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.

Exciting New Tile Options

February 28, 2019 by Suzanne Lasky

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!

Hottest Bathroom Designs Trends Leading into 2018

December 22, 2017 by Suzanne Lasky

Are you contemplating a bathroom remodel in 2018? Below is a guest post article that will help you think through some of your design decisions. Of course S Interior Design is here to assist you in person in the Scottsdale/ Phoenix Arizona area !

Below is a picture of a tile we are incorporating into one of our clients’ bath designs to be started in 2018. This tile will be used with an almost solid concrete look porcelain large format tile.
It will be stunning!

Also shown are the sink and faucet that will be used. Another trend is the use of single hole faucets versus wide spread two handled faucets. This is a good option to consider when the vanity space is not too large.

New year, new bathroom! As we say our final farewells to 2017, so too do we look forward to 2018 and the design trends that are sure to define it. This past year had us adorning our bathrooms with unique light fixtures, gold accents and standalone vanities. What’s in store for the coming year? Read on and find out!

Monochrome Paint Schemes

If the word “monochrome” makes you think of generic and impersonal bathrooms, you’re not alone, but it’s time to reset your notions for the new year! Supplementing your standard white bathroom with just one bold accent color lets you maintain a cohesive theme while still allowing ample room for creativity.

Try a striking black accent wall or a daring cobalt blue mirror frame – both colors will be huge in 2018.

Relaxing Standalone Bathtubs

Fancy bathtubs aren’t just for celebrities anymore! 2018 will be a big year for freestanding and island bathtubs.

With the recent proliferation of bathing products such as bath bombs and aromatherapy oils, it’s only natural that the standalone tub is about to enter the spotlight. Relaxing and luxurious, a new bathtub can provide both creature comfort and aesthetic appeal. It’s time to say goodbye to the ubiquitous shower-tub combo and usher in the new era of statement-making bathtubs.

Marble Finishes

Marble has long been a staple material of luxury bathrooms, but historically it has been too expensive for use in the average renovation. But recent years have seen more affordable marble tiles come on the market, and thanks to this the material will see a huge boom in popularity in 2018.

Rip out that old floor and replace it with large marble tiles for an instant dose of class that can make even the smallest bathroom feel vast. You can also keep it more low-key with a marble shower backsplash or marble slab countertop.

And don’t discount decor as an opportunity to hop on this trend! Soap dispensers, trays and vases are easy ways to add a little pop of marble to your bathroom.

Patterned Tiles

With monochrome color schemes being so popular, it’s no wonder that another big trend for 2018 bathroom design is the use of patterned tiles. Simple colors effortlessly complement bold, eye-grabbing patterns.

Classic dots and stripes are always in style, but this year will see some daring new patterns take center stage. Angled forms are in, so keep an eye out for triangular tessellations and geometric getups.

If you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, try using patterned tiles on a shower floor or on an accent wall instead for a less intense but still on-trend look.

Technology in the Bathroom

As we progress through the digital age, it’s getting harder and harder to resist the allure of the smart house. And there’s sure to be a spike in the prevalence of tech-filled bathrooms in 2018.

Smart mirrors look at first glance like regular mirrors, but one tap reveals a touchscreen integrated into the glass, allowing you to do things like read news headlines and view your daily schedule as you get ready in the morning. There’s also Bluetooth-enabled showerheads that use voice commands to control water pressure and stream music right to your shower.

Toilets are also getting the high-tech treatment. Seat warmers add an invisible element of comfort to any bathroom, while automatic deodorizers bring us one step closer to the ultimate dream: the self-cleaning toilet.

For a quick and simple bathroom tech upgrade, try giving your light fixtures a new lease on life with smart bulbs that allow you to adjust color and intensity from a phone or tablet app. Having such control over the ambiance can turn an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing escape that will leave you feeling not just clean but comfortable too.

In Conclusion

Modern bathrooms are getting smarter and sleeker, but they’re also experiencing a youthful surge in creativity and comfort. This perfectly balanced combination of form and function means that 2018 is the perfect year to design a bathroom that’s both fun and practical. What trends are you most excited for this year?

Finishes For Your Bathroom Walls

February 25, 2014 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on the topic of what to do with your bathroom walls. Of course consideration needs to be made to the moisture rich environment, who the primary users are, and what your preferred design style is. Paint in the proper finish, wall covering, wainscoting, panels, and tile are all options to consider. We just remodeled a small powder room at our house and placed two different tiles that go up the wall to a height of 42″. It adds a sense of drama in a very small space and functionally as there are no worries if someone gets messy with water.

Choosing The Right Finish For Your Bathroom Walls

If you are considering remodeling your bathroom, you will need to think about the finish you will use on your walls. Choosing the right finish for your bathroom is very important because a bathroom has its own special considerations, and the wrong decision can cost a lot of money to redo. Here I have outlined some finishes you could apply to your bathroom walls. I have also noted some pros and cons to help you decide which is the best choice for you.

Paint

Paint is the basic finish for any wall, and has its own pros and cons in your bathroom. On the plus side, paint is available in a massive range of colours, and if you cannot find one to suit you then you need to look harder. Paints are available that are waterproof and cleanable, so maintenance is relatively easy, and application is a simple thing that you may be able to do yourself. Against it though is that it can appear a boring finish that will start to look tatty within a relatively short time.

Wallpaper

You can buy wallpaper that will suit hanging in a bathroom, and you can add a touch of personality to a room with your choice. The less expensive papers are not as long-lasting as the more expensive examples, but will last a year or two before wear and tear takes its toll (after all this is paper we are talking about …coated or not). Paper hanging in a bathroom is best done by a professional as the steam it will encounter demands good application.

Wood

Adding wood to a bathroom wall is less in vogue now, but it can still look extremely stylish if a good job is done. Quality sealing is essential though as otherwise you could have rotten or fungi riddled wood on your walls in no time. This is quite an expensive finish to use as you have to buy and fit the wood, and then it needs sealing and maintenance. Overall I would not use wood simply because once bored with it you need to have it removed before starting again.

Tiles

Tiles are the perfect choice for a bathroom as they are impervious to water and easily cleaned, they are also available in a larger and larger selection of colours and patterns, as well as finishes. For a more expensive look you can add highlight tiles, or even a feature wall. It is true that some tiles can be expensive to buy, but the mass market ensures a great choice of reasonably priced tiles is always available. You will need the tiles fitted professionally to make sure you have no trouble in the future, and that you have the best overall effect from their application. From classic white to slate, tiles look beautiful in any bathroom.

It is easy to see my preference for the bathroom, and it has been my preference for many years now. If I was on a tight budget I would probably choose paint because it is also easy to clean and not bothered too much by water (as long as it is bathroom paint and has anti-fungicide added). However, I find paint too boring, whereas I think tiles add to any bathroom.

Author Bio:

Leslie Kramer, the author of this article, works as a customer support executive at Cerdomus Tile Studio, specialists in high-quality floor tiles. Leslie loves bird watching and visits various national parks on weekends.

Kitchen Flooring Options To Consider

March 1, 2013 by Suzanne Lasky

The guest post below high-lights the usual options discussed with one that might be a bit of a surprise. A hint it is used in commercial settings, been around for decades, might be found in laundry or mud rooms. When embarking upon a kitchen remodel, choosing the flooring is one of the biggest decisions along with selection of the cabinets and counter tops and of course the appliances. You need to consider the overall look and feel you are hoping to achieve, the maintainance of the material, and of course the cost when making your flooring choice. I would like to add CORK to the list of options to consider as well. Cork is soft underfoot and comfortable to stand on while working in a kitchen, easy to care for and eco-friendly. My personal kitchen has cork flooring and I absolutely love it!

Guest Post:

Choosing the best flooring option for your new kitchen construction, remodel project or home renovation is not a concern that should be left to chance. The impact that the right flooring has on your interior environment and décor can be considerable; homeowners who choose their options with a bit more care may be rewarded with an end result that is able to suite their individual tastes far more effectively. Finding a tile flooring pattern to match your décor or choosing the hardwood flooring option that will provide just the right addition to your walls and cabinets will ensure that the kitchen of your dreams can be turned into a reality, one that will provide you with a more enjoyable and satisfying interior décor and atmosphere.

Hardwood flooring and other natural materials may allow you to create a cozier and welcoming environment. Different natural and hardwoods may offer you a wide range of color and tone options that may be perfect for creating a more rustic and comfortable atmosphere. Hardwood flooring can offer you a quality flooring solution that will make a wonderful complement for stained walls or cabinetry that features and unfinished appearance. Warmer than tile and more sturdy and substantial than laminate flooring, hardwood may be the material option that you have been searching for to complete the perfect kitchen.

The low-cost and superior durability of vinyl flooring has made it a very popular choice for home and apartment construction. The wide range of patterns, textures and styles that may be found for your floor will ensure that you have plenty of cost-effective options to select from. For home and property owners who are more concerned with an affordable and durable material, vinyl and laminate flooring options would be worth considering. Such materials can provide you with a way to reduce the overall costs of your renovation efforts.

Creating a more elegant and traditional kitchen environment may be possible with the use of tile flooring options. Tile has long been the material of choice for those whose tastes center on more traditional and classical aesthetics. Choosing the right tile for your renovation may provide you with a stunning way to accent your kitchen fixtures and overall design scheme, ensuring that you are able to create a more dramatic space. If vinyl flooring or laminate building materials are unable to provide you with the results you seek, tile flooring may offer you an option that will be far more appealing.

From vinyl flooring that will be able to provide a more affordable and cost-effective option for your building materials to the timeless elegance that the right tile selection may be able to provide, homeowners who are interested in creating the kitchen of their dreams will have plenty of options to choose from. Working with the right materials will ensure that your renovation efforts or new home construction will provide you with a more enjoyable environment and kitchen décor. Material selections that will allow you to more successfully express your taste and personal style will ensure that the time and expense you invest will provide you with a more enjoyable home and kitchen atmosphere.