The 2020 tile-of-year is… Syren
With the success of last years Tile of the Year, Topps tiles are today announcing Tile of the Year 2020 ‘Syren’.
Credit: Topps Tiles
So let us introduce you to this amazing glossy tile, it takes inspiration from the sea, a deep Inky blue shade and fish scale shape. This sumptuously glossy tile is a unique fan-shape giving it a retro and eclectic feel in any setting. The tiles can be cut to create a clean edge or left open for an interesting scallop design.
Laying Patterns
Credit: Topps Tiles
Tiling with the widest part of the tile at the top creates a fan design which is reminiscent of the Art Deco era. The ‘tear-drop’ provokes a more rustic and Moroccan finish. Horizontal laying patterns have a more traditional fish-scale feel to it. Or, for something completely different that harks back to shimmering freshwater, the wavy interlinked pattern has a more contemporary feel.
Grout
Due to the shape of the tile, it requires a wider grout joint, 5mm to be exact, and has to be tiled by eye rather than methodically with tile spacers but this all adds to the beauty of the finished look.
Credit: Topps Tiles
Choose a darker toned grout to create a more contemporary look that helps blend the lines of the tiles for a more subtle feel. White grout will really define the edges whilst creating a more traditional feel. For us and Topps Tiles, the pink grout is our favourite giving the tiles a real pop of colour.
Dulux have joined Topps Tiles and created a colour palette that really sets these beautiful Midnight Blue tiles off.  Featuring ten colours, from the coolest cool neutrals to those deep dramatic shades and all the complementary mid-tones in between, there’s a colour to suit any room in the home.
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, talks us through how to use her five top picks from the palette.
Indigo Shade
Indigo Shade completes your full colour immersion being perfectly in tune with the tone of Syren. Experience a soothing yet energising environment that’s not for the feint hearted. Wrap yourself up in the richest of blues by painting walls and ceiling in this deep blue shade, allowing even the smallest of spaces to be stylish, bold and breath taking.
Pocket Stone
Inspired by the smooth pebbles found on a typical English beach, this warm neutral has the colour of sea tumbled flint and adds a cosiness to a space, perfectly balancing the deep midnight hues of the Tile of the Year.
Fossil Trace
A warm, chalky stone neutral is a versatile shade, Fossil Trace balances out bolder colours whilst keeping the look relaxed and modern. Ideal for both walls and ceilings, the shade can be dressed up or pared back depending on your style but it works perfectly with warmer woods and metallics. Create a cohesive look by picking up the shade through details like bathroom towels and accessories.
Credit: Topps Tiles, Styles by Elle Decoration
Teal Tension
Teal Tension is the perfect complement to our Tile of the Year with its deep tones reminiscent of the warm waters of your favourite holiday destination. The shade energises and refreshes working well with warm woods, vibrant coloured accessories and soft furnishings.
Chic Shadow
Grey is here to stay! Chic Shadow is cool and refined, perfect for those living spaces with plenty of natural light. It provides the perfect base for building up colour within your interior scheme whether it be with bold coloured tiles or trend led furniture and accessories. For a contemporary feel, team it with crisp whites.
So what do we think?
Sally
I love the thought of these tiles in a shower room. Just think every morning you can embrace your inner mermaid; floor to ceiling with white grout and black shower head and taps and a crittall style screen.
Hot steamy water, lovely seaweed soap from Southsea Bathing Hut and fluffy towels to regain your land legs. The perfect way to start the morning.
Anna
I love the thought of these tiles used with a more matt material, perhaps a polished concrete. The contrast would be stunning. I think this would work really well in a kitchen as a statement, perhaps blended into a concrete worktop and upstand.
Credit: Topps Tiles
