Tile Types ‘101’

January 21, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky

S Interior Design uses tile in a lot of their design projects. The options can be overwhelming. Besides how a tile looks, the most important consideration is whether it is the appropriate tile type for the functional usage. Using a tile material that is best for the functional usage of a space will save you from re-work and labor intensive up-keep.

Below is guest post that reviews some of the main types of tile materials in terms of their pros and cons.

The Right Tile for Every Space

Tiles are a popular choice when it comes to flooring as well as other spaces that you have at home or in the office. They are available in various materials, colors, textures and designs for you to choose from. However, not all types of tiles are suitable for every space. The most common consideration is the kind of material, but this can also be the hardest choice to make. With a wide range of materials available in the market, each offers pros and cons depending on the room and condition.

Ceramic Tile

One of the most popular choices in tiling is ceramic. Ceramic tiles are suitable for many applications because they come in various styles that can fit any design. They are also cost-effective, which is ideal for those who are on a budget. However, the material is slightly fragile despite being easy to install, clean and maintain. The best ceramic tiles are commonly used in rooms with light traffic, such as studies and bathrooms.

Porcelain Tile

Quite similar to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are another common choice of tile material. They are harder than ceramic and most suited in living rooms and kitchens where there is heavy traffic. They come in three types of finishes – glazed, unglazed and polished. So, be sure to know which one to choose according to your needs. Consider also that it is tricky to install porcelain tiles and you need adhesive when laying them down. If you are thinking of installing these tiles on walls, be sure that the wall structure can hold up the weight of the material.

Glass Tile

Although glass tiles are more fragile, they are best suited to use on walls because they have an exquisite look when tiling is done correctly. The material is stain-resistant, which makes it a fantastic alternative to natural stone with its clean and minimal look. Usually, glass is cut, colored and hand-finished to achieve various looks and styles. Just remember that glass is likely to chip, especially along its edges. It should not be used in high-traffic areas like kitchens. Instead, use it for smaller applications, such as in table tops or desks, or around the fireplace. It can also be used as backsplash.

Cement Tile

Cement is another material that has long been used in tiling. It offers versatility in terms of patterns and colors. However, with its extremely porous surface, it should be sanded and resealed at least once a month to maintain its beauty. Also, laying these tiles can be quite difficult and they are prone to discoloration over time. They should be used only in low-traffic areas and in small numbers.

Travertine

Made with natural stone, travertine tiles offer natural and one-of-a-kind finish. No two travertine tiles look the same. The material, however, is easily impacted by water, stain and traction. Therefore, it requires extra maintenance and must be sealed before and after grouting.

Marble

If you want to achieve high-shine and classic appeal in your space, marble is a top choice. Despite its cost, it can add a touch of elegance and refinement to any room. In order to maintain its clean and shiny look, it requires regular polishing. It is the kind of material that is susceptible to scratches, etching and stains. Marbles tiles are often used as decorative material in shower floors, columns and backsplashes instead of having them on benchtops.

Metal

Designers who want to achieve contemporary look may choose metal tiles in modern layouts. Benchtops with metal tiles will have a chic and modern look, aside from being durable. The material also gives smooth and textured finishes to add depth and character to spaces. It is often seen in kitchens, bars or utility rooms. It is not recommended in baths because it scratches easily.

Mosaic Tile

Upgrade your interior design with mosaic tiles that come in different shapes, sizes, colors, styles and materials. These small tiles are available in sheets and are arranged to achieve unique and thematic designs in various spaces. Choose the right space where the tiles will be installed and create an accent based on your preferences.

Granite

With a similar look and feel to marble, granite is a natural stone that is often a cheaper alternative. Granite tiles are commonly used in laundry rooms where your top priorities are performance and lower cost while maintaining natural flecks in the area.

Limestone

Limestone is another type of natural stone used in tiles to achieve a truly rustic style. This type of material has natural tones, shades and variations. It is durable and soft enough that designers can easily shape and cut it for specific patterns. Keep in mind that it is a porous rock that needs to be properly sealed to avoid cracks and etches, and to make it long-lasting Use limestone tiles in outdoor spaces like the patio to have the perfect final look.

Aside from material, there are several other considerations when choosing the right tiles for every space you have. The size of your room matters when choosing the size of tiles. Check the area that you want to cover to choose the right shape. This can include the common square or rectangle, or the circular or geometric forms. The area will also help you determine the number of tiles to purchase. Make sure to add 10% more of the total number in case of breakage or wrong cutting. A little more will also be needed if you want to do a patterned design. Consider also the type of finish you want to achieve.

Keep in mind that tile installation needs sealing and resealing, maintenance, and grouting depending on the type of material that you use. Each type of material is unique on its own and the above mentioned ideas can help you choose the perfect tile while having the appropriate installation and the necessary aftercare.

How To Turn Your Space Into An Industrial Masterpiece

June 29, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post from a provider of epoxy flooring (full disclosure….). S Interior Design agreed to share the post because it contains good ideas on how to introduce the style of industrial design into your home.

The Industrial Revolution is the age of steam engines, smoke-belching machines, and large factories. When companies started moving their operations elsewhere, these large factories were left to rot. To make use of these wide spaces, some people chose to convert the warehouses and offices into homes. This was the birth of industrial interior design.

The industrial interior design focuses on taking notable shapes and features used during the Industrial Revolution and turning them into something modern. This does not mean that that your entire place should look like a warehouse, instead, interior designers will strive to add a modern twist to the industrial feel of a room.

If you’re wondering how you can do this without the help of an interior designer, then follow these tips.

Find your inspiration

The Industrial Revolution brought a lot of mechanical pieces to the world and you can add them to your home. But before doing this, it’s best to know the inspiration behind a room. What do you plan to do with the room? What is it supposed to be? How is it supposed to function?

Once you figure that out, you can search for inspiration online or from magazines about the industrial interior design. You don’t have to copy them piece by piece, but you will at least have an idea of what kind of industrial feel you want to portray in your room.

Design your floor

One of the most notable parts of your room is your floor. If you want an obvious industrial look, then you might want to change the type of floor you have. Usually, an industrial look has a cement floor with an epoxy coating to make it shiny and flawless. An epoxy coating adds extra protection as well.

You don’t also have to stick to the color of cement. You can paint your floor the shade of gray you want to resemble a metallic look or you can go for monochromatic colors of black and white. Tip: if you don’t want to change your floor, you can paint the walls instead. You can either have a bricked brown wall, or a silver-painted one.

Mix and match metal and wood

When it comes to mixing modern and industrial styles, you don’t have to be cautious about having metal and wood in the same room. Some people think that these two do not go together as metal items give a sleeker look to things. However, with the right match, you can still make use of that old wooden table you may have.

Keep it minimalistic

Despite having accessories on your wall or mechanical clocks and lights, an industrial interior design is still supposed to be minimalistic. This means that you have to shy away from over-decorating your space or adding too much fluff to it. As a guide, always ask if it’s bulky or the color scheme is too loud.

Put these tips together and you can already design your own industrial-inspired room. If you are having a hard time, you can get cut-outs of the things you want to put and try putting them together to know if they will look good in the space you have.

Top Home Improvement Tips for Living with Alzheimer’s-Universal Design

March 7, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on a subject matter that touches so many of us. My own father-in-law is a dementia sufferer and I have had a first row seat to witness the challenges living in a home that is not designed to accommodate the illness presents. As a professional designer, I have an interest in addressing the design of living spaces for adults impacted by Alzheimers that will provide easier living conditions for all in the household.

Here is a recent remodel of a master bath that is universal design compliant so my clients can age in place without issue.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

You may think living with Alzheimer’s means living in a sterile, nursing home-style environment. However, one of the hottest trends in home remodeling is “universal design,” which means creating an environment that allows homeowners to enjoy their homes at any age. That includes living well into their golden years, and accommodating the mental and physical decline that can come with aging. Those same modifications can apply when making homes safer and more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More of us are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and this means making appropriate home modifications to meet loved ones’ needs. As pointed out by the experts at Redfin, “Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.4 million Americans, about 5.2 million of which are 65 and older. It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home.” Thankfully, with universal design options, you can meet those needs in ways that are not only safe, but livable and fashionable.

Studies show Alzheimer’s disease erodes judgment, balance, memory, general behavior, and basic senses like hearing and vision. Because of the effects of the disease, some experts advise making important modifications to reduce risks while keeping your loved one independent, such as:

Eliminate steps. At least one entryway to the home should be free of steps.
One-floor living. The main floor of the house should include at least one bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen conveniences.
Doorways and hallways. Doorways throughout the main living area should be free of thresholds and should be a minimum of forty-two inches wide.
Flooring. Replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring, such as hardwood floors or linoleum.
Floor space. Open floor plans are a benefit to those with mobility issues. Reducing clutter and broadening walkways helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
Easy-to-use handles. Doorknobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever handles.
Controls and switches. Place thermostats at lower levels, add a remote control, or add devices or apps which allow for voice control. Switches should be placed at heights accessible from a wheelchair, generally forty-two to forty-eight inches off the floor. Similarly, install electrical outlets higher for easier accessibility.
Lighting. Improving lighting throughout the home is a simple and important step toward safety. Add light fixtures, install brighter bulbs, and add nightlights to enhance safety for those with failing vision or to help those suffering with disorientation.
Bathroom. A taller, hands-free toilet and walk-in shower improve independence and safety. Installing grab bars and a seat for the shower are also important selections.
Countertops and sinks. Opt for shallower designs to keep things easier to reach.

The AARP notes that most of us want to remain at home as long as possible, and with that in mind, home styles are favoring designs that allow people of all ages and abilities to remain comfortable, mobile and safe in their living arrangements. For those who are caregiving to Alzheimer’s patients, that means stylish options can accommodate your loved one on all fronts. As explained by some professionals, it’s an opportunity to choose aesthetically pleasing but also practical solutions for living independently as long as possible.

Here’s the most exciting part: thanks to modern trends, functional equipment is more fashion-friendly than you think. Even grab bars offer a spa-style appeal coupled with safety and support. As The Wichita Eagle explains, “Many of today’s grab bars are cleverly disguised, looking instead like sleek soap dishes, functional shampoo trays, trendy towel racks and even toilet-paper holders.”

Safety marries fashion. If you thought home modifications for the elderly meant giving in to an institutional, sterile environment, think again. Homes can be safe, accessible and fashionable. Thanks to the trend of universal design, caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can meet their loved one’s needs effectively and beautifully.

What Every Home Buyer Wants

October 21, 2015 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post that discusses what a new home buyer may be looking for in terms of features or upgrades. S Interior Design has added commentary (shown in italics ) throughout the posting.

What Every Home Buyer Wants

Every new home buyer, has some wishes that he/she looks for before making a step towards buying or owning a home. Different features and factors which include home location, the size of the home and also interior features are mostly common in any buyers wish lists. This determines how willing/interested a buyer will be when it comes to purchasing the home.

Many buyers are willing to spend more money above the price of the home to have certain interior and exterior features put in place. Some of the wishes that every home buyer will look for when buying a home (and something you might want to consider when remodeling or doing home improvements) will include the following:

Stainless steel appliances
Most home buyers prefer having stainless appliances fitted in their homes ranging from doors and other indoor appliances. This is because stainless steel is more attractive and makes the house have an elegant view.

While stainless steel appliances are still desirable, black, slate and even white appliances are becoming more popular.

Security

A well secured home with quality doors and locks will be mostly preferred by home buyers. Good quality and affordable doors can be found with barn door hardware. The hardware offers better quality doors in different designs. They also offer track systems and other door accessories to make sure that your home is well guarded against break-ins. In some homes, break-ins are inevitable and home buyers are looking for homes where a warranty is given in cases of break-ins or wear out. A home warranty is considered as a major component before buying a home.

Key pad entry pads and even wireless entry is now available .

More Bedrooms

Privacy is key in any bedroom and home buyers will prefer a home with more bedrooms which can accommodate more people in case there are visitors. Anyone should feel comfortable sleeping in a bedroom in which there is privacy. A walk-in closet in the bedroom is also a status symbol since most people want to have more clothes, be more organized and on top of that, look presentable.

You can add privacy door sets to any room in which you desire extra privacy. Every home buyer/home owner has distinct needs. More is not always better!

More Bathrooms
It’s no doubt that washrooms are a very sensitive area of the house. To maintain hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, washrooms should not be shared among every person who lives in a house. Therefore, most home buyers will prefer having more bathrooms in their house to maintain hygiene.

Keep in mind more bathrooms mean more bathrooms to clean!

Laundry Room
A place where people can wash, fold clothes and store other laundry materials will be a key factor to anyone who wants to own a home. Laundry rooms help people to keep the mess out of their living room keeping it tidy and homey.

Older homes may have a laundry area or space versus an acutual room. You need to think about where you will fold your laundry and iron in the house if there is not a dedicated room for that purpose.

More Exterior Lighting

A well designed exterior lighting captures customers’ attention on the first sight. Be it wall lanterns and landscape lights above the ground provides a scenic view which attracts potential buyers before they even get inside a house. The light illuminates paths at night.

Good Kitchen Design (Eat-In Kitchens)
For home buyers, especially those with families, an eat-in kitchen is a must have. This helps people interact during breakfast or dinner since they congregate in the kitchen for their meals. The kitchen should be spacious enough to accommodate a large number of people.

Your specific lifestyle and family make up will help to determine your needs in terms of how large of a space and eating table / area is needed.

A Fireplace

One or more fireplaces may become more popular as speculated. This is because many people spend less time watching TV. A fireplace will be an ideal place where home owners can relax or just share highlights from their day with family or friends.

We have not witnessed this trend. Our clients are fully committed to having televisions in multiple rooms of their homes. Fireplaces in dining rooms and bedrooms are are great option along with the more standard living room or great room spaces.

Spacious Garage and Storage Room

The increase in resources results in home buyers looking for spacious storage to accommodate equipment used in homes. For buyers with families, a spacious garage is most likely to have an upper hand since a family may have a number of cars to accommodate in a garage. A seller should ensure garage and other storage rooms are spacious.

Good storage spaces are definitely a plus especially in areas such as Arizona where basements and storage areas in basements are less commonly available.

Floors /Design
Though carpets are considered to conserve energy and offer a comfortable feeling, they may be hard to clean. Most home buyers who host guests often, prefer hardwood floors, which are durable and easy to clean.

Other hard floor surfaces to consider are laminate, luxury vinyl planks, cork and porcelain tile.

Home Office

Most people take office work home so that they can work on it either in the evening or during weekends. Buyers may prefer to have a place in the house where work-related documents are kept (e.g. books, laptops and more). Home offices make your work more manageable.

Overwhelming desire for the majority of home owners! Most newly built homes will offer 1 or more options for home office space.
Though the list is endless depending on people’s tastes and preferences, most home buyers are willing to cough up extra money to have their homes customized. In this digital era, a good home should therefore contain modern facilities which are not only attractive, but also act as a status symbol to many.

5 Reasons to Choose Wool Carpets/Rugs

September 12, 2015 by Suzanne Lasky

S Interior Design has been an avid fan of wool as the fiber of choice for area carpets since day 1. This past week we attended an educational seminar on the benefits and characteristics of wool carpeting/rugs. It was a good reminder of all the reasons you should consider purchasing an all wool product (hopefully New Zealand wool) the next time you are shopping for an area rug or even your wall to wall carpeting.

Here are the reasons why:

Life and therefore stains happen! Here are tips on how to address those unfortunate accidents on a wool rug or carpet.