Using Tile to Make a Big Style Statement

Tile is an extremely versatile material with the potential to make a big impact in any space. It comes in a range of every imaginable color, from nature inspired earth tones to bold flamboyant shades. You can use tile to make a kitchen freshly contemporary or turn a bathroom into a soothing spa. Tile is an ideal material because it easily complements other materials like stone and wood. In addition to the pattern found within individual tiles, the way that tiles are arranged, such as in herringbone or brick patterns, is another way to use them in creating design and pattern.
<br>
<br>Mosaics, colorfully painted ceramic tiles and terracotta tiles have been used for decades to underscore quintessential Mediterranean and Spanish style motifs. Recent trends in tile include glistening glass tile, tumbled and smooth stone, metal finish tiles and porcelain bricks. Decorative use for tile is virtually without end: Bathrooms and kitchens, indoor to outdoor living spaces, floors, walls and accent spaces may all be enhanced with rich, textural tile.
<br>
<br>In the Kitchen
<br>From the floor to the counter-tops and the walls, tile has been at home for centuries from the rustic cucinas of Tuscany to the adobes of the Central America. Classic white subway tile has been a practical, functional and stylish backsplash material from Europe to Manhattan. Tiled floors are easy to keep clean and stand up to years of use without fading or signs of wear. Keeping grout clean can be a challenge but if sealer is used when the tile is newly installed or freshly cleaned, it will prevent stains for several years; reseal grout every two to three years for best results.
<br>
<br>On a counter-top, tile is heat resistant and on a kitchen backsplash, its easy to wipe clean and it adds color and design that may be used to accent kitchen colors. It can used to create an elegant mural behind the stove or around a brick oven.
<br>
<br>In the Living Room
<br>A fireplace hearth or the area around the firebox is an excellent location for glass tile that will add a reflective element to the room. Tile can be used on living room floors to impart a rustic ambiance and decorative tiles can be used to outline a perimeter or define an entry. Tile topped coffee and side tables add color and design and are less fussy than wood when it comes to everyday wear and tear.
<br>
<br>Bathroom Tile
<br>A traditional location for tile, tile can be used in the bath to cover floors, walls, backsplashes, shower stalls, and counters. A bright strip of decorated tile can create a border around the room, behind the tub or atop a backsplash behind the sink. Create a permanent 'rug' on the floor with patterned tile arranged in a rectangle or use river rock tile to bring a rugged spa ambiance to the bath. Tile may bring a sense of cohesiveness to the bathroom: Select wall and floor tiles that echo colors in the counter-tops then repeat these colors in a tub surround or border.
<br>
<br>For affordability and impact, no matter where you use tile, choose a plain or solid tile for the majority of your surface space and accent with more expensive designed, glass or metallic tiles.
<br>
<br>About the Author: Aja Klenna is the top writer for http://www.metal-wall-art.com/, a wall decorating store offering unique <a target="_new" href="http://www.metal-wall-art.com/abstract-metal-wall-art.html" rel="nofollow">abstract wall decorations</a>. Please read more about how to choose the the right <a target="_new" href="http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2488879" rel="nofollow">design for your kitchen</a>.
<br>