Trends in Tile
If you're looking for new ideas and creative ways to use tile in your kitchen or bath, there are an overwhelming number of choices and combinations in color, size, texture, and shapes available today.
Large Tile Sizes
It's a fact – laying large tiles on the floor of a small room will make the space feel bigger. Today's large tile sizes, including 16 x 24, 20 x 20, and 24 x 24, are becoming more and more popular in powder rooms and baths. An added benefit of using larger tiles also means using less grout – this translates into seeing fewer grout lines and easier maintenance.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaics are small tiles or miniature versions of large tiles that come on a netted sheet in 5/8 inch or 1 inch sizes. They can be used as decorative accents for borders which can be laid at eye level in a shower band, or on a kitchen floor accenting the outline of a center island. Combining larger tiles with mosaics adds variety and visual interest.
Metallic and Glass Tiles
Stainless, copper, tin and luminescent glass tiles are the latest hot trend in kitchens and baths. Metal and glass tiles add sparkle and "punch" when mixed with stone tiles. The combination is a good blend of classic and contemporary styling.
Hand Painted Tiles
The uniqueness of hand painted tiles, whether it be their coloration, size or design theme gives a very custom finished look to kitchens and baths. They can be used selectively without adding significant cost to the overall budget. Hand painted tiles are beautiful when used in backsplashes.
When you've made your choices on tile color, size, texture, and shape, don't forget to give consideration to installation and how the tiles will be laid. The old standby choices of straight or diagonal installations have been supplemented with staggered and modular designs. Using a different lay will add some cost to your installation, but the benefit you gain from a non-standard look may well be worth it. After all, putting in a tile floor or backsplash is a one-time effort, so you might as well get the look you want.