Don’t feel disheartened if your budget dictates that you may only choose from the more standard tile ranges. It is possible to achieve a unique look, simply and cost effectively, by thinking outside the box when it comes to the tile laying patterns, and I’m going to show you how; but first, here are the usual suspects:
STACK BOND

RUNNING OR BRICK BOND
Tilers will usually recommend a running bond (or brick) laying pattern as it effectively disguises a multitude of sins like uneven surfaces or irregularities in tile size. This is because the eye isn’t focusing on straight lines.
HERRINGBONE
Herringbone has been a popular choice for a while now but often costs more due to the additional cutting and increased wastage when it comes to cutting the angled tiles into the straight edges of the walls and floors.
DIAGONAL
While this one is not super exciting, simply laying square tiles on a diagonal axis can create an elegant look that extends your space. With your eyes being drawn from corner to corner rather than along the horizontal or vertical axis.
BASKETWEAVE
Basketweave is a versatile, under-utilised tile pattern that looks great in any design scheme. It can be used with a 2 or 3 tile stack depending on the size of the tiles.
A lot of tiles are available in ranges of finishes, shapes and sizes so it is easy to mix a square tile with a rectangular tile within the same range to create a unique look. Alternating vertical lines of rectangular subway and their square counterpart is a simple yet effective look.
Rather than using a different colour or a patterned tile as a border, you could simply lay the tiles in a different pattern to create a border. An alternative size or shape could also be used to create differentiation, for example breaking up a square tiled wall with its matching rectangular tile.
About the author: Jo Scott
Billy Hoo Studio was founded in 2015 by Interior Designer, Jo Scott. Jo has over 10 years experience in interiors including multiple residential, commercial and retail design projects across Australia as well as a solid background in Australian manufacturing and product development within the building industry. In addition to Interior Design, Jo has completed studies in Holistic Counselling and Building Design to further enhance her approach.
Visit Jo at billyhoostudio.com