Tiles such as marble, ceramic or stone are much easier to work with when it comes to interior decorating. Whether they are used on the wall, floor or counters, tiles are ultimately more versatile and easier to incorporate into any design. Tiles can be separated into two categories namely hard finish tiles and soft finish tiles. Hard finish tiles include terrazzo, marble, slate, quarry and terra cotta. They are more expensive because they are more durable. They can last up to a century without much tear and wear. They come in various textures and finishes and are more convenient for outdoor use. Soft finish tiles such as cork tiles and vinyl tiles are warmer and softer therefore ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens as well as walls of any room of the house. They are easier to clean and come in a wide range of designs.
Before you buy tiles, you need to know what they are going to be used for and what design theme you have in mind. For instance, not all porcelain tiles are ideal for the bathroom and not all types of floors can withstand the weight of slate or other quarry tiles. If you are not sure, always confirm from the retailer or from your interior designer. You can always ask for a sample and confirm that you want to take it before buying in bulk. Walk around the house with the tile sample to see how the lighting in the house will affect the tile. Some tiles reflect too much light and therefore require carpeting in the room to make it more comfortable.
Design Tips
Floor tiles should be laid on a dry, level and sound floor to ensure that they do not lift and they last longer. Lifted tiles are very difficult to incorporate into a design because they will not look presentable even when covered with a mat or carpet. Ceramic tiles are most appropriate for countertops, walls, floors and even fireplaces because they come in various shapes and sizes. They can also be decorated or patterned to suit the room they are being put in such as fruits and vegetables for the kitchen, dolphins or shells for the bathroom or any other print that will suit the theme in your design.
Because of their diverse colors and shapes, many interior designers prefer to work on a house with tiles as opposed to many other types of floors and walls. To mix it up, you can throw a rug or carpet on the floor and change up the theme of the entire room. Tiles have been used for a long time and will be used for a much longer time to come because of their known durability, versatility and beauty.
