Designing With Tile...a puzzling undertaking
I always begin by visiting one of my favorite tile showrooms to get further inspired and see what's new. I'm like a kid in a candy store when I walk in and I want to know everything there is to know about every sample.
It's challenging to hone in on my favorite selections for a client when I know each option may result in an equally beautiful but very different result. Ultimately, there is one tile that speaks to me for that specific client and space. And so begins the challenge of piecing all together by choosing accent tiles and trims that not only enhance the design but technically serve to transition one field condition to another. I know that if I can provide a layout that looks great but also works for the installer, that it will be a win win for the client, and me.
Don't be afraid to use tile with bold patterns and colors. What is important is knowing when to give the eye a rest. Although a busy tile was used for this shower interior, there were no mosaic tiles used in the rest of the bathroom. A blue marble slab used for the vanity top, ties the bathroom area and shower interior together.
Particularly with decorative mosaic tiles, it is important to consider the grout spacing before the tile is installed. One wants to avoid cutting these beautiful and often costly creations. Through sketches and scaled elevations one can examine the numerous possibilities for the installation layout.
In a kitchen, where clients often don't want to use a busy mosaic tile on the counter or back splash, one can incorporate pattern, texture and color on the floor. This antique terra cotta tile brings just the right amount of texture, movement, and old world charm to this otherwise contemporary, state of the art kitchen.
Choosing the proper spacing for the grout as well as the grout color is so important. It can easily make or break the design. There are companies that provide plastic grout color sticks that you can use to slip between your tile samples, thereby getting a real feel for the end result before grouting.
Hand made and hand glazed tiles are slightly uneven in shape and color but that is precisely what makes them so interesting. The variations in color and size add depth and interest to solid walls of tile. Here a simple neutral tan ceramic tile looks interesting because of the subtle variations of color in the glaze. A soft white grout keeps the tan tile looking fresh for a bathroom.
This boy's room wall was tiled with a split brick. A grey grout the color of concrete gives it a more authentic look. It is set in from the face of the tile to give the split brick the appearance of a full brick. A wide grout works great here. This wall looks like one hand built by a mason. Using a narrow grout line would have been a big mistake.
It isn't until that final tile is installed in the field and the room is revealed to the client, that the puzzle is complete for me. Unlike the boxed puzzles from childhood, I am pleased that I don't have to tear my creation apart and put it away. Fortunately, a new tile design challenge awaits and the thrill begins again.
One of my favorite ways to use trim pieces is to frame out mirrors so that they look and feel more like an organic architectural feature to the room rather than a decorative wall treatment.
Q