Robin Daly and Christian Ursino
Robin Daly studied interior design and is a third-generation co-owner of her family business, Daly’s Paint & Decorating. Christian Ursino has more than 25 years experience in all aspects of interior design.
Contact Robin at robin@dalyspaint.com and Christian at christian@christianursino.com
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We’re always on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration. Lately, we’ve been enamored with tile. In one regard, tile is ubiquitous — it’s been a favored choice among Europeans for centuries. Spain is practically one big tile installation!
Here at home, the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s saw tile used extensively in kitchens and baths, although the choices typically were limited to ceramic tiles in white, burgundy, pink, buttery yellow and that all-time favorite, turquoise. While colors may date the space, the durability of tile stands the test of time. Today’s tile manufacturers have taken all the functional elements of tile and married them to a wide range of design aesthetics. There are more surfaces, textures and designs available today than ever before. There’s even a tile that looks like wood! This has opened up a wider variety of uses for tile. Some see tile as art. No longer relegated to the basics, tile can be used to add drama and interest to a space.
Find Your Tile Style
Even if you are a do-it-yourselfer, it may be helpful to seek out the advice of a design professional to get you started on the right path. Not only can they help you envision your space, but through a designer you have access to greater resources. Designers are plugged in — they are aware of the latest trends. Another helpful tool is your local bookstore. Pick up an armful of design magazines. There are publications devoted solely to kitchens and baths, for example, and you can see tile used in a large variety of ways. Finally, surf the Web. Here are a few sites to get you started: daltile.com, pentalonline.com, ambientetile.com, statementstile.com and prattandlarson.com.
See. Touch. Imagine.
We are firm supporters of stand-alone tile businesses. This way you are dealing with a company that lives, breathes and sleeps tile — not just a department within a big-box store. Box stores generally carry a very limited selection of mainstream products, and you are likely to end up with the same options as your neighbors. Who wants that? Going to the tile store is your best opportunity to receive expert advice from the pros. They often provide measuring and installation services, or can refer you to a reputable installer whose work they are familiar with.
Measure, Don’t Estimate!
Ideally, the person installing the tile should do the measuring. Not only will they be able to plan the most efficient way to use the tile (saving you from over-buying), but they can troubleshoot on-the-spot any issues that may arise. There’s skill required to translating the basic area that needs to be covered into the actual quantity of tile elements required; installers know when to specify corners, edges, bull noses, etc. — all the details that can give your job it’s “wow” factor.
Grumpy About Grout
Bad grout selection can be as awful as a bad dye job — but grout won’t grow out. Take careful consideration when selecting your grout. With limited color choices, grout becomes very important. As a general rule, we like to select a color that is closest to the color of the tile; otherwise you may end up with a very strong design component you hadn’t planned for. Many of today’s tiles are laser cut, allowing for an almost non-existent grout line. Combine that with a good grout color and your seams virtually disappear.
Temptation. Installation. Reality Check.
We know how easy it is to be lured by all the gorgeous designs, colors and styles. We want to remind you that tile is a long-term investment, so be careful of the latest and greatest looks — ask yourself, will this be so great in five years? While tile trends are relatively long-lived in the design world, make sure you are committing to a look you can live with for the long-term. You can make a bad color choice with paint, and that’s an easy fix — with tile, not so much.
For the full story pick up the latest copy of 425 magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 425.646.1380 or you may order your subscription online.
