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Your house is your own personal story to tell and make the most of it! Experiment with patterns, colors, and designs to make your home the reflection of your true self.
Do you also find yourself asking the same repetitive questions as to which color will suit the space best, what design will make the space look less cramped, how to go about choosing the patterns, and how to budget accordingly? Well, you are not alone.
All answers to your questions lie in what you want from your space – whether it is a contemporary or modern look, maximalist or minimalistic look, and depending on your vision for your space can you create your own comfortable den?
With the various types of tiles, choosing the perfect tiles for your space can seem like a heady task. Here are some suggestions on home decor ideas and tiles that will help you infuse your personality into your space.
1. Mix and Match
One of the most innovative ways to use tiles in your space is by combining and mixing different colors and patterns. You can choose to go with glossy finish tiles for your floors and matte finish tiles for your walls or vice versa for a pleasant juxtaposition of textures.
Similarly, you can experiment with different types of patterns or designs to create a space that is truly unique. If making bold statements with patterns and colors is not you, colors like white and grey, blue and white, and different shades of grey are some of the popular color palettes you can work with.
2. Use Neutrals
A foolproof way of never going wrong with your decor is by opting for neutrals. Muted colors make smaller spaces look bigger and less cluttered and add a sense of calmness and minimalism to any space.
Neutral shades such as beige, grey, cream, brown, white, taupe, and black, work really well on walls and flooring. They are quite versatile and can be used with different kinds of furniture and other accessories in the space.
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3. Bold and Beautiful
Even if you love a minimalist and neutral color scheme for your décor, you can occasionally opt to add a bold and beautiful design or color that can elevate the look of the entire space.
Think horizontal wall paneling or patterned tiles on the wall, accent wall tiles for the bathrooms, or dark terrazzo tiles for your flooring that can add the much-needed color and panache to the space.
4. Running Bond Tiles
Instead of going for a simple straight or grid pattern, it is better to opt for running colors that can create a great visual illusion. Complementary neutral colors like black and grey or black and white can be used on walls and floors of a space side by side.
The look can be further enhanced by using similarly colored furniture accents, accent walls, countertops, and kitchen backsplashes.
5. Large and Edgy
There is a type of tile known as the large format tile. While these tiles can be used anywhere, they are a great choice for use in smaller areas and spaces, such as bathrooms, mud rooms, and walk-in closets.
Since the grout lines are minimal, it gives the illusion of a larger space and gives the space a seamless look. Minimal grout lines also ensure these tiles are easy to maintain. They are very versatile and provide the space with an interesting focal point.
6. Chequered Tiles
While chequered tiles are often preferred for outdoor areas such as porches, terraces, and balconies due to their durability and ability to withstand heavy traffic, they can also be used in indoor spaces, such as bathrooms too.
The tiles have a striking pattern and can be installed straight for a simple look and in a diagonal pattern for a quirky look. These tiles are available in a variety of different types as mentioned below:
a. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles for flooring have been quite a popular tiling choice for a long time now. They are durable, and economical and are available in multiple designs and patterns.
They can be used in a variety of spaces, such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms. The tiles are available in a large variety of patterns, chequered included, and you can definitely find a tile that suits your style and vision for a space.
b. Vitrified Tiles
They are nothing but ceramic tiles that undergo an extra process of vitrification that makes them stronger. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and apart from the regular spaces around the house, you can also install them in high moisture zones too, such as swimming pools, kitchens, bathrooms, and even balconies and terraces due to their low porosity.
Vitrified tiles are also available in a wide variety of colors and designs, ensuring there is a tile for every design scheme.
c. Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are small, cube-shaped tiles that are intricate and can help you create your own design. These tiles help infuse a sense of royalty and opulence wherever they are installed. Although they require a lot of maintenance thanks to their prominent grout lines, you can still include them in your home interior to make a statement.
d. Marble Tiles
Marble tiles have been used since time immemorial and have a quaint element of fluidity and elegance to them, thanks to their intricate veining. If you love the way marble flooring looks, but do not want to spend hours (and a lot of money) on its maintenance, you can invest in marble tiles.
They provide you with the look of natural marble and are much more affordable, especially if you are on a tight budget.
e. Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles help add an element of rusticity to any space that they are added to. While stunning to look at, the maintenance can be a bit finicky, especially in Indian homes. If you wish for the look of natural stone flooring, but without the added headache of regular maintenance, you can opt for natural stone tiles.
These tiles resemble natural stone and provide you with the exact look you are looking out for. If you wish to add an earthy and natural touch to your space, stone tiles are your best bet!
7. How to Make The Right Choice from Different Types of Tiles
The choice of tiles totally depends on the space you are looking to install the said tiles in. For example, glossy floor tiles can be a very bad idea for spaces like bathrooms and porches, since they can be a slipping hazard when wet.
Similarly, using tiny mosaic tiles, with their infinite grout lines, on the backsplash may be peak aesthetic, but can be a nightmare to clean and get the grease and stains out.
Think about the functionality of the space before you choose tiles since tiles are a long-term investment and you can not switch them out every year or so (without breaking your bank).
8. Things to Avoid
When choosing tiles for your home, make sure you do your research well. Do not make impulsive purchases and always make an informed decision. If required, consult a professional to help you make a choice.
They will have a better idea as to which type or kind of tile will be better for your space. Avoid buying cheap quality tiles as, as mentioned before, tiles are a long-term investment and cheap tiles won’t last you long. Also, make sure you buy extra tiles so that if there is an accident, you do not run short.
Choosing the right tiles for your home is important as they are going to be on your floors and walls for a long time. Choosing the wrong tiles can affect the way your home looks and can also affect the way your space functions. Therefore, making an informed and fully researched decision will only help your purpose.
Author Bio
Isha Tandon has worked within the architecture and interior design industry as a flooring consultant expert – specializing in tiles, stones, and terrazzo. She has worked with Orientbell Limited, a leading tile manufacturer in India, as a product development manager in the design team and has recently joined the marketing team as their digital content expert. Her experience comes in handy in understanding the audience as she creates value-driven functional & informational content for the readers. She creates lifestyle pieces that focus on interior design products, trends, and processes. She loves to travel to historic places with rich architecture.
