Six of the best decorative tiles

1 Traditional Mediterranean tiles, West London Tiles, pounds 2.53 each. For a Mediterranean look try these pretty "Tozzetti" - traditional Portuguese hand-painted, glazed terracotta tiles. West London Tiles, 15 Portobello Rd, London W11. Call 0171-221 0033.

2 Seaside shapes, Terra Firma Tiles, pounds 5 each. Gloomy bathroom? Jazz it up with these stick-on ceramics. Choose from fancifully coloured fish, Stripy lighthouses, bright starfish and crazy boats. A perfect way to lure reluctant children into the bathroom. Terra Firma Tiles, 70 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1. Call 0171-485 7227.

3Cup & Saucer Tiles, Ken Eardley Designs, pounds 8 Each. Fun and cheery handpainted tiles, guaranteed to brighten up even the dingiest kitchens or bathrooms. Ken also makes a whoel range of functional ceramics including teapots, vases, mugs, jugs and plates. Ken Eardley Designs, Studio W3, Cockpit Workshops, Northington Street, London WC1. Call 0171-916 5941

4Surreal Italian tiles, World's End Tiles, pounds 88 for sixteen. These tiny Italian tiles from the Senio range, by Simboli Colorato have witty designs in vibrant colours: hot pink, acid green and fiery orange. World's End Tiles, Silverthorne Road, London SW8. Call 0171-720 8358

5Neptune Fish tiles, Fired Earth, pounds 9.75 each. Fired Earth's stock of tiles comes from all over the world. Deck out your kitchen with tiles from Brazil, Antigua, Portugal, Spain or France. Their ranges include traditional as well as contemporary designs. Fired Earth, Call 0171-221 4825 for Branches

6Seashell set, Paris Ceramics, pounds 45 each. These decorative seashell tiles are part of an extensive range of handpainted and glazed tiles, which includes the four seasons, an animal alphabet. The company will arrange one-off commissions for both floors and walls. Paris Ceramics, 583 King's Road, London SW6. Call 0171-371 7778

Stylist: Rose Hammick. Photographer: Tony Buckingham