if nothing else. They sell a lovely 13cm tile called Fisherman Delft (see main picture) which at £13.95 per tile is not inexpensive but would look very effective mixed in with their coordinating white tiles. If you wanted to mix it with white tiles from another manufacturer you'd need to ensure that the tiles were of equal depth as the Delft ones are quite thick at 1.2cm deep. Call (01295) 812088 for details of your nearest Fired Earth store.

If you want to add colour, try a border. Glass tiles in particular would create a contemporary feel. B&Q's Tile Gallery range have glass border tiles in aqua, soft eau de nil green, sage green, beige, purple and grey. They measure 8in long and cost £12.98 for a box of ten. They also sell matching 4in tiles (£12.98 for a box of ten). Fix the border and then arrange your white tiles horizontally, mixing in the coloured tiles at random intervals.

Mosaics continue to be very fashionable and work well as border or edging tiles. B&Q's Oasis range features a mosaic strip (£1.98 for an 8in length) in two colourways: beige/white/grey or red/yellow/blue. They also do toning patterned inset tiles. The beige colour scheme is very sophisticated and would work well with white tiles mixed in with a box of their bronze tiles (£9.98 for a pack of 25 tiles). You can buy all these tiles at B&Q superstores. Find details of products and stores online at B&Q.

At Homebase you could choose the York 6in white tiles (£12.99 per square metre) and jazz them up with a metallic border. A box of six border tiles in platinum and white costs £12.99. Add further interest with their matching patterned tiles (£12.99 for a box of four).

If you want something a little more rustic, Tile Magic sell a range by Decocer which has a country kitchen feel. Their plain 4in white tiles (35p each) work well mixed in with tiles featuring a raised fruit design (lemons and cherries). At £9.75 per tile they're not cheap but you would only need three or four per square metre. Tile Magic stores are based in the Southeast. Call their Head office on (01474) 369600 for details of your nearest stockist.

Best wishes,

Debbie