Choosing the Right Tiles for Your Next Renovation
When it comes to designing your own property, be it your home, retail outlet, office or an entire commercial building, selecting the right tile for flooring and wall can be a daunting task. After all, tiling a room is a big commitment and it is a long-term choice to be made. Here is a step-by-step guide from our design experts on choosing the right tiles for your next project.
Step 1: Picking a style and planning on it
For most Interior Designers, tons of design and architectural magazines help them pick a combination of ideas for their next project. From these magazines, they select the tiles that they like and a colour scheme of the room or space. This will come in handy in the later steps. Try to conceptualize your style for the room once you’ve picked out the types of tiles you like and the colour scheme.
Step 2: Selecting the Tile Size
The basic rule is to purchase tiles relative to the amount of room space. Medium to large areas typically go well with larger tiles. Large tiles will visually make a space look grand and larger – a result of lesser grout lines and reduced grid-like appearance. For small-spaced areas like a bathroom, more grout lines mean better traction and less slipping. Small cubicles like wardrobes and balconies will benefit from smaller-sized tiles as they need not be cut for difficult angles, resulting in lesser tile wastage.
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Step 3: Playing with Shapes
Tile shapes play an important role in space design especially in this era where tiles are not just plain squares. Linear or rectangular-shaped tiles can add depth to a room and visually expand its appearance. Linear tiles are also more flexible for artistic floor layout patterns like the herringbone pattern.
If you are planning on focus walls, mosaic tiles are one of your best bets. They add mesmerizing effects, and you can have beautiful combinations. Using mosaics with designs or contrasting colours to create borders around larger tiles can result in artistic designs to the floor or wall.
Step 4: Colours for an Impressive Room Design
The colour of your tiles will have a huge impact on the design of your room. Once you’ve decided on the colour scheme in Step 1, it is easier to select a matching colour shade. Here are a few simple tips on colours:
- Lighter colours like white or light grey & reflective glossy surfaces make a space bigger
- Darker colours & matt finishes are trendy and visually create a cosy and warm looking space
- Naturals like beige and cream or soft brown are safe bets for a relaxed feel
- Grey tiles are great as backdrops if adding contrast with pops of colour are in your design plan
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Overall Look of Your Choices
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices with the steps above, review your selections with the overall look of your space design to ensure that they match. Do consider future maintenance of the design and the estimated number of years that the design will be in fashion.
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Final Considerations – Grout Choices
Once you’ve selected your tiles, do have an afterthought on the grout lines. The right colour and thickness have a way of accentuating the tile’s shape and layout pattern. A contrasting grout will highlight the lines and design while a complementary colour will produce a subtle effect. Do note that the size of the grout line will affect the quality of the tile-laying and ensure a trouble-free future.
Check out more tips on buying tiles here.
