Design Notes
Home is made up of a variety of details, each working and blending with the others to create a beautiful result. Tile is one detail that not only adds texture and character but is functional too. It can be used throughout the home and is quite versatile, from flooring to backsplash, the possibilities are endless. Designers enjoy weaving tile into multiple areas of their client’s project, especially since manufacturers are producing such diverse patterns and textures. Several variables are involved in selecting the perfect tile, including material, pattern, and color, as well as factors that influence style and placement. Tile is also a versatile and durable design element, making it a suitable option for frequently used areas. Let’s explore how you can incorporate tile in the home.
Tile materials
Many homeowners are opting for more eco-friendly materials in the products they use, including design elements such as countertops, flooring, and tile. While not all of them are, tile tends to be among the top material choices for eco-friendliness due to its non-toxic nature and the fact that there are multiple recycling options. Broken pieces of old tile and even glass can be reused and transformed into stunning new pieces that can add elegance and character to the home. Ceramic tile is another top choice, as it is eco-friendly from start to finish, and comes in beautiful colors and patterns that are suitable for any design style. Tile is a versatile material that can be incorporated into multiple areas of the home, allowing you to have eco-friendly options available. Other tile materials that are also popular with homeowners include:
- Glass
- Concrete
- Porcelain
- Natural stone
Each comes with its own lists of pros and cons, which you can read about in this article from The Spruce. They will also vary in price points, color options, durability, and maintenance. It is essential to review your options with your designer and discuss which option best suits the needs of each space in your home before making a final decision.
Pattern
Patterns are trending this year as designers explore the fun and texture they can bring to a space, and this includes tile. There is now much more available as manufacturers combine various colors and patterns to create stunning tiles that can be used in multiple areas of the home, such as backsplashes, showers, and flooring. A tile pattern is not just influenced by the choice of color or design, but also by how it is installed. There are several layouts, such as offset or running bond, which is nicknamed brickwork as it resembles the way bricks are laid. Subway tiles tend to favor this install layout and, when paired with a lighter or darker grout, produce a stunning contrast. Herringbone is another popular tile layout that instantly creates a visual statement, even when using the same color tile. However, it can be elevated to another level if you use a tile with a slight pattern. Within these layouts, you can create an extra layer of diversity by placing a section of softer or stronger colors in a line or by incorporating a complementary second pattern. Don’t be afraid to play around with several options and explore the possibilities you can achieve with a pattern.
Color
Color plays a significant role in design, and it can also impact our mood. Tile is a beautiful way to incorporate color into your home. From bold to subtle, there are many ways to achieve a stunning design in your home by using tile. The kitchen backsplash tends to be one of the traditional methods as it provides the perfect canvas to “paint” with, especially since there are so many options available. Take time to browse places like Pinterest and Houzz to see what other designers have done, and consider whether that’s something you can envision in your own space, or at least use as a source for your creative spark. If you have lighter cabinets, a darker tile can complement them really well, or vice versa. In the bathroom, a walk-in shower tends to steal the show, as tile creates a wow factor or a calm, spa-like vibe. You can opt for the same color or blend a few colors from the same palette, or even incorporate a couple of contrasting colors for a bolder effect. Whether you want a calming atmosphere or one of more contrast, color is a great way to make a space come alive.
Travel influence
Inspiration and influence in the world of design can come from many different sources, including travel. Two places in particular have recently made their mark in the tile world, Tuscan and Mediterranean. While both have a few similarities, Tuscan draws inspiration from Italy, whereas the Mediterranean has a broader range, encompassing Spanish, Moroccan, and Greek influences. Tuscan tile boasts a lovely color spectrum, but it often appears in more subtle earth tones, which work well in areas like the kitchen. Mediterranean tile is bright and vibrant, featuring intricate and splendid patterns. There is a richness in color that adds another layer of depth to the home. Both of these inspired tile styles also work well in outdoor spaces and can make you feel as if you are there in this beautiful culture. You can incorporate it into your outdoor kitchen space as a countertop or covering for the island. They will also make a splash in your outdoor pool. If you enjoy a touch of international culture in your home design, consider incorporating it with tile. Flooring, backsplash, and even counters can benefit from the beauty and charm these two countries can bring to you.
Make a statement
Tile is a wonderful way to make a statement in your space, and we have already touched on this subject; however, we wanted to highlight some of the ways you can achieve this. Visual interest is something that designers strive to achieve in every area of the home; it is a feature that draws the eye while blending seamlessly with the other elements. Various tile sizes can be used to achieve different statements. Small tiles form intricate patterns while larger pieces allow smooth, flowing patterns to enchant you. Some homeowners prefer larger tile sizes for their backsplashes or flooring options because they are easier to keep clean, as there are fewer grout lines. Color, pattern, and texture come together to help make a statement, and a skilled designer can help you know how to combine them in a way that is balanced.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere 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.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Greenbrook Design