Beaumont Tiles, Dandenong
Best presented metro store with four or more staff
Established in 1960, Beaumont Tiles is one of Australia’s largest tile groups with 80 stores throughout Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Whether you’re simply on the lookout for beautiful tiles to dress your walls or floor, or are hunting for designer tapware and bathware too, Beaumont Tiles has an extensive range of fittings and fixtures to match every décor.

What does the win mean to your company?
With every award we win as a group, or one that our branches win for either service or style, we are reminded yet again of our fantastic staff and their commitment to providing the best service to every client.

What will people get to experience when visiting the showroom?
The crew at Dandenong are amazing; they are friendly, efficient and totally dedicated to their clients.
Dandenong was among the first of our stores to introduce the new “Scan and Play” design modules; for anyone who is having trouble visualising their tile choice in a “real” room, the Scan and Play is a brilliant solution.

What trends should we expect to see in 2012?
2012 is going to be the most exciting year in our industry, ever! Our new tiles replicate stone, marble, timber and slate, but to a level of quality and style that has never been seen before. The tiles are so true to life that it is virtually impossible to tell them from the quarried product.
www.beaumont-tiles.com.au

Volaré Concepts Point Cook
Best presented metro store with three or less staff
Volaré Concepts was launched in 1978 and has since garnered a reputation as a leading supplier of designer tiles, bathware, kitchen appliances and timber flooring in Victoria, Canberra and Tasmania. Its showrooms offer a carefully curated collection of products from around the world, with experienced staff on hand to help you choose the perfect fittings and fixtures for your renovation project.

What does the win mean to your company?
The award cements that our hard work and commitment to service and price has its rewards.

What will people get to experience when visiting the showroom?
A large number of our tiles are displayed in full panels; this is to assist their visual understanding of how the product will look in their own home.  We have more than 34 years combined in tile laying experience. With that knowledge, we are able to assist our clients in creating the ideal concept to suit their needs and avoid any possible complications that could potentially occur.

What is the biggest mistake people make when choosing tiles for their kitchen or bathroom?
We are finding more and more that people aren’t budgeting for their tiles in the sketch stages of their project, which minimises the potential to make the ideal selection to suit the customers’ needs.
www.volare.com.au

Ballarat Tiles, The Tile People
Best presented regional store with four or more staff and Best retail employee
Part of The Tile People group, Ballarat Tiles is a multi-award-winning showroom that has been catering to local DIYers and building and design professionals for almost 25 years. A trip to the showroom offers the opportunity to peruse the company’s extensive range of ceramic tiles, natural stone, glass mosaics and more.
 
What does the win mean to your company?
The award is important as it reinforces to us that we have the best up-to-date selection of products available and that these products are displayed and showcased in a modern showroom that offers our customers a variety of choice and inspiring ideas.

What will people get to experience when visiting the showroom?
At Ballarat Tiles we showcase products from some of the best factories in the world, including tiles from Italy, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia and, of course, Australia. Our displays are eye-catching and exhibit an extensive range of different products, concepts and current trends.

What trends should we expect to see in 2012?
We will see a greater emphasis on natural stone, such as bluestone, travertine and limestone for both indoor and outdoor use. The use of larger format tiles will continue, with grey through to charcoal shades being in strong demand for flooring and feature products, and whites and neutrals continuing for walls.
www.ballarattiles.com.au

Ultimate Tiles, Echuca
Best presented regional store with three or less retail staff
Ultimate Tiles Echuca began in 2007 after owner Katrina Mottram saw the need for a professional tile company in the Echuca-Moama region. Offering excellent customer service and invaluable design and colour advice, the Ultimate Tiles Echuca team will ensure your tile selection process is an easy, stress-free one.

What does the win mean to your company?
Being recognised as one of the best regional showrooms in Victoria has been an amazing victory for Katrina and her team. The designs in the showroom are the creations of the people who work there, and to have this work recognised as being the best has been a wonderful accolade.

What will people get to experience when visiting the showroom?
Ultimate Tiles, Echuca showcases the latest products on offer, as well as some old world favourites. Its dedicated team are committed to providing customers with first class service, ensuring they leave with a tile that fits their vision and budget.

Why is it important to choose the right tiles when renovating your kitchen or bathroom?
Tiles are rather difficult to change. It’s easy (and not too expensive) to re-paint a room, but it is a massive headache to replace tiles if you are not happy with the result. Pick something that you are drawn to and love, because once it’s in, it’s really difficult to alter.
www.ultimatetiles.com.au

 

This article is published by the Kitchen & Bathroom Designer eMag, a joint venture of Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly and the KBDi (Kitchens & Bathrooms Designer Institute).

Article Tags: Tile Council Awards (Victoria), Beaumont Tiles, Volare Concepts, Ballarat Tiles, Ultimate Tiles