About To Start Tiling? Be Brave!

If you're about to start tiling, this article will help you avoid drab and dull decisions, helping you embrace the bold, brave and exciting side of tiles!

All tiles are beautiful. They are elegant, durable, practical and cost-effective. However, they also take quite a bit more effort than laminate on the floor or paint on the wall, so it makes sense to go for something a bit more exciting if you are going to use them in the home.

Tiles do not have to be boring, drab, repetitive or boring. Sure, a floor or wall with crisp white porcelain tiles, or sleek black tiles can be beautiful, and make an incredible base for a stunning room, but that doesn't mean those are your only choices. That doesn't mean your creative self (and we all have one!) has to stay deep inside, unheard.

Tiling really does cater to your creative side as well, because there is so much room for creativity. Endless shades, colours, styles, patterns, textures - there is no limit - you can even play with the grout colours if you want to or splash out in some chic designer tiles. With all of these incredible choices, it really is time to make your tile choice count! Here are some tips to help you:

Colour

Tile colour can be bold and beautiful, and provide a really incredible palette for you to make exactly the effect you want. Why not use blue and green wall tiles to combine these two common serene colours and have the most relaxing bathroom around. The two colours compliment each other really well. You could also stick to your white wall, but add the odd coloured tile if you want to, even just adding one tile of each colour of the rainbow. You might also want to do the entire floor and walls in one bold bright colour (just remember you have to live with it for a while!). You could also play with ombre and monochrome if you want to. Don't be afraid to play with different colour combinations to make your own stunning tile palette.

Pattern

As well as colour, there is also pattern to play with. Fishscales, bubbles, mediterranean tiles - there are so many patterns and indeed textures to play with. Vintage tiles are a particularly good example of how pattern can truly change the appearance of a tiled surface. A clean and simple bathroom can be jazzed up quickly with a tiled floor with mismatched vintage tiles. A kitchen looks exciting all of a sudden with some vibrant original vintage tiles dotted along the wall complementing the retro accessories and colour scheme.

Other Ideas:

• Placement - don't be afraid to think out of the box with placement. If you want splashes of colour, it doesn't have to be the backsplash or a boarder
• Coloured grout - you can get coloured grout to add even deeper visual effect to your tiles
• Features - tiles can be 'rugs' or even 'headboards' now and look phenomenal. They do take a little more commitment and thought, but if done right, they look unique and truly gorgeous

Remember to have fun, take your time and put creativity first. Yes you will have practical things to consider like your family, the room size, your budget and time, but there are always ways around those things if you have your heart set on a unique design that expresses your personality. Have fun!

The author has written and published articles on a wide range of topics including Small Business Advice, Tax and Accounting, Interior Design, House Renovation and Project Management.