Category: tile

The Art of Tile: How to Choose The Right Tile for Your Space
There is so much tile to choose from these days and for the average homeowner finding something for your application and in your budget can be extremely daunting. Choosing the right tiles for bathrooms and kitchens involves considering both practical and aesthetic factors. Below I’ve laid out clear and concise considerations to help with your selection – as well as some beautiful inspiration photos!

via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

1. Consider the Usage:
- Bathroom: Look for tiles that can withstand moisture and are easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular choices for bathroom floors and walls.
- Kitchen: Choose tiles that are resistant to stains, spills, and are easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also suitable for kitchen floors, while glass or ceramic tiles work well for backsplashes.
2. Durability:
- Both areas are high-traffic zones, so opt for durable tiles. Porcelain is known for its strength and resistance to wear, making it a popular choice.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

3. Water Resistance:
- Bathrooms and kitchens are prone to water exposure. Ensure the chosen tiles have a low water absorption rate. Porcelain tiles, in particular, are excellent for this purpose.
4. Style and Design:
- Consider the overall style of your home and personal preferences. Choose a tile style that complements your design vision. Ceramic tiles offer a wide range of designs, including patterns and textures.
5. Size and Layout:
- Larger tiles can make a room feel more spacious, but smaller tiles may offer more grip in wet areas. Consider the size of your space and choose accordingly. Additionally, the layout of the tiles can impact the visual appeal of the room.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

6. Color Scheme:
- Choose colors that match or complement your existing color scheme. Lighter colors can make a space look larger, while darker colors may add warmth and coziness.
7. Texture:
- In wet areas, consider textured tiles for better slip resistance. However, keep in mind that textured tiles may require more maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
8. Grout Color:
- The color of the grout can significantly impact the overall look. Dark grout can highlight the pattern of the tiles, while light grout may provide a more seamless appearance.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

9. Budget:
- Set a budget for your tile project. There are various price points for tiles, so find a balance between your preferences and what you can afford.
10. Test Samples:
- Always take home tile samples before making a final decision. This allows you to see how the tiles look in your specific lighting and how well they coordinate with other elements in the room.
11. Maintenance:
- Consider the level of maintenance each type of tile requires. Some tiles may need more frequent cleaning or sealing than others.
12. Long-Term Trends vs. Timeless Designs:
- Balance your desire for current trends with the desire for a timeless design. Trends come and go, so consider how your tile choice will age over time.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

If you have specific concerns or an unusual situation regarding your planned tile application, it’s best to speak with a pro, or even visit a local tile shop to get some information. When done right, your tile’s beauty and durability can last a long time!
December 1, 2023
Wallpaper and Tile?

This weekend I saw a beautiful picture of a wallpaper and tile bathroom. It was so stunning, I just sat and stared at it for a while. Initially, if I was told to put both together I would take a minute to consider other options, but seeing it with my own eyes was totally different.

via apartmenttherapy

It made me look around for other options of tile and wallpaper that I hadn’t seen before. Take a look at what I found:

via amiecorley

via diynetwork

via hisugarplumsblog

Or you can just do a tile that looks like wallpaper!

via desiretoinspire

Would you put tile and wallpaper together? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

May 30, 2018
Chic Bathroom ideas

Chic bathrooms

Hubby and I will be giving our master bath a little refresh next month. Nothing major just re-caulking, painting, a new pendant, and new hardware for the vanity. I still thought it would be fun to find some chic bathroom eye candy for motivation and any potential last minute ideas.

Loving the dark matte tile with the wood and marble vanity.

What do you think of the coral pop of color brought in my the mirrors?

Clean and classic white bathroom.

Not crazy about the floor tile in this one but I love that shower!

Another classic bathroom with a modern twist.

Loving the concrete wall.

via DecorPad

January 25, 2018
5 Simple Ways to Renovate Your Bathroom
If you want to refresh the look and feel of your bathroom then you would benefit from these 5 simple ways to renovate a bathroom. These tips should make the overall bathroom renovation experience a more pleasant one.

via Zillow
1. Go Green with Appliance and Materials
We all have to do our part for the environment so if you are swapping out your fixtures like the toilet or sink you should get units that are more environmentally sustainable. The costs of these units may be slightly more than their conventional counterparts but you will save water and resources over the long-term.

via One King’s Lane
1. Update the Grout and Caulking
The grout and caulking inside your bathroom are the first things that show signs of aging so you should consider replacing it with new grout and caulking. This simple step can really enhance the look and feel of your bathroom. This is also one of the most economical projects you can perform without having to hire a professional.

via Tweet Your Trip
1. Replacing the Tile in Your Bathroom
A great way to really enhance the look of your bathroom is to install new tiles. This project is not something you should attempt on your own. If the tile is not installed properly it could lead to water seeping into the flooring which leads to huge problems. In this type of situation you should reach out to contractors that specialize in this type of renovation work. When screening the contractors you should check out their past work to make sure they are capable before you make the decision to hire them.

via archzine.fr
1. Paint the Entire Bathroom
One of the best ways to revamp the look and feel of your property is by painting the bathroom. The paint needs to be durable to handle the changes in temperature whenever you take a hot shower. Since there is a large amount of humidity generated, the paint needs to be water/humidity resistant for optimum results. You will need to make sure the paint properly dries before you take a shower or it could smear. Plan the painting around a day when the entire family is out so there is little to no demand for the shower.

via valyo.com
1. Use a Bathtub Insert
Instead of spending a large sum of cash purchasing a new bathtub which you will require extensive renovations to make room for it you could invest in a bathtub insert. With these inserts the new tub is placed directly over the existing one. This new tub fits seamlessly with your existing one so there is no need for added renovation work. The addition of the new bathtub is a renovation job that is relatively low cost but really enhances the appearance of the bathroom.

By following this outline our bathroom will look great while at the same time saving some money in the process. The sooner you begin these bathroom renovations the happier you will be so start doing your review work now.

*disclosure: this post in partnership with Perth Renovations
July 14, 2017
Cottage tour: A beautiful Hamptons cottage

Cottage Tour

This East-Hampton’s home caught my eye right away. The home was completely gut renovated and the result is a light-filled, airy cottage. Join me on this cottage tour!

A sunken living room with a large comfy sectional and Tibetan Wool area rug. I ADORE the huge window.

Even from the outside this house looks happy and light.

Fine furnishings are kept down to earth by fun artwork.

Moroccan wedding blankets adorn the guest beds – and more beautiful carpets and amazing windows abound!

I love the tiled wall and mirrored wall in the bathroom.

The master bedroom is my favorite. The furniture is perfectly selected to reflect the light and contribute to the airy quality of the house.

Floating shelves and desk are perfect for the home in the home office.

What do you think of this home?

images via Cottages & Gardens

June 9, 2017
Beautiful Cabinets: value and quality from Cabinets Quick!

Beautiful Cabinets from Cabinets Quick!

Who doesn’t love a beautiful kitchen, and who doesn’t love beautiful cabinets that are high quality and affordable? Cabinets Quick! is a company who has accomplished just that. My jaw dropped when I saw the kitchens below. They cabinetry is absolutely stunning. As anyone who knows me guess, the white one especially caught my attention!

About Cabinets Quick!

For the past 10 years, Cabinets Quick! has specialized in SEMI CUSTOM built-to-order cabinetry and functions off the belief that combining quality materials and hardware with superior technology and craftsmanship will produce unrivaled results. From high-end residential work (using plywood and veneers) to commercial projects (using laminates and melamines), our work can be found along the Orange County coast as well as in companies like Juice It Up, Residence Inn, and the Marriott. Our factory features state-of-the-art equipment and we only use durable, locally-sourced materials. At Cabinets Quick!, our core belief in skilled craftsmanship is the foundation we constantly honor.

Cabinets Quick! strongly believes the prosperity of our clients directly affects our company’s success. In an effort to streamline the quoting process on potential jobs, we proudly present our newest Cabinet Catalogs. Our three cabinet lines offer multiple case materials, beautiful door and drawer styles, and a variety of door and drawer colors and finishes to choose from. The craftsmanship is rich and detailed, eliciting appreciative feelings of quality and value to the eye or touch. We are constantly devoting time and resources towards enhancing the Cabinets Quick! catalog and our in-house manufacturing operations. The corporate sensibility at Cabinets Quick!, in conjunction with our employees and affiliates, is to make a remarkable difference in each community we serve.

Beautiful cabinets galore! The range of styles, colors, and finishes they offer are extensive. How I would love to see these kitchens in person!

About the Economy Line

Cabinets Quick! has mastered the art of high-end cabinetry, using and testing numerous materials over the years in order to find the perfect combinations. We have now concentrated our efforts on finding ways to make our high quality cabinets available to a larger audience, trimming costs where we could without decreasing the overall integrity of the product. Imported Chinese plywood is a popular choice among large cabinet retailers due to it’s low cost and the ability to tote the plywood name. But this material often comes with no warranty and lacks consistency in overall quality, two factors Cabinets Quick! feels is not worth the difference in price. Instead, we opted to stay with a domestically sourced White Melamine, a material option used even in the finest homes. Our melamine contains a durable 90lb Particle Board core, and we truly believe its relative strength and reliability overshadows the “non-plywood” stigma. Instead, we opted to save consumers money by switching to comparable off-brand European hardware and streamlining the cabinet construction process by removing certain upgrades. The end result: a product that gives consumers the best value for dollars. In simpler terms, our cabinets lines can be compared to a standard theater versus a luxury theater. Additional options like food delivery and reclining chairs are available for an enhanced experience, but both theaters offer what really counts: the same movie on the same screen.

At Cabinets Quick!, we realize there are many choices of cabinet resellers and distributors. Whether in the kitchen, bathroom, utility or other usable space, Cabinets Quick! offers a variety of solutions and dynamic environments that reflect your personal style. We make it especially easy to buy cabinets online in an easy-to-assemble, ready-to-install arrangement (Quick Ship). Visit our website for additional information and to view examples of our work.

Cabinets Quick! are located at 1742 North Case Street, Orange, CA 92865 and serve many states across the country.

*Disclosure: This post in partnership with Cabinets Quick!

May 23, 2017
Antique Furniture brings beauty, character, and history to these interiors

Antique Furniture

Antique Furniture – does anything add character to a home quite like it? I suppose that’s debatable, but I am instantly drawn to old pieces with a penchant for craftsmanship and history. Another HUGE appeal that I don’t think is broadcast enough is that there is not potentially harmful off-gassing!

Beautiful hardwood floors and mouldings make this furniture and decor shine.

Antiques don’t mean stuffy or traditional, there is a lot of antique furniture out there that is modern even for today’s standards.

A desk so gorgeous sitting down to answer emails will seem like a treat…maybe.

Believe it or not this dining room is in a beach house. How clever is using these leather benches for table seating?

Holy armoire…and wallpaper.

All images via 1st dibs

May 5, 2017
Dream bathrooms: Layout, storage, materials, and decoration
Dream bathrooms galore!

I’m a sucker for a good bathroom. I love a good soak, especially in the winter, and now with a toddler, my bathroom is a well-needed refuge. The perfect bathroom isn’t achieved through one element, rather the combination of a great layout, adequate bathroom storage, well-considered materials, easy to use fixtures, and lastly the decoration used to personalize it. The amount of choices you’ll have to make when planning a bathroom can be overwhelming: pedestal sinks, double vanities, freestanding tubs, and corner shower stalls abound! Hopefully the bathroom guide below can be a little help or at least provide some inspiration!
1. Bathroom Layout
  
  To begin with, your bathroom layouts need to be efficient because they are often tighter on space than other rooms in the home. Not space for a freestanding tub and a corner shower means you will need to plan for a bathtub shower combo. A good place to start is the National Kitchen and Bath Association for planning guidelines, and of course, your favorite internet sources for inspiration. If you have a large family, separating the toilet from the shower and sink area allows multiple people use of the bathroom at the same time.
A double vanity tucked in a corner provides space for a beautiful walk-in shower, which are usually space hogs. Wall space is utilized by a large mirror, reflecting more light into the space.

2. Adequate Bathroom Storage

Secondly, Especially important if you have a small or even normal-sized bathroom is making sure you have storage! The smaller your bathroom, the more creative you will have to be at coming up with storage solutions. This is where the internet will be your friend. Try to find ways to utilize your vertical (wall) space. Built in shelves, hanging shelves, mountable cabinets, you name it. Whatever solutions will get things off of the floor are your friends!

The narrow vertical shelves behind the door and and the build in shelves in the shower create much needed storage space for towels, toiletries, and other bathroom necessities. Isn’t the gray marble tile absolutely beautiful?

Nothing beats the bathroom vanity when it comes to adding under-sink storage, but don’t forget is can also create wall storage also! Look into vanities or cabinetry to go on the side of your mirror and above the sides of the sink.

3. Materials

Since one can only get so creative with the layout of your bathroom – toilet in the shower?? No thanks.., materials are where you can really stand out with your bathroom design. Tiles come in such a wide variety of colors and styles these days. Backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens, you can add sophistication through a backsplash behind your bathroom sink. HATE cleaning grout? Consider stone or granite in your shower. Materials also includes hardware, for which there is no shortage of variety these days either. Cabinet knobs, come in every style and finish, lighting comes in every style and finish, and then faucets and shower heads also come in a never-ending array of styles and finishes. Whatever you go with, make sure that the materials and finishes match your lifestyle. If you know you won’t be able to keep grout mildew-free or shiny finishes polished, than chose a finish and material that are smudge-resistant and/or more resistant to mildew.

It doesn’t get more beautiful than marble and marble tile in my opinion, and this bathroom is proof. The pendant light over the tub is really beautiful as well, and it’s brass finish adds warmth to the space. The crown moulding and built-in-shelves are thoughtful details. I’m not sure about how durable marble is however, as I believe it can etch, so it might not be something I would consider for a children’s or high-traffic bathroom.

4. Decoration

Lastly, This is where you really get to have fun. Since decor is generally less expensive, you don’t have to worry that your decisions are set in stone. Artwork, mats, and towels can be changed with the seasons if you desire. Don’t forget paint colors as well! Keep this in mind when decorating a child’s bathroom. Since children grow up all to quickly, decor that is easy to change out or grows with them will be another choice you’ll have to make.

This bathroom goes from pretty and patterned to dramatic with a glossy forest green ceiling. The glass cabinet is a perfect way to add style and storage to this bathroom.

Honeycomb patterned penny tile takes centerstage along with a mod chandelier. The freestanding clawfoot tub with gold finishes also lends itself to the elegant aesthetic. The floor to ceiling drapes, 3/4 height tile, and navy wall also all add to the elegance and sophistication to the bathroom.

I love the layering of textures in this bathroom. The ornate tiles with the oriental rug over them ads a lot of bohemian charm.

This post in partnership with Decoraport International
January 23, 2017
Beautiful rooms that are eclectic, artisan, and bohemian

I know we see this look around a lot now, but I can’t help it – I love it. White kitchen, oriental rug, and clean hardware. Jealous.

I think this would make a great guest room. The amazing plank ceiling, antique bed, and pretty textiles hanging from the ceiling.

How fantastic are the bones of this room? From the moldings to the amazing tile floors it looks like a work of art!

Love all the textures and objects that look like they were found on fun adventures.

What a cool space to spend rainy afternoon reading. I think this is actually a girl’s room though!
All images above via Loombrand

Another room with amazing bones. One day I hope to have a home with windows like that!
via In My Interior</span>

September 19, 2016
Feeling a little geometric today

Shapes are so simple, yet the can make a major impact in our home. Have you ever taken a moment to look at the some of the shapes you use in your home?

via babasouk.ca

You might be surprised at how many basic shapes you use. Why not mix it up a bit?

via thechrisellefactor

It can be a simple touch of a unique shape that add a whole new element to your room.

via falkenreynolds

Or you can play it up in a big way with your tile!

via delightfull

Try to add one unique shape in each room!

via cupofjo

Are you feeling geometric today?

September 9, 2016