Talking Tile

Oooooh. Let’s talk tile.

Forgive my excitement over this, but tile can be an artistic journey. A sexy, creative addition to your home. Tile can turn an outdated, unmemorable space into a focal point and a conversation piece. And, if you are experimenting with tile as an accent, you are on trend. Let’s get started!

Recently I’ve had the pleasure of working with several clients on tile updates in their home. One particular client chose to add an unexpected tile wall and it’s been so fun to watch it come to life! The wall alone has me thinking about all the ways you can incorporate tile in your home, from the traditional approach in the Kitchen or Bathroom, to the ways you can add a splash of color and texture to your Mud Room, Living Room or even your Bedroom.  For the purposes of this article, I would like to explore how we can think outside the box when it comes to tile.

I think it’s because there are so many ways tile can mimic other surfaces, while adding patterns and shapes that appeal to the eye. Experimenting with tile can be fun, and I personally endorse using it to leverage new textures and colors in your home. The obvious places tile can be used are in the Bathroom and Kitchen because it is typically water resistant, durable, easy to maintain, and available at a relatively low cost.

Got kids? You need tile.

Beyond the traditional Kitchen and Bathroom, I love using tile in entryways and Mud Rooms because it can easily dial up the charm and personality of a space to make a fantastic first impression.  Ever thought about tile in a Playroom? Cork tiles, rather than ceramic, are very durable and easy to clean for those messy kiddos!

Unexpected Uses

Considering bringing tile to the Bedroom? Two words: radiant heating. Ceramic tile is the perfect surface for installing electric heating mats to make a floor that is warm underfoot. This is especially cozy in Bedrooms!  There are plenty of newer types of tile, especially porcelain, that can bring an amazingly warm and friendly tone into a Bedroom mimicking materials such as wood, cork, or bamboo.

Tile can also be a great choice for the Living Room floor, since it is easier to clean than carpet and more durable than wood flooring. There are many options for tile that can create the look of warmth and comfort. I usually will suggest a large area rug to add to Living Rooms to anchor the space in addition, which will only enhance the coziness factor.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING TILE

Often I’m asked if colors and shapes of tiles should be used together. The answer is YES! If colors and shapes aren’t mixed, things can look very boring. If you are mixing colors and patterns, select tiles that work together or the final look may appear too busy on the eye. In addition, the format (or the size) of the tiles should be used in combination with one another.

For example, in a bathroom with several tiles, up to four different patterns can be selected (1) main floor, (2) shower floor, (3) shower walls, (4 )  main walls, and it is important that they all coordinate in size, shape and color/pattern.

See? I told you tile is a work of art!

1. Tile is durable, easy to maintain, and a relatively low price point.

1. Consider using tile in areas of your home other than the Bathroom and Kitchen.

2. Pay attention to the size and colors of tiles when incorporating tile into your space.

I recognize that all this talk about tile can be overwhelming. When working with it, there are so many opportunities to make a bold statement.

If you are looking for support, I’m happy to help!

Remember that not all tile is the same, and some applications only work for unique spaces. I can take you through the entire project, from the selection of the proper pieces to the scope of the project, how much to order, and how to install it.