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Tips & Info
designing with tile
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It is remarkable that a craft thousands of years old can produce materials that are not only viable, but rapidly growing in popularity in a technological age. The reasons are simple. Ceramics and stone are incredibly versatile design materials. The choices allow the designer to set moods, re-create images of the past, or develop the perfect complement to the most modern of settings. The design choices available today were unimaginable only a few years ago. (Shown here is an installation of Walker-Zanger's Ceramiche Alhambra Collection)
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Tile's High Sustainability equals Low Cost
Tile has the lowest life-cycle cost of any finishing material. Given this incredible combination of beauty and price performance, it is little wonder tile is the preferred choice of commercial and residential designers. The benefits do not stop there -- studies repeatedly show tile and stone are ideal materials for those who suffer from allergies. Practical, durable, economical, beautiful -- a tough combination to beat. (Shown on right is a mantle installation of Sonoma Tilemaker's "Sonoma Reserve" in combination with tumbled stone)
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Combine With Other Materials
Today, ceramic tile is frequently combined with other beautiful hard surfaces like stone, glass and metal. The results can be breathtaking. Remember, this can be the most permanent finish in your home. Shouldn't it be special? (Shown here is an Italian travertine with chiseled edges. The accent dot shown is glass, but can be tile, metal or another stone)
While white, bone and ivory are still the most requested colors in tile, let your spirit take wings when designing your installation. History is on your side. The rich tradition of tile traces colorful installations back thousands of years. (Shown on the right is Avignon, a beautiful and colorful Country French tile from Walker-Zanger)
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Dare to use color
Don't be afraid of color! Color can add a lot to your space whether large or small. Multiple times we use the "safe" tones for fear of doing the "wrong" thing, but bringing color into your project can enhance any area.
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Design Trends
A strong trend in interior design reflects our longing for simplicity, balance and a return to nature. Color palettes reflect our desire to remain connected with nature. Textures play an important role with an emphasis on natural fibers and materials. These ideas are also being translated into tile (see Dom "Genesi" as an example).
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"BIG" is IN
Tile selections today go far beyond sizes with which we have become familiar. For example, the 8x8 floor tile, a staple of our industry only a few years ago, can hardly be found today. Given the permanence of tile, we often will caution against getting too "trendy", but we are confident larger sizes are a permanent direction for both ceramics and stone. Experts in spatial relationships tell us we visually expand the size of a room when using large format tile on either floors or walls. Look into it -- there are great options!
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Consider Floor Accents
A design idea that has been popular in Europe for years is rapidly gaining favor in the U.S. -- floor accents. The addition of a decorative accent to a room can create a whole new effect. Many manufacturers are producing accents that are designed to go with their tile. Stone and/or tile mosaics are also a popular choice. Another great accent can be a strategically placed medallion. (Shown here is Tagina's Cortona Series)
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Patterns are Wonderful
Many floor tiles today are created in multiple sizes and the demand for patterns is growing steadily. If you are considering a large installation of floor tile, think about breaking up the installation with subtle patterns that will create additional interest and appeal. You may already be familiar with many of the classic patterns: windmill, random, clipped corner, staggered joint, and others. If not, let us explain these options.
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Take Tile Outdoors
Until recently, most outdoor tile installations were limited to those living in the sun-belt. There were few tiles able to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and most of those were designed for industrial use. Today, that picture has completely changed. Porcelain technology has given us a wide range of choices that beautifully complement our Northwest living style. (Shown here is Crossville's Aurora Series)
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The Northwest's best source for your tile design selections. See what's new in stone, ceramic, porcelain, metal, and leather at our Washington and Oregon showroom locations in Portland, Bend, South Seattle (Renton), and North Seattle (Everett).
