National Tiles Bi-Annual Magazine September 2021 Issue

Available in 7 stylish colours

Lavishly decorative and always on trend, Colosseum Marble Mosaics boast the natural patterning and hues of organic materials, injecting elegance and luxury into interiors.

95 EACH $39

colosseum

hellooo... from Campbell Stott

National Tiles was founded by Frank Walker in 1979 with very humble beginnings. It was a little store in Geelong West in Victoria, with Frank and his family living upstairs in the apartment above the store. And now 42 years on, we have 40 stores across the country, more than 450 team members and sell in excess of 4 million square metres of tiles every year.

Earlier this year, Frank’s son Nick Walker, who joined the business in the 1990s and took over the reigns as CEO 9 years ago, passed the baton and gave me the opportunity to take on the challenge of leading National Tiles. I am thrilled that Nick will be joining the Board, and continue to add his tremendous insights and industry knowledge to the business. Having been in the company for two years as Executive Director – Sales, Marketing and Strategy, I am honoured and privileged to be steering this family company into the next chapter of its incredible story. I am passionate about our team, customers and ensuring we are the destination for tiles, hard flooring and trade.

On June 3rd of this year we officially opened our first NSW Trade and Retail Superstore in Alexandria in central Sydney. It was a long time in the planning stage and a mammoth effort to make it all come together. Congratulations to everyone involved. Expanding our footprint and taking on the NSW market with our unbeatable range and prices, together with expert service and advice, is a major step in the growth of National Tiles. And then on July 19th we officially opened our first retail store in Cambridge Hobart, another mammoth undertaking and one we are so proud of.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Walker family for putting their trust in me, and I would also like to thank each and every one of our team members here at National Tiles for their commitment and consistent efforts, and for their continued support.

campbell stott ceo

canyon stone

Recreating the distinct colours and characteristics of natural stones and minerals, the Canyon Stone series emphasises the weathered textures and tonal nuance found in geological formations. Equally at home in modern architectural spaces as it is in more traditional settings, Canyon Stone offers a refined rustic look with meticulous attention to organic design details. Featuring four colourways in three different sizes, Canyon Stone will effortlessly harmonise with a myriad of fittings, finishes and furnishings to create breathtaking results.

bart schofield editor

Here we are again with edition three of National Tiles Magazine! It’s 2021 and after 12 months of lockdowns, border bans and curfews, it’s finally time to stop hoarding the toilet roll and tuna and take a collective sigh of relief.

2020 taught us many lessons both professionally and personally. Through the months of missing loved-ones, work-mates and far-away friends we’ve learnt how to be more flexible, adaptable, innovative and resilient. We also figured out how to change the background to something funky on Zoom!

Emerging with a thirst to embrace post-pandemic possibilities and new approaches, it’s set to be another huge year for us at National Tiles. We are focused more than ever on empowering our customers to create stunning tile, stone and flooring installations. We launched our Sydney Superstore in June, with another massive distribution centre so we’re always in stock. We've also made the jump across the Bass to join our Tassie mates in Hobart with a new store located in Cambridge that opened July.

Make sure to watch this space because there’s even bigger surprises ahead along with new adventures and greater achievements. We’ve been locked up for a year, don’t expect us to just sit still!

In this edition you’ll read about our new and upcoming products, get insights and inspo from our team members, and see design projects, interviews and updates from our partners, collaborators and clients.

Available in 5 stylish colours

cosh living

Materiality played a huge role in the concept of the space, and getting the basics right was essential. Showroom displays are changed over often – so we needed to select finishes that were timeless and sympathetic to all our ranges of furniture.

The way our design team chose to delineate the collections was through the flooring. Concrete and tiles for outdoor furniture, floorboards for indoors. The tiles we chose from National Tiles were for the Kett outdoor furniture space, which heroes our furniture collections designed in Melbourne.

Were there any challenges involved with the design/space?

When designing the Richmond showroom, we were in the midst of Melbourne’s stage 4 lockdowns, due to the Covid-19 pandemic! So much of the design work and discussion with Kett, director Shane and myself had to be done over video meetings and phone calls. That was a bit of a spanner in the works, but one that everyone had to get used to last year.

What inspires Cosh Living's design choices and aesthetic in general?

The ethos that underpins everything we do at Cosh Living is the concept of ‘discreet luxury’ - it is about a feeling of luxury but with a considered and restrained Australian approach. The Kett furniture collections in particular draw inspiration from the beautiful Victorian coastline. Each of the collections are defined by colours, shapes and forms that are a representation of the landscape. Think muted natural colours, rounded forms and simple silhouettes.

What do you like about the tiles used?

We love the tiles! We chose Frammenta for our Kett outdoor area, as they have a very natural look and feel, in keeping with the Kett aesthetic. The textured stone like finish adds a sense of warmth and history to space, elevating the sense of intimacy. We also love the large format of the tile, as it adds a sense of drama and scale to the showroom.

CLAIRE CORNISH

What are Cosh Living's top trends/ styles predictions for 2021/22?

Since the pandemic began, we have seen a large shift in what our clients are searching for in terms of materiality. Our clients are after cosy, comforting and tactile materials. As we have been spending more time in our homes, we are further understanding the ability of our furnishings to nurture us. We have seen a keen interest in soft wool boucle fabrics, warm vibrant colours and natural timber elements. We think that as long as the pandemic is still looming in our minds, this will continue to be a trend.

We predict interest for Australian Designed and Made goods will become more of a focus. The future will bring an emphasis on supporting local brands and makers, and we think that the Australian market will be hugely receptive to this return to the local. This past year has shown us the incredible strength of the Australian design industry, and how we need to continue to support all the wonderful brands that make it unique.

The details:

Location: Cosh Living Richmond Showroom, Level 6, 600 Church Street Richmond VIC 3121.

MARRAKECH

• Evoking the lush palettes and vibrant patterns found in Moorish design, the Marrakech series recreates the handmade look of iconic zellige tiles in a versatile collection suitable for every surface.

• A designer’s dream, Marrakech features a rich assortment of gloss-finished colours with gorgeous tonal variety as well as terracotta pieces that have a contrasting matt finish and decorators with glossy embellishments of traditional North Africa patterns.

• Marrakech’s gently irregular surface and 10mm thickness enhances its handmade look and feel.

Bali Stone 200x200mm 95 PER SQM $99

Wall: Marrakech Lake & Olive Gloss

Floor: Marrakech Biscuit Matt

YOUNGCARE SIMPSON DESERT CHALLENGE 2021

For nine days this May, a group of 14 passionate Youngcare supporters will take part in what is the ultimate Australian adventure challenge, trekking 250km across the unforgiving landscape of the Simpson Desert to raise much-needed funds and awareness for young people living with high care needs. They’ll tackle more than one thousand sand dunes through blinding sun and blistering heat, with no access to showers, toilets, beds or luxuries of any type.

As a passionate supporter of Youngcare, Brad Collins, CEO of Queensland’s Brighton Homes has accepted this year’s challenge. Inspired by the words of Youngcare CEO, Anthony Ryan, Mr Collins wants to confront the status quo and raise awareness and support for those young people who would otherwise end up in aged care facilities.

“Why am I doing this? Because I can. This is a 9 day sacrifice to give back to those that aren’t as lucky as I am. It’s that simple” Mr Collins said.

“It’s time to give young people with high care needs the freedom and choice that they not only deserve but they need to survive.”

BALI STONE

• Drawing influence from the textures and tonal variety of Sukabumi stone, the Bali Stone series evokes the tropical tranquility of a luxury Balinese villa.

• Offering a stunning palette inspired by lush jungles, mountain-scapes and the sea, Bali Stone features five basic colourways along with three decor pieces depicting a classic compass motif.

• Suitable for floors, walls and features and perfect for swimming pools, the Bali Stone series will create a holiday haven almost anywhere.

After four months of gruelling pre-trek training up and down Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha, Mr Collins is ready for the journey and looking forward to both the physical and mental challenges along with the time to reflect.

Having already beaten his original fundraising goal of 100k due to the overwhelming support of the local construction community, Mr Collins has raised the stakes, hoping to top 150k before May 20.

Since 2019, Brighton Homes have supported Youngcare helping to raise funds for a cause close to our hearts. For more information on Brighton Homes, visit www.brightonhomes.net.au

• Taking an unconventional approach to an array of ceramic traditions, the Play series expresses a light-hearted sophistication with a nod to the art deco era.

• Featuring designs spanning from marbles and terrazzo to cement-look geometric patterns, this Italian-made series offers near endless possibilities with its mix and match potential and versatile 20x20cm size.

• Available in a coordinated selection of five colourways as well as a stunning patchwork decorator with an ensemble of marbles combined with terrazzo, the Play series is ideal for creating vibrant interiors in both commercial and residential settings.

TERRAZZO

• Lovingly crafted by a family of artisans in Italy, the Elegante Terrazzo series is made to last a lifetime.

• With sublime depth, texture and contrast, Elegante Terrazzo is the real deal and will create on-trend spaces with vintage appeal.

• Four breathtakingly beautiful new colourways, Uluru, Earth, Verde and Shale are each handpicked by the National Tiles team for their stunning colour combinations.

designing with colour

market leading price starting at

95

¢ PER PIECE

urban atelier

market leading price starting at

PER PIECE

Boasting a palette of 48 distinctive colours spanning the full chromatic spectrum and a special glaze that accentuates the delicate movement of light, Urban Atelier inspires original designs and highly personalised projects. Ideal for eye-catching commercial and home projects alike, Urban Atelier won't fail to create characterful, one-of-a-kind spaces.

Made in Portugal by an artisanal factory using small kilning, to ensure a beautiful depth of colour not found in mass produced tiles.

designing with colour

Floor: Elegante Terrazzo Pebble

Wall: White Gloss 300x600mm and Crayon Muscari

I love the glazed, hand-made, yet simple look of the Crayon range. The subway format makes the Crayon range particularly versatile when exploring lay patterns such as herringbone or staggered lay. The deeper blue and green of the new colours Muscari & Ficus are especially beautiful for creating luxurious feature walls or splashbacks. With over 12 colours, this range is perfect to breathe life into any space.

Kelita Rider National Tiles Design Consultant - Warana, QLD

My favourite tile is Crayon Verdeacqua. I love the soft blue/green colour & the way the light plays off the tile because of the textured edges. It’s my go-to tile when a client wants to add a splash of colour that is versatile and timeless. The uneven nature of the tile also adds texture to the space.

Jaz Whelan Interior Design / Showroom Consultant – Simonds, QLD

The Crayon range, in particular the Crayon Muscari Gloss, is a stylish handmade look tile that introduces a deep and moody splash of colour to any space. The uneven surface brings texture and interest by creating soft reflections. I love the depth of the colour, like the deep layers of the ocean.

Brooke Gilbert National Tiles MDB Account State Manager / National Admin Manager - Burleigh Heads, QLD

The Crayon Muscari is a versatile ceramic tile that is perfect for creating a traditional look with a modern twist. With its handmade design, this deep sea blue glossy tile is ideal for adding a splash of colour and texture to your home. I adore the watercolor gloss finish in this tile, it softens the look whilst the rough handmade edge profile gives it an organic feel. It’s ideal for kitchen splash backs, bathroom feature walls and the Crayon Muscari is versatile enough to be used any other creative ways.

Alana Fernando Design Consultant – Simonds Tile Gallery, VIC

The lime wash style finish of Stucco Glicine Matt takes you on a journey through time, while the clean edge introduces a contemporary feel. The calming colour transitions reflect the tonal hues of the vast ocean. I love that this tile can be used to add character to any design as a feature floor or a feature wall or both.

Monique Mileto Studio M Tiles Team Leader - Bella Vista, NSW

I love using the Stucco range when designing with colour. It offers a gentle colour variation that simulates brushed water colours. This range is highly versatile with floor & wall applications, While the size allows for multiple lay patterns. Stucco Celeste Matt offers soft shades of blue, which can be paired with multiple styles making it easy to add colour to your pallet.

Zoe King National Tiles Team Leader – Burleigh Heads, QLD

My favourite tile is Lingotti Denim, which I used in my own bathroom renovation. The Denim is a beautiful complement to natural stone whether that is a marble, travertine or limestone This tile offers a pop of colour which can be combined with range of colour pallets and various design styles. The Lingotti range is versatile with its use as it is suitable for walls and floors, so there is no need to stop at just a feature wall.

Candice Moloney National Tiles QLD & NSW Design State Manager –Burleigh Heads, QLD

I love using Lingotti Denim to add colour into a space where a client might be a little apprehensive to go a bold colour. The Lingotti range is super versatile in terms of style, depending on the lay type it can fit into almost any scheme. You could go more classic with a brick bond or a herringbone, or it could look very contemporary with a vertical straight lay. It pairs beautifully with a marble tile for a Hamptons look, or with a light grey tile to make it look more modern.

Amy McCart Design Consultant - World of Style by Porter Davis, VIC

My favourite tile at the moment to design with colour is the Lingotti series. I love its modern and sophisticated interpretation of a subway tile. The pastel shades can add a subtle colour to a monochromatic space. My favourite is the Terra colour. Nature never gets it wrong when it comes to colour, and this soft clay tone is like a renaissance of terracotta hues that evoke an earthy casual elegance and can elevate warmth and mood to a space.

Natasha Migliorelli National Tiles RDB Interior Design Consultant –Grovedale, VIC

My favourite tile to add colour into a space is the Lingotti Terra. I love the smooth, matt finish and clean lines. It pairs nicely with different shades, making it the perfect subtle addition to any space. I especially love this tile with soft concrete textures and warm wood grains.

Adina Pegg National Tiles Design Consultant - Mile End, SA

DESIGNER FAVOURITES

I love the Paloma Moss tile. The colour is such a classic shade of green and I especially love all the different depths of green in each tile. I use this in a lot of different areas as a feature wall, particularly on bathroom walls & kitchen & laundry splashbacks. They also looks great on the front of a bar.

Jodi Petherick National Tiles Design Centre Team Leader – Warana, QLD

Moss Green 65x200mm 95 PER SQM $ 109

Paloma Moss Green has always been one of my favourite tiles. I love the unique 65 x 200mm size, and the variation of tones which add character and make it stand out against other subway tiles. When it comes to working with colour, green is my number one choice because I love the way it ties back to nature and complements my love for indoor plants and greenery. The Paloma looks stunning laid in a vertical stack and makes the perfect kitchen splash back or powder room feature wall which is sure to catch everyone’s attention.

Laura Mackenzie Studio M Tiles Design Consultant – Robina QLD

Paloma Moss…. I love this tile because of its deep botanical tones. It can create a bold statement but can still be used in a very natural scheme. It looks beautiful paired with Forest White, Matt White and Revival Clover.

Lisa Murray Studio M Tiles Team Leader – Robina, QLD

I love to use the Mallorca White 100 x 100mm tile in a modern farmhouse or classic Hamptons-style house. It looks stunning as a kitchen splashback with a textured finish and pearl reflection. It’s a perfect tile to pair with both modern and classic styles.

Amber Ivory National Tiles Design Consultant – Newstead, QLD

With its flush of jewel tone variations and speckled textures, the Japanese Impressions MK2 Jade Mosaic is one of my favourite tiles to specify when designing with colour. I love how this tile can inject a wealth of personality into any space, boasting the ever-popular mid-century aesthetic.

Hayley Lippis Tile Designer & Displays Coordinator - World of Style by Porter Davis, VIC

I love using Canyon Stone (Highland) to design with colour - the earthy tones work well with timber accents and add a sense of depth to the overall space.

Hayley Coote National Tiles Design consultant – Capalaba, QLD

The gloss finish, textured undertone and high variation of the Marrakech Lake Gloss tile provides endless design possibilities and can completely transform a space, and bring a taste of the Mediterranean into the home. I love using this tile as a feature to create visual interest to a room with the added versatility of various lay patterns to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Emma Featherstone National Tiles Design Consultant - Warana, QLD

The Dolce Vita Amalfi Beige has a beautiful pastel orange base, complemented by Venetian terrazzo patterning which is quite powerful in any space. The colour of this tile draws attention, causes reactions, and can sway thinking in a positive way. I envision this tile paired with soft timbers, crisp whites, and brass fixtures, taking me to a place where I feel refreshed and re-energised. This colour is perfect when wanting to incorporate colour into the home whilst also creating a tranquil space.

Kimberly Simpson Simonds Tile Gallery Design Consultant - Melbourne, VIC

My favourite way to add colour through tiling is using subtle shades of pink. The tile I love selecting with clients at the moment is the Penny Round Blush Honed Mosaic. It’s curved edges and soft tones give an understated pop of colour to areas such as the kitchen splashback or feature wall in a bathroom.

Eliza Smoothey National Tiles Interior Design Consultant – Newstead, QLD

The Pietra Grey Penny Round Mosaic tile always looks amazing. With the grey and circle as the focus, it provides a graceful visual enjoyment. Simple but elegant. Grey is perfect for a clean and contemporary interior setting. The variation of natural veins also explore the decoration possibility. This tile stands out of its versatility.

Ling Zhou National Tiles Estimator – Burleigh Heads, QLD

The natural patterning of this organic material generates layers of interest and variation. The subtle blush tones of the Penny Round Blush mosaic tiles pair effortlessly with a variety of neutral hues creating a versatile yet playful balance of elegance and colour.

Krista Taylor National Tiles Interior Design Consultant - Mitcham, VIC

I love how the Ming Green Penny Rounds can instantly lift any space! Its mottled shades of green work well when paired with neural tones as it draws focus to its unique variation of colour. This marble mosaic embodies luxury and its colour and organic shape can create a beautiful feature even in the smallest of spaces.

Teo Dinca National Tiles Interior Design Consultant - Mitcham, VIC

Available in 5 stylish colours

TIME TO BE BEAUTIFUL

Boasting an ensemble of textures and patterns playing in perfect harmony, the latest project from NV Design Agency is a soaring masterpiece of contemporary commercial design.

With a stunning combination of natural and natural-look materials embellished with a blush pink palette and brass accents, the Nail Society nail salon at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre is an inviting space with a burst of glamour, the ideal place to relax and be pampered.

“Our client was inspired by Nordic interiors that exude feminine, light, and airy overtones.”

“A stunning pink mosaic clad entry highlights the sculpted timber greeting counter. Adjacent is a neon-lit feature wall that provides a fun element in the salon for countless social media photo opportunities." NV

Pattern Play

Products used include our eye-popping Blush Penny Round marble mosaics laid en-masse at the entrance creating a visual feast with its gorgeous natural hues and tonal variety.

The stunning, timber-look Arhus Paja tile laid in a herringbone pattern on the floor playfully contrasts the surrounding patterns and textural features as well as anchoring the overall colour scheme.

The vertical stack of our Helsinki white matt mosaic creates even more pattern play while the delicate veining of our marble-look Jewels Gioia tile provides visual balance and a neutral background for the perfect selfie.

The Details

The Project: New design concept for an established boutique nail bar, Nail Society, at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Queensland

Completion Date: 2020

Internal Area: 87 square metres

The Brief: Nordic, Feminine, Light and Airy Design

Project Management: NV Design Agency Shopfitter: What’s On Projects Photography: Brock Beazley

ULTRASLIM LFP

The next BIG thing

• Strikingly beautiful and extremely durable the Ultraslim series is made up of 6mm large format porcelain panels ranging from 1200x2780mm to 1600x3200mm.

• Perfect for bathroom features, facades or fireplace cladding, this stunning series is available in an array of colours and designs that perfectly represent marbles and natural stones along with neutral concretes in numerous shades.

• Offering a more versatile and low-maintenance alternative to glass or stone splash backs, the Ultraslim series has been expertly colour matched, combining the Jewels and Global collections which are also available in smaller sizes.

• Enabling grout-free, seamless surfaces and floor to wall transitions, the Ultraslim series offers endless design possibilities, indoors and out.

• Contact us for our complete supply and install package through our experienced fabricators.

simple solutions floor cleaner

Available in stores or online

BONA is a Swedish family-owned company established in 1919, with a rich history of invention and innovation. Over the last century Bona has evolved from a modest supplier of floor wax, into a global innovator of sustainable products that bring out the beauty of all hard-surface floors. In 1979 Bona became the first company to launch safe, durable, non-toxic waterbased polyurethane finishes for timber flooring. Today Bona is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of water-based polyurethane floor finishes.

“If floors are properly cleaned they will last longer,” explains Greg Wise, National Retail Manager for EFP, the exclusive distributer of the BONA range in Australia. “The greatest source of damage to any floor surface is dust, grit and dirt, no matter how microscopic that is. The Bona Floor Care range is especially designed to keep your floor looking beautiful for longer.

Says Greg, “The range was introduced to National Tiles over a year ago. We are so impressed by National Tiles’ commitment to its customers right around Australia. Both Nick Walker and Cam Whittaker look at every product they stock in terms of how it will benefit their customer, and this translates to the sales teams at every National Tiles store. They believe in the features and benefits of the BONA floor care range for their customers.”

BONA is the only manufacturer in the world of premixed cleaning solutions, with formulas designed for specific floor types. The BONA floor mop is pre-set to dispense a precise amount of these Ph neutral cleaning solutions. No more guessing - and the best possible results for avoiding scratching, denting, chipping and fading.

The BONA floor cleaning range is available at National Tiles stores nationally.

CONCEPT OAK

National Tiles Concept Oak Engineered Timber makes the timeless look and feel of European Oak flooring achievable for just a fraction of the price. Manufactured with the latest German technology, Concept Oak Flooring is stabilised with a multi-ply core, making it not only stunning to look at but also able to endure the hustle and bustle of modern life and the extreme environmental changes across Australia.

Along with its superior durability and climate stability, Concept Oak offers a stylish range of modern and classic colours that will suit any home and environment. 12 colour ways spanning light to dark are available in a traditional straight-lay pattern as well as three mid to light tones in herringbone for an extra-luxe look. All boasting a 3mm solid oak top layer for an authentic look and feel.

Wolgan and Wentworth make up the light-toned variants while the mid-toned Glenbrook, Esperance, Leura and Cygnet offer a warmer aesthetic. The darker browns and grey-tones of Bilpin, Blackheath, Katoomba, Tomah, Medlow and Lawson will instill a moodier or modern ambience.. Extremely simple to maintain, Concept Oak Flooring will stay beautiful for years to come by following a few care and maintenance guidelines.

National Tiles also offer a custom stair nosing solution in both standard mitre and traditional bullnose. These solutions can be ordered with a perspex, aluminium or brass inlay to ensure step treads meet slip requirements.

life is better with colour

"By simply changing the tiles in the bathroom with these stunning but affordable tiles I completely transformed the ‘wet area’ into a truly unique space full of style colour that reflects my personality.

Founder of Greenhouse Interiors, Julia Green is an interior stylist, writer, producer, speaker, brandambassador, TV-host and consultant, and a mum to two gorgeous boys. Her company curates & designs artful creations and is one of Australia’s leading destinations for textiles, homewares and fine art.

Re-renovating her home in 2020, Julia chose to bring colour into her bathroom with National Tiles Marrakech Olive Gloss tiles. These green Moroccanstyle tiles transformed a plain, whitetiled bathroom, creating a dramatic yet soothing effect. Explains Julia, “By simply changing the tiles in the bathroom with these stunning but affordable tiles I completely transformed the ‘wet area’ into a truly unique space full of style colour that reflects my personality.”

Tell me a bit about your background and how you got involved in styling and design?

It all happened by accident. Interiors

was simply a hobby for me, but a chance meeting with a photographer from Vogue (who came to my house to buy a couch I had listed on eBay) changed that. He asked me who I styled for, and I told him I had spent 16 years selling drugs (legal ones). He gave me his card, told me to call him, and I have not stopped running from job to job ever since. That was almost 10 years ago!

How did Greenhouse Interiors come into being – what is the business founded on and how has it grown and evolved?

I've always had a passion for styling and colour. But in my styling work I found other gaps in the market, such as holding master classes and representing emerging artists, so I now run a multifaceted business as well as style and write for most mags here in Australia and many overseas too.

We source the most amazing artists. I am constantly fascinated as to how our artists' pieces always look so good together. It's like the artists have all

shared studio space, yet in truth, all work alone. It's really cool that we all work together as a family, and our group spirit is always captured. A lot of our business comes down to ethics. No ethics, no deal. I don't work with anyone unless they have the highest of ethical standards.

What drives your passion for colour in interiors?

I find interiors exciting! I'm following my passion and I've never looked back. In my styling work, I love the final moment when an image is created. I love the collaboration it takes to get there too, with a brilliant creative team that inspires me every time I work with them. And I love that no two days are ever the same. We believe style is NEVER about money or your bank account. It's instead about creating warm, inviting spaces with love and colour always. And we think that was definitely achieved.

Our vibe is always fun, spiced with colour. As our company tag line is 'Life is better with colour'. I'm drawn to ALL the colours of the rainbow! Although

I've always had a soft spot for green - so much so that I married a man with Green as his surname. Ha ha!

Colour can work wonders in a space, and set the mood and tone as well. It's all about knowing when to turn the dial

“We believe style is NEVER about money or your bank account. It's instead about creating warm, inviting spaces with love and colour always."

up or down with colour, and learning companion colours so that it feels considered and not a chaotic mess. Ask yourself how you want to feel in the space, and select the colour accordingly.

For instance, if it’s a bedroom you are decorating and you are keen to create a relaxed vibe, avoid the brighter spectrum of colour and opt for softer, quieter tones instead. The reverse can be said for living rooms, where you may wish to liven the space up with energy and colour, in which case you can turn up the dial!

Colour is all about emotion and so tapping into it is vital to get the mood right for your space. If you are uncertain about how to combine colours, reach for the Pantone app, as it will help you find companion colours. It takes the science out of the exercise ensuring they all work together by spelling it out for you. It’s a great tool not only for the colour lovers but also decorating novice.

What trends in design are you noticing at the moment?

I don't subscribe to trends, as a general rule. I really don't follow them. I know I must be influenced by them when they hit, but I am on my own merry path of enlightenment, do what I like, and refuse to be a slave to trends. I was looking back through some archives recently at work from 6 years ago, and I would still style it the same way today. It's important to be true to your OWN style, and OWN it.

as it had brilliant bones, but we have repainted, retiled, and decorated to add our own aesthetic... and we love the transformation.

What elements were important to you when designing this home for your family.

We bought it as is. I shot it for a cover story for Inside Out mag, and when I heard it was on the market a year later there was no hesitation to snap it up! The floorplan was perfect for our family, with zones for kids and lovely communal spaces for all of us to come together too.

A big focus in my home is on art - so I pick out some of the colours in the artwork and repeat them in soft furnishings or textiles, as this will sew the room together like a tapestry and make the space feel very harmonious. The scale of an artwork is really important for maximum impact. Always make sure you measure up the space with masking tape first, to see how it will really translate onto the wall.

Tell me about your home renovation – it’s a renovation of a renovation?

We bought our house already renovated, but wanted to stamp it as our own. Structurally nothing has changed

You used National Tiles Marrakech in your bathroom – what made you fall in love with this tile and how effective has the bathroom renovation been?

I have travelled to Morocco for years and take tour groups. The tiles remind me of these fond memories, as green tiles over there are like a plain white tile here - everywhere! I especially love the texture of the tile and the graduation of colour in each one, they are special little artworks, each one of them.

What advice would you offer to home owners looking to update their bathroom or kitchen?

Paint and tiles are always your best friend. And these projects can be done on a budget too. They are hardworking spaces of the home and deserve the extra attention given the time we spend in them, so treat them with some love and colour! We also offer design services, to help people fit out their homes with colours they love, so please feel free to include the web address so people can discover how we can help: www.greenhouseinteriors.com.au/ pages/our-services.

DESIGN TIP:

If your tiles are dark, choose a darker grout (rather than white) for less ‘grid lines ‘ which can create a more considered look. Grout tints can make or break the overall look so research your options.

Follow Julia Green @ greenhouseinteriors) for your daily medicinal does of happy colourful interior vibes.

get the look: Julia Green

with our curated selection of tiles and flooring.

Julia Green used our Marrakech Olive Green Gloss Tile for its rich colour variation and fresh aesthetic.

For a similar look in a slightly larger subway tile, Paloma Moss Green will create striking features and splashbacks.

If your palette calls for a softer and brighter shade of green, check out our Marrakech Lake Gloss Tile

Crayon Ficus offers a more undulated surface without the dramatic shade variation characteristic of the Marrakech or Paloma ranges.

Kimberley Hybrid

KIMBERLEY HYBRID

Combining the sought-after aesthetic of timber flooring with the versatility of vinyl and laminate, the Kimberly Hybrid series offers a beautifully natural looking finish that is costeffective and stylish.

An embossed LVT surface carefully replicates various timber species while a micro beveled-edge recreates the classic look of wooden flooring planks. Its durable surface is perfectly suited to family life along with commercial spaces.

The seven different shades offered by the Kimberley series reflect modern trends with a colour to complement any interior theme, from the mid-tones of Dark and Light Blackbutt and Spotted Gum through to the charcoal brown hues of Ash and Storm and calming grey of Driftwood.

With no adhesive required and a simple click-locking system, Kimberley is easy to install for both professionals and DIYers, with a typical bedroom able to be laid in an afternoon.

Available to take home today at all National Tiles stores for just $29.95 per square metre.

Norr 2.0 Gra Natural 600x600mm 95 PER SQM $99

Capturing the natural beauty of the iconic Ceppo di Gre stone, the porcelain Norr 2.0 series expertly recreates the irregular textures and tonal contrasts that Ceppo is so prized for. With a myriad of greys stacked tone on tone, Norr 2.0 artfully embellishes the Ceppo design, incorporating a corresponding collection of large and finer 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 a base or accent while its natural and structured finishes make it the ideal solution for indoor and out.

Fenton & Fenton is recognised for creating personalised spaces that are distinctive in style, with specially sourced or custom designed furnishing solutions. Their unique range of furniture, furnishings and decorator items combined with their bespoke manufacturing capabilities means you can be assured they will deliver diversity and style.

The Fenton & Fenton design team works collaboratively with clients to

Explains Kate Kerin, Fenton & Fenton’s Marketing Manager, “Lucy Fenton launched the business with her sister in 2009 as an expression of her love of global design. Having travelled extensively through India and Asia, Lucy developed an amazing eye for colour, fabrics, shapes and form – and this led to her opening a retail store where she curated a considered collection of beautiful homewares that she sourced or designed and had manufactured.”

create space that are truly unique – be it residential or commercial. Tailoring their design solution to individual aesthetics, lifestyles and budgets, they guide clients through a seamless journey of transformation with considered furniture and homewares selections.

Fenton Fenton

With limited experience in running a business, and launching during the GFC, Lucy and her sister faced a series of frustrations and setbacks. After the first year Lucy’s creative and sales skills came to the fore, and the sisters decided to part ways in terms of the business. Lucy took over running the store on her own and then few years later opened a showroom in Prahran - and has never looked back. “Lucy can translate her passion for design into sales because she has an incredible way with people,” says Kate. “She lives and breathes design and has such a distinct way with colour, style and visual merchandising.”

The residential and commercial interior design and property styling aspects of the business were established to satisfy demand. Customers fell in love with Lucy’s aesthetic and her way of bringing together furniture and decorative pieces to create a space that works in terms of form and function. That aspect of the business has grown exponentially over the last few years because there is nothing formulaic about Lucy’s design style.

Explains Kate, “Fenton & Fenton brings together an eclectic mixture of stories and translates these to individual homes in a way that is comfortable for the client. Sometimes just one statement piece in an otherwise neutral palette can really express the personality of the homeowner. Lucy doesn’t follow trends at all. She creates her own sense of style with materials and textures that are unexpected and familiar at the same time, with cultural influences and pops of colour to create a unique look. Our ethos is to provide clients with pieces they will love for life regardless of time and trend.”

With all that has occurred over the last 18 months, with CoVid-19, lockdowns and travel restrictions, Fenton & Fenton is staying true to their original vision of offering inspiration to those who want to create beautiful spaces. They are focused on making their Prahran showroom a destination for all things design, to working with customers and to optimising the online experience to match the store experience.

The Fenton & Fenton Prahran Showroom is open Monday to Friday from 10am - 5.30pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 10am - 5pm @ 471 High street, Prahran, Victoria. And you can shop the range online: www.fentonandfenton.com.au

“Lucy can translate her passion for design into sales because she has an incredible way with people,” says Kate. “She lives and breathes design and has such a distinct way with colour, style and visual merchandising.

National Tiles and Fenton & Fenton are collaborating on some exciting design projects, working closely to bring the best in colour, texture and design to our customers.

Available in 16 stylish colours and patterns

hellooo sydney

“National Tiles is more than just a business... It’s a family, we will never forget our humble beginnings and we’ll always look to the future.

When National Tiles’ founder Frank Walker first launched the business in 1979, he did so with one small store in Geelong West in Victoria. The business quickly grew with several stores across Melbourne plus a few franchise stores. National Tiles operates over 40 stores and franchises in Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Queensland.

Explains Nick Walker, “When we first considered expanding National Tiles into other states, Queensland was the first market we wanted to pursue. My wife and I moved there and the whole process happened really quickly. It’s the best decision I ever made. To be honest it was very challenging in the early days. But we persevered and around 18 months after moving to Queensland we opened our first store. We’ve never looked back, and Queensland now equates to around 45% of the National Tiles business.”

After the foray into Queensland, National Tiles opened a number of stores in South Australia that have become very successful operations.

The team then made their way into the NSW market. Says Nick, “Our venture into NSW was driven by our partnership with Metricon Homes. Launching into this new market and adding installation to our supply offering was a challenge, but the partnership really flourished. Four years on the store we opened in Warner’s Bay near Newcastle has been very successful for us.”

And now, Sydney. It has always been a vision for National Tiles to take the business to Australia’s largest city. After searching for the right property for a number of years, the team found the ideal site Alexandria. A very large building at over 8000sqm, it’s the perfect location for making a statement and launching into the Sydney marketplace with maximum impact “It’s a cracking location, a great traffic hub and ideal for creating the biggest National Tiles store in Australia,” says Nick.

The store will bring a fantastic ‘in stock’ range to Sydney offers great value. “There are currently a number

of high-end expensive tile retailers in Sydney and some very cheap alternatives too, but I don’t believe any other retailer offers the breadth and depth that the brand new National Tiles showroom will present. Stock is king, so having stock on hand is a key feature of the new store. We understand that when customers visit, sometimes having travelled some distance, they want to be able to select their tiles and either take them with them or have them delivered within a few days. We will bring a fabulous offer of European tiles at incredible prices that are in stock, delivering what the market needs.”

The new National Tiles store in Sydney will have a multi-layered approach. As well as the cash and carry facility where customers can pick up their tile purchases on the day, there is a 2000sqm double lane trade drive through right in the middle of Sydney. Importantly, there is a strong focus on design. “We have an unbeatable retail offering for consumers with $4million to $5million worth of tiles on the floor at any one time. We will also be working

very closely with architects, high end builders and interior designers and will offer personal consultations by appointment with our in-house design team. We have incredible technology on site with our bespoke Tile Bar and Tiles Express, and we have created an inspirational space where design professionals can dwell, meet their clients and take their time selecting the perfect tiles to create the very best custom solution for their projects.”

“National Tiles is more than just a business,” says Nick. “It’s a family, we will never forget our humble beginnings and we’ll always look to the future. Our core values are our compass – respect, teamwork, customer commitment, relentless improvement and innovation are what keep us on target as the ultimate tile destination.”

warrnambool

The first National Tiles franchise store was established in Warrnambool, a coastal town in Victoria’s south west in 2002. Warrnambool resident Terry Beks was looking for a career change and was ready to open his own business when he saw an advertisement in his local newspaper about a tile franchise opportunity. He met with Frank Walker in the Geelong National Tiles store, and the first question Frank asked Terry was, “Can you love tiles?”.

Terry’s reply was, “I love tiles, I have them for breakfast,” and the relationship was cemented from there. Explains Terry, “National Tiles has grown exponentially since we first opened our franchise. There were only a few stores in Victoria and the range was so much smaller than the incredible collection that is now available. The product range is better, the retail prices are more appealing and there is an amazing design offering. Our warehouse and supply chain are really streamlined as well.”

Adds Terry’s wife and business partner Dee, “National Tiles is getting better and better at the tile selection that they offer our customers, and we love getting the new ranges in. Especially the offering for the middle design market in terms of style and price.”

The Warrnambool franchise store has been stocking National Tiles new range of flooring. Says Terry, “We sell a lot of vinyl plank and hybrid flooring, and the three new colours of the Kimberley range have been really appealing to the local market too. The flooring category is a growing category for us, it’s a great looking functional range that’s really well priced too.”

“We are fortunate to have the space to display the flooring as well,” says Dee. “It looks so effective, and we offer an installation service for the flooring which really helps. Our tiles are really popular for the wet areas in homes, for kitchen splashbacks and bathrooms in particular.”

Relocation from an industrial estate to the main highway has made a big difference in terms of traffic flow and the store’s profile, and this new site combined with an extensive range of well-priced tiles and an exciting new flooring category has seen National Tile’s first franchise store go from strength to strength.

1050 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

The product range is better, the retail prices are more appealing and there is an amazing design offering. Our warehouse and supply chain are really streamlined as well.”

townsville

The newest franchise to join the National Tiles stable, Tamara and Dean Parfrey launched the Townsville franchise in August 2019. Dean had been a tiler for 25 years and when an opportunity came up to open up a National Tiles store in the area it seemed like the ideal step for the couple. Whilst they hadn’t run their own retail business before, their combined skills and experience were perfect for taking the leap into the world of retail tiles.

“Tiling is really taxing physically,” explains Tamara. “It takes a toll on the body and after 25 years in the trade it was really tough for Dean. So after hours of talking, discussing, procrastinating and deliberating, we decided taking up the opportunity with National Tiles would be the best thing for us and for our three young children.”

Tamara advises working with a bank that really understands the franchise concept. She and Dean found their local ANZ bank extremely helpful, knowledgeable and supportive of the undertaking, and facilitated the process quickly and efficiently.

“The association with National Tiles was very smooth,” says Tamara. “It was John Zubovic that really encouraged us and inspired us and made us feel

DEAN&TAMARAPARFREY,WITHTHEIRFAMILY

really confident. He was phenomenal. He held our hand through the whole process, helped us make the showroom as functional and appealing as possible and was with us the week we opened the store.”

The client base of the north Queensland franchise includes a lot of builders, and DIY homeowners. As a one stop shop and the only dual franchise in the area (the store is also a Carpet Call franchise), Tamara and Dean find that their customers can purchase all of their floor coverings in one space which is really appealing to the local market.

Dean’s experience as a tiler has also proved invaluable. Adds Tamara, “Dean’s biggest reservation about taking on the business was that he isn’t a salesperson, but because he knows the product so well he has a genuine ability to give hands on

advice to our customers based on his own personal experience.”

With three small children, becoming business owners has been a real adjustment for the Parfrey family. They have learnt an incredible amount about tiles and flooring and have taken on the franchise opportunity with eagerness and enthusiasm. “It’s been such a steep learning curve, and we love it. With four team members and a plan to employ three more staff, the business is certainly growing. It’s been an awesome experience.

There are definitely some tile ranges that really resonate with our customers. For Townsville homes the Carrara marble tiles have been really popular. The Concrete Fusion range for a minimalist look, and the Studio range is also a great seller. Tiles are fabulous for the warm climate we enjoy all year round.”

301 Bayswater Rd, Garbutt

porter davis

In 1999 three guys in their early 30s who had been working in the building industry saw a gap in the market. They realised that several critical elements missing from the industry - a guaranteed site start, architecturally-design homes that offered considered spacial planning, and homes that were built using innovative and interesting textured and coloured materials. The result was Porter Davis, a home builder with a vision for offering landowners the perfect home to build on their property.

Keith Fuller joined the Porter Davis team in mid2000 as a Senior Designer and brought with him his wealth of experience in architectural design. Working closely with fellow Senior Designer, Randall Pye, the pair focused on creating the ultimate lifestyle for Porter Davis homeowners, taking the architectural offering to a whole new level. A change in the philosophy of floor plan design saw the development of homes that featured large master bedrooms, dressing rooms and dual walk-in-robes, as well as large alfresco living areas. Explains Keith, “The client base encompasses a very broad demographic, with the largest house we design is around 54 to 60 squares including the garage and alfresco areas.”

Right from the outset Porter Davis developed an incredible team of interior designers, supervisors and construction professionals. Importantly, they also concentrated on developing strong relationships with key supply partners including companies like Reese, Coco Republic and National Tiles. “There’s a lot of really great product available in Australia, however our goal was to ensure our clients not only have access to the best products and the latest designs, they also receive the best prices.”

When Porter Davis launched World of Style in 2014, it was designed to offer clients an innovative, creative space. The World of Style showroom houses product from their major supply partners and encourages clients to work with the in-house designers, like the National Tiles team that is based in the showroom, to select the best possible materials that suit their budget. It’s an exciting and inspiring concept where you can experience first-class interior and exterior design.

“It’s important to have an overall idea of what your aesthetic is, and what appeals to you, and then the design team can really help pull together the materials that will create a synergy throughout the home in a way that works with your vision of how you want to live in the home,” adds Keith.

The Porter Davis team are extremely proud of the display homes they develop for the market, and find that their clients generally want to adopt one of the designs they have seen in the Porter Davis range. Says Keith, “We work painstakingly on our display homes so that our clients can envision living in the home and so they have a design aesthetic to work to. The styles are never too obscure or cutting edge – they are designed for people to live in comfortably so they can enjoy our amazing Australian lifestyle. We of course are always on trend but our focus is on quality and liveability. Our interior designers work really closely with the team at Coco Republic so the look and feel of the design trends are in keeping with what is available at a retail level. It’s a collaboration, as with all of our supply partners like Austral, Stegbar, National Tiles and CSR.”

It’s important to have an overall idea of what your aesthetic is, and what appeals to you, and then the design team can really help pull together the materials that will create a synergy...

Keith and Randall head up the design of every Porter Davis home, from the interior façade to the proportions to the spacial planning - to create an overall balance between indoor and outdoor living. “The major shift we have seen, especially since CoVID-19, is the shift in the flexible workspace. With more and more people working from home, creating work zones at home is so important, and creating outdoor spaces where you can escape to for a bit of downtime. It’s been a very significant social shift for Australian lifestyles.”

Currently celebrating its 20th year of operation, Porter Davis has grown exponentially since it launched. Originally focused on the Victorian market (metro Melbourne and Geelong), they now proudly build thousands of new homes every year in both Victoria

and Queensland (Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and SE Qld).

Whilst today’s Porter Davis homes still carry all the emblems of excellence, the company has evolved and adapted to how families aspire to live in today’s society. Listening to what their customers want has resulted in homes that are a reflection of consumer demand. With an emphasis on innovative light-filled open plan designs with multiple living areas, Porter Davis takes great pride in delivering homes that go beyond construction, design, service or style –their homes provide the cornerstone of their customers’ hopes and aspirations for building a life for themselves and their families.

talking design with amy spargo

Amy Spargo’s passion for design started as early as ten years of age. She remembers her first project – her bedroom – where she styled all her trinkets and toys (on her side of the room anyway). Once her bed was made perfectly she would ask her Mum, a decorator herself, to photograph the space.

From these early design days, Amy went on to graduate from Interior Design at RMIT and her formal design career started at Rothe Lowman Architects. It was there that she formed an understanding of large scale projects, working on the well known Art Series hotels. She then worked for Nexus Designs, a boutique design firm in Melbourne under Janne Faulkner AM, who was one of Amy’s greatest inspirations. After moving to Sydney to open their NSW office, and with over 12 years experience in the design industry, Amy founded Maine House Interiors.

What is your design ethos, and what do your clients look for when they engage you?

I believe a house should represent the journey of your life. It should tell a story of where you have been and what’s important to you. I aim to create spaces that feel like a home to my client, and a welcoming reflection of their lives to friends and family who visit.

I enjoy working with colour and prints, and always ensure the addition of an unexpected element of surprise. I like to source objects and furniture from both high-end, acclaimed Australian and International suppliers; as well as one off pieces, found by scouring antique stores, which take my interiors from feeling predictable, to unique.

What is your design process when you take on a new client?

I sit down with the client and we get to know each other. I ask about how they live, what’s important to them and how they enjoy spending their time. Most of the design process is really about gaining an understanding of who they are what they love. The designer and client relationship is a very special one, we are in each other’s lives for a long time, so it’s making sure the relationship is strong, even before we get to the design.

With the recent renovation of the Mt Martha house, what was your brief and your response to this brief?

This was a great little project, a real challenge for me as it was a very budgetdriven design. I usually design high end residential projects, however this was the fourth project that I had completed for this client so I couldn’t resist, as we have a fabulous relationship. The brief was ‘a relaxed family beach house on a shoestring budget and by the way, it needs to be ready in 3 months’. I still recall the laughter coming from my client, I think it was the shocked look on my face, that was actually making him laugh! I knew I had to be clever, working with the existing layout and injecting colour and texture through well priced and well wearing materials.

The cedar beams were painted white and the cedar ceiling a pretty beachy blue, this made an immediate impact, as it lightened the space and gave it a relaxed and soothing feeling.

I kept the finishes to a minimum, choosing to use the same tiles in both bathrooms and even using left over floor tiles for the laundry splashback, all cost saving while integrating the rooms together in a cohesive way.

Most of the furniture was bought second hand or sourced from local Opportunity shops and given new life through paint and colour.

I repurposed the old built-in timber desk and re-used it for the laundry benchtop - I am strong believer in reusing, re-purposing and limiting waste wherever I can. Finally I designed the kitchen around standard sized cabinetry modules to keep the costs down, and all the appliances and light fittings were sourced from Bunnings - for cost reasons and also because they were all in stock suiting the very tight timeframe.

You feature a range of National Tiles product in the project – in the laundry, bathroom and kitchen. What tiles did you select and why?

I chose timber tiles (Arhus Natural) for the main flooring as they are super hard wearing, easy to clean and gave it the appearance of a timber floor without the maintenance and the cost.

The wall tiles are 100 x 100mm matt white (Pressed Edge White Matt). As the bathrooms are small and needed to feel larger and brighter, I laid them in a brick bond pattern for a little fun. I kept the same tiles in the kitchen as we wanted to reduce the cost and only tile the walls that were necessary, so this enabled the tiles to blend into the white painted wall seamlessly. The wet area floor tiles are a porcelain Terrazzo look tile in a perfect shade of blue (Dolce Vita Amalfi Mar Matt), and the terrazzo pattern makes them easy to maintain and more forgiving than a plain colour.

What are your five top tips for selecting the right tile/s for a space?

1. Start from the ground up, choose your floor tile first.

2. Don’t be afraid to mix finishes, matt tiles on the floor and gloss on the walls can work well.

3. Choose a tile based on maintenance too, I love marble mosaics however not everyone wants the upkeep.

4. Think about the natural light in the space, gloss wall tiles are great for bouncing light around a small dark room.

5. Look at the scale of the space, don’t choose too large a tile for a small space or too small for a large area.

Do you see any particular tile trends emerging?

I see a trend towards more natural colours and finishes, terrazzo, stone, handmade tiles with a clay base and uneven glazing. I feel that we are seeing a return to nature and natural forms in interiors.

What is your favourite tile from the NT range?

The Masia White Gloss 75 x 150mm, I seem to sneak it into most of my projects, it’s just so easy to work with!

TALKING trade

grants

As one of Australia’s leading tile retailers, it was a natural step for National Tiles to develop a home brand range of tiling adhesives. The result was Grants – a range that is sold exclusively and extensively through National Tiles stores and franchises.

WASEEFZUBAIRI

“I first met Nick and Frank when I bumped into them in a store in Darwin,” explains Grants manufacturer Waseef Zubairi. “The store owner was a good friend of mine and he introduced us, which proved to be a very fortuitous meeting. At that stage I was General Manager for the tiling adhesive division of a large company, and I forged a great association with National Tiles. To this day I have a fantastic relationship with both Nick Walker and Camron Whittaker.”

Four years ago, after going out on his own and with his background as a chemist, Waseef and his company SAS were awarded the contract to further develop the Grants range. The tiling adhesives and affiliated products – primers and waterproofing – provide everything required for tiling installation. The key to the success of the range is the quality partnership with Waseef, who ensures consistent quality in his highly controlled manufacturing facility.

Waseef developed a new to market product called PM700, a lightweight adhesive that provides additional coverage with less volume. The C2S2 formula combines the highest Australian Standards strength and flexibility classification. The 15kg bag of the white polymer, cement based tile adhesive is designed for internal and external applications and offers tilers the best possible application solution.

The Grants range of tiling adhesives is available in National Tiles stores nationally.

PETERCASTELLANOS

clip it

With over 35 years of toolmaking and injection moulding expertise and experience, Rack It Up designs and manufactures sports rack systems. These ‘Rack-ItUp Display and Storage Racks’ are made in Australia and make the task of storing or displaying sports equipment and accessories easy and cost-effective. The family owned and operated business is headed by Peter Castellanos.

Several years ago Peter noticed that he was getting lots of comments from tilers complaining about the cost and effectiveness of the imported plastic spacing clips they were using for their tiling jobs. Peter also noticed that the wedges the tilers were using all had square edges rather than fingerfriendly rounded edges. Being tool makers with engineering backgrounds, he knew his team could come up with a viable, cost effective alternative that made the system all the more user-friendly.

“Within a few weeks of deciding to develop a solution, we had a designed a mould – and the result was CLIP-IT,” explains Peter. “We patented the tile levelling system and started supplying the local market. As demand increased so did our response to market, and now we have a range that works for a variety of different tile laying patterns including brick and herringbone.”

The CLIP-IT system is a fantastic example of Australian solution-centric design and ingenuity. The tile clips have a unique ‘easy break’ design that assists tilers in achieving a quick and seamless installation that breaks cleanly underneath the tile every time. The clips also have a builtin spacer and are designed with a broad rounded back for ease of use which eliminates the need for tightening tools.

Adds Peter, “We are very proud that our CLIP-IT range has really made a difference in the lives of tilers across Australia. All 100% Australian made and owned and manufactured in our factory located at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast.”

CLIP-IT Tile Clips and Wedges are suitable for floor and wall installations and can be used on porcelain, ceramic, vitrified, marble, granite and stone tiles.

halt

HALT is a national grass-roots suicide prevention charity. Their vision is that every tradie in Australia knows how to look after their mental health and well-being. The HALT team holds ‘Save Your Bacon’ brekkies and other events across Australia to remind tradies that they are valued by their community and to raise awareness of mental health. They encourage us to help out our mates if they are struggling and they provide information and guidance on how and where you can get help if you need it.

During the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions you can find HALT online – they are offering live online events and post informative and uplifting videos to help tradies who might be struggling during these difficult and challenging times. There’s always help, and there’s always hope.

B.A.T. Trims has been serving the Tiling Industry for more than 36 years. This Australian owned family business started from humble beginnings in Dandenong, Victoria and is now recognised as Australia’s most innovative supplier of tiling trims, tiling tools and accessories.

The partnership with National Tiles began over ten years ago, and in late 2020 the company developed a core range tailored for the trade customer. Shane Boland joined B.A.T. Trims two years ago as National Sales & Marketing Manager. Explains Shane, “We specialise in floor profiles, ceramic trims and commercial expansion joints, and we work extensively on major commercial projects like airports and shopping centres.

B.A.T Trims MAPEI

Our aluminium trims provide a neat and stylish profile for tiled feature walls and act as a transition from tiles to carpet or timber flooring. They are available in a wide selection of colours and finishes, and super easy to install and add the perfect finishing touch. We are definitely the market leader in the tiling trade industry.”

Over the last year Shane and Camron Whittaker have worked closely on expanding the tile tool range available in National Tiles stores. Part of this expansion is the Raimondi range, the European market leader for tiling tools. The range includes tools that make life as easy as possible for tilers, with equipment for large format tiles, plus mixers and wet saws.

We are really passionate about the tools we supply to the market, and the success proves how functional and fitfor-purpose these tools are,” says Shane. “About two years ago we launched a new range of large format tools that assists tilers with carrying, cutting, placing and lifting large format tiles. Not only are these large tiles expensive, being so large they are quite flexible. It’s so important to ensure they are handled with care, and these tools also help alleviate the intense strain these large tiles can add to the physical nature of tiling. National Tiles stores have the Raimondi biggest display in Australia.

One of the most popular products available at National Tiles is Mapei’s Kerapoxy, a 100% waterproof and stain resistant grout. National Ceramic Manager, Paul Buckley has been with Mapei for over 25 years, and explains that Kerapoxy was developed for the market long before he joined the company, It really has stood the test of time.

Says Paul, “In the past Kerapoxy was traditionally used in commercial kitchens but they are so easy to use now that tilers are using them in residential projects. In the last five years there has been a real trend to using Kerapoxy in bathrooms. In fact we have been working with tilers to encourage them to offer Kerapoxy as a stain resistant and waterproof alternative. The result is an area that is much easier to clean and maintain.”

With excellent cleanability and resistance to acids, Kerapoxy provides durability, is easy to work with, provides a perfect finish and is highly resistant to heavy traffic. There is no shrinkage which eliminates cracks and fissures, and the uniform colours are resistant to ultra-violet rays and atmospheric agents. Kerapoxy is ideal for:

• grouting floors and walls in the food industry where hygiene is required

• grouting industrial floors and walls where high mechanical resistance and resistance to acid attack is required

• grouting swimming pools

• grouting tanks containing aggressive chemicals

• grouting ceramic tiles on laboratory benches and kitchen work surfaces

• acid-resistant bonding of tiles

• bonding marble doorsteps and windowsills

• bonding tiles in plastic reinforced by fibre glass swimming pools

ceppo pavers

Ceppo Bianco Paver

Precisely replicating the stony textures and irregular fragments of Ceppo di Gre, the 20mm Ceppo paver series opens up the outdoors to this sophisticated and popular look. Suitable for all external conditions, porcelain pavers are the ideal solution for outdoor environments. Easy to install and simple to clean, this hard wearing range adds a contemporary finish to any external space or garden.

PAULHAYES

roberts maximus

When Paul Hayes bought the business Roberts Designs six years ago, National Tiles had been a long-standing customer for products for trade stores throughout Australia. Paul has collaborated closely with National Tiles GM of Product and Procurement, Camron Whittaker and GM of Supply Chain, Mark Chapman to ensure Roberts Designs provides products with a point of difference – that help tilers produce the best possible result.

It’s a very positive partnership. “We have around 890 SKUs across the business, split into two distinct categories. We are the exclusive importer/distributor of high-quality European tiling tools (predominantly from Italy). We understand what it takes to source the very best tiling tools and accessories, tile cutting equipment and silicone sealants.”

Roberts Designs is also the brand owner of Maxisil. “The Maxisil brand was originally developed by two German immigrants, and Roberts Designs bought the brand from them in 2005. The market leading silicone in the trade space, Maxisil is a premium Australian brand. It is the highest quality product in its category, and the most effective – offering the best features and benefits for application in bathrooms, wet areas, on natural stone and in swimming pools.”

Maximus Pedestals are taking the tiling market by storm. Developed, designed and manufactured by Phil and Andrew who own and operate a large Australian tiling company, Maximus pedestals are ideal for tilers who prefer best practice principles when it comes to installing raised decks and paving.

Says Andrew, “As tilers, the issue for us was that most other pedestal systems available had small adjustment range – they would less than double in size. Hence we could never pre-order pedestals as we didn’t know what size we would need for the job until we started on site. The result was that we would require three to four different sized pedestals and have opened boxes and pallets of stock left that we couldn’t return. We realised that if we created a pedestal with a huge adjustment range our issues would be solved. So Maximus Pedestals are the brainchild of frustration.”

Andrew and Phil developed two adjustable pedestals that they are perfect for any raised floor applications and allow access to the waterproof membrane. The Maximus Junior range expands from 20mm to 45mm and the Maximus Senior range extends from 45mm to 145mm. No other pedestal gives a 100mm of adjustment, minimises wastage and ensures the best possible result. The Maximus system has been load tested to 1,000kgs in an Australian NATA certified laboratory, and can be used with engineered porcelain (min 20mm), natural stone, marble, granite, prefabricated concrete and decking. The two SKUs can replace every other pedestal on the market and satisfy any tiling requirements. To work in with the Maximus Pedestals, Phil and Andrew also designed a high speed chuck to rapidly adjust the pedestal, which can be used with an electric screwdriver or a drill on low clutch setting making on site installations even faster.

The partnership between Roberts Designs and National Tiles has seen sales double over the last six years and it’s a testament to the time and effort both parties have put into National Tiles’ trade shops. “Working with National Tiles is such a pleasure, it’s not just a transactional association. It’s a strategic partnership where what we develop can be introduced to the market together to satisfy market demand. The relationship recognises Roberts Designs as a supplier of innovative products that produce a quality result and save tilers time and money. This our motivation, and the core of all we do.” explains Paul.

The Maximus Pedestals are the most innovative solution that can be used on all installations, and it’s the simplicity and functionality of this system that makes it universally appealing. Available from National Tiles stores nationally.

talking design with abey Australia

Renowned for quality and innovation in the sink and tapware design market, Abey Australia is a family owned and operated company that has been servicing the industry for over 60 years. National Design Showroom Manager, Ellie Brunning explains, ‘Abey has four wholesale showrooms across Australia – Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, with our flagship store in Melbourne. Abey works closely with our retail partners.”

“Our origin was focused predominantly on trade product and we still manufacture our trade range in Melbourne,” says Ellie. “However as a result of our success in the trade arena we decided to extend our offering by importing a European offering of products to complement our range.” Abey’s full collection now includes beautiful baths, stunning tapware and kitchen and bathroom sinks and basins. “It was a streamlined transition into this market, rounding off a complete offering so we cover every level of the market, from builders, architects and designers to homeowners – our range is accessible to every facet of the market.”

In terms of tapware and sinks, there are definite trends emerging. Explains Ellie. “Metallics are becoming increasingly popular, in particular Brushed brasses which are taking over from the more predominant choices of recent times.” Matt black, brushed nickel and chrome have dominated the market for a long time, but now black metals and coppers are also making their mark in residential and commercial properties. The quality has certainly increased which has added to the popularity,

ELLIEBRUNNING

with P.V.D. finishes that are durable and maintain their colour and tone over time.

When choosing a sink for your new home or renovation, Ellie explains how important it is to think about how you use your kitchen and how you wash your dishes. “With dishwashers becoming much more mainstream, you should consider how much bench space you want to allow for your sink, given that it may not be used very often. A drainer may be integral to the way you use your kitchen, or it may indeed be superfluous.”

Detachable drainers that sit in the sink are a popular alternative to more traditional sink design, so you don’t have to sacrifice bench space. “Single bowl sinks are increasingly sought after, but our most popular is the 1.5 sink design which has a smaller rinsing sink alongside the standard size sink for larger pots and pans.”

Whilst the majority of Abey’s sinks and tapware range can work with any design aesthetic, there are specific styles, like the Butler sink, that suit a Hamptonstyle or more Provincial kitchens. And whilst traditional stainless steel is both durable and adaptable, coloured sinks are really making their mark to create a more individualised look. You can check out Abey’s full range of sinks and tapware here: www.abey.com.au

talking design with amy spasojevic

At a major crossroads in her life in her early twenties and having travelled extensively, Amy Spasojevic decided it was time to take a long, hard look at what her next path should be. Making a ‘Pros and Cons’ list about what she was good at, and potentially not good at, and after conducting in depth research on all her interests and skills, she discovered Visual Merchandising. Not really knowing what this career would entail, Amy investigated courses where she lived and a two year full time Visual Merchandising course happened to be starting the following day. After submitting an application and having an interview that afternoon, Amy embarked on her Visual Merchandising journey.

“Visual merchandising combined my creative side with best business practice where I can see sales results from what I create, so it was the perfect industry for me. No two days are the same. One day I could be doing data entry and ordering collateral and the next day be on a three-storey high scaffolding hanging displays from the ceiling or on the floor cleaning windows before doing an installation.”

After completing her course Amy landed a job at Guess Denim looking after all their Victorian retail stores before being put in charge of their key retail accounts in major department stores. Three years later she moved to London via Paris on a one way ticket and soon learnt the harsh realities of travelling on a budget. “Getting work in London was difficult. It’s the fashion capital and saturated with

talented professionals who work in that industry.” After a variety of casual roles Amy landed a role with Tiger, a very fast moving, low cost operation where she was responsible for opening stores all over London and training Visual Merchandisers for these stores.

After returning to Australia a few years later Amy was offered a position with Cotton On, based in Brisbane. “Life really leads you in directions that you don’t expect if you are open to moving and exploring all options. Taking opportunities that push you can be so rewarding. Cotton On was a huge operation with such rapid growth.” Amy managed the visual merchandising for about 60 stores across the state, but after a few years was ready to move back to Victoria, so the timing was perfect when a role came up at National Tiles.

AMYSPASOJEVIC

visual merchandising program could do to increase sales. “Now visual merchandising is only really 20% of my role and I am more focused on retail design and store development, and collaborating with our builder partners.

The team is so invested in the National Tiles brand and are really proud

Amy joined the National Tiles team as the National Visual Merchandising Manager as part of the marketing team in January 2018. “I really like the idea of working with Darren Taylor as he had a reputation for having a really strategic mind in terms of marketing and merchandising and I was keen to learn from someone with so much experience. And I loved the challenge of adapting all my fashion knowledge to creating a visual brand strategy for a tile retailer.”

At the start of her journey with National Tiles there was a big education and training process, formulating guidelines and explaining the retail teams what a strong and consistent

of the company and all it represents. They are so supportive and embrace all that head office offers their stores, and it’s a huge credit to the whole team that they are so open to new ideas and are so adaptive. National Tiles is committed to being the best tile retailer in Australia so it’s exciting to be in a role where I am heard and given the opportunity to execute my ideas. When a customer walks into a National Tiles store, it’s so easy to navigate. We really care about our in-store shopping experience and offer both a self-service model and full design service for customers who want design advice, guidance and inspiration.”

on the road with john zubovic

What is your role at National Tiles?

Franchise & Store Development manager

How long have you been working with NT and has your role evolved?

I have worked in a number of roles, in two stints over 12 years. I started with National Tiles in B2B in Melbourne before managing the Port Melbourne site. After a two-year break I joined the team again as State Manager when we expanded into SA. From there I moved to Queensland and took on my current role.

How has National Tiles evolved as a company over this time?

The evolution of the company has been amazing. Although it’s still a family business, the biggest change has been the strategic injection of expertise and knowledge from outside the tile industry. Also, the overall look of our stores has seen a massive change. I remember the day I came back to National Tiles after being away for two years, I sent some pictures of the new Grovedale store to my wife. It was so different she questioned if that was ‘really’ a National Tiles store…

How many days a month are you on the road?

I’m certainly on the road more often than not, depending on where the projects are. The year before last – 2019 - was a huge year with the majority of our projects outside of Qld. During that 12-month period I racked up 96 plane trips!

What does your usual day look like?

A ‘usual’ day depends on what the project is. If I’m on the road, I will get to site early to make sure the trades have a clear direction for what needs to be done on that day. Then it’s a matter of making sure the tasks for the following days are on schedule which includes ensuring tiles are on site and joinery is delivered. When I’m in Brisbane, I spend considerable time liaising with suppliers and trades to plan upcoming projects. I’m constantly in touch with Amy Spasojevic, our National Visual Merchandising Manager, as we bounce ideas off each other and confirm the finer details for new projects. Throw in issues that arise at store level combined with maintenance issues and questions/ issues from our franchises - and my day quickly fills.

What’s your favourite part about what you do at National Tiles?

My favourite part about my role is contributing to the evolution of the business and brand. It’s great to be part of a business that is not complacent and is always striving to improve. Although travelling is far from glamorous, it gives me an opportunity to catch up with family and friends in Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide.

Available in 3 stylish colours

charlie talks tiles

In a year where flights were grounded, we were forced to look for design inspiration elsewhere. Instead of visiting Adriatic villas & Scandinavian saunas, we found a greater appreciation for what can inspire us much closer to home. Our surroundings tend to influence, and indeed reflect our design decisions, and maybe all the inspiration we need is already around us. Each suburb has its defining characteristics, and one of my favourite destinations is Carlton.

This area is home to numerous gorgeous Italian restaurants and wine bars, and rich in cultural tones. Walk down any street and you can't help but be inspired by the beautiful, tiled facades in rich jewelled tones, reminiscent of our Marrakech & Paloma range. Or the beautiful delis & gelato parlours with stunning terrazzo floors similar to the new colours in our Elegante Terrazzo range.

The beauty of these surroundings can be incorporated into our own spaces. The tiled facade becomes a feature wall. The terrazzo floors become a way to upgrade a bathroom or kitchen space and add some luxury terrazzo to create a stunning new bathroom. Inspiration is everywhere.

Charlie Ashfield is National Tile’s Social and Content Coordinator, and in-house photographer extraordinaire.

mirage

“In my region of Italy, which is a beautiful part of the country surrounded by mountains, Mirage is known as the leader in the ceramic tile sector.

The association between National Tiles and Italian tile manufacturer Mirage goes back many years, and it has been a mutually beneficial and very successful collaboration. Mirage’s Export Manager, Francesco Bedini, has been working with Mirage since completing his studies nearly five years ago.

“In my region of Italy, which is a beautiful part of the country surrounded by mountains, Mirage is known as the leader in the ceramic tile sector. Working with this ground-breaking company is very exciting for me. In my role as the Export Manager my focus is on Australia and New Zealand, Israel and the Baltic Republic, and National Tiles is our most significant retailer in this sector.”

Mirage was established in 1973 and has always been recognised in the field of porcelain tiles with unconventional applications, including innovative outdoor tiles. Every year Mirage ships around 25,000 sqm metres of tiles per day, which equates to approximately 14 million square metres of tiles sold globally each year. Leading the market in terms of quality has always been important to the leadership and design team.

In terms of tile design trends, Francesco explains, “We have a marketing department dedicated to analysing worldwide trends. They communicate constantly with architects and designers as well as

visiting trade fairs (when travel was permitted). One of the key trends over the last few years is based on a minimalist aesthetic. In Europe in particular the concrete effect and metallic effect are very popular, however Mirage is committed to developing innovative porcelain tiles across every design style for the global market.”

For the Australian market, the taste is in line with European trends in that a minimalist style is popular for both residential and commercial applications. Adds Francesco, “Whilst the demand for our marble and stone style tiles is definitely strong, it’s not as widely popular in Australia as it is in other the European marketplace. Every market differs slightly based on climate and culture.”

The National Tiles and Mirage collaboration has been very successful for both parties. “I feel very fortunate to work with National Tiles, they are such a strong partner for Mirage. They are not just a customer, the National Tiles team are inspiring partners in the development of our range. This is definitely a winning strategy for both companies, and we work closely to ensure that we offer the best possible tiles to the Australian market via National Tiles.”

QUARTZITI:

The power of this collection is the shade variation in each tile which creates a unique and individual look. This classic stoneeffect ceramic collection is characterised by a shading effect that recreates the authentic diversity of natural elements.

ULTRASLIM:

GLOCAL:

Glocal is Mirage’s best selling tile worldwide. The concrete-style collection is perfect for the minimalistic trend. The success is due to the wide range of cold and warm grey tones and finishes within the one range. The power of concrete lies is the neutral, versatility designed to bring out the very best in all types of finishes and furnishing elements.

The Ultraslim range offers extra large sheets - 1600 x 3200 x 6mm - making them ideal for floor to ceiling applications. Striking in design, these impressive tiles they can be cut to any size with minimal wastage and are perfect for complete coverage of indoor and outdoor walls to create a stunning, bold and low maintenance result.

CLAY:

This is a new concept from Mirage which follows the minimalistic trend, combining concrete and resin wood. Readily accepted worldwide for architectural and design applications, these innovative porcelain tiles are ideal for creating grand, striking effects.

NORR 2.O:

Mirage was the first company to release a collection that captures the natural beauty of the iconic Ceppo di Gre, a natural stone that is very popular in northern Italy (in particular in Milanese architecture). The porcelain Norr 2.0 range expertly recreates the irregular texture and contrasts that this stone is so prized for.

JEWELS MARBLE:

This marble-like collection reflects the most popular marbles around the world. It is an important collection for the market, taking a natural material and expanding its popularity by making it applicable to commercial and residential projects. An extraordinary amount of work has gone into researching and technically perfecting this collection, from highlighting the veins of marble to amalgamating delicate colour nuances. The result is a masterpiece in each and every slab.

best of instagram

lita.designs

nationaltilesau This gorgeous green toned flatlay by @lita.designs features our gorgeous new terrazzo in verde along with our newer crayon shade.

emt.constructions

nationaltilesau This bathroom by @emt_ constructions has such a natural feel to it using our burlington stone tile in beige matt.

theunitsalex reno_inspo

nationaltilesau This cosy corner by @theunitsalex is the perfect demonstration of what a patterned tile can do to add interest to a space. We love how our revival stachus looks in this nook.

nationaltilesau We love this beautiful clean white bathroom by @reno_inspo using our white whoosh tile, this tiles texture really adds something special to a space.

Orvietto 1200x600mm, 1200x200mm, & 600x600mm from 95 PER SQM $99

An icon of timeless style, the Orvieto series evokes a strong connection to the earth’s natural elements, textures and tones. Inspired by marbles from the middle east, Orvieto displays a rare chromatic richness and superior graphic depth with its stunning reproduction of stone veins and grains. Available in four colours and three sizes with an outdoor finish in 600 x 600mm, Orvieto enables consistent transitions from inside to out.

best of instagram

nationaltilesau

nationaltilesau We love this gorgeous flatlay by @ nello_miles using our aria sage tile and Castello tile.

nationaltilesau

nationaltilesau We love this beachy combination by @modern_country_tale using our whoosh tile in turquoise and concrete fusion in sand.

nationaltilesau Our gorgeous elegant terrazzo in smoke. This is how to add a luxury feel to your space whether on the floor, wall or bench top.

nationaltilesau

nationaltilesau We know you all love terrazzo and we have heard your call for more colours!

natural stone collection

In his role as Business Development Manager – Commercial (QLD), Brak Sheehy works closely with leading commercial builders and developers, particularly on the Gold Coast and Broadbeach high end markets.

One of the most significant projects that National Tiles has worked on over the last few years is 31 Broadbeach. These architecturally designed residences were the vision of two of Australia’s most influential design studios, Woods Bagot Architects and Carr Design. They collaborated on 31 Broadbeach to deliver a new benchmark in residential property design.

Brak had established a strong association with McNab, a renowned builder in Qld who was charged with bringing 31 Broadbeach to life. He was given a brief for National Tiles to supply tiles for the luxury beachfront apartment complex. The goal for the sophisticated design of the boutique 20-storey residential tower was to create a distinctive presence on the Gold Coast beach skyline. Each of the 22 residences were carefully designed to optimise its unique coastal position. An expansive ground floor beach house, 14 full floor apartments, six half-floor apartments and an unrivalled double-storey penthouse were all expertly designed to maximise ocean views and provide

residences with an airy and inviting private beachfront retreat.

Working closely with Camron Whittaker, National Tiles Head of Product and Procurement, and Nick Murray (National Tiles Commercial Account Manager), Brak put forward a submission based on the Nordic Ice collection of natural stone. He was awarded the project, with National Tiles engaged to supply 4,500m2 of 610 x 610mm honed tiles that would be featured on the floors and walls throughout each apartments.

To ensure the best possible result for such a massive high-end project, Camron travelled to Turkey to personally source and select each piece to ensure consistent quality, colour and tone. Brak explains, “The key to meeting the brief from the architect and builder was for us to achieve a perfect level of consistency throughout the whole build. Cam arranged for around 15 pieces of Nordic Ice to be sent to McNab from Turkey so they could select the pieces that were ideal for the project. They signed off on six pieces, approving the colour, texture and tone.”

With a clear understanding of the look the architect and builder wanted to achieve, Cam then went back to Turkey to work closely with the supplier and carefully select the blocks of stone that would perfectly match the six pieces that had been selected. As a result of this attention to detail, the supplier had 4,500m2 of stone cut and honed to size and delivered to 31 Broadbeach in full and on time. Says Brak, “The whole project took around 18 months, and the apartment complex

was officially opened in March this year. It was a real privilege to be involved in such an iconic build that has set the standard for Broadbeach.”

The Nordic range was also featured in a project for Hutchinson Builders and developer Andrews Projects, with a colour variance called Nordic Ice which has a slightly darker tone. The brief for the major multi-residential project, also in Broadbeach, was for National Tiles to source the key tile for the project. Brak presented a 900 x 300 version of the Nordic Grey range to the builder and developer, and this was used in the common areas of the apartment complex. The Nordic Grey was complemented by a tile very similar to the Burlington Stone Nube tile, which was featured in every apartment - in each bathroom, on the floors throughout and on the balconies.

talking to simon cen

Simon Cen grew up in Foshan, a large city in the central Guangdong Province of China with an industry centered around tile manufacturing. After graduating from university, Simon joined a large tile company where he learnt about the production of tiles - and in his role as the Export Sales Manager he fell in love with the industry and with international sales.

When Camron Whittaker, National Tiles’ General Manager of Product & Procurement, started working with Simon during his visits to Foshan and saw his potential, Simon was invited to move to Melbourne to join the National Tiles team. “Working in tiles for the export market, it was always one of my dreams to work in another country, so I was very honoured and excited to move to Australia and work with Australia’s leading tile retailer. I had travelled extensively but I had only ever lived in Foshan, so there were many going away lunches, dinners and parties before I made the big move!”

During his first few years at National Tiles Simon worked as procurement assistant and with the commercial team, sourcing tiles overseas and expanding the supply base. Now Simon works closely with Cam on the product development range from China more specifically, and more generally on the global import program for the company.

“With technology I am able to communicate every week with my family and friends, but Australia is my home now.”

“Working in tiles for the export market, it was always one of my dreams to work in another country, so I was very honoured and excited to move to Australia...

My favourite childhood memory is: Having Yumcha with my dad in the morning before going to school.

I am passionate about: Travels, architecture, tiles and plants!

On the weekend you will find me: Probably playing badminton and some Chinese restaurants.

My ideal dinner menu… everything with rice! Hmm I love a steak from time to time as well.

I am inspired by… My late aunt, she was the greatest woman of my life.

One thing most people don’t know about me… I have been to over 50 countries and want more.

My favourite home design style…

I think a mid-century house with wabi sabi design aesthetic is the pretty thing I would dream of.

The best advise I have been given… Love what you do and do what you love.

What I’m loving from National Tiles range at the moment… Frammenta is my all-time favourite.

The texture and authenticity of the ceppo di gres replica is just the next level of tiles.

What I love most about working at National Tiles… Definitely the challenge and thrill in my role, sourcing and working on new ideas of products with suppliers makes me feel accomplished too.