New In: Nature-Inspired Tiles That Work for Real Homes

We’re hearing it more than ever in the showroom:
“I want something natural… but still practical.”

Nature-Inspired Tiles for Modern Living: Terrazzo and Wood Effects That Work

More customers are asking for a natural look that still works in everyday life.

The challenge is that real materials do not always hold up in busy homes. Wood can mark and move. Natural stone often needs sealing and ongoing care.

That is where porcelain comes in.

Our latest ranges, Fossile and Storica, are designed to give you the look of natural materials with far less maintenance and more durability.

Why Choose Porcelain Tiles Over Natural Materials?

This is one of the most common questions we get in the showroom.

Porcelain tiles are often the more practical choice because they are:

• Hard-wearing and resistant to scratches
• Easy to clean with no sealing required
• Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas
• Compatible with underfloor heating

They give you the same visual effect as wood or stone, but are much easier to live with long term.

Fossile: Stone Effect Tiles Inspired by Natural Shell Stone

Material: Rectified porcelain
Colours: Stone, Ivory, Sand
Finish: Matt
Sizes: 600 x 600 x 9mm | 1200 x 1200 x 9mm
Slip Rating: R10, PTV +36

Fossile is inspired by natural shell stone, which is formed from fossil fragments. This creates the soft markings and gentle variation you see across the surface.

The overall look is calm and natural, with enough detail to add depth without making a space feel busy.

Are terrazzo or stone effect tiles still in style?

Yes, but the trend has shifted.

Customers are now moving towards softer, more neutral designs rather than bold, high-contrast patterns. Fossile fits this perfectly, offering a more subtle and long-lasting look that works across different styles.

Grande and Piccolo Options

• Grande has more movement across each tile, helping larger spaces feel more open
• Piccolo offers a finer, more consistent finish for a calmer look

Where Fossile works best

• Kitchens and open-plan spaces
• Bathrooms
• Hallways and entrances
• Living areas
• Walls and floors
  

Do light tiles show dirt?

This is a common concern.

Fossile’s matt finish and natural variation help to disguise dust and everyday marks, making it more forgiving than plain or highly polished surfaces.

Storica: Wood Effect Tiles Made for Everyday Use

Material: Porcelain
Colours: Oak, Light Walnut, Dark Walnut
Finish: Matt
Slip Rating: R10, PTV +36 (wet)
Size: 100 x 100mm

Storica offers a more natural take on wood effect tiles.

Each tile features a different pattern, so once laid, the surface feels varied and realistic rather than repeated.

What makes this range different is the cut of the wood effect. Instead of long planks, these tiles show the timber cut horizontally through the grain, revealing the natural circular patterns within the wood.

Are Wood Effect Tiles a good alternative to real wood?

For many homes, yes.

Storica solves the main issues people face with real wood:

• No warping or movement from moisture
• More resistant to wear and scratches
• Suitable for kitchens, hallways and living spaces
• Easier to clean and maintain

Are Wood-Effect tiles slippery?

This is another common question.

Storica has a matt R10 finish with a PTV +36 rating, which means it provides good grip underfoot and is suitable for everyday use in busy areas.

Where Storica works best

• Kitchens and open-plan living spaces
  
• Hallways and entrances
  
• Feature walls
  
• Smaller floor areas or detailed layouts

The 100 x 100mm size gives more flexibility, especially if you want something more design-led than a standard plank layout.

Mixing Surfaces: A More Practical Way to Design a Space

Many customers ask whether they should match everything.

In most cases, mixing materials gives a better result.

Combining stone effect and wood effect tiles helps create a more natural and balanced space, while also allowing you to zone different areas within a room.

A Practical Way to Bring the Outdoors In

Bringing the outdoors in is not about copying rustic styles.

It is about using natural tones, variation and texture to create spaces that feel comfortable and easy to live in.

Fossile and Storica achieve that in a way that is both practical and long-lasting.

See the Ranges in Person

Tiles like these are best seen up close.

Visit your nearest showroom and we can help you choose the right combination for your space, layout and lifestyle.