Tile: not just for floors!

Tile: not just for floors!

Tile has long been a mainstay in bathrooms and kitchens, but more and more homeowners are adding it to other spaces.  Because there are several types of tile, it’s a versatile and adaptable option.  Tile isn’t just popping up in entries and laundry rooms.  We’re loving it in outdoor spaces like decks and indoors as both flooring and accents for bedrooms and living rooms.

Pros and cons of tile

The upside:  Tile is easy to maintain and incredibly durable.  It’s perfect in heavily trafficked areas,  like foyers and hallways.  Because it  comes in a broad variety of colors, shapes, and patterns, you can choose designs that reflect your personality and style.  Bright, vivid cement tile in your entry is a cheerful welcome, while a luxe marble floor makes a guest bedroom feel like a high-end hotel suite.  Wood-look options are a fantastic choice for those who love the hardwood aesthetic but prefer the ease of tile.

The downside:  Unless you have a radiant heat system underneath, tile is cold.  This is great in the summer but not the most welcome feeling once winter comes.  Most tile needs grout, and while tile itself is easy to clean, grout can become dingy or crack over time.  Cost is also a factor; ceramic and porcelain are inexpensive, but if you prefer a higher-end look like marble or an involved mosaic design, it can add up quickly.

Tile style

Ceramic has been a mainstay in design (there’s a reason why subway tile is such a classic!) but ceramic does not equal boring.  Many new designs have dimension and depth that combine visual interest with timeless style.  We brought this idea to our Villanova interior design project when we created a neutral backsplash with different patterns in the same hue.

 

Glass  is a versatile and eco-friendly option that comes in an ever-growing selection of patterns and styles!  It’s the perfect choice for a custom kitchen backsplash or bathroom accent wall.  The iridescence and unique composition adds such a wow factor!

Marble adds instant elegance to any room.  The luxe effect is sophisticated and classic, and we love designing with gorgeous marble in kitchens and bathrooms!  The Carrera in our clients’ master bath created a high-end, spa-inspired feel that made the most of the generous natural light from the skylights.

Cement and concrete are the perfect way to bring a fun or unique twist to any room, whether you use them to create a cool fireplace surround or add interest to a wall in a foyer or laundry room.  How beautiful is our client’s fireplace with its soothing blue tilework?

Outdoor tiles are low-maintenance and add a special touch to your patio or balcony.  Options like this from Daltile have all the beauty of wood without the splinters!

 

Header image: Ceramic tile backsplash by Philadelphia interior design firm Glenna Stone Interior Design; Photo by Rebecca McAlpin

Want our weekly blog post delivered right to your inbox?  Click here to sign up!

________________________________________

 

Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!