Aesthetic Features To Consider

The true beauty of ceramic tile goes far beyond simply choosing the right colour. The other aesthetic features that must be considered are size, shape, texture, layout and grout. Only when all of these variables are taken into consideration, can the best choice be made.

1. Feature Colour - When designing with ceramics, selecting the right colour is the first and, perhaps, the most important consideration. Colour is a matter of personal preference, therefore, get recommendations and advice from your sales rep, but the final choice is yours.

• Ceramic tile is a permanent product, therefore, it is wise to stay with conservative colours. This does not mean that accent colours should not be used. It means that the feature colour should be one that will remain popular for years.

• Light coloured tiles will make smaller rooms seem larger, while rich, deep coloured earthtone tiles, such as quarries or terra cottas, can make a large room intimate and cosy.

• It is important to note that, while solid coloured floor tiles are very appealing, they will readily show dust and dirt . . . whereas, tone on tone shaded tiles and tiles with even a slight texture or design are easier to maintain. This is the same reason why most vinyl manufacturers stay away from solid colours.

2. Accent Colours - What is really unique about ceramic tile, is its outstanding design flexibility. Many customers prefer to customize their installation by mixing in accent colours for excitement.

• Accent colours can come from neighbouring colour families or, for maximum contrast, completely opposite families such as white and black, however, when using bold accent colours, use them sparingly so that they do not overpower your feature colour.

• Accent colours can be used to define separate areas of a room or as a border. They can also be used to accent a fireplace or create a pattern such as a checkerboard.

• Many suppliers carry a wide variety of ceramic feature strips to add excitement to tiled walls and back splashes. The feature strips are usually 1/4" to 2" wide, and 6" long. They come in a wide array of beautiful, bold accent colours that can turn common wall tile installation into a masterpiece.

3. Surface Finishes  - Tiles come in a wide variety of surface finishes to appeal to the personal tastes of your customers.

• The smooth, flat finish gives the area a formal look 
• A textured surface is more suited to a natural setting 

• Today the most popular finishes simulate stones, such as marbles, slates and granites

• Subtly designed surfaces with light embossing are also becoming popular

4. Shapes – Tiles are also available in a variety of shapes such as squares, rectangles, octagons and hexagons.

• They also come with straight edges, scalloped edges, and cushioned edges. 

A. The straight edge is suited for, but not limited to a formal area.

B. The scalloped edge is suited more to a natural setting.

C. The cushioned edge gives the product a popular pillow look similar to a handmade Mexican tile. It's ideally suited for either a formal or natural decor.

5. Size - Generally, a tile is selected in proportional scale to the room. Most people are of the opinion that large rooms need large tiles and small rooms require small tiles, and this is false. The size of the room has nothing to do with the size of the tile. Larger tiles will visually expand small areas as well as unify larger ones ... and smaller tiles add a rich texture when used in large rooms. (The only exception, is when working with a designed tile ... in this case, a large design would overpower a small room).

Experimenting on graph paper with different size tiles will give the same area a variety of different looks.

6. Shading - Many tiles, both unglazed and glazed are deliberately produced with a wide shade variation to capture the natural beauty of the product. A certain degree of shade variation is inherent in all ceramic tile.

The manufacturers limit the amount of shade variation within a carton by sorting the tile as it comes off the production line ... also, the shade and run numbers are marked on each carton.

To minimize any noticeable shade variations, the installers work out of several cartons at the same time ... by doing this, they are able to blend the tiles together.

7. Layout - Once the tile has been selected, you must decide on a layout. Here are some options to consider:

• Generally, square tiles are laid in straight lines, however, they look great in some areas when they are laid out on diagonal, staggered or in a brick pattern. It is also possible to border the area with tiles laid on square and lay the interior tiles on diagonal or some other pattern.

• Rectangles can be arranged in a single or double herring-bone, staggered, or used to create some unique design.

8. Grouts - Can also be an important design element to consider. 

• Grouts are no longer considered just a utility item needed for installation. Today, grouts come in a wide variety of designer colours developed to enhance the beauty of the tile. 
• A grout matched closely with the colour of the tile will give a unified or blanket look, as it will blend into the tile. 
• A contrasting colour grout will emphasize the grid or pattern formed by the tiles. 

• Grout colours may also be used to coordinate with adjoining carpet or wall coverings to pull the entire installation together.