Below is a re-post of an article I received that I felt was worth sharing. Our COVID-19 lifestyles have most definitely impacted the way we want to live in our homes. The article outlines lifestyle changes that are impacting the interior design choices being made. Connected, Simplified, Healthy are some of the key design objectives being considered.
Tile Types ‘101’
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.
Kitchen Remodel Trends-2019
The article contained in this link is a great summary of popular design trends in kitchen design. S Interior Design loves to know the trends but always designs to meet each client’s needs and desires trendy or not!
Thinking of Remodeling Your Kitchen?
Below is a guest post focusing on the back splash design element for the kitchen. When S Interior Design works with their clients on kitchen remodels, we generally select the larger design elements such as counter tops and cabinet style before selecting the back splash materials. There are however situations where the ‘perfect’ back splash material guides the design direction and we build from that design element. The article below is easy to read and provides guidance on how to select the best material for your back splash taking not only looks but functionality into consideration.
How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash
A great kitchen backsplash is not only functional, protecting your walls from grease and dings, it’s also beautiful, a design statement that adds to the beauty of your home and the character of your space.
The options for style, materials, pattern, and color are endless, so the task of choosing one can be overwhelming. In order to help you choose the right one for your kitchen, here are six questions to ask when choosing the right kitchen backsplash for you.
1. How much do you want to spend?
The first question you should ask yourself is how much money you want to spend on the project. The size of your budget will affect the quality and brand of material you are able to buy. It will also affect whether you will be able to hire a professional to do the installation or whether you will need to take on the task yourself.
Before you start shopping, identify your budget and stick to it. You’ll be more pleased with the result if you don’t stretch your funds beyond their limit.
2. How often do you cook?
If you cook regularly, you’ll want to make sure you choose a backsplash material that is durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean. Classic subway tile is stylish and versatile and is very easy to clean. Brick is classic and durable, but it’s tough to clean and will show grease stains over time. Stone, however, is one of the most durable materials you can use for your kitchen surfaces, but it often comes at a steep price.
Whatever you choose, the rule of thumb is that the more often you cook, the tougher, more heat-resistant, and long-lasting the material should be.
5. How much space do you have?
The amount of space you have for your backsplash will help determine whether you should go simple or busy with your backsplash design. This will also affect how much you have in your budget to spend on your backsplash material. You can make a great statement with an interesting material, pattern, or color across a small and concentrated space.
Keep in mind that busy tile patterns, when applied across a large area, can overwhelm a room and grow tiresome over time. The larger the space, the simpler the pattern should be.
3. Do
you want to install the backsplash yourself?
If you choose a backsplash material or tile that
requires intricate designs or hefty cutting materials, you may be better off
hiring a professional to handle the installation.
Most DIYers can handle simple running bond or stack bond tile patterns, but herringbone and parquet-inspired styles may be more of a headache than they’re worth, so calling in the pros may save you a great deal of time and frustration. How much you’re willing to spend on the project will affect whether you can afford to hire a pro, of course.
4. What is the style of your kitchen?
Do you like sleek and modern or traditional and timeless? Is your home rustic or minimalist? Trendy or classic? The style of your home and especially the style of your kitchen will affect the type and style of backsplash you choose. Fish scale tile says trendy and playful, marble says stately and tasteful, subway tile says classic and sensible. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to coordinate it with the style you love.
You’ll also want to make sure that your backsplash coordinates with your countertops, cabinets, appliances, and flooring. If you need help picturing the finished product, try a design app that lets you take photos of you space and try on new styles.
6. How do you want your space to feel?
Once you’ve decided on the style you’re going for, you should then decide the way you want your kitchen to feel. Do you want to convey simplicity and function or are you looking for luxury and decadence? Do you want to reflect light into the room or create a sense of comfortable warmth?
If you want to create a light and airy feel in your home, then choosing a light-colored or transparent material is the way to go. Avoid dark soapstone and marble and heavy brick.
If you want to create a feel of luxury and indulgence, then heavily veined marble or sturdy granite might be the right choice for you (granite is very durable and heat-resistant as well).
Exciting New Tile Options
As a designer of 17 years time, it seems to take a bit more each year to make me say ‘WOW’. Last night I was invited to an A.S.I.D. meeting at a Scottsdale Arizona vendor – The Tile Shop for a special presentation of the latest product introduction from Ann Selke. Ann Selke is a renowned designer of furnishings including textiles via Pine Cone Hill bedding and area rugs via Dash and Albert. Now she has introduced her custom tile and decorative glass products.
Annie Selke
Consisting of over 200 tiles, the Annie Selke for The Tile Shop collection pushes the boundaries of technology to bring the look and feel of popular Annie Selke textiles, prints and artwork to life. Reflecting the texture of rugs, the sheen of metallic fabrics, the softness of dappled watercolor paintings and more, this inspired collaboration ranges from feminine to bold. Mix and match within the collections to maximize cohesion within a space and from room to room.
I needed to share! A breath of fresh air in the tile world. Besides standard porcelain and ceramic tile, she has coordinated a line of large format glass panels to go along with the tile options if desired.
Of course while I was at The Tile Shop I took the time to look at their entire inventory of fabulous tile options. I was happy to see new dimensional tiles, use of color and patterns along with the natural stone classics.
Black and Textured 
Colorful and Geometric Cement Look Encaustic 
Textural Limestone 
Not Your Father’s Subway Tile!
Now that my creative juices are flowing I am eager to embark on a new client project that I will hopefully be able to use some of these wonderful new tile finds in the design plan!