Tile Trends
What are today’s trends in tile with regards to kitchen backsplashes and countertops?
Let’s face it, granite slab countertops rule supreme followed by quartz surface materials such as Cambria and Caesarstone. Tile countertops, though not as popular as they once were, have continued to be at the cutting edge of kitchen design trends especially in regards to the backsplash. Some of the oldest materials known to mankind such as travertine, granite, marble, slate and other natural stones have proven to have the staying power that homeowners can be sure to get the best return on their investment.
Glass accent tile is really exciting right now. You can use it for kitchen backsplashes, shower walls and as accents on floors, glass tiles add a depth, sparkle and luminescence not found in ceramic or natural stone. With a broad color palette, and finishes ranging from glossy to flat, glass tiles can fit most design schemes. When used sparingly, vivid glass tiles can provide exciting visual highlights. Conversely, when covering an entire bathroom wall, glass tile can create a luxurious spa-like atmosphere. Bonus: Many glass tiles are made from recycled glass. Looking for a tile that complements stainless steel appliances? How about one that compliments that hammered-copper vent hood? The natural choice is metal wall tile. The most obvious application for metal wall tile is the kitchen backsplash. For a polished, contemporary look, I suggest going with stainless steel, which is available in finishes ranging from satin to brushed. Warm bronze or copper tile will add a timeless beauty to kitchens with more traditional style.
We all love the look of hardwood flooring, but I say it has no place in a moist bathroom. The next best thing may be faux hardwood porcelain tile. The tile industry has gotten really creative at manufacturing tiles out of one material to look like another material. A perfect example is porcelain tile made to look like real hardwood. I have one of the floors in a kitchen display in our showroom installed with this tile and it looks great. Available in planks of many widths and lengths, the tile is much easier to care for than real wood. And porcelain’s natural resistance to moisture makes it an appropriate material for kitchen and bath applications.
Sounds easy yet can be a daunting task. Don’t be satisfied with the ordinary. We can help since we have seen up close the final products hundreds of times. Sometimes just having another person involved with the planning of your kitchen or bath design can infuse the creative juices necessary for a project to move forward. And remember; always have a professional install your tile. A poorly installed tile job can make your expensive tile look horrible. And installing tile that looks nice but doesn’t last or hold up to everyday use is unwise no matter what today’s trends are.