Tiles have been a well-loved floor- and wall-covering option for as long as they have existed. And while many choose them for their practical nature—few other options can rival them when it comes to water- and scratch resistance—it can hardly be argued that tiles are also attractive. There are so many ways to use them in interior design in order to create a result that will not only take your breath away but will also stand the test of time. Here are a few ways in which tiles can beautify your space!
Sleek and upscale
If you are a fan of clean, sleek surfaces, you have come to the right place. Tiles are not the cheapest flooring option out there, and it shows! Choosing high-quality porcelain or charming marble tiles simply screams luxury. They are a great way to elevate your space without compromising functionality. Tiles come in a huge number of colors, too, so you can pick from all the neutrals anyone might ever need for that minimalistic, upscale look that is so popular in interior design today.
Incredible variety
As we just mentioned, tiles come in every color you can imagine. But that is not all. Considering that they also come in a variety of materials, patterns, sizes, and shapes, it is impossible to even imagine just how many different tiles there are to choose from. You could use tiles in every single one of your rooms and each would look completely different! You can make your home cohesive by using the same tiles throughout, but you could also make each area unique. One thing is certain: everyone can find exactly what they need.
Leverage their ease of maintenance
When creating the ideal living space, looks are not the only thing to take into consideration. If your choice of material is impractical and difficult to maintain, you won’t be able to preserve its original beauty, which may take away from the intended attractiveness of your space. The good news is that tiles are not only extremely durable, but they are one of the easiest flooring materials to keep clean and well-maintained, too. Most materials will allow you to wipe away any dirt swiftly, so your home can look its best at all times.
Create unique combinations
While tiles do come in countless patterns and designs, that’s still not the end of the story. Creative individuals can take it to the next level with the artful combination of different tiles. You can create your own patterns by combining the same tiles in different colors. But it’s not just colors that you can consider combining. Very interesting results can be achieved by combining different materials. Don’t worry about cohesiveness. Pick tiles in the same shape but in different materials, such as porcelain, stone, and metal, and the difference in textures will add an incredible amount of interest to your space. This technique is best used as an accent wall!
Bring in another culture
As you might know, tiles have formidable history to tell. More than just a practical flooring solution, tiles have had a significant cultural presence through time times in various corners of the world. From the Mediterranean to the Middle East, tiles have a prominent role in creating the architectural character of the country in question. So, that said, if you want your living space to possess a similar character and have a bit more spice to it, tiles are a fantastic way to bring in a hint of another culture. You can pick interesting shapes in opulent shades for an Oriental feel or go for the classic blue and white patterns for a hint of Lisbon. There are truly so many possibilities to explore.
Spice up your kitchen
Sometimes, we make compromises for practicality when we are designing our kitchens. After all, the mess is inevitable in this space. However, the kitchen is also one of those rooms in the home where we spend a considerable amount of time, so a bright, colorful design can truly transform how we feel as we do our chores or go about our day. So, tiles can do a lot in terms of your kitchen’s look, too. Since this is a high-traffic area, though, you must choose the most durable tiles that will last a lifetime. If you’re unsure what would be the best fit, tile suppliers can advise you on the most suitable material for your particular space.
Natural textures indoors and outdoors
As we briefly mentioned, tiles come in a variety of materials. Some of these are different natural stones that need no artificial pattern to be eye-catching. You can adorn your space with Mother Nature’s design if you pick the right stone tiles. Natural stones are often used in outdoor settings, such as patios, thanks to these materials’ great endurance against the elements. However, that does not mean that you cannot use them indoors. From dramatic black marble through beautiful, warm-toned travertine, all the way to the subdued elegance of grey slate, natural stones offer great variety. They are also a great way to connect your indoors and outdoors and create a continuously flowing space effortlessly.
Tiles as an art piece
As you might have already guessed, tiles are nothing short of art at times. Whether their beauty lies in their craftsmanship or they are used to create art, this property of theirs gives you the option to leverage their beautiful presence in the form of decoration. Pick a few antique-looking tiles to complement your design and make them a unique feature of your home. Mosaic tiles give way to boundless creativity, and if you are artistically inclined, who says you cannot create a masterpiece for your entryway? The way glass tiles—less durable they may be—are made is a marvel in itself, too. If you’re an avid collector, you may come across unique tiles when browsing flea markets, and you can incorporate them in your design for a wow effect.
A dose of warmth
While tiles are often associated with a cold, rigid feel—blame the white hospital tiles for that—the versatility that tiles possess actually has a great potential to bring some warmth into a space, too. Rich colors and patterns can immediately turn a white wall into a place where one feels at home. In addition, natural materials are always welcome in any indoor space as the textures they bring to amp up the warm and homey feel. Give a chance to stone tiles and you will see the effect.
As you can see, tiles are so versatile that they are simply what you make of them. They can be used as creatively or as traditionally as you want. The result will, undoubtedly, be unique.