Tile was once coldly utilitarian and blandly oblivious to any kind of real style. Fast forward to today’s tile and the choices and varieties are limitless. Perhaps the biggest news is that tile is being used more — and in more ways than ever before. Using more tile creates a fresh look and a completely unique style that makes for easy upkeep and terrific style, too.The change in tile can be seen in the multitude of styles now available. From metallic to natural-looking stone to glass, you can create a beautiful room by using one style or, better still, combining a variety of styles and tile sizes together. Virtually any decorating style can be captured in tile from contemporary to rustic to natural. So what’s hot in the world of tile? Plenty.
Tile is being use more on walls outside of the shower. Instead of small four by four and six by six tiles, showers and bathrooms are now using twelve inch and larger tiles and using more tile throughout the room. Adding tile up the walls in a bathroom helps create a spa look at home.
Set the style
Tiles can also be used to reflect the style of a home. That’s because the tile and pattern that the tile is set in can all create a certain look. In addition to the style of the tile, using certain tile patterns on the floors and walls can create a period feel. A running bond pattern in a long rectangular-shaped tile will create a turn of the century look.
Add tile that has a crackled glaze and the look can grow even more authentic. Take that same running bond and apply it to large tiles with a stone look and you can recreate the look of a castle floor. So, when you’re looking at tile and selecting a style, remember, too, to consider that the pattern the tile is set in will also create a feel of its own.
Mix tiles
Once upon a tile, no one mixed styles. Today, the rule is the more the merrier. Tile manufacturers now carry accent and trim pieces and more variety of sizes in their tiles. That means that when you find a particular tile you like, it’s likely that you’ll also be able to find a whole array of complementary pieces to go with it. Take advantage of that availability and dress up your tile. If you want a cleaner, more contemporary look then limit the variety of tiles used.
If you want a more opulent look, mix tiles. Try adding a stone pebble finish in a wave pattern in the middle of a shower wall or on the floor of a shower. Or, mix finishes, such as metallic or glass with your tile to give it a burst of interest. Instead of wood trim in the bathroom or kitchen, try adding a tile baseboard. The look is updated, and tile can withstand more wear and tear than wood baseboards can.
Be cautious
The only concerns with tile are where it’s used and grout. Many kitchens are sporting rough tile backsplashes, and while they look fantastic, once grease splatters on it, it’s tough to clean. Bear in mind the cleanability of any tile you select. A particularly wonderful look is metallic tile behind a stove. These smooth-surface tiles dress up the area and are easy to clean.
Tile should make your life easier because it’s durable and easy to clean. Of course, the biggest drawback to tile is grout. The grout needs to be sealed and with the new grouts that have sealer in them, that problem is eliminated.
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