DESIGN IDEAS
Whether you're renovating a kitchen or installing a bathroom, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Depending on the tiles you select, you can create an earthy appearance or add a touch of elegance. Here are some ideas to get you started.
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Kitchens
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Floors
There are many size and color options for tiles that can be installed on your kitchen floor. Size depends on the size of your kitchen. Bigger areas can accommodate larger tiles. Also the bigger the kitchen, the more options you have in terms of layout, such as square, diagonal, relief tiles or borders.
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Generally speaking, the smaller the kitchen area, the smaller the tile should be. Also you may choose to install tile in a square layout so the floor doesn’t become too busy and make the room seem smaller. Stay away from complicated relief/border tiles that may also make the floor too busy for the room. It’s not to say you shouldn’t us relief/border tiles, but if you do, use them sparingly for a more dramatic effect.
Ideally the color and tone of your floor tiles should complement your counters and cabinets. Don’t worry as much about choosing a tile that goes with your walls. Walls can be repainted to better complement a tile selection.
The grout you select should always be neutral to your tile. It is only there to bring continuity to your floor. Don’t use a light color grout in high traffic areas.
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Backsplashes
Color and tone is very important here. The backsplash is the no-man’s land of the kitchen. It is a very dramatic addition to any area. Color tone and size is very important. Typically most kitchen backsplashes are 4x4, 3x5 and similar in size—that's because it is a smaller area.
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Relief and border tiles are a dramatic touch. Combine tiles installed in a square layout or diagonal layout with relief/border tiles can really make the area stand out.
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Tile picture frames with designs under stove hood lamps can add a lot to your kitchen. The size of the frame is important.
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The key to the kitchen backsplash is to choose the right color/tone to bring out the color of the cabinets and counters and bring continuity to the area. Use of incandescent under-cabinet lights will make a dramatic statement.
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Foyers
Foyers are the first and last thing visitors to your home see, so a dramatic touch here can say a lot!
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Larger, well-lit foyers can accept tile “area rugs” which give a great sense of individualism to the space. Natural stone can be very dramatic also. Use neutral, smaller tiles in small foyers, perhaps with a simple border or some relief tiles.
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Bathrooms
Colors and tones should complement cabinets and counters. You may not want to use darker tiles in bathrooms without a good amount of natural light. Select a neutral grout color for all bathroom tile.
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Floors
Tile size should be relative to the area. Use 4x4, 6x6 or sometimes 8x8 tiles in smaller bathrooms. Anything smaller than 4x4 could be too busy in a small space. It can work, but the tile shouldn’t be too varied in color or pattern.
Larger tiles can be used in bigger bathrooms. And there are more options for relief tiles and borders. Just as with small floors, mosaics (2x2 or smaller) may not work on the larger bathroom floors either.
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You maybe want to install radiant heat matting under your tile floor. It adds to the expense, but can be well worth it on those chilly winter mornings.
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Showers/Tubs/Jacuzzis
The tile you select here will depend on the size and style you want. You can use larger and busier tiles in bigger shower/tub spaces. Select smaller, more neutral tiles for smaller spaces.
Natural stone can make your shower/tub look more elegant or depending on tone, more earthy. Adding relief/border tiles will add to your design, but don’t use too many as a shower is still a small area. Typically natural stone also requires more maintenance, so a porcelain or ceramic may be a better option here.
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Backsplashes
Installed over vanity sinks, tile adds distinction to the bathroom and helps protect against soap and water damage on the wall behind the sink.
Many designs can work here, but the size of the tile is very important. 4x4 and smaller usually works best. The height usually shouldn’t exceed 12 – 16 inches. Exceptions depend on the area of the wall above the sink. As with other spaces, select a color that complements the other tile, and any cabinets and vanity tops. The use of relief tiles that match faucets or hardware can add a dramatic touch.
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Living and Family Rooms
As with other rooms, the size of the room determines the size and layout of the tile that would be most appropriate. Bigger rooms can accommodate busier designs such as a tile “area rug” design. You can add style to smaller rooms by using relief tiles sparingly.
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Installing tile over slab concrete construction is an excellent idea. Be sure the slab has been insulated or the floor will be very cold. If the slab is insulated, you have the option of installing radiant heat to make the floor warmer in winter months. If the floor is not insulated there is a special insulated concrete board that can be installed under the radiant heat mat. Then tile can be installed over that.