Tile Types ‘101’

January 21, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky 1 Comment

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.

Tips To Improve Curb Appeal With Your Garage Door

October 10, 2019 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is a guest posting on how to improve your home’s curb appeal by the look and design of your garage door. Here in Phoenix many homes have front facing garages and they can sometimes distinctly define the look of a home; for better or for worse. This makes it very important to have a garage door design that compliments and enhances your home’s elevation design.

First impressions are absolutely important, especially when we’re talking about your home. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when people stop, stare, and marvel at the way your house looks. More importantly, that first impression matters when you’re thinking about putting your house on the market. House-hunters will surely want to call your real estate agent with just one look at the front of your home.

That impressive look, of course, can be achieved when you make an effort to enhance the curb appeal of your home. There are many ways of improving curb appeal, but did you know that your garage door can play an instrumental role in bringing fresh excitement to your home’s façade?

Admittedly, a garage door can look incredibly bland, which isn’t surprising since many homeowners just concern themselves with keeping it functional with maintenance and garage door repair. But with a little creativity from your end, your garage door can do so much more, especially when it comes to improving curb appeal. Here are some tips on doing just that.

Paint your garage door.

If the color of your garage door matches the paint of the exterior, then it’s time to do some repainting on it.

As it stands now, your garage door will tend to disappear into the walls. So pick a color that will contrast to the rest of the house in an attractive way. The best color for your garage door would be one that is a few shades darker than the paint on your home. A house painted a light tan, for example, would look great with a garage door with light brown paint. The point is to create a contrast that isn’t too stark.

Do some accessorizing.

If your garage door already came with handles, windows, patterns, or side arrows, then you’re all good on the accessorizing front. However, if your garage door is a little on the simple side, you can enhance the way it looks by adding accessories around it.

Consider placing potted plants on either side of your garage. For added flourish, you can have shrubs, tall plants, and other kinds of greenery close to the garage doors. If you can incorporate some decorative stonework on your driveway, then that would make your garage door pop nicely.

Add lighting fixtures.

When installed in the right spots, exterior light fixtures almost instantly make everything look great. Put up exterior lighting with the garage door as a focal point, and you can be sure that they will enhance curb appeal.

A wise choice is overhead and side lights. They provide much-needed illumination and security, and make the garage door look stunning at night as well. Of course, you have to make sure that the lights you install complement not only your home’s color tone but also its overall style to make the overall look of your home stand out.

If you have a big enough budget for more lighting, then you can go for ground lights that point upwards, preferably towards the trees and tall plants around your garage door.

Balance everything with the front door.

It would look odd if your garage door is all spruced up and your front door isn’t. So whatever enhancements you did with your garage door, it would be a great idea to do the same for your front door. It will make the look of your home more consistent and balanced.

Garage doors don’t have to look dull. Follow the tips above, and your garage door should be able to contribute significantly to the overall curb appeal of your home.

Home Remodels Gone Wrong and Lessons Learned

March 16, 2019 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Guest Post for S Interior Design
By: Paige A. Mitchell

There’s nothing worse than a botched DIY home remodel. But what if you were able to know what not to do before you dove into a home remodel on your own? Here are some prime examples of mistakes to avoid during a home remodel, in hopes that you will be wiser before jumping into the deep end.

Not Planning Ahead

Jumping into a home remodel without a distinct plan in mind is a recipe for disaster. For all intents and purposes, there is no such thing as “over planning” for a home remodel. Make sure you know exactly what you want to remodel and you know why you want to remodel it. Then, make sure you have planned everything as completely as possible, from the budget to the materials to the daily schedule. Leave no stone unturned.

Trying To Stay With The Trends

Everyone gets a little excited when they want to dive into a DIY remodel and the first place they turn to for inspiration is Pinterest. The problem? Going crazy with what the current home trend is, only to have that trend expire after a month and you be left with a less than desirable kitchen filled with Spanish influence. Be sure to pick a look for your home remodel that fits your personal interest and is also timeless. That way, you won’t feel that remodel itch a month after you complete your project.

Running Out Of Budget On The First Day

In the same vein as making sure you plan your home remodel ahead, make sure you completely map out your home renovation budget before diving in. That means making sure you have a realistic budget in mind with real-time numbers for all your materials and labor planned out. Just because you are performing a DIY home remodel does not mean you shouldn’t take labor into account. Even if you are able to perform the entire remodel on your own, which is hardly ever the case, you have to take into account time lost while doing that work.

Did you use paid time off at your work to perform the home remodel? Are you missing out on projects that could have earned you money? Your own time will play a factor in your budget. Along with that, make sure you know exactly how much supplies you need and how much it will all cost you. There is nothing worse than stopping at your home improvement shop only to get to the register and not have enough money for your supplies.

Measuring Once, Cutting A Hundred Times

Measure your work, then measure it again, then measure it again! The last thing you want is to measure your flooring or wood for your patio, get ready to lay it all out, then realize you mis measured and have to cut everything all over again. What could be worse than that? Ruining your materials because you cut too much and have to start from scratch. Check, double check, and triple check that all your measurements are correct so that you only have to cut once.

Going Cheap And Suffering

You’re already saving money by performing your home improvement project on your own. Make sure that when you do spend your money, you are purchasing items that are so cheap that they will fall apart in less than a year. If you are trying to DIY a home appliance, considering instead saving money on a home warranty and have the experts come in to make repairs. The last thing you want is a puddle in the bathroom because you thought you could fix the sink. Make sure you are being frugal in the right places and splurging when you need to same. Same with buying the right materials, know your limits. If you are even slightly unsure about performing a task, hire a contractor.

Exciting New Tile Options

February 28, 2019 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

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!

5 Home Upgrades You Won’t Regret

January 26, 2019 by Suzanne Lasky 1 Comment

Below is a guest posting about upgrades you can do to your home to increase functionality, update the look and feel and increase your home value prior to selling. Notably the first upgrade the author cites is around smart home technology. It gives even a traditionalist, post 50 year old cause to think about implementing a few more in her home….lights that can change color with our moods? Definitely need to find out more about that one! Enjoy reading this post and more from S Interior Design.

There are many ways you can upgrade your home. From full scale remodels to small upgrades that will impact the way you live in your home daily. We’ve compiled five upgrades you can do in your home that will provide a refresh, and can even help you save money.

Photo from Unsplash

1. Automating with smart home technology

We are constantly surrounded by technology, and we’re always finding new ways to make our devices smarter, faster, and better. Smart phones and watches, high-tech doorbells and hands-free devices, such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, allow us to streamline our lives.

Some other smart home features include smart televisions, which are more streamlined than an entertainment center full of modems and they’re more stylish with an unobtrusive screen and beautiful screensavers.

You might also look to smart lighting by adding a lamp that can be turned on and off via an app. Smart light bulbs also exist with color-changing options that can coordinate with your mood.

There are even smart oven options now that allow you to monitor your cooking and food temperature while being away from the kitchen. Imagine, picking up children from school and extracurricular activities and still arriving home to a delicious, homemade meal.

Photo from Unsplash

2. Painting or redecorating

Take a look around your home and consider your current color palette. How long has it been since you painted your living room or kitchen? Determine if a fresh coat of paint will help refresh a stale space. Consider neutrals or the color of the year (“Living Coral”) to update a room in your house.

Other ways to refresh a space without a full remodel include utilizing some of the 2019 home design trends. Some examples you may consider include a full tile backsplash in the kitchen to refresh the space or repainting your cabinets with a white or cream to brighten the room without the expense of replacing cabinets. Also, in living spaces, consider a mix of fabrics to add depth and textures.

Photo from Unsplash

3. Replacing old appliances

Upgrading your 13-year-old washing machine or your finicky dishwasher to a new, high-tech appliance could save you money in the long run. Modern appliances are energy efficient and conserve more water than traditional models, so you’ll be saving on your utility bills in no time.

They’ll also boost the resale value of your home if you’re planning on moving in the next few years. If any of your appliances are on the fritz, you could be eligible for a brand new replacement through your home warranty, which is also considered to be a great marketing tool during a home sale.

4. Getting more out of a small space

We all have a small room in our home that isn’t being used to its greatest potential, and it’s often a bathroom. Fortunately, there are ways to make the most of the space you have.

First, consider the lighting of the bathroom. If it is possible, consider bringing in additional natural light by adding a skylight or solar tube. If that isn’t an option, add recessed lighting in addition to the vanity lighting. Clear clutter, go vertical with storage and consider adding a floating vanity. With a small footprint use all the space available by going up.

Photo from Unsplash

5. Preparing for resale

Selling your home is a stressful process. You want to show it in its best possible shape, but you also want to avoid putting too much money into the property you are selling.

Start with a home critique from a real estate agent or potential buyer. Getting a fresh set of eyes into your space can provide feedback on things you may not see, and may also show trouble points you weren’t aware of.

Once you have received feedback consider repainting and reflooring the interior. A fresh coat of neutral paint helps provide a neutral backdrop that potential buyers need in order to imagine themselves in your space.

Also, consider the condition of your flooring, especially carpet. Dirty and torn carpet may need to be replaced, or at minimum a professional carpet cleaning works wonders.

These are just a few tips and upgrades we know you won’t regret when considering changes and additions to your home.

BY: Paige A. Mitchell