Tile Flooring Designs, When I initially entered that 1920s bungalow in Portland that was redecorated three years before I visited, I did not expect that a floor would make such a remarkable difference in a whole perception of interior design. The subway tiles in the entrance, their pattern being the herringbone, had halted me in my stride. It was not merely a floor, but a piece that was a conversation, a piece of practical art which set the appeal of the whole house.
That experience had sent me on a rabbit trail of tile flooring designs that entirely changed how I go about home renovation both in my own home and in consultation with friends who have since trusted my judgment on such matters.
Beyond the Grid: The Possible Patterns.
Majority of the individuals consider tile floors to be plain grid designs – square tiles arranged in uniform rows. Although there is nothing wrong at all with this traditional method (I have it in my kitchen, and it works miraculously), it is like living off vanilla ice cream. Of course, it is good, but you are losing one.
The herringbone is also a favorite of mine in proving to be interesting without cluttering up the space. I have it installed in my own bathroom where I used white subway tiles that are 3×6 inch and the guests always comment about it. The V weaving pattern is also a source of movement and sophistication and this makes a small 60 square foot bathroom look planned and designed and not functional.
Basketweave patterns have the same dimensional style with a touch more traditional softness. I have seen it very successfully applied in mudrooms and laundry rooms, where it is desired to have something interesting on the floor, but nothing too valuable. One of the neighbors had a basketweave design that was made out of two varying colors of gray porcelain tiles in their entryway and it is exceptional in masking the dirt that gets tracked in by the constant rain in Seattle.
The Revival of Geometric and Encaustic Designs.
Take a stroll into any design showroom nowadays and you will see the burst of geometrical patterns in tiles. Tiles inspired by Moroccan and hexagons, black-and-white graphic patterns are transferred out of boutique hotels into the homes. This is a trend which displays our collective need of personality within our homes- particularly since we have spent so much time in our homes in the last few years.
Last summer I wrote in my visit to a newly remodelled kitchen of a friend of mine in Austin where she had created a honey comb pattern of hexagonal terracotta tiles. This balance of modern and rustic had been achieved by the warm and earthy tones and the white oak cabinets. I found the use of the six sided tiles to expand the galley kitchen interesting since it became wider than it should have been. The eye does not go along straight lines till the end of the room, but makes a deviation in the geometric field giving a feeling of expanded space.
Big Size Tiles: The Vanished Dream of Minimalists.
At the other extreme, tiles of a large size (usually 12×24 in or larger) have been the material of choice in contemporary and minimalist designs. In my personal living room, there are 24×24 inch porcelain tiles in soft concrete gray and the cut grout lines are minimized resulting in a clean and near smooth surface.
There are more than just aesthetic advantages of the practice. The minimal grout lines also imply that they are also easier to clean, which I did not realize until I was actually expected to maintain not only my tiled living room, but also the traditional 12×12 tiled basement of my parents. The disparity in maintenance duration is very high.
Wood-Look Tile: Eating Your Cake and Having It.
The refinement of porcelain tiles in the form of wood has perhaps been the greatest novelty in the world of tile flooring in the last ten years. I was initially sceptical, being somewhat of a purist as far as materials are concerned, but the technology has evolved to such an extent that the imitation is quite impressive.
My sister has covered the entire house she lives in Phoenix with the wood-look tile and the choice was completely logical. True wood which is known to be used in that climate, the changes in temperatures, and the high level of low humidity would have been a nightmare in terms of maintenance. The porcelain option provides her with the natural and warm look that she desires and with the durability that life in the desert requires.
Mixing Materials and Scales
Among the more daring trends that I have tried is the combination of various sizes of tiles and even materials in the same area. My personal entryway also used the same concept, except that I used 2×2 inch mosaic tiles in the border around the perimeter, and 6×6 inch tiles in the field. The space was also characterized by this simple method that provided a high-end style at minimum extra cost.
I also observed the effective combinations of matte and glossy finish, various colors forming a pattern and even mixed materials such as marble and ceramic in contrasting colors. The secret is self-control – choose one or two ways of creating interest, not five.
Real-life Issues You Can and Should Not disregard.
All these beautiful patterns are of no use in an event of selecting the wrong tile to suit your needs. Bathroom floors should have non-slip surfaces- I got to know that on my own expensive experience on a slip-up on my smooth porcelain-polished floor. Floors in the kitchen must be able to withstand any spillages and dropped dishes. Cold climate entryways require tiles that can withstand the effect of salt and temperature variations.
Budget matters too. Complex designs imply higher manufacturing expenses, increased wastage and even higher raw materials. A basic herringbone design could increase the cost of installation by 20-30% of a straight grid.
FAQs
What is the most resistant tile covering to the high-traffic areas?
Larger tile patterns (12×12 or bigger) are the ones that can be used most easily as these patterns have fewer grout lines that may wear or stain after some time.
Is it possible to have tiled floor patterned by myself?
Basic such as brick-lay can be done by the amateur, whereas more complicated designs such as herringbone or basketweave need accuracy and skill- no option but to hire somebody to do it.
Which one should I go with; wood-look tile or real hardwood?
Take into account moisture exposure, maintenance preferences and budget. Wet areas and durability Tile; Tile has the advantage of being a real winner. Authentic warmth and can be refinished.
Are large tiles used to make small rooms appear large?
Yes in general, as the reduced amount of lines of grout results in a less broken image, spaces are more open and unified.
What is the new trend in tile flooring?
Patterns, curves, scalloped shapes, terracotta based colours, oversized format tiles (36 and up; 3636 and up) are becoming popular.
