Design Notes
Timeless, clean, and elegant. These are three words that would be used to describe tile. It is a versatile material that is used in multiple areas within the home, from flooring to backsplash. It is also popular in the bathroom and laundry room of the house since it is easy to clean up any water spills. Since it comes in various colors and materials, tile can complement a variety of styles and tastes. Here we share some of the benefits, types, and locations where you can incorporate this beautiful material into your home.
Benefits Of Tile
Many ask why they should use tile. What are its benefits versus other traditional floorings? Here are several of our best reasons.
- Durability: Unlike carpet, tile doesn’t wear down, no matter how many people walk over it, and it doesn’t stain easily.
- Low maintenance: Simply sweep and mop or wipe with a damp cloth for backsplashes and showers—that’s all that is needed to keep tile looking great and prevent bacteria build-up.
- Eco-friendly: Many tile materials are natural, which is an excellent environmental option.
- Allergy-free: Carpet is often a breeding ground for the things that trigger allergies, but tile is a simple material that doesn’t mold or have pet hair embedded in it, making it the perfect choice for those who struggle.
These are just a few of the benefits of choosing tile. It is perfect for any style and can be used in almost any area of the home.
Where Can Tile Be Used?
For a long time, tile was considered a flooring option, but designers have gotten more creative, resulting in new areas of use. Tile is now used in multiple areas of the home, such as:
- Showers: This is a beautiful way to showcase your style because tile has so many colors and shapes, making the possibilities endless. Tile can create a shower that is a statement piece in the bathroom, almost like a piece of art.
- Walls: Adding a little extra tile above a countertop, such as in a bathroom, can add a nice element to the room.
- Fireplace: Tile can add a special design touch to the fireplace as it blends well with other elements and is also easier to keep clean. We recommend checking with your designer so that they can show you options that can handle the high temperatures produced by gas or real fireplaces.
- Stove splash: The section of the wall behind the stove is often the recipient of grease, oil, and sauce as you cook, making it appear dirty and unsanitary. Adding a tile stove splash makes it easy to clean up and is also a unique way to personalize your design.
Tile is a functional and fun design element that can give a room a little pop of color or texture. Due to its easy maintenance, it also keeps your home cleaner. View a beautiful bathroom project that incorporates beautiful tile into the design.
Types Of Tile
While we often use the word tile as a generic term, there are many different materials to choose from for tile.
- Ceramic and Porcelain: This is usually the most cost-effective option for tile and comes in various styles and colors, making it great for most projects. Porcelain tile is an excellent material choice for bathrooms since it has a lower water absorption rate than traditional ceramic tile.
- Glass: Due to its sparkle and shine, glass tile is often used to create beautiful patterns or a statement piece in a room. The best areas to showcase its elegance are kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. It is a delicate material that is not suitable for flooring.
- Quarry: A versatile material that can be used both inside and outside. It is also durable, making it a great choice for heavy-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. Due to its naturally rough surface, it is an excellent choice for flooring because it provides good grip.
- Stone: An eco-friendly material, stone is great for kitchens and bathrooms. Some varieties in this category are travertine, granite, and slate.
The purpose of the tile usually determines which material is best suited for your project. We always recommend confirming your selection with your designer, as they can determine if the material is the best choice. For more information, follow this link.
Tile Flooring
Tile is an amazing option for flooring for more than just its looks and style.
- It helps keep your home cool due to its ability to repel heat, versus carpet that retains heat.
- Water damage is never a concern, which is why it is great in bathrooms and laundry rooms that are susceptible to leaks.
- Ceramic tile is a cost-effective option that gives you a beautiful floor without breaking the bank.
Multiple styles and sizes continue to make tile a popular option for designers.
Tile Backsplash
Backsplash is more than just aesthetics; it can help prevent messes and stains and keep the space looking clean. Kitchens are among the hardest areas to keep clean without a backsplash. Scrubbing your painted walls can create problems with the area over time. Tile doesn’t stain, and most can be scrubbed when needed, making for easy maintenance. Tile backsplash is also a great way to add a little color or pattern to the space. Be sure to discuss this with your designer; they will be able to show you some options that reflect your style and budget.
Mix and Match
New trends are showing the possibilities of mixing different tile styles. Mixing up the sizes allows you to create an entirely new design, or adding different materials makes for an interesting texture to the eye. When it comes to tile, think outside the box to make a look that is just right for you.
There are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
In today’s fast-paced world, there’s something special about slowing down and appreciating the timeless things—old roads, old friends, old traditions—that still hold so much value. Here in our little corner of North Carolina, Uptown Shelby continues to embrace those small-town treasures.
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