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.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Since the invention of the light bulb, we have been able to brighten up our homes at any time of day. It has been great to eliminate shadows in areas where there are limited windows or even none at all, and allowed us to achieve more in a 24-hour period. Light fixtures have also developed from being just a practical tool into works of art, giving homeowners the chance to express themselves and add a touch of elegance to any room. Changing out a light fixture can completely alter or transform a room, and with so many sizes and styles, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. As we approach the close of another year, new home lighting trends for 2022 could provide helpful information for selecting your next light fixture that will perfectly illuminate your home.
Greenbrook DesignEvery area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
Greenbrook Design