Since I am currently in the headspace of choosing tiles for my kitchen, I thought a Blog post would be helpful to help with everything tile that’s out there. Thus, my Tiling 101- Tips & Trends for Tiling Your Home was born!
I’ll start with a few basics, but even that might have you humming… First question, Where is the tile going? What is it being used for?
Image: https://www.devolkitchens.com/
Purpose and Function
Knowing what purpose the tile will be used for will guide your process. Because. Functional is the name of the game! And, even though you may love the look, it might not suit your purpose.
Image:https://www.devolkitchens.com/
Here’s a recent example I encountered. I have been drooling over and even lusting for Zellige tiles in my new kitchen. Recent samples sent to me indicate not only the varying thickness of these handmade, hand painted tiles, but also their weight. I have a narrow kitchen, and I was able to visualize how the weight of Zellige would actually make my space feel even smaller. Now, I’m not giving up on my Zellige forever- my crush is real! (Hopefully future bathroom reno!) But, do you see where I’m going? My Zellige would not function in the space. Lesson to me, and to you, choose accordingly.
Samples of my Zellige show just how thick they are, compared to other handmade ceramic tile.
Location
Tile aficionados will tell you that you can put tile anywhere! Which you can! However, living in the Northern Hemisphere, my recommendation would be to have very specific and determined installation choices. Even with heated tile floors, too much tile can make your space feel cold.
Love this checkerboard!
Image: arentpyke
Here’s another example. I was recently asked to do some decorating for a NEW BUILD. The new build had 18″ x 30″ black and white, striated porcelain tiles laid throughout the entire main floor!! I’m not going to discuss the ‘look’ of this tile, I will simply say that it was waaay too much! Too much for the whole main floor, open plan design, too busy and too cold!
Tile flooring in particular, should have delineated areas. Spaces where the eye can rest, spaces where the location of the tile makes sense. Like in an entryway, laundry or mudroom. These are great for high moisture, perfect for tile. Same with a kitchen and bathroom. Tile is great on the floor here, and also on the walls!
Image: shannontateinteriors
Image: thedesignfiles
Application
Choose the appropriate tile for its placement. Wall tiles cannot and should not go on the floor. They will not take the weight and may crack or chip. Similarly, you should be aware of the ‘slip factor’ on floor tiles. Tiles are rated, like R9-R13. If you put an R9 tile in your bathroom- it’s actually too low a slip rating. Bathrooms should have an R11, R12 or R13.
Kitchens should also have a higher slip rating because they are often wet. The “R” value is the resistance recommended for domestic Bathroom and Kitchen tiles.
The Tile Industry tests tiles for slip resistance! They test in both wet and dry conditions – good to know, right?!
Oh my Zellige…
Image:.purewow.com
Materials
Tile products are seemingly endless! And truth be told, when you’re a tile lover like me, choosing tiles can be a bit exhaustive! 😉 It helps narrow the choices if you have certain parameters, like sustainability, budget and style for example. But here are some of my suggestions:
Floors: luxury vinyl, stone, ceramic, cement, concrete, terra cotta and porcelain are good for the wet zones.
Walls: natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal for backsplash, tub and shower surround.
Encaustic Cement and green combo, sigh…
Image: studio-mcgee
PRO TIP:
Aesthetic – Patterns like herringbone, hexagon, checkerboard, and anything mosaics or penny rounds are classic. They are particularly well suited to older style homes, and options are endless. Try using diagonal patterns to make a room look wider, and draw the eye forward. This creates a dynamic and inviting space.
Countertop backsplash rule: if you have a ‘busy’ countertop, go easy and simple on the backsplash. The opposite works: if you have a ‘busy’ backsplash, go easy and simple on the countertop. ‘Busy’ being defined as multiple colours or bold patterns…
Did someone say Blue Granite?!
Image:discinteriors
Quality – Never go cheap on tiles, you will see it. You want durable, and the very best quality your budget will allow.
Hexagon Heaven and stunning blue grout!
Image:architecturalphotos Design:melissahardwick
Sustainable – Source sustainable! Paper, Glass, recycled materials and of course, nature’s gifts: marbles and natural stones…
Longevity – Start with maintaining your tiles, get a quality installer, and choose a timeless tile and pattern- then you won’t have to re-do in 5 years!
Image: Kennedy Nolan
Trending in Tile
Natural Stone, one only needs to check Pinterest for the stunning array of natural stone applications. Marble, slate, limestone, Terra-Cotta- all hugely popular!
Vertical pop and texture- yum!
Image: Nara by Bestile
Images: Archzine
Textured Tile, Zellige, Travertine, “wood stone”, terrazzo, Glazed, Encaustic Cement- lots to love!
Zellige AND Terrazzo… you had me at Hello!
Image: Riad Tile
Large Scale Tile: Floors only, with thin grout lines! Oh la la! Super luxe and sexy! *caveat* You must have a large kitchen space to pull off large kitchen floor tiles. Otherwise, you won’t see the pattern…
French Bistro vibes…
And if you like more on the floor, just remember that your flooring is one of the bigger and more permanent changes you can make. And it’s gonna WOW for sure! Backsplash tile can have its moment, and is friendlier on the budget as well as the changeout process.
So there you go! My Tiling 101 – Tips & Trends for Tiling Your Home! I hope you found it helpful! I’ll be sure to post some pics when I get all my tile samples together, and keep you posted on our project. Did I mention I’ve embraced the concept of slow design?! 😉
Melissa
P.S. Consultations are the best way to start! Link here if you need help!
