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.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Walker Woodworking The kitchen sink has often been used to describe someone who packs everything they can think of when going on a trip, but in reality, it is a vital part of the kitchen and one of the most frequently used elements. It’s how we maintain a clean environment as we wash our hands, food, countertops, and dirty dishes. Our entire meal prep revolves around the sink since it is where most of the food is cut and prepared to be turned into a delicious dish for the family, and all the pots are filled. With so much happening around the sink, and it fulfills many roles, the type you choose is important. It should have the capacity to do everything needed in one easy design, which is why Greenbrook Design is proud to be a dealer for the Galley Workstation, a company that has reinvented the sink. Let’s talk about what it is and why you should choose it for your new kitchen sink.
Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, to sleep at night, and to eat your meals. It is a place where memories are made. It is where you can take a break from your routine and do something fun with your family. While everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, it is not the most ideal area of the home to play a board game or watch a movie. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of having a separate area where the kids can play, or they can host a Super Bowl party. Carving out a place in the home dedicated to just fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about some ways to build your home for entertainment.
Walker WoodworkingThe kitchen is the center of the home, which means it should be given good consideration when planning its layout. This is especially true when it comes to cabinet design. Closed, glass front, and open shelving are the options available for kitchen cabinets. Open shelving has become a popular choice with homeowners and designers alike due to the elegance and style it brings to the kitchen. Let’s talk about the benefits it can bring to your home and some helpful design tips.
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