Choosing new tiles for your home is an exciting process that can renew your living space. The process begins long before you lay down the first tile. It is essential to plan a design pattern that is pleasing to the eye and that fits your specific needs.
There are many lifestyle and environmental factors that go into choosing the right tiles for your home. The same tile that works in a kitchen could look out of place in a hallway. People with children and pets will have a different set of rules to follow than households without them.
Selecting the right tiles requires several steps. You must begin by deciding on the type of tile texture you desire and then choose the size and shape, that works best for the energy you are hoping to bring to a room.
There are some common practical rules to follow when deciding what tiles you should go with.
Tiles for Bathroom and Moist Places
It is important to select tiles that can endure high humidity when shopping for flooring for your home’s bathroom. Other areas that experience high moisture levels, such as finished basements, should also get extra consideration.
Ceramic tiles offer a fantastic solution in areas where wetness is a problem. Ceramic is waterproof and it will retain its shine and beauty year after year. Ceramic tile is also exceptionally easy to clean.
It is an economical choice compared to many other tile trends. The smooth surface of ceramic is also a bonus for artistic homeowners who plan on adding decorative paint touches to their tile surfaces. In addition to floors, ceramic can also be used to create a lively backsplash behind a bathroom vanity or kitchen counter.
Tiles with Artisan Appeal
Natural stone tiles offer unparalleled beauty and refinement for floors and countertops. Common types of natural stone include slate, sandstone, granite and marble. The natural aspect of these stones means that every piece is unique. This creates a stunning pattern that is distinctive from synthetic tiles.
Natural stone is not without its drawbacks. This style of tile requires specific maintenance and cleaning or it might become subject to staining or crumbling. Natural stone can become damaged by many common household substances like lemon juice and oil.
Due to the delicate nature and high price of natural stone, it is not always recommended for homes with small children.
Selecting Tough Tiles
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice as a floor surface for areas in your home that have a high volume of traffic. Porcelain offers a substantial grip that reduces the likelihood of slips and falls. It is water resistant and perfect for kitchens.
In addition, porcelain tiles retain their color forever, resist abrasion, and are fire resistant. Versatility is also a characteristic of porcelain. You can choose from an abundance of available colors to fit your home.
Deciding on the Shape of Tiles
The size and shape of your new tiles is an important consideration that should never be made hastily. Large tiles work well for kitchens, finished basements, and hallways. They are easier to install than small tiles and they help a room to appear larger.
Small tiles work well in bathrooms and narrow rooms that don’t leave a lot of space for large tiles to be displayed properly. The two most common tile styles are square and rectangular. Square tiles are good for creating an open look. Rectangle tiles add a dimension of wideness to a room.
New tiles are a beautiful addition to any home. Taking the time to investigate your options before making a decision, will leave you with a finished product, that will provide your home with beauty and value for years to come.
Want to lay down the style rules inside your home?
Try laying down some tile or stone!
Both of these flooring and accent options are showing up in home design blogs with a good reason: tiling and stone bring an unparalleled look of nature and creative artisan appeal.
If shopping for tiling has left you sticker-shocked, don’t worry. It doesn’t have to be used on the entire surface of a floor in order to make a dramatic impact.
Stonework and tiles can be implemented as accent pieces in door thresholds or areas of heavy foot traffic within a room. They also make great accent pieces in kitchen counter backsplashes or wall mosaics.
Why Tile is Worth Your While
Tile flooring is a superb choice for areas of heavy foot traffic. Unlike carpeting, where dirt can be mashed into the fibers and cause caking, stains, and odor, tile does not absorb messes. It is also more durable than wood flooring, which can warp in excess moisture. When used as wall or backsplash materials, they provide a surface that is easy to clean.
Bare walls can be easily stained or damaged during cooking and baking, but tiling is durable and wipes clean. If fact, tiles and stonework are great for the kitchen counter area because they are so hygienic. Tiles provide a clean, glistening look which has no-nonsense appeal.
How to Stylize a Stone
Stonework is great for a room that features a lot of neutral, earthy shades. It has a way of bringing the outdoors inside with ease. When used as a backsplash in a kitchen, it is especially breathtaking when paired with an under-cabinet lighting system.
Add Some Wow Factor
One of the most exciting ways to use stonework and tile as an accent is around the perimeter or doors, such as the front door and surrounding foyer area. Creating a textured surface as a contrast to plain walls is a design trick that sets a home apart from the rest on the block.
Similarly, if your home features a fireplace without any brick embellishments, stone or tiled bordering may be a cost-effective way to jazz up the perimeter and create an eye-popping effect.
The Impact of Color
The color of tiling you select is just as important as the style or shape. Let’s break down some combinations to help you achieve what you want. For an ultra-modern look, black tile in the kitchen paired with stainless steel appliances is a go.
For a wholesome country look, try red or white tiles paired with white appliances and eclectic accessories.
If you want to evoke nature, try some brown, grey, or beige stonework paired with stainless steel appliances and a bounty of herb plants on the countertops. For sheer elegance, get your hands on some marble tiles and pair them with gleaming stainless steel appliances.