3 Scary DIY Tile Mishaps to Avoid
When it comes to a DIY tile project, there’s a whole list of dos and don’ts. Want to avoid those scary mishaps? We’ve rounded up three common mistakes that you can be sure to avoid on your next tile project.
Wrong Dimensions
Whether you’re cutting around an outlet or cutting a curve like this, double check your measurements on any project. Measure twice, cut once and you won’t have to worry about wasted tile. (Photo via DIY Network)
Uneven Tiles
Not using spacers while you’re laying tile results in an uneven, messy finish. Add a couple on each side of the tile to keep things level and looking professional in the end. (Photo via Erin Spain)
Excess Grout
Once you’ve laid your tile, you’re in the home stretch, but a common mistake that happens at this point is using too much grout. Create a crisp, clean finish by smearing the grout on in a diagonal pattern, squeegee off the excess, and then use a damp sponge to remove any leftovers. (Photo via Love Grows Wild)
What are common tile mistakes you’ve seen and how do you avoid them?
Share them with us on Facebook!
Design Inspiration: Stone Countertop + Tile Combos
Over the years stone, especially granite, has become a staple in the kitchen. Why? Because it’s equally as durable as it is beautiful. Take your stone countertops to the next level by pairing them with showstopping tile. See below for some of our favorite inspiration.
Cool + Modern
Love the look of gray and white granite? Pairing it with a sleek glass tile gives your home a modern feel. Finish off the look with stainless steel appliances and silver hardware to continue the cool tones throughout your kitchen. (Photo via@artisansignaturehomes)
Warm + Homey
A warm, cream granite with flecks of earth tones pairs well with white cabinets. Add a brick backsplash, or a tile that mimics brick, to bring the outdoors in. (Photo via @driggers_reed_construction)
Unique + Elegant
A rich classic black and white quartzite countertop paired with a uniquely tiled backsplash adds a sense of modern elegance. We love this mix of herringbone and subway tile as it’s both subtle and eye-catching. (Photo via @homebunch)
Muted + Patterned
If you have your heart set on a patterned tile backsplash, install a muted quartzite like this option. The subtle gray tones pair nicely with the more busy black and white tile. (Photo via @homebunch)
What are your favorite stone and tile combinations in the kitchen? Share them with us on Facebook or in the comments below!
The Best Uses of Granite in Your Home
The list of why you should add granite to your home is endless – stain resistant, fade-resistant, and hassle-free to name a few. If you’re thinking about granite in your home, here are four areas to consider.
Kitchen Countertops
Having granite countertops in the kitchen is a no-brainer. Not only can you sit hot pots on them, but once you seal them, they’re stain-resistant. This means you don’t have to worry when the tomato sauce splashes or your little one spills juice. (Photo via Houzz)
Mini Wet Bar
A wine fridge and few cabinets are all it takes to turn an empty wall into a mini wet bar. Add a small slab of granite and your wine bar turns elegant instantly. It doesn’t hurt that granite can usually withstand wine spills. (Photo via Home Stratosphere)
Desk Nook
Wooden desks get scraped and scratched, and don’t forget about the ring left by your morning cup of joe. Swap out wood for granite for a low-maintenance, but beautiful desk. (Photo via Atkinson Drive)
Bathroom Vanity
From toothpaste remnance to makeup spills, bathroom countertops see their fair share of messes. Solution: Add granite countertops to keep your bathroom in tip-top condition. (Photo via Decor Crave)
Tell us how you use granite in your home in the comments below. For even more granite inspiration, check out our Facebook page.
The Latest in Floor Tile: Trending Patterns
Floors can add that unexpected design element that ties a room together. From large format tiles that create a clean classic look to a herringbone pattern that brings the wow factor, we take a look at the latest in tile floor patterns below.
Herringbone
It’s no secret we’re big fans of the herringbone tile pattern. Instead of laying your traditional rectangular tiles in a staggered format, try this herringbone pattern for modern angle to your laundry room design. (Photo via Refined)
Oversized Diamond
Love the minimalist look? Go for oversized diamond tiles like these that provide clean lines in your bathroom. Don’t be afraid to pair them with varying tile patterns like these white subway tile walls. (Photo via Designed for Life)
Striped Penny Floor
If you’re looking for a way to add a little fun to your design plan, consider black and white penny tiles in a striped pattern. While you may not want to tile your entire kitchen like this, it’s perfect for a jack-and-jill bathroom between the kids’ rooms. (Photo via Lindsey Herod Interiors)
Fish Scale
These days, fish scale tiles are all the rage. They’re a playful way to add dimension to your room and are unique enough to create a stand out design. (Photo via Style by Emily Henderson)
Gingham
Black, white and gray tiles are all you need to create a classic gingham pattern in your house. Used sparingly it can create an eye-catching design. (Photo via The Lettered Cottage)
What tile patterns are on your floor? Share them in the comments below or are on Facebook!
Mees Tile & Marble goes totally robotic!
With their newest robotic saw, this dual bed machine speeds production for Mees Tile & Marble.
Customers can view layouts in advance so that they can see how the veins will match.
See how that helps our customers!
- Published in Design
Tile as Art: 4 Creative Tile Patterns
Adding creative tile patterns to your space in equal parts is decorative and durable. If you’re looking for a way to bring art into your home with tile, we’ve highlighted four options below.
V-Shaped
A few shades of subway tile and a little bit of patience is all it takes to achieve this showstopping backsplash. The V-shaped pattern makes your backsplash the focal point of the kitchen, while the subway tile keeps it looking classic and timeless. (Photo via Design Milk)
Modern Chevron
Not ready to give up on the chevron pattern? Neither are we. Stack rectangular tiles in this pattern to create height and dimension, and also bring a little fun to your kitchen or bathroom. (Photo via Design Milk)
Random
If uniform isn’t your style, try incorporating scattered colored tiles throughout a white diamond pattern to add a geometric modern look to your space. (Photo via Amara)
3D Art
When the right shades hit the right shapes you’ll create an eye-catching 3-D effect that brings depth to your space. Stick with neutral colors like gray hues to keep it clean and modern. (Photo via Domino)
What tile patterns are you loving at the moment? Share your favorites with us on Facebook or comment below!
3 Grout Trends Taking Over the Tile World
Gone are the days of basic, white grout. While it goes perfectly with some tile, there’s nothing wrong with thinking outside the grout box and going bold. From black to glitter, we take a peek at the trends between the tiles below.
Metallic
Want to make a statement? Go for a glamorous feel with glitter or metallic grout. Not only does it bring a unique aspect to your backsplash, but it’ll also help hide dirt and grime. (Photo via @kamigrayinteriors)
Colored
Whether you opt for a bright orange or a simple muted blue, colored grout is one way to have your grout serve as a style statement. It’s the perfect way to pair some personality to a neutral tile palette. (Photo via HGTV)
Black
From black stainless appliances to matte black faucets, we’re seeing black and white trend throughout kitchens. White tile with black grout keeps things simplistic while still giving your space a modern flair. (Photo via Katrina Lee Chambers)
What tile trends are you loving? Share them with us in the comments below and follow us on Facebook for more tile inspiration.
4 Tile Textures to Add to Your Home
From glazed to natural stone, textures are on the rise in the tile world. Looking to add it into your next set of design plans? Check out our overview of a few that are on trend.
Natural Stone
Natural stone isn’t just for the floors. Take this textured trend to your backsplash to add a warm, rustic feel to your kitchen. Natural stone is budget-friendly compared to other materials and each piece is unique. (Photo via Style Me Pretty)
Glazed
Planning on going bold? Glazed tile is one way to make your space look ultra luxurious. If you want to make an even bigger statement, take it a step further with a jewel-toned color like this beautiful emerald green. Keep in mind, glazed is less prone to staining but is more likely to scratch than unglazed tile, so think about its use case when installing. (Photo via The Jungalow)
Rough Brick
Industrial lofts have been trending in the design world for a few years now. If you want to incorporate this design in your home, try adding a brick backsplash to your kitchen. If you’re worried about staining, you may also consider brick veneer which will give you a similar look with an easy clean-up. (Photo via Decor Gold)
Basketweave
Going for a farmhouse style? A basketweave tile adds texture and dimension while allowing your space to remain classic and simple. (Photo via Houzz)
What’s your favorite textured tile trend? Tell us in the comments below or share them with us on Facebook for even more tile ideas.
- 1
- 2