Decor

Michelle Mawby came by and gave us some tips for how to tile for your entryway, bathroom, and kitchen.

Watch Episode 173 now.

ENTRYWAY TIPS:

• The entry floor can create a statement that tells people about your home and style.
• Great place for pattern such as a checkerboard, or a bordered design with a central motif.
• You must consider use and durability - think about protecting from the elements.
• Front hall might be a better locale for a more formal selection.
• The mudroom might have tile for hiding muddy footprints.  You may want to use a quartzite, porcelain tile with texture, or slate, especially if you got kids coming in with sports equipment and muddy feet.
• Consider how the tile will  work with other flooring that is visible from the entry. For example, the hardwood in the living room or the tile on the kitchen floor . As a general rule, go for a contrast rather than try to match. That's why a checkerboard can be a good choice.
• Grout is a big consideration - choose a  grout to blend with the tile.
• Always make sure you're tiles are the same thickness if you are mixing them, differing heights will make your installer crazy!
• DON'T use unfilled travertine or other unfilled materials in high traffic areas - the pits in the travertine will fill with grit.

KITCHEN TIPS:

• Floors, backsplashes, walls all have different use and demands and so the tiles and the  grout you choose should suit their purpose and place.
• Always make sure the tile fits your lifestyle.  If you're a big spaghetti cook, don't use white.
• Make sure backsplash isn't too textured so it can be cleaned up easily. A textured surface takes a lot more effort to clean as it harbours grit, grime and dirt
• Being hygienic is very important. Ceramic and glass are virtually impervious to bacteria.  Remember that its harder for bacteria to hide on a smooth surface.
• Grout for backsplash and wall must be properly sealed annually and cleaned  weekly.

BATHROOMS TIPS:

• In the bathroom you have to consider many surfaces and each one may have a different requirement. Surfaces to consider are the shower wall, floor, and ceilings as well as the floor and the walls in the main bathroom area.
• Shower: flooring must be 4x4 or smaller. The more grout, the better grip, but it's more to clean. Sealing is especially important to minimize cleaning and if you are installing a rain showerhead you should tile the ceiling as well.
• It's easier to tile the ceiling with smaller tiles. The walls of shower can be larger tiles.
• The trend to tile entire bathroom  can be dramatic and luxurious. But it can also be  very expensive.
• Floor: the tradional choice  is mosaic.  It's fun to mix with glass, traditional and timely at the same time.
• ·Wall: If you're going to tile the wall of the main bathroom you could go with a simple subway tile.
• Go for a big tile which may mean less labour and therefore lower installation cost and less grout to seal and clean.