When it comes to surfaces, samples have long been the go-to for consumers and designers, but with technology developing at a fast pace, national retailer Tile Giant has launched a new function on its website that allows customers to ‘try before they buy’ in a virtual environment.

The new Envision room visualiser makes buying tiles easier than ever before, delivering an effective online tool that allows customers to envision new spaces in a few simple steps. Developed in conjunction with a leading visualiser specialist, Envision gives unprecedented realism to support the tile buying journey whether it’s for kitchens, bathrooms or hallways.

Designed to complement the company’s in-store experience and boost ecommerce sales, customers can upload a photo of their room and select from a variety of tile designs to see what suits the space. Optimised to work on any device including mobiles and desktops, there’s also the option to choose from predefined roomsets for those who don’t want to upload a room image.

Then it’s time for the fun part. Experiment with different patterns, shapes and colours to find a solution that gives the room added wow factor. And for those who feel more adventurous, the visualiser also gives users the option to rotate the tiles and layout patterns for maximum versatility.

Kamila Swiatecka, Tile Giant’s Marketing and Brand Manager, comments: ‘Envision is all about giving our customers increased confidence with surfaces. Seeing the tiles and flooring situated in a chosen room can make a huge difference to the end result, often giving people the opportunity to make bolder choices that reflect individual personalities.

‘There’s no need to download an app and customers can experiment as much as they like with different images and tiles until they find the right solution for their space. We’ll be rolling out the new technology this month, but we have only included a proportion of our range for now while we ensure the service works for everyone in-store and online. There are a few updates on the horizon too; we’re currently working on the ability to mix and match our new flooring collection with wall tiles, giving customers the ability to makeover their whole room. We’re confident we’ll see increased sales and that customers old and new will appreciate the realism and versatility offered by the new visualiser.’

To see the visualiser in action, visit www.tilegiant.co.uk