The economy is in the forefront of everyone's mind these days, and it is no different in the design world. Designing economically with tile and stone is always a good strategy. It is important to respect today's often shrunken budgets by keeping tile costs down while not sacrificing design style and aesthetics. I would like to share with you some great tips to keep your tile budget in line.
Floor tile budget tips:- Select a tile or stone floor that is less expensive than the wall tile.
- Keep higher cost items at eye level and in the more visible areas.
- When you enter a room, you typically notice what is directly in your line of vision. Most people do not look down at the floor.
- Use inserts to make the floor look more important for very little cost.
- Place small inserts of tile that compliment a rug, wall paint or wall tiles in the floor.
- This is a very effective design strategy to connect the floor with the walls or other design focal point.
- Avoid linear designs using moldings and liners.
- Use "inserts" instead.
- This allows design flexibility in placement which can keep costs down.
- Always use the most economical field tile available from the line being designed with.
- 4"x4"s and 6"x6"s are typically the most economical sizes.
- Avoid small sizes and fancy shapes when budget is a consideration.
- Consider mixing a well priced stone field tile with matte glazed ceramic accents and moldings.
- Stone field can often be less expensive than handmade ceramic field tile.
- The mix of stone and ceramic can create a dynamic textural design.
- Only tile up to 36" on a wainscot, instead of 42" or higher (but always to the ceiling in the wet areas).
- Create "feature areas" as follows:
- With color and tile direction - don't use more costly sculpted or handpainted tile pieces.
- Create a small-scale, but dramatic, "feature area" where it will have the most design impact while keeping the field tile, trims and floor simple and inexpensive.
- Use color blocking and inexpensive tile or stone for lots of design drama with little cost.
- NEVER suggest eliminating tile on a bathroom wainscot as a cost-saving solution.
- It will look like corners were cut and the design not well thought out.
- Select a good-looking, less expensive line, perhaps machine-made rather than hand-made, rather than leave walls un-tiled.
Avoid linear designs by using tile inserts.
Lots of design interest using basic and economically priced tile sizes.
Small-scale feature area (above sink), normal-height wainscot, & no molding or trim keep tile costs down.
Dramatic design statement using the same size tile in two colors
- Use bullnoses for trim and an inexpensive liner as décor instead of more expensive moldings.
- Quarter rounds also can be quite inexpensive, use them to turn corners where needed.