After spending a year doing nothing but designing tile layouts for people’s kitchens and baths, I realized there are a few tips that go a long way. Being that these spaces increase the value of your home more per dollar spent than almost any other improvement you can make, it is important to do it right, but don’t worry, this definitely doesn’t mean that you have to be dull, boring and safe.
Flooring is one of the biggest areas you will be covering, and porcelain tiles are a great option. They are not only more affordable than stone, but they have zero maintenance, are extremely durable, and the latest styles out there cover everything from ultra sleek and modern to stone-like (sometimes its really hard to tell the difference between a stone and a good porcelain!). Depending on the look (and budget) you are going for, you can choose from a mosaic floor or larger tiles. I would stay away from the 12×12 tiles as they will make your space look dated. Bigger (12×24, 24×24) tiles won’t make your space look smaller like some people fear, but they actually make it look clean and contemporary, while mosaic floors have a more ornate and traditional look and feel.
Here is a great large tile floor (you don’t have to go THIS large, but it is a great example of the clean and contemporary look)
And here are two great mosaic floor examples:
The walls have a lot more options, too many to cover in one post. I think a good general rule is to limit yourself to three different elements that you are bringing into the space. A great example would be to choose one mosaic pattern, one larger plain tile, and smaller tile with a similar color to the others. If you have a busy mosaic floor, I would keep the walls a lot calmer and repeat the colors found in the floor. If you feel like the space needs more color, you can always bring in a fun wall color, bath towels, and mats. If you choose to go with a more simple floor, add an exciting backsplash or mosaic detail. It’s also a great trick to repeat the colors or mosaic in different spots in the space, such as the backsplash and then again as a focal point in the shower.
And more importantly, you should love the space and have fun with the design. All rules were made to be broken (as long as you know what rules you are breaking and why)!
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