Category: Tiling News and Blog

Throughout your tiling career, you will likely find yourself working with lots of different kinds of tiles: from weak ceramic tiles to thick ceramic tiles, to heavy duty porcelain tiles. They all cut in slightly different ways, and so you need the power of professional tile cutters to do the job properly.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic DIYer, don’t let a fine tiling job be let down by the quality of the cuts. The eye will always be drawn to those rough edges, regardless of how good the rest of the tiling is.

If you’re unsure which tools you will need to cut tiles, check out our guide to kitting yourself out for tiling which covers all of the basics. Cutting tiles is crucial to achieving a professional finish on your tiling jobs – we recommend spending as much as you can stretch to on the best tools.

‘Professional tile cutters are professional tools for professional people’

So what are the different types of tile cutting tools you might use?

Manual tile cutters

Manual cutters are fine, they usually feature a solid bed on which to lay the tile. Markings on the perimeter help with accurate measurements. A roller with a scoring wheel then runs across the tile and you simply snap off the excess. Very hard tiles are prone to cracking away from the score. The wheels need to be replaced regularly to keep them making a deep enough score.

If you’ve never used a manual tile cutter before, check out the below video in which Darren demonstrates how easily you can cut through all manner of tiles, from ceramic wall tiles, to 9mm thick wall tiles, to 10mm thick, 600mm long, heavy duty porcelain tiles.

Even though this tile cutter is manual, it’s incredibly powerful, so much so you can operate it with just the lightest touch from your little finger. For cutting more heavy duty tiles, you simply switch out the blade for a more heavy duty one.

You can even use manual cutters to cut your tiles at an angle.

Electric tile cutters

You could also use electric cutters to shape your tiles, and while these vary in style they essentially all work the same way. Tiles are fed past a fast spinning blade, cooled by water, which cuts all the way through the tile.

Avoid cheap electric cutters. The blades will be made from poor quality metal and unlikely to be true as they spin. A good quality cutter spins extremely quickly and has a very sharp, hard wearing blade. A word of warning – these are extremely messy and best set up outside.

Angle grinder

A mini angle grinder can also be used to cut tiles. Quality diamond blades should be used. These are particularly useful for cuts with internal angles and creating more unusual shapes for awkward spaces. Again, avoid using low quality blades, these are a false economy with the amount of mis-cuts they are likely to produce.

Electric drill

For making holes to neatly sit around pipes, only the best tools will ensure a perfect finish. A powerful electric drill with a carbide-grit hole saw will produce the best possible results.

It’s possible to cut a tile to shape and then splice it back together after cutting, but the end result will be far inferior to a neat hole. If you are tackling a one-off tiling project, it may be possible to hire the hole saw kit rather than go to the expense of buying one.

You could also tackle tiling around a pipe project with a masonry bit and a ceramic coping saw, if both are sharp and you take your time.

Measuring and marking

The cuts and holes you make on your tiles will only be as good as the measurements you use. A good old tape measure and spirit level are perfectly acceptable of course, but for precision work, use laser markers and measures – leave nothing to chance.

With holes, it’s worth testing your marks with a tile sized paper template before committing to cutting the hole. The same applies to awkward angles and tight spaces. The old adage, ‘measure twice, cut once’ should always be kept in mind.

UK Pro Tiling Training

As long as you know how to use your tile cutters (which you are taught to do on all UK Pro Tiling Training courses), you can cut any tile. But remember, you’re only as good as your tools, and if your tools aren’t capable of doing the job, then you’re going to struggle.

UK Pro Tiling Training retail a range of different kinds of tile cutters, including Rubi and Sigma, but the one you see in the above video is the one that you’ll learn to use on our tiling courses. We also sell three different starter kits for anyone doing a tiling course. The prices are very competitive compared to a tiling shop.

Check out some of our other tiling videos and watch the various courses in action – you’ll see the students getting to grips with all the various tile cutters.

For all of your tile training courses, whether you simply need a refresher, or are starting from scratch, get in touch today and start your journey towards becoming a tiling expert.

What would be the advantage of considering taking time out to attend a trade show? First and foremost, it is a great way to network with other professionals in the tiling business and make new contacts.

Trade shows are a fabulous way of finding out about new products on the market, attending product demonstrations and seminars, meeting the manufacturers of, for example, tiles, tooling and adhesives.

To attend an event such as the The Tiling Show organised by the The Tile Association (TTA) taking place in March 2020 will definitely enhance your professional CV. This particular event also holds the TTA awards where there are 16 award categories for companies/ clients / individuals to nominate a person or project for an award including ‘individual wall and floor tile fixers’, ‘trainee tile fixer’, ‘ best (large) commercial project’, and ‘best domestic project’ amongst the 16 categories. What an accolade to be nominated for such an award! ‘Tilezine’ the online magazine of the Tile Association quotes ‘the cachet of a TTA award winner really can make a difference’.

Not all trade shows will hold award events and attending professional tiling events will keep you up to date with new techniques and industry technologies and the latest trends and designs.

So, take a look at the trade shows that you would be interested in attending by researching tiling trade literature and selecting a show that is going to be good for your business – whether that is a local or a national event. The great advantage of attending a tiling event is that you will meet other tiling professionals, meeting in person will often lead to recommending you/your business to others, so already you are in a great situation with free recommendations. By seeing all the products and demonstrations at a tiling trade show, you may find that they offer solutions you weren’t even aware that you were looking for ?. And you will definitely be inspired when you see all the new products/new designs coming to the tile market and with everything all being in one place,  it is a great opportunity to see what is new or increasing in popularity.

There are national events such as the kbb event at the NEC Birmingham in early March 2020 and is the UK’s largest gathering of the worlds best kitchen, bedroom and bathroom brands showcasing the latest designs, solutions and products from top suppliers with delegates and exhibitors from the construction, home, tiles and ceramics world. Planning to attend an event such as this would benefit from you checking out the exhibitors and the exhibition plan beforehand so that you make the most of visiting those companies that will really enhance your tiling business.

When deciding upon which tiling trade show you want to attend, it is worth taking into account where it is, when it is and what you are hoping to get out of it;  but most of all – have fun!

Do you have your own tiling project (or perhaps a customer) that requires a style of tile to embrace and enhance the light in their home or commercial environment? Is it time to make the space feel bigger, brighter and lighter?

The perfect solution? Mirror tiles

.

The use of mirror tiles can offer hugely versatile tiling solutions. They provide fantastic contrast and depth for kitchen splashbacks. Not only do they reflect the light where it is needed, mirror tiles offer the opportunity to make a feature wall and can be viewed as ultra – modern with 21st century styling and design.

Mirror tiles also offer a retro or traditional look. Antique mirror tiles have become highly sought after and have become one of the most popular tiles for feature walls and splash backs. Stylish solutions include the ‘distressed vintage’  look, and with varying colourways such as bronze or gold, mirror tiles give a very opulent feel to a tiling project.

Interior mirror tiles offer a large influx of light and brightness into the space. Mirror fragments easily decorate uneven section of walls and look amazing in a niche or alcove. The room can acquire the effect of an illusion since mirror tiles can give the effect of either expanding or narrowing the space of a room. Even better, they can offer design features such as a mirror column. So, all in all, this type of tile breathes a lot of light into the room.

There are several types of mirror tile including: Mirror square tiles in both large or small size, brick mosaic tile, small mosaic tiles, mosaic straight brick tiles and the bevelled mirror tile. These all can be used to expand the visual space of any room in the home or commercial space to create a look that can range from a large mirror on the wall to a decorative mural. Tiles can be available in the traditional silver-backed mirror finish, or you can get them backed with gold or brass. A recommended method on how to use the tiles is to make large, segmented mirror walls in bathrooms, bedrooms and hallways.

At UK Pro Tiling Training, we are experts in training in all aspects of tiling businesses. Whether you opt for our one-day course or our fast track course, you will be inspired to be the best quality tiler you can be.

2022 is a fantastic year to consider a brighter and inspired future as a Professional Tiler.

As a professional tiler, there are endless opportunities to facilitate change.  Change in designs and looks for rooms of all types, commercial rooms, domestic rooms, interior and exterior rooms. Working with pattern and colour, the varying shapes and sizes of tiles and challenging the brain to work out the most effective, efficient and economical way to lay the tiles. A beautiful, flawlessly tiled surface is in itself a work of art whether loaded with pattern and colour or just simple plain design. And looking forward to the next decade, new designs and trends will be breaking through offering exciting opportunities for tilers to work with clients exploring and applying these new trends.

Modern ebony wood kitchen with sink,gas cooktop and hood interior 3d

So, what is changing for 2020?

Well, in a recent blog posted on one of the UKs larger tile retailers ‘Topps Tiles’,  it was revealed that they had chosen as their signature 2020 tile the ‘Syren’ tile – a glossy, inky- blue coloured fish scale shape tile. Perfect for changing the look of a bathroom, shower room or as a statement splashback design in a kitchen.  With this deep-ocean inspired colour,  it is leading the way towards the trend for more naturally inspired, darker, earthy designs. And historically, the colour blue in tile designs has featured since the Ancient Egyptian and Roman times.

So, for 2020, colour choices are likely to become bolder and more daring.  One tile that will remain ever popular is the metro tile, but it will be presented in more variety and imaginative layouts such as a basket weave pattern, 45 degree angular layout and geometric pattern. The great advantage of tiles presented in various geometric patterns are that they can be applied across all of your commercial or domestic projects – modern or traditional.

And then there is the application of the larger tile – creating a real statement design by using less grout lines making these tiles perfect for bath and shower rooms. The larger tiles are ever popular for creating a look that makes a small space seem bigger.

As well as the darker, bolder colours, there is a new twist on the pastel colour palette. Going forward into the new decade, the pastel colours will be updated to offer much fresher, crisper tones. We will see colours such as mint and coral becoming more desirable, moving away from the recent trend for the greys and neutral colour schemes commonly chosen.

But right on trend will be bolder, darker interiors – the inky black colours inspired by the luxury spa and hotel market make a luxurious and elegant statement working well in smaller spaces. Use black grout with black tiles to give the ultimate luxury finish.

Moving away from the big commercial tile manufacturers, there is an increasing demand for ‘artisan’ tiles. Tiles that are not mass produced, that offer very individual style, often are handmade or have a reclaimed element to them. Artisan tiles can offer a more bespoke design, with different textures and tones that can’t be achieved on a mass scale. The colours that look to be on trend for 2020 in this sector of the tile industry are warm, metallic tones and earthy greens and browns – again a darker, naturally inspired colour palette.

So will 2020 see you ‘Changing Rooms’?

It is an often-asked question. The short answer is, yes, absolutely you can tile over tiles. In fact, a lot of the basic rules for tiling still apply, exactly as they do for any surface. Without a sound, solid base, no tiling job will ever be perfect.

What to consider before tiling over tiles.

If the wall is being re-tiled due to damp issues or any structural concerns, then it wouldn’t be advisable to tile over the existing tiles. You will be hiding an existing problem which is very likely to reappear after a short time.

On the other hand, if styles have changed and the decision has been made to refurbish a room, then tiling over the top is definitely an option.

In a small space, particularly where fittings such as baths and basins are pressed against the existing walls, the thickness of new tiles (and adhesive) may reduce the size of the room too much. Check this carefully.

The existing tiles must be in good condition and it is worth checking how flat the wall is using a long straight edge or spirit level. Any loose tiles can be removed and the wall behind them cleaned of old adhesive. The tiles can now be replaced using new adhesive to keep the surface flat.

How to prepare old tiles for re-tiling.

• The old tiles need to be clean and free from grease. A good quality degreasing agent can be brushed onto the existing tiles. Depending on the type of flooring, it might be worth protecting from this degreaser when scrubbing it off. Wire wool and white spirit would work equally well.
• Remove any old grout which looks cracked or shows any sign of growing mould spores. This mould growth will still have the damp and warmth it needs even if you cover it up. Better to clean the grout out than risk mould.
• Tape up edges of non-tiled surfaces to make sure they don’t become damaged by adhesive when re-applying tiles.

How to lay new tiles on old.

• Use an latex modified or flexi powdered tile adhesive. Mix up the adhesive according to manufacturer’s instructions. Mix only enough for an area you are confident to work in.
• Prime existing tiles with an Acrylic primer or SBR, add a handful of sand to the mix which will provide a key
• Use the flat edge of your trowel to spread a thin layer across the area being tiled.
• Apply a second layer, this time using the notched edge of your trowel. This will ensure a uniform height of adhesive ready for the tiles.
• Press and slide your tiles into the adhesive and use spacers just as you would on any other surface.
• Once the whole wall is finished, allow to dry for at least an hour before attempting to grout.

Grouting.

Latex modified style grout will work well in most situations. To ensure a good bond with the adhesive, an epoxy grout can be used. Be careful with epoxy grout and adhesive, they both require a solvent to be removed from tile surfaces. It is worth mixing small amounts of grout at a time and taking longer than usual with the job.

Tiling on existing tiles is just one of the many skills you can master by taking one of our tiling courses.

For more information about our training courses, get in touch today.

There are many factors to consider when choosing tiles including whether it is a domestic or commercial project, the cost, an interior or exterior project, flooring or walling, the room type and choice of designs.

Historically, there has been some form of ceramic tile in existence for more than 25,000 years with the oldest of our civilisations, the Ancient Egyptians, who used tiles to decorate their homes with blue coloured tile bricks. The Romans and the Greeks favoured decorative tiles, with exquisite tile work in mosaics and murals. In Victorian times, ceramic tiles became mass produced and were used in many public buildings, churches, shops and houses for both their functional and decorative properties.

So, what is the difference between the modern day ceramic and porcelain tile? 

Firstly, the manufacturing of the tiles is different. Ceramic tiles are made using red, brown or white clay where the clay is fired at a high temperature to reduce water content; with the glaze and then the pattern applied.

Porcelain tiles are made using a specific white clay, finely ground sand and feldspar. The tiles are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, which makes them extremely hard wearing. Porcelain tiles are manufactured in two types;  through body porcelain and glazed porcelain. Through body is exactly as it sounds – the tile has no glaze so the colour/design is the same all the way through. The advantage of this? Well, if there was any wear or chips to the tile, it would be very difficult to see. Glazed porcelain is where the tile has been manufactured with a glaze applied to the tile face, which makes the body of the tile as hard-wearing as if it is a through body tile, but has the same characteristics as the glaze on a ceramic tile.

What about cost? 

Ceramic tiles are more cost effective than porcelain, but, with porcelain being more dense than ceramic, it makes them less porous; so they are harder, more durable and absorb less water therefore suited to areas which will see heavy use. Plus ceramic tiles are less brittle and easier to work with and offer a wider choice of up-to-date and intricate designs. Porcelain tiles due to the manufacture methods, with their density and hardness, does mean that there are fewer designs available,  therefore limiting the choice for you and your client.

So where to use them?

Porcelain is more resistant to scratching and chipping and is great for:

• floors
• walls (depending on the weight)
• commercial properties (hotels, offices)
• areas with high moisture levels (wet rooms)
• exterior and heavy use areas. 

Ceramic tiles are best for:

• home interiors
• commercial interior walls 
• floor areas with low foot traffic.

Additionally, there is the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating to refer to.  All tiles are classified with a PEI rating on a scale from PEI 0 (no foot traffic – wall only) to PEI 5 (Heavy traffic domestic/ commercial). 

Whatever tiling project you are undertaking, choosing the ceramic tile or the porcelain tile will be determined by some of the points mentioned.

The tiles are perfectly flat and the grout had filled the joints with crisp lines. Now it’s time to add those fine details that will give the bathroom a luxurious feel.

Right to the edge.

Tiling can be an underappreciated skill. And it really is a skill. A great tiling job can be spoiled by the edges being left unfinished. The tiler will be held in much higher esteem if the customer sees perfect lines and no bare tiles on the edge.

There are a variety of trims and edging details available.

Choosing a high quality, colour matched trim adds the professional finish to a tiling job.

Choose from polished chrome, painted plastic or even bullnose tiles, which can all add that finishing touch.

Clean it once, clean it twice, clean it until it’s clean!

The biggest complaint about any tradesperson is the state they might leave someone’s home in. Never leave a tiling job until it is clean. Really clean. 

Tiling can be a messy business. Adhesive and grout are both capable of ending up on tiles and every inch needs to be cleaned. Not just the tiles though, handles, taps, shower screens, in fact any surface which may come into contact with the tiler.

Grout should be cleaned as the job progresses. This will not remove all evidence, far from it, but it will make the clean up much easier. A second clean as the grout starts to go off will remove the bulk of the remaining residue. 

The problem with leaving a customer’s house at this point is that once the tiles dry again, there is often a very fine dusty film left on the tiles. Agree to go back and polish all the tiles again and emphasise that the job isn’t quite finished.

Silicone can make or break the room.

With the tiles now spotless, it’s time to finish the job with silicone. 

Make sure you choose a flexible, sanitary grade silicone. The key areas are between the walls and baths, shower trays, toilets and basins. The joint between a tiled floors and walls should be carefully finished too. 

There are a variety of methods used to get a good silicone finish.

• The double. In deeper gaps, fill with one layer to ensure the joint is watertight. Once that is cured, go back over with a second, decorative layer.

• Mask it up. Particularly on obvious joints, using masking tape can ensure precise lines of silicone. Take your time with the tape, this is crucial to the finish. Apply a steady, even bead of silicone. The masking tape can be removed whilst the silicone is still wet. You should now be the proud owner of some seriously neat silicone joints.
• The wet finger on a steady hand. There are different choices here. Apply the silicone as neat as possible with a smooth consistent motion along the joint. Use a wet wipe style cloth to gently run along either side of the joint to remove the excess. Alternatively, dip your finger in a bowl of hot, soapy water to smooth the joint. Wipe your finger after each run on a soft damp cloth or wipe.

Handing a finished, fully tiled bathroom back to the customer is a proud moment.

Come to UK Pro Tiling for a variety of courses to top up all aspects of your tiling skills.

What Colour Is Best For Floor Tiles?

Like all the big questions, the answer is often “it depends”.

So what does the choice of floor tiles depend on?

• The purpose of the room.
• The size of the room.
• The style of the house.
• The existing colour scheme.

What is the room used for?

Porches, conservatories and some kitchens are subject to mud getting stomped into the floor from the outside. Maybe the dog drags half the garden in too. The tiles may be easily mopped, but a light coloured grout will soon be looking dirty.

You might even be laying tiles on a patio – the colour will need to disguise mud, leaves, slugs and all manner of debris.

How big is the room?

Size really does matter. In a small bathroom, for example, dark tiles will shrink the room further. In small spaces where the walls and floor are both tiled, using matching colours will create the illusion of more space. Large open plan kitchens with tiled floors might benefit from warm, dark tones or even wood effect tiles. The grains of these can create great shapes in long rooms.

What about your style?

Even if you don’t know your art deco from your chabby chic, your home will exhibit an individual style. With so many tiles to choose from, there will be something out there for you. Garish blocks of bright colour might seem old hat, but they are certainly making a comeback in homes with a retro feel. Whether you can make these work on the floor for you is another matter.  

Tiles to match the paint, or paint to match the tiles?

If you are decorating a whole room and intend to tile the floor, it might be worth taking paint samples to the tile shop. You could even take tile samples to the paint shop, although this could be a bulky, expensive exercise. Neutral colours on the floor give you more opportunity to really express yourself with the rest of the decoration. That said, if the walls are neutrally decorated, you could go for something outrageous on the floor.

There are some colours which are seeming to remain on trend. Inkjet tiles in grey with the appearance of polished concrete are very popular. Using large tiles, this creates a contemporary, cultured base for the bathroom.  

Marble effect tiles with high shiny gloss finish are also popular in bathroom and add a touch of class to the effect of the room.

If you have the size to carry it off, a black tiled floor really adds something special to the feel of a home. 

Before choosing your floor colours, make sure you are imagining them with everything in the room. An empty room looks very different, especially with artificial light.

Whatever you choose, laying floor tiles can be challenging. Why not get yourself booked on one of our great courses and learn the skills to lay the floor yourself. 

Have a browse of all our courses here.

Tiles have been used in bathrooms for as long as any of us can remember. Tiles being used as decoration goes back as far as medieval times in Europe. Designs and fashions come and go but the good old tile has never looked like falling out of favour.

Bathroom tiling serves many purposes. Firstly, a tiled surface, wall or floor, is waterproof. So as a splashback over a sink, or an entire shower cubicle, water simply runs off them. This also makes them easy to clean and maintain.

Using tiles as decoration offers so many choices of texture, style, sizes and colours.

So how do you go about deciding on a colour for your bathroom tiles?

Classically, bathroom tiles have been white, normally with a high gloss finish, and following a uniform, predictable pattern. This look is still popular and works with any other design features and colours in the bathroom.

Should you wish to move away from this blaze of white, maybe it’s time to consider another colour scheme for your bathroom.

• The wow factor – Are you looking for a big impact with your design? Whatever main colour tile in your bathroom, consider introducing a bright patterned tile around a feature such as the bath. A feature tile behind a roll top bath will really stand out.
• Make your tile the feature – If you can’t resist a shiny black slate look, some huge marble squares or a beautiful mosaic then embrace that. A plain style in the bathroom suite will allow your tiles to show off with big bold colours or unusual patterns.
• Size matters – In a small bathroom, it is possible to create a feeling of more space. Choosing a neutral, light colour such as beige, cream or light grey will help ease any claustrophobic feelings.
• Natural light – Light, neutral colours are great for reflecting natural light to create an illusion of space in a small bathroom. But what about if there are no windows. This is surprisingly common in bathrooms. A soft green, pearl grey, yellow, aqua or classic white will soften artificial light.
• Create your a modern mood – Bright and bold colours create an intense atmosphere. They work really well when the bathroom has neat, uncluttered lines and fittings. Emphasise this feeling by using bright, strong, high gloss colours alongside a bright white.
• Create a more relaxed mood – A calm, relaxing atmosphere might be perfect for your bathroom. Choosing soft, pastel colours such as baby blue or gentle pinks can have a soothing effect in the bathroom. These colours work well with a vintage style bathroom, or alongside shabby chic design features.
• MIx it up Using a black and white tile pattern gives a stately, classic feel. Experiment with more combinations. A bright, vibrant colour alongside a softer pastel colour can make your bathroom feel unique. Mimic colours from the seaside or countryside to bring an outdoor feel to the bathroom.

Colour choice will ultimately be personal, but it is worth taking the time to look at new and different options to maybe end up with your perfect bathroom.

For all your tiling tips and training needs, get in touch and let us help you get the skills to create the perfect atmosphere in your bathroom.

The kitchen is usually the room in the house that gets the heaviest use in the home.

The back of the worktop is normally finished with a splashback to protect the wall from the damage and debris thrown around.

But this splashback doesn’t need to be simply functional, it can add a stunning visual finish to the kitchen.

What will you use for your splashback? Let us talk you through the best of the many choices out there.

• Tiles

Good old tiles have always been the splashback of choice for many of us. Even with the emergence of new materials and ever changing fashions, tiles are still very popular amongst kitchen designers. Tiles are available in an incredible array of sizes and colours. Tiles can now be digitally printed too meaning they offer the ultimate in versatility.

• Match The Worktop

For an apparently seamless look why not use splashbacks which are the same colour and pattern as your worktop. Your kitchen supplier will normally have these in laminated board to create that block effect.

• Stainless Steel

If you are looking for a splashback which is easy to care for then stainless steel could be the choice for you. It can easily be made to bespoke sizes to suit your individual kitchen. Another twist would be to create your splashback using stainless steel tiles.

• Glass

Another very popular choice is glass. Glass can be coloured or left clear to pick up the colour of the wall behind. Glass can be painted, printed or frosted to create a range of effects. With panels manufactured without joins, glass does a fine job of protecting the kitchen walls whilst being easy to keep clean.

• Aluminium Composite

Made with a polythene core as the filling in an aluminium sandwich. With choices of colours available, as well as a brushed effect, Aluminium offers a great alternative for those on a budget. The brushed effect, particularly, is popular as it mimics the look of stainless steel.

• Acrylic

Supplied in sheets ready to be cut to size, the smooth and glossy finish of acrylic can add a real shine to a kitchen. The way acrylic transmits and reflects light make them great to work with for kitchen designers looking to create unusual visual effects. They can even have led lighting hidden behind them for an even more stunning result.

• High Pressure Laminate (HPL)

For the cost conscious, HPL is a great choice. Available in a variety of colours and has a top coat which is quite tough and resistant to scratches. For best results, these sheets would be attached to a battens to remove any imperfections in the base wall.

These no doubting the number of choices for your kitchen’s splashback is ever growing. We still reckon that tiling offers the best durability as well as being completely flexible with layout and styling. Not only that, some of the other choices may be currently fashionable but might date quickly.

Get in touch with us here at UK Pro Tiling to learn or refresh your tiling skills and get ready to create that timeless look in the kitchen.