Quirky blasts from the past

Basement bars were popular in the 1960s, butler's pantries were common in the early 1900s (as were butlers) while the powder room, believe it or not, dates back as far as the 1800s. (Think powdered wigs!)

Beaumont Tiles Strategic Designer, Rachel Gilding, said the"Given they are not dominant areas of a home, it's a great opportunity to break out some more creativity," she said.

Butler's Pantry: "It's a perfect space to hide the clutter that normally accumulates in kitchens and can house everything from tableware to appliances, including the dishwasher and fridge, and even the kitchen sink."

Home Bar: "Originally tagged a 'basement bar', the craze started in the 1960s when entertaining at home was all the rage. Tiles are well suited to wet areas [as] they're easy to clean. With your styling, try to keep the bar area minimalist and add subtle touches such as a cocktail book or elegant glassware. [Add] a bold tile splashback using geometric shapes, or team neutral toned tiles with vibrant accessories like cookbooks, vases, bowls and glassware. Choosing shelves over cupboards will maximise storage space and create a clutter free area."

Powder Room: "The powder room or 'half bath' is now a standard feature and with just a toilet and sink, a perfect alternative to the main bathroom for guests. As they're small, don't overcomplicate the styling. Stick to one statement feature like a bold mosaic tile splashback or patterned tile floor. Be careful when choosing your hardware - cabinets and faucets can make or break the functionality of this space."

Details: beaumont-tiles.com.au.

More inspiration: pintrest.com/yourhomefairfax .