The bathroom is one room in the home that you want to feel comfortable in, and a bathroom renovation can give your home an instant facelift if you plan the process properly. If you want to keep your renovation budget within reasonable parameters, there are more cost-effective ways to look at the bathroom remodeling process, without rebuilding the room. Investing in some good quality tiles that are long lasting will see you get the best value for your money, and shopping around for competitive prices will also save you in the long run.
Eye-catching tiles are a good investment to incorporate into your bathroom. There are a number of materials and finishes available, so you can find the best match for your décor scheme and theme, whatever you decide to go for. Once you have decided on the tiles you want, you can start looking at attractive ways to have them laid down and accessories to pretty the room up.
Here are some practical tips on how to incorporate good looks into your bathroom, at a modest cost:
Practical Matters
Your bathroom gets wet and is probably going to be used daily, if not more than once a day. Make sure you choose a tile that is non-porous so that excess moisture is not sucked up; glazed tiles are usually the best approach to stop this from happening. You also want something that is long-lasting and that will resist scratches.
Size Matters
If you want a more modern appeal in your bathroom, big tiles are all in fashion. Make sure when you make your choice that you have a smaller alternative lined up, as the shower area of your bathroom will use smaller tiles. If you feel bold, you can go for a contrast or patterned look, especially if you have used solid color throughout the bathroom. If you want to stick to the same shade, make sure it is available in a smaller size before you purchase.
Color Matters
While you might be feeling really creative and can’t wait to express yourself through your bathroom décor, make sure you do not overdo things. Patterns and bold colors can work really effectively, but they should be applied in moderation. The best approach is to select one area that you want to enhance and draw attention to and keep everything else simple.
Mixing tiles is an innovative way to put a unique stamp on your bathroom renovation. It can also be a cost-effective way of looking at the exercise too, especially if a pricier tile has caught your eye but you do not want to use it all over the bathroom.
If you favor the rustic look you can mix up a more cost-effective tile like terracotta or ceramic with something that is hand painted, which will give you a custom look while making your money stretch a lot further.
If you want something that is more floral and romantic look for pastel shades in colors like pale pink or lilac, ivory and green, and create patterns out of your shades of choice.
Border tiles are another effective way to make solid color tiles on the floor and wall look more interesting. They generally work best with tiles that are solid colors, especially if you are going for something detailed or with patterns for your bathroom remodeling.
Modern bathrooms often feature monochromatic tile combinations that are strong and attention-grabbing, like black and white or red and white. If this kind of look appeals to you, make sure you accessorize with fittings and furnishings that complement the look and keep the rest of the room simple and uncluttered.
Types of Tiles To Work With
Bathroom tiles all have their advantages and each kind brings out the best of different themes and color schemes. Consider the kind of look you want in your bathroom, whether the tile you think will work best should be matte or glossy, and the kind of renovation budget you have set aside while you are shopping.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are ideal for most bathrooms, because they are durable and hardwearing. As one of the cheaper floor tiles on the market, they are a sensible and practical choice.
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
If you prefer a softer look and feel to your tiles then glazed porcelain might suit your needs. It has more aesthetic appeal and is also resistant to scratching.
Glass Tiles
If you want something that is more elaborate then glass tiles could work for you. They are deal for bathrooms that have a spa theme and are usually iridescent and available in a wide range of colors.
Glass tiles and mosaics can also be mixed up with other tiles to create patterns and draw attention to focal points in the bathroom. Glass tiles are generally more expensive to buy, and you should also be prepared to spend a little more on having them laid, especially if you would like patterns.
Granite and Marble
If you are not concerned about cost and want something that is classic and hardwearing then you might want to consider marble or granite. They are heavy-duty and glossy and give an opulent look to any bathroom, although they can’t be mixed up because of the detailed nature of their patterns.
Patterns for Your Tiles
Once you have selected a tile, you should think about the kind of pattern you would like arranged on your floor. If you are a beginner, then you should get professional help in order to make sure you get the best effect and to ensure that the tiles last for as long as they are meant to. There are a number of creative ways to arrange your tiles on the floor.
Some of the patterns you should ask your tiler about include straight course, Herringbone, offset, windmill, square brickwork, hexagonal, basket weave, hopscotch, diagonal and pinwheel.
Different patterns work well in different spaces, and some arrangements can even make the surface area of your bathroom floor look bigger when done correctly.
