Collection: Precinct

There is something useful about a tile that isn't trying to introduce texture, pattern or irregularity. Precinct gives the surrounding architecture more room to breathe, which can be particularly effective when the room already has strong cabinetry, interesting flooring or statement fittings.

The long rectangular shape also gives the wall a more measured appearance than a smaller tile. With fewer joints and more visible surface between them, the eye starts to read the installation in broader horizontal or vertical bands rather than as a collection of small pieces.

That makes Precinct a particularly good starting point when you want the colour of the wall to feel intentional without the tile itself becoming the main decorative feature.

Precinct's simplicity makes the choice of colour more consequential. A deeper shade such as Blue or Caramel changes the visual weight of the wall considerably more than it would on a highly textured tile, because there is less surface detail competing with it.

The richer tones can work beautifully alongside warm timber, stone and brushed metal, while Aqua and White create a much lighter backdrop. Turquoise sits somewhere between the two, bringing colour without necessarily becoming as dominant as the deeper shades.

Rather than matching the tile to everything around it, I'd consider what contrast you want the wall to create. A darker tile against pale cabinetry can feel crisp and architectural; the same tile with walnut, brass and warm lighting becomes much richer.

The rectangular proportions are important because they give you a different visual rhythm from a traditional metro tile.

Laid horizontally, the length reinforces the width of the room and creates a calm series of lines. Turn the tiles vertically and the emphasis changes completely, drawing the eye upwards and making the wall feel more directional.

Stacking the tiles keeps that geometry particularly clean, while a brick bond introduces a little more movement by breaking the lines between courses.

Because the tile itself is so restrained, these decisions have a greater impact than they might with a heavily textured or decorative tile. The installation becomes much of the design.

A completely flat wall doesn't have to feel flat as a room. One of the easiest ways to make Precinct more interesting is to contrast its surface with other materials.

Natural timber adds warmth, veined stone introduces movement, brushed metal provides a subtle change in sheen, and textured fabrics or ceramics can bring softness into the space. These contrasts give the eye different surfaces to move between without requiring another patterned tile.

This is particularly useful with the quieter colours. White or Aqua can provide a calm architectural backdrop while the materials in front of them create the character.

With the stronger shades, a little restraint can be more effective. Let the tile establish the colour of the room, then use texture and material contrast rather than another strong pattern to build on it.