You’ve finally found the perfect tile for the larger area of your room, but do you still feel you want to add that “little something special?” Decorative ceramic, porcelain, travertine, or stone tile mixed with your current tile and décor is a great way to elevate whatever feeling you’re aiming for.
Want to escape to Italian wine country every time you’re in your kitchen? How about the seaside whenever you’re in your bathroom? Decorative tile, like vintage, hand-painted, and glass, and tile patterns with like herringbone and patchwork, can add ambiance to any room while minding the budget.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Coordinating tiles put together as borders or inlays, like a large rectangular or square insert into your kitchen or dining room floor, or as a backsplash, make an otherwise plain room magical. How about darker wood-look porcelain tiles around the perimeter of your entryway floor or smaller glass tiles in a mosaic pattern around the bathroom mirror and doorway? Instant interest. Instant pizzazz!
If you’re just not sure how to use decorative or patterned tile or you have several ideas you’re trying to pare down, at St. Louis Tile, we’ve got an on-site showroom and warehouse full of gorgeous tile you can see, touch, and choose from, including the latest selection of wood-look and classic French and Italian tiles.
Tell us the design you’re leaning toward, and our designers can help you narrow it down or create a custom look that gives you the feeling you’re dreaming of within budget. Here are a few other tips to consider while contemplating your exciting new tile remodel.
Go with the Rule of 3
Just like paint on your home’s exterior, think in terms of the Power of 3 rule for your overall look. For instance, install one tile on the shower floor, another on the walls, and a third in the shower niches or on the bathroom floor. You can always go with more than three tile styles or colors, just make sure your choices coordinate.
The idea is to keep your eye moving. When the same tile repeats itself over and over, the eye gets bored. In bathrooms, we love mixing natural sand-colored tumbled travertine squares with small ceramic tiles and wood-look accents for a rustic, earthy feel.
Add Decorative Tiles During or After Installation
It goes without saying that it’s easier to install your decorative tiles during your remodel, but if you’ve already laid your tile and want to add some interest with other colors and shapes of porcelain, ceramic or travertine tiles, did you know you can add them after your remodel?
Handy DIYers will know how to use a chisel and hammer to break a grout line, then loosen the tile from the sub-floor or wall and insert a snazzy patterned tile to update the design. If you’re less then handy, you may need to utilize the expertise of a contractor (we have reputable contractors and installers we can send your way). Either way, the result is the same—an instant wow! factor for your home.
Patterns Are Timeless
If you prefer a subtler feel, select a few tiles that are similar in style, then install them in interesting patterns on your floor or walls. Think wood-look or marble tiles installed in a herringbone or spoke pattern in an oversized square or circle in the middle of your dining room or bathroom floor. This creates a stunning focal point. Versailles patterns, patchwork, chessboard, diagonal, and brick patterns also make for a lovely room feature.
Another way to add decorative tile into your décor is to use shaped tiles—hexagon, fish scale, penny tiles, round, or classic subway tiles. Interesting, vibrant, fresh—your friends will be green with tile envy.
St. Louis Tile Can Help with Any Design
Our designers love to work with homeowners, interior designers, and contractors. If you’re in doubt as to how to bring decorative tile into your home, let our experts show you how. Our showroom is open seven days a week, until 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, and we promise to make your tile shopping experience fun, productive, and convenient. Feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation or drop by anytime. We can make your design dreams a reality! 636-220-3550
