Before selecting tiles, it’s essential to define the overall style of your room. Your tile choice should support a clear design direction, whether that’s coastal, Japandi, modern Australian, Mediterranean, or traditional luxe. This ensures your space feels cohesive rather than pieced together.

For example, soft stone-look tiles work beautifully in a Japandi or Australian modern bathroom, while patterned or textured tiles can elevate a Mediterranean or farmhouse style. If you’re aiming for a more timeless look, neutral palettes and natural textures will give your bathroom longevity and broad appeal.

Not all tiles are created equal, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Porcelain tiles are one of the most popular choices due to their durability, low porosity, and water resistance, making them ideal for floors and wet areas like showers.

Ceramic tiles are often more affordable and suitable for walls, while natural stone tiles (like marble or travertine) offer a high-end aesthetic but require more maintenance and sealing. When choosing your tiles, always consider where they will be installed and how they will perform in a wet, high-traffic environment.

Tile size plays a huge role in how your bathroom feels. Large format tiles can make a small bathroom feel more spacious by reducing grout lines and creating a seamless look. They’re a popular choice for modern, minimalist designs.

On the other hand, smaller tiles, such as mosaics or kit-kat tiles, are perfect for adding texture, interest, and detail, especially in niches, kitchen splashbacks, or feature walls. The layout also matters: vertical stacking can make ceilings feel higher, while horizontal layouts can visually widen a space. Thoughtful tile placement can completely transform the proportions of your room.

Colour is key to achieving a luxurious look. Neutral tones like whites, beiges, greys, and soft earthy hues remain the most popular in Australian bathrooms, kitchens and laundries because they create a calm, timeless foundation.

If you’re looking to add depth, consider layering tones within the same palette or introducing subtle variation through textured or stone-look tiles. For a bolder statement, feature tiles in darker shades or soft greens and blues can add personality without overwhelming the space. The key is balance, ensuring your colour choices work harmoniously with your vanity, tapware, and overall styling.

The finish of your tiles is just as important as the colour or size. Matte and textured finishes are ideal for bathroom floors as they provide better slip resistance, making them a safer choice for wet areas. If you're looking for outdoor tiles, always look for a P5 rating.

Gloss tiles, on the other hand, reflect light and can help brighten smaller spaces, making them perfect for walls or splashbacks. It’s also important to consider maintenance, highly polished or dark tiles may show water spots and require more frequent cleaning, while textured or natural-look finishes are more forgiving in everyday use.