Tile can be used as a decorative element in just about every room of your home—and even in some outdoor areas, like around your patio or pool. The great thing about tile is that because it can be made from so many different materials and painted or patterned into so many different styles, you can easily find a look that matches your home aesthetic and your budget.
Want to add tile to your home but not sure where to start? Get some inspiration from the suggestions below and learn even more about your tile options by checking out this infographic from kitchen and bath experts Drury Designs.
Brighten up your kitchen backsplash. On a practical level, the backsplash behind your kitchen sink is designed to protect your walls from water and food splatter, but on a more fun level, the backsplash can be an eye-catching accent. Tile is a great choice for the backsplash because it’s easy to clean and can be painted different colors and arranged into an interesting mosaic pattern. You can use just about any type of tile, but glass and ceramic are popular choices because they are relatively easy to cut into custom shapes.
Play with pattern on the bathroom floor. The bathroom is a good place to add some two-tone tile flooring, especially if your bathroom is otherwise monochrome (e.g. all white). You’ll want to avoid glass and ceramic tiles as these may not be durable enough for the regular foot traffic in the bathroom, but natural stone and porcelain are both strong enough for long-lasting floor tiles.
Go for a stony patio. If you decide to add tile to your backyard patio, you’ll most likely want a material that looks natural and can stand up to heavy wear and tear, as well as the elements. Natural stone tiles are going to be one of your best choices, although you may want to seal them to protect against scratches, spills, and stains. To keep your stone patio looking pristine, use soap and water or another non-acidic cleaner to wash it periodically.
Add an accent with your baseboards. For a subtle way to add tile to your home, try tile baseboards in one of your rooms. The kitchen or the bathroom may be a good place to start; consider choosing a bright tile color to create a bold accent or use a color that complements the existing color scheme if you’d rather have your baseboards blend in seamlessly.
Get creative with an exotic tile trim. If you’re just planning to use a small amount of tile to create a trim, consider adding interest by choosing an unusual tile material, such as sea shells or mirrored glass. Just keep in mind that prices vary dramatically for different types of exotic tiles. For example, natural semi-precious stones like agate tiles can be quite costly, but other materials like metal or mirrored glass are much more affordable.
Don’t hesitate to go beyond these five suggestions with your own ideas for interior decorating with tiles. Tile gives you endless opportunities to get creative.
