Where to use fireplace tile

Tile can be used on fireplace hearths and surrounds. The hearth, which can be level with the floor or raised above it, is the floor in front of the fireplace. The fire itself is contained to the firebox, and the fireplace surround is the area around the firebox. The surround may go all the way to the ceiling or just around the firebox and may or may not include a mantle. This is the place you are most likely to see tile used. Tile cannot be used inside a wood-burning fireplace, only approved brick and other materials. Altogether, the fireplace is an opportunity to make a statement or define a focal point in the room.

6 styles to consider

One of the hardest parts of tiling is deciding on your perfect style from endless options. We may be guilty of offering too much inspiration, but we’ve rounded up our favorite fireplaces into six themes to help simplify your search.

1. Small-Scale Patterns

A tile with a small pattern or a small-scale mosaic is ideal for making a small fireplace into a focal point. Don’t forget to consider the material and finish. Matte tile is casual and soft, glossy tile reflects the light and glass tile glamorizes a space with even more sparkle.

The crisp, white fireplace tile combined with the white walls and molding are a simple and clean backdrop for fun decor pieces to take center stage.

This fireplace stands apart stylishly with white marble subway tile that creates striking contrast against the dark navy walls.

This rustic fireplace serves double duty, not only separating the kitchen from the living space but also serving as a decorative focus in both rooms.

2. Cement & Cement-Look

Whether contemporary, old world, geometric or romantic, cement and cement-look tiles certainly liven up a fireplace. Pick a pattern you love, and enjoy an eye-catching and unique centerpiece.

This transitional fireplace is a delightful combination of traditional cement-look tile and a clean, contemporary mantle that satisfies all tastes.

A lively cement-look tile from the London series sets the modern farmhouse scene in this quaint home.

3. Floor to Ceiling

Impact is the ultimate goal with a floor-to-ceiling tiled fireplace. These jaw-dropping installations speak volumes.

This stunning fireplace is perfect parts rustic, contemporary and chic.

One way to make your fireplace unforgettable is to situate it in an unexpected place. This one gets bonus points for being enjoyed from the tub and the bedroom on the other side of the wall.

File this fireplace under “statement maker.” A soft, neutral grey tile becomes a focal point when it’s installed to the second-floor ceiling of this grand room.

4. 3-D

Taking your fireplace tile to the next dimension delivers a tactile, textural quality. Use a dimensional geometric tile for the ultimate contemporary statement.

A metallic fireplace tile is always a good idea—just imagine how the dimension and texture of this multifired tile shine when the fire is lit.

Elegant and refined, these soft flowing lines create dimension replicating that of calming coastal waves.

5. Trim Firebox

For a smoother transition between your fireplace surround and firebox, use trims and layering pieces to dress up the design and soften the hard edges.

A Somerset trim tile artfully frames this firebox while adding architectural detail.

The addition of trim to this stunning fireplace instantly elevates the whole look.

6. Architectural

Textured, dimensional architectural tiles are not just for rustic designs! For spaces from traditional to contemporary, these natural stones retain a neutral color scheme while adding touchable dimension.

It’s easy to see why our best-selling architectural tile, Claros Silver, is such a hit—classic grey shades and warm tans are universally appealing.

This centerpiece fireplace displays one of the perks of our architectural tile collections. We carry out corner pieces so your design can truly be three dimensional.

Excited to try something new? Visit our fireplace tile ideas page or our fireplace tile Pinterest board for more inspiration or find a store to get started today!

The post Our Favorite Fireplace Design Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Hallmarks

A few of the clues that you might be looking at contemporary design are:

• A minimalistic feel
• Clean colors, often neutrals
• Hidden or integrated appliances and features
• An emphasis on natural light
• Flat-panel cabinetry
• European cabinet pulls or no hardware
• Stainless steel
• Recessed and pendant lighting
• Artistic elements

Accessories can go a long way towards establishing a contemporary theme in your space. The furniture, decor and accessories above are composed of contemporary finishes, materials and lines. We especially love how the funky chandelier sets the scene and distinguishes this dining space. Check out some more of our favorite contemporary lighting below. You’ll see that most of these fixtures display multiple qualities from the list above.

Tile Style

This design style is somewhat unique in that not only can tiles be worked into your contemporary design, but tiles can display contemporary style in and of themselves.

Some characteristics of contemporary tiles are:

• Large format
• Sculptural
• Straight stack vs. brick layout
• Stainless steel (like in a mixed-materials mosaic)
• Simple profiles with clean edges
• Art-inspired elements
• Geometric shapes

Myriad different tiles can facilitate contemporary style, and this is just a short list. Scroll to the bottom of this blog post to view some of our favorite contemporary tiles.

Along with a sleek, contemporary chandelier and tub, these wall tiles are perfect examples of this style. They are sculptural, artistic and bold.

There are a few contemporary elements to note in this space: the artwork, sleek furniture, an unadorned fireplace and a geometric patterned rug.

Just like tile and lighting, furniture can display contemporary characteristics all on its own. If you are thinking of decorating in this style, consider items like the below.

The shower above is an embellished and glamorous take on contemporary. The large-format tiles, squared-off trim pieces and sleek hardware are all indicators that it is contemporary. In the close-up below, the square and straight edges of the trim pieces are more visible. As opposed to an ornate or rounded piece of trim, these finish the installation without adding any extra adornment, keeping the look minimal and sleek.

Here are a few more contemporary trim pieces with squared-off edges and clean lines that work well in this design style. Read more about layering and trims on our blog post.

Below, neutrals and unadorned cabinetry make this space contemporary. A honed finish on the marble-look tiles and bright wood vanity warm the room up.

From the minimal, artistic decor to the sculptural, monochromatic wall tiles, this fireplace is thoroughly contemporary from top to bottom.

Sculptural tiles are not only perfect for contemporary design, but they’re also a big trend right now. Explore some of our favorites below.

Below, tones of tan and beige running through the veins of the floor tile add warmth to an all-white bathroom.

The painterly effect created by gold brush strokes turns your walls into a work of art.

Over the all-white kitchen trend? This one features crisp white tile but is also injected with lots of warm tones, balancing the best of both worlds and making this space cozy and welcoming. The flat-front cabinets, minimal (almost hidden!) hardware and sleek, clean lines are all very contemporary.

While contemporary style can be warm and inviting like in the kitchen above, it can also be dramatic and moody, as seen with the 3-D geometric tile below. That’s one thing we love about this style—it’s so versatile!

Contemporary style lends itself to self-expression. The amazing installation below is a custom mosaic created from tile and metal trim. We have a feeling the homeowners love this as much as we do.

Coziness and warmth are the words that come to mind when we see the bathroom below. While maintaining contemporary style, the designers have seamlessly combined multiple different shades of warm tans and browns.

Ready to give contemporary a try? Browse the style on our website and start dreaming.

The post Stay Up-to-Date With This Current Style appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Gepetto Series

The eight tiles in the Gepetto series feature unique arrangements of cut natural wood pieces that allow you to design with original and contemporary patterns.

Installation

This series has a unique (and easy) installation process that is worth noting. Gepetto tiles come with a peel-and-stick adhesive backing. That means no thinset and no grout are required! All you have to do is prepare the wall by cleaning it with soapy water. And, since wood is a natural material, make sure to let the tiles acclimatize to your space for 7–10 days before installation. Tile Shop Design Manager Kirsty Froelich recommends laying out your design on the floor first and using a level so you only stick the tiles once. If you follow these simple tips, anyone can install this beautiful wood tile.

Featured: Arco Acustico

How to Use

Because of the adhesive backing, Gepetto can’t be used in wet areas. However, the easy installation makes them more versatile than your average tile. Think outside the box and create the look of a headboard behind a bed like in the image below. Warm up the space behind a TV with a textured accent wall. Make any nook or wall a statement with wood tiles. Transform a backsplash that isn’t exposed to lots of water into a textured, eye-catching area. You can even frame wood tiles as a work of art and let them speak for themselves. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate them into your space, the Gepetto series affordably dresses up walls with warmth and comfort.

Featured: Arco Acustico

Reclaimed Wood

The most unique aspect of our reclaimed wood tiles is their history and the journey they have made to our stores. Decommissioned antique ships are pulled from harbors in Southeast Asia and the wood is removed from the boats by hand before being sorted and cured for 60 days. Finally, pieces are cut, finished and assembled into the mosaics and trim pieces you see today.

Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural

Installation

Just like the Gepetto series, reclaimed wood should be allowed 7–10 days in your space to adjust to the temperature and humidity before installation. Unlike Gepetto, this collection does not come with an adhesive backing. Instead, use a Taylor wood adhesive to attach the tiles to the wall—no thinset required. Adding finishing nails afterwards will ensure that the tiles are fully adhered. For larger installations, consider placing plywood behind the tiles. A store associate at The Tile Shop can help you choose the best installation method for your project. It’s also important to check your local codes to be sure your project is far enough from sources of heat.

Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural. Design by Sublime Homes.

How to Use

Feature walls, commercial spaces, bars, kitchen islands and even ceilings are all perfect places to feature reclaimed wood. Powder rooms also work but avoid using these tiles in a full bathroom where conditions are too wet. The rich, authentic colors of natural wood add uncompromised depth and texture to a space.

Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural and Hartland Blend Mosaic

A Variety of Styles

Covering your walls with natural wood might give you visions of rustic cabins in the woods, and that is certainly one achievable style that adds lots of hygge vibes to your space. But wood does not limit itself to rustic decor. In fact, any number of styles are possible depending on the rest of your space and what other tiles you decide to use. For example, pairing reclaimed wood with brick-look tile gives an industrial look and pairing a chevron wood mosaic with a subway tile delivers a contemporary feel.

In these examples, it’s easy to see how natural wood tiles can work into different design styles from industrial to contemporary.

Reclaimed wood is the perfect addition to an industrial loft space. Featured: Reclaimed Wood Chevron Mosaic, Reclaimed Wood Geometric Mosaic, Provenzal Alhama Cotto, Antique Copper Metal Somerset and Imperial Gunmetal Gloss

The tile pairings and soft coloring give this inspiration a thouroughly contemporary vibe. Featured: Freccia Bianca Wood Mosaic, Quadrati Bianchi Wood Mosaic, K Wood Light and Bianco Puro Honed Marble Somerset

Ready to get started? Shop all architectural wood tiles at The Tile Shop or schedule a design consultation to meet with a store associate today.

The post The Versatility of Real Wood Tiles appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Tanagram Branco 3-D

Designs and trends are constantly evolving, allowing for the ultimate expression of creativity and imagination. One trend we’ve seen pushing the boundaries of ingenuity, artistry and self-expression is geometric tile. We’re going to highlight our favorite geometric tiles and how to use them to their full potential.

“Geometric shapes hold an energy pattern, and scientists did some experiments which say certain geometric shapes can affect matter around them. It’s simply because when a human looks at a shape, they instantly receive energy from their brain.” – Tom DeLonge, musical artist

The extravagant movement, iconic shapes and energetic patterns of geometric tile allow you to make a statement in any space. These tiles aren’t just an addition to a design – they ARE the design. Geometric shapes include squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, hexagons, diamonds, pyramids and more. With so many different variations and shapes in geometric tile, the possibilities are endless!

Featured: Estrela Jeans Matte 

Featured: White Hex, Black Hex, and Hex Matte White with Black Flower

Categorizing Geometric Tiles

Geometric Patterned Tile 

Stunning designs can be printed on tile to add an artistic flash to any space. Glamorous patterns have universal use. You can either cover a wall to make a bold statement or display a small statement as a piece of art.

Featured: Outline White Gold AC 

Some printed patterns are made to complement modern spaces while others are created to wow viewers. The geometric tiles above define a wall with an elegant yet subtle diamond pattern. In contrast, the bold and bright pattern on the image below almost demands (and deserves) attention.

Featured: Artisan Tiare

Patterned tile can bring a very artistic and contemporary look into your home. The tile below creates a 3-D effect by using two different colored triangles and rhombuses to create a geometric structure.

Featured: Rowallan Encaustic Square Pattern

Geometric Shaped Tile

While most tile like subway or square tile only has four sides, geometric shaped tile brings tile design to a whole new level. Shapes like hexagons, diamonds and rhombuses stand out compared to standard rectangular formats. Geometric shapes can be either 2-D or 3-D. The front cover of our 2018 design book contains a very fresh, modern 3-D pattern. Yara Metal Silver Hex ceramic wall tile is unique because not only is the shape a hexagon, but the tile contains several different 3-D triangles for extra texture and augmentation.

Featured: Yara Metal Silver Hex

Geometric Mosaics

Mosaics are small pieces of tile that are intricately placed together on a mesh sheet to create stunning patterns—that’s what makes these mosaics so unique. Not all mosaic designs are the same. Check out the lavish, Nova Hex Graphite mosaics in the image below. The mosaic pattern is created by repeating stretched hexagons to add glamour and dimension.

Featured: Skyline Marquina Mosaic

The pattern on this next image shows a mosaic from the Legno Limestone collection. This design presents a stylish look with its wood-like texture and variety of shapes.

Featured: Legno Geometric

Ways to Use Geometric Tile

The Center of Attention 

When people want to make a bold statement, they might use a big collection of art, flashy furniture or even a bright-colored tile or wallpaper. While those are all great options, geometrically patterned tile is your key to making a show-stopping space. Cover your floor or wall with tile to make a bold, eye-catching presentation.

Featured: Star Olive/Grey Encaustic

Subtle Accent Displays

Don’t let the boldness of geometric tile intimidate you. Many people turn away from geometric patterned tile and layouts because they think it might be overwhelming. But patterns can be displayed as an accent piece if you aren’t committed to the full effect. Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop design manager, loves adding small statement displays to rooms because it adds a dash of emotion and color.

“You don’t need to be scared of using geometric tile and patterns. They are a great opportunity to add something exciting that won’t overpower the features in a space. – Kirsty Froelich

Featured: Alato Beachwalk Chevron Glass Mosaic

Display a geometric accent piece in your shower or on the side of a bathtub or island countertop. “Accents give you a chance to add unexpected artistry,” Froelich said. As seen above, these geometric displays are ideal for people who only want a subtle but stunning statement.

A Lively Greeting

Incorporating geometrically patterned tile is wonderful in an entryway. Fun and spirited patterns give guests an immediate welcoming impression. West Bay Homes perfectly completes a modern farmhouse design with the vintage, symmetric Star series.

Image from West Bay Homes. Featured: Star

Modern Elegance

Solid-white tile is a great choice for creating a clean, modern presence. The White Hex tiles below create a chic, fresh feeling without an overbearing display.

Featured: White Hex

Create Your Own Masterpiece

A current trend is to create your own geometric designs and shapes with tile. This trend attracts the bold and brave designers. Every concept you explore is a statement and your very own work of art. The Connect series in the image below was made to mesmerize. The small triangular pieces allow you to create extravagant designs for a modern twist. This method of using geometric tile guarantees originality and personalized taste and vision.

Featured: Connect Tri 

“Styling with geometric shaped tiles gives you more flexibility and freedom to make whatever you want.” – Luke Crownover, Tile Shop product manager

Whether a bold, patchwork arrangement of patterned tiles, an elegant kitchen backsplash or a simple display of white hexagons, geometric tile will always be the ultimate tool to express yourself. Inspired by what you see? Schedule a design consultation to achieve your next vision with geometric tile.

Source of Tom DeLonge quote: Spin Magazine

The post Self-Expression Through Geometric Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

This past September, The Tile Shop sent a team to Cersaie including Brandy Janke, product designer, and Rob Grosskopf, manager of product management. They brought back their observations, stories, pictures and upcoming tile trends to share with the rest of the team.

Cersaie by the Numbers

It’s hard to comprehend just how vast Cersaie is, but the numbers speak for themselves.

• 100,000+ visitors over 5 days
• 1.7 million square feet of show spaces
• 800+ vendors
• 40+ countries represented
• 18 halls

A small portion of the many Cersaie attendees.

Welcome to Cersaie!

Attempting to tackle Cersaie without a plan would be too overwhelming, so the team made 30 brief appointments each day to meet with vendors they were interested in. Before the show, Brandy worked on developing a Tile Shop lookbook to show vendors what we’re interested in seeing and the trends we’re expecting to be big in the next year to act as a visual shopping list.

“The look book is a progression of where tile design is heading based on trends in interior and product design, art and fashion. After seeing what vendors have to offer, our team decides what the market is missing and we work to develop new and exciting products to meet design demands.”—Brandy Janke

A Day at Cersaie

Appointments with vendors took place all day and were spread out over 12 massive buildings. (The team clocked six miles of walking a day!) Each vendor has a booth that acts as a mini showroom, as seen in the amount of detail and design in the image below.

An artistic and aesthetically pleasing vendor display.

In these brief meetings, the team challenged vendors to show their newest and most original products. The companies design and develop lines of tile specifically for the show, anticipating new trends and putting their best foot forward. Trusted vendors get a peek at The Tile Shop’s lookbook to see if they can fill in any of the product or trend gaps that have been identified. A close vendor partner may even offer to develop a new product based on the inspiration in the lookbook, creating an original tile.

Vendor meetings taking place.

Foliage makes this display stand out from a crowd.

Top Trends

We can’t talk about Cersaie without talking tile trends. This year, ceramic tiles mimicking the look of tin ceilings, white marble, 3-D tile and new advancements in technology were the big stories.

“We noticed a lot of experimentation with the incredible advancements this year. The whole team can’t wait to see what is presented at next year’s show.”—Brandy Janke

Deep ink technology, which gives a realistic marble veining effect to man-made porcelain tile, and nanopolish, a process that creates a high-definition glass glazed look, are two of the newest advancements on display this year. And large-format tile? It just keeps getting larger. A 10-foot tile was even presented by one vendor.

Bold and colorful tiles display a patchwork trend.

Beyond Cersaie

Another year, another successful scouting mission. Attending shows like Cersaie is important for The Tile Shop team. It’s an investment in our customers that allows us to have the most robust selection around.

“Cersaie is a scouting experience. It allows us to see what is out in the market and stay ahead of trends to ensure we bring the most unique new products to our stores. After this year, I feel very confident that The Tile Shop is ahead of the trends. We have a lot of exciting things our customers are going to love coming out over the next year.”—Brandy Janke

Cersaie has made us even more excited about what 2019 has to bring. Check back over the coming months to see what new arrivals we have in store.

The post The 2018 Cersaie Tile Show appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Twenty TD Rose AC 5 and Twenty TD Rose AC

Multifired tile is a technological advancement that has us (and the tile industry) pretty excited lately. These pieces are unlike any others, with metallic details, intricate patterns, dimension and other unique features. We’re going to break down the intricate process required to create them, explain what makes these tiles so special and show you a glimpse at some of the beautiful new multifired products we have in our stores.

What Are Multifired Tiles?

Simply put, multifired tiles are tiles that have been fired in a kiln multiple times. A standard tile is generally fired one or two times while multifired tiles are fired three or more times. But it’s not quite that simple…

Featured: Cub Gold AC. Design by Construction2Style. Photography by Chelsie Lopez Production.

The Multifired Process

This interesting process is actually much more time-consuming and involved than it sounds.

First, raw materials are mixed together and shaped. Once the materials dry, each firing that the tiles go through has to be at a specific temperature. In the manufacturing facility, kilns have a temperature schedule over a month. This means that a batch of tiles has to wait until the kiln is at the exact temperature prescribed for each firing. With three or four total firings at different temperatures and cooling periods in between, it’s easy to see how this draws out the process. This added time and attention required increases the value of the tiles.

After the first firing, which defines the body or bisque of the tile, the second firing establishes the base color. The glazes that are applied before the third or fourth firings are often digitally printed onto the tile into intricate patterns. This type of glaze holds its shape more than others resulting in a 3-D effect. All multifired tiles have some element of dimension and texture due to this glazing process. After a last firing and cooling, the tiles are finally complete works of art. This extended process of cooling, waiting and firing produces a very special porcelain or ceramic tile.

Featured: Dot AC Rose Gold

The Beauty of Multifired Tiles

Now that we know about the process, let’s talk tile. The effects created are much more unique than the process itself. Beautiful pearlescent, iridescent and metallic finishes are possible with three- and four-fire tiles. 3-D effects take tiles to another dimension, adding textures unlike anything you’ve seen before.

In the image below, Stencil Light AC wows with bold, artistic strokes, and the dimension of the tiles adds even more intrigue.

Featured: Stencil Light AC

Designing with Multifired Tiles

Tiles that are this bold and statement making take some thoughtful planning to use in your home. While a stand-out design is the goal, it’s important that your multifired tile also fits into your space.

“A great way to design with multifired tiles is to use them like wallpaper. Tile is so much better than wallpaper because it won’t peel and it can be wiped down, perfect for families with kids and pets,” says Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager. Installing tile on an accent wall delivers floor-to-ceiling pattern just like a wallpaper would.

Effect is so tactile—you want to reach out and touch it,” says Kirsty Froelich, design manager. Featured: Effect Dark AC

Kirsty has a few additional tips for designing with bold, multifired tiles.

“It’s like a decorative mural. Don’t use other pieces that will make the look too busy. Try complementing a multifired tile with solids that allow it to stand out.”

When creating a wall that features patterned tiles along with solids, don’t forget to make a smooth transition between the two while increasing the designer effect. Layering pieces that feature elements of both tiles tie them together and create a cohesive feeling. We love how layering this stunning DURAL Plus Gold 24K in between two black Somersets brings out the gold tones in Effect Dark AC while finishing the edge. Below is a closer look at how to layer trim pieces that bring out the colors of your tile.

Layering finishing pieces with multifired tile give the look a designer touch and brings out accent colors.

Tile Technology

Tile has been around for a long time. Until recently, the majority of tiles produced have been one or two fire. That makes this new process one of the most exciting in years. The advancements in technology have made designs possible that would never have been imaginable in the past. And we love that it enables us to offer the newest styles and the cutting-edge trends to our customers.

Excited about multifired tiles? So are we! Stop into your closest Tile Shop, and ask to see what’s new in three- and four-fire tiles—and prepare to be wowed.

The post Why Multifired Tile Is The Next Big Trend appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Whether it’s a small upgrade or a large remodel, knowing how to start a tile project can be daunting. Is it best to match your tile to your cabinets or vice versa? Should you pick out a paint color first or last? Read our expert advice on how to start a project for an overview of first steps.

Project Inspiration

The first step of starting a project is finding your inspiration. Create a Pinterest board, follow Instagram accounts of your favorite designers, search for hashtags that feature a style you love, explore thousands of photos of projects on Houzz and check out The Tile Shop’s customer inspiration gallery. Even a work of art, a fashion designer or a piece of fabric can serve as your inspiration.

What commonalities do you see in the things you love? Is it a color palette? Does a common design style emerge? Just knowing what style you relate to the most can help a lot because they vary so widely, as you can see below. Whatever you choose as your inspiration, now you have a starting point that allows you to move to the next step.

Assessing Your Space

Take an objective look at your space and your motivations. Think about why you are tackling the project. Is it a necessary upgrade or is it about the aesthetic change? Think about how you use the space and how it is a part of your life. Is appearance or function a bigger priority for you? Consider how much time you have for upkeep and maintenance.

Then consider the physical aspects of your space. Are you remodeling everything from scratch or utilizing existing cabinets or floors? If your cabinets and floors are remaining, take pictures or bring samples into The Tile Shop since you will want to coordinate with them. Be aware of other things that cannot change, like the layout, plumbing and windows. Knowing what elements are not negotiable in your new space will help you understand your options.

In the two photos below, similarly colored white subway tiles are used on the walls. However, the look changes entirely depending on whether light- or dark-colored cabinets are used. This goes to show that every element of your design is important because it affects all of the others.

Featured: Bulevar White and Hampton Carrara Polished Barnes

Featured: Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Camilla with Glass Stone Mosaic, Meram Blanc Polished Barnes, Meram Blanc Polished Somerset

Consider how your space will work with the rest of your home. Does the room flow right into another or is it separated from the rest of the house?

“You want to create a flow so the transition from one room to the next feels smooth and not chopped up,” says Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop’s design manager. “Color and material are two important design elements to pay attention to. Using similar or complementary colors and materials in your design helps create flow from one space to another.”

Selecting Tile

Now onto our favorite step—choosing tile! Using what you’ve learned from exploring your inspiration and assessing your space, you’re ready for the fun part.

Size

Consider both the size of your space and the size of your tile. Large-format tiles can open up a space and make it feel more modern because of fewer grout joints. Conversely, a small tile, like a mosaic, will work perfectly in a small area because of the scale. As long as you bring in measurements, a store associate at The Tile Shop can help recommend a tile that is suited to the size of your space. In the two pictures below, it’s easy to see how a large tile with fewer grout lines creates a much different look than a mosaic with many small pieces.

Featured: Ionic Copper

Featured: Hampton Carrara Polished Delray w/ Cinderella Grey

Color and Style

The color and style of your tile are two of the most important considerations. The style should fit into the design style you’ve established and coordinate with the rest of the space, including counter tops, fixtures and existing walls and floors. The way you play with light and dark and color will affect the look of your room, too.

Texture

Textured tiles can add unique 3-D appeal to a statement wall and even become a work of art. Textured floor tiles can also be functional, creating a non-slip effect on high-traffic floors.

Lighting

Whether you opt for dark or light tiles, the type and amount of lighting in the space will affect the overall look and feel. Look at the tiles you’re considering under different types of light at The Tile Shop so you’re not surprised when you take them home.

Material

There is nothing like the elegant look of natural stone in your home. However, these materials require more upkeep than easier-to-care-for porcelain and ceramic that can replicate a similar look. Know how much time and effort you are able to commit to maintaining your tile before you choose a material.

Finishing Touches

Your beautiful project is almost done, but it’s important not to forget about the finishing touches that complete your look. For example, is your tile floor up against another type of flooring? Transition pieces, like thresholds, curbs and wainscoting created with trim tiles, help smoothly and beautifully go from one material to another, whether from a floor to a floor, a floor to a wall or tile to paint.

These trim pieces elegantly transition from both the shower to the floor tile and between the floor and wall tiles, tying all the greys and whites together in harmony.

Similarly, your entire look will be elevated when you layer trim pieces into your design. It’s the finishing touch that takes the design to another level. Read our post on layering to learn more about how to use trim, accessories and other finishing pieces.

Tip: Select your desired tile collection, then add trim and profile pieces to your design for a customized look.

The single most important part of your project is making it your own. You can do this with paint (there are thousands of colors of paint, so we always save this for after you’ve chosen tile), accessories and adding your own personal decorative and creative touches to your room. After all, if it feels like you, it’ll feel like home.

The post How to Start A New Project appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.