Tile & Flooring Tips from an Interior Designer: Expert Advice from Bunkr Design

Choosing tiles might seem like one of the final decisions in a renovation project, but in reality, it's one of the most important. The right flooring can completely change how a room looks, feels and functions for years to come.

In this episode of In Conversation With Bathshack, we sat down with Charlene Turkington from Bunkr Design, an experienced interior designer known for creating beautiful, practical homes. Together, we explored how to make smarter tile and flooring choices, the latest design trends and the mistakes homeowners should avoid when planning a renovation.

Whether you're updating a bathroom, designing a new kitchen or building your forever home, Charlene shares practical advice that will help you make confident decisions before laying your first tile.

Why Your Tile Choice Matters More Than You Think

Tiles aren't simply a finishing touch. They're one of the largest visual surfaces in your home and often remain in place for decades.

While paint colours, furniture and accessories can change over time, replacing flooring is a significant investment. That's why it's worth taking the time to choose materials that balance style, durability and practicality.

When selecting tiles, it's important to think beyond today's trends and consider how they'll work with the rest of your home for years to come.

Start With the Overall Vision

One of Charlene's biggest pieces of advice is to think about the whole house rather than choosing each room in isolation.

Creating continuity throughout your home helps spaces feel larger, calmer and more connected. This doesn't mean every room has to look identical, but selecting complementary colours, textures and finishes creates a timeless look that flows naturally from room to room.

Large flooring areas have a huge impact on the finished result, so it's worth considering how each space works together before making any final decisions.

Large Format Tiles Continue to Lead Interior Design Trends

One trend that's here to stay is large-format tiles.

These larger tiles create fewer grout lines, making rooms feel more spacious while delivering a cleaner, more premium appearance.

They're particularly effective in:

• Bathrooms

• Open-plan living spaces

• Kitchens

• Hallways

Large tiles also make cleaning easier thanks to the reduced amount of grout, making them a practical as well as stylish choice.

At Bathshack, our extensive range of large-format porcelain tiles offers designs inspired by natural stone, concrete and contemporary finishes, helping homeowners achieve a luxury look without the maintenance associated with natural materials.

Natural Colours Create Timeless Interiors

While design trends evolve every year, Charlene highlights that natural colours continue to dominate modern interiors.

Warm neutral tones, stone-effect finishes and subtle textures provide flexibility as your tastes evolve.

Rather than designing around bold feature colours that may date quickly, choosing a neutral foundation allows you to refresh your space with accessories, furniture and décor over time.

It's an approach that offers longevity while maintaining a premium finish.

Consider How Each Room Will Be Used

Beautiful design should always work alongside everyday life.

When selecting flooring, think about:

• Foot traffic throughout the home

• Moisture levels in bathrooms and utility rooms

• Ease of cleaning

• Durability for busy family homes

• Slip resistance where appropriate

Finding the right balance between aesthetics and practicality ensures your flooring continues to perform long after installation.

Tile Size, Layout and Grout Make a Difference

It's easy to focus purely on the tile itself, but the layout and grout colour can dramatically influence the finished appearance.

Simple decisions like brick bond, stacked layouts or herringbone patterns create completely different visual effects.

Likewise, choosing grout that complements rather than contrasts with your tiles can help produce a cleaner, more seamless finish.

Working with experienced bathroom and tile specialists ensures these details are considered before installation begins.

Visit a Showroom Before Making Your Final Decision

Photography and online inspiration boards are a great starting point, but nothing compares to seeing tiles in person.

Lighting, texture and scale can look completely different in a showroom compared to a phone screen.

At Bathshack, our showrooms allow customers to compare tile sizes, colours and finishes while receiving expert advice from experienced designers who understand how products work together.

Seeing full room displays also helps visualise how flooring will look once installed.

Watch the Full Conversation

If you're planning a renovation, designing a new build or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical advice that could save you time, money and costly mistakes.

Watch the full episode of In Conversation With Bathshack featuring Charlene Turkington from Bunkr Design for expert guidance on choosing tiles and flooring that will stand the test of time.

You can also explore our full collection of premium bathroom tiles and flooring online or visit your nearest Bathshack showroom for personalised advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tiles for a home renovation?

The best tiles depend on the room, your lifestyle and your preferred design style. Porcelain tiles remain one of the most popular choices because they're durable, low maintenance and available in a wide range of finishes.

How do I choose the right flooring for my home?

Consider how each room will be used, moisture levels, foot traffic, maintenance requirements and how the flooring complements the rest of your home's design.

Are large-format tiles still in style?

Yes. Large-format tiles continue to be one of the biggest interior design trends thanks to their clean appearance, fewer grout lines and ability to make spaces feel larger.

Should every room have the same flooring?

Not necessarily, but creating consistency between spaces helps achieve a more cohesive and timeless interior. Many homeowners choose complementary flooring throughout their main living areas.

Where can I get expert advice on choosing tiles?

Bathshack's bathroom and tile specialists can help you compare materials, colours, layouts and finishes, ensuring you choose products that suit both your home and your lifestyle.

Watch the full episode of In Conversation With Bathshack on YouTube, then browse Bathshack's range of premium tiles and flooring online or visit one of our showrooms for expert advice and inspiration.