From the Floors Up

Different Types of Backsplashes

By Leave a Comment

Many homeowners include backsplashes in their kitchen and bathrooms as a decorative layer. The real value of backsplashes is providing a protective layer to your walls. A backsplash behind your stovetop can serve as a shield to your walls during greasy, saucy, or messy meals.

There are thousands of different types, styles and textures you can choose from for your kitchen or bathroom. If you want to install a backsplash for wall protection and decoration, keep reading! To help you rein in all of the choices, we have created a list of the different types of backsplashes. Keep in mind, there are endless custom options and designs. The items listed below are some of the most popular backsplash choices.

Different Materials for Backsplashes:
Tile: ceramic tile, glass tile, porcelain tile, mosaic tile, handmade tile, tumbled natural stone.
Metals: stainless steel, copper, bronze.
Natural Stone: marble, limestone, granite, quartz, soapstone, travertine, onyx

Backsplash Patterns:

Running Bond Tile Pattern (Also known as subway tile pattern)


Herringbone Pattern


Mosaic Pattern


Straight Lay Pattern


Diagonal Pattern


Checkerboard Pattern


Basketweave Pattern


Windmill Pattern


Versailles Pattern


Pinwheel Pattern

Full slabs

Backsplash Areas:

Between the upper cabinets and countertops in your kitchen or bathroom

Behind the kitchen’s stovetop

Behind the kitchen faucet

Area behind the bathroom sink between the mirror

The entire wall behind the bathroom mirror

Lining the space above your bathtub

When you think about a backsplash for decorative purposes, your mind naturally thinks of other places to add decorative tiles. Fireplaces, the wall above the fireplace, the wall behind a bed or other focal point in a room are all great places to add tile! Use your imagination and imagine all of the places you can add tile for decoration or functional purposes!

http://creatingyourspace.com/

Design on the Diagonal

By Leave a Comment

Taking a square tile and putting it on its point can transform this basic tile into a new and interesting design element: the diamond pattern.  Installing tiles on the diagonal transforms the look of square tiles. Diagonal patterns can be applied to walls, floors and back-splashes. In other words, wherever you install tile you can install tile on the diagonal.

For floors, diagonal tiles can make the footprint of the room feel larger. If you use black and white tiles or colored linoleum tiles, your pattern will be more obvious.  Stone or single colored ceramic or porcelain will have a more subtle pattern.  Using a contrasting or white grout will call more attention to the diamond patterns.

A diamond pattern used as a back-splash is a great way to bring more attention to the wall. Using a diamond pattern with simple square tiles allows you to have a more sophisticated feeling backsplash without the expense of it.

Diagonal lines can also be achieved using wood floorboards. This is an unconventional way to install wood floors. Diagonal lines would look cool in a contemporary or loft space. Double-diagonal patterned wood floors create a herringbone pattern that is more traditional. Herringbone or zigzag patterns are also a big trend for wall and upholstery patterns right now.

Diagonal lines, whether in diamond patterned tile backsplashes or chevron patterned rugs, add dynamic interest to a space. Even a zigzag patterned throw or pillow on the sofa can add this design trend to your décor.

Kitchen Tile Design Ideas

By 1 Comment

If you love to cook, you probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen.  Even if you don’t love to cook, but you have a family, you probably still spend a lot of time in your kitchen. Why not make your kitchen so beautiful that you want to spend as much time as you can in it!?!

This kitchen is a great example of one I would want to spend a lot of time in. There’s lots of space, plenty of color, a variety of textures and even a whimsical element in the furniture.

Let’s take a look at some of the features in this kitchen that make it unique and give it a look and feel that encourages you to spend time in it!

  • Notice the pattern of the floor tile. There is not only a beautiful tile that shows color and range, but it is mixed with metal accents. The floor starts out straight around the perimeter and then is divided by a metal floor border. Then, inside the border the direction the tile is laid changes to a diagonal install with metal accent dots in the alternating intersections of the joints.
  • The warmness of the floor compliments the color of the cabinets well. Then, notice how the countertop does an excellent job of tying the colors in the floor and the colors in the cabinet together. Note how things blend and coordinate, but do not match.
  • The designer chose to go with a lighter, more neutral backsplash and use a pattern to set the tile for the focus rather than introducing more color.  It serves as a nice restful backdrop for the decorative items displayed on the counter.
  • Of course there has to be a comment about the whimsical Picasso barstools. The finish on the stools ties in well with the color of the cabinet hardware. The seat cushion brings in the warmth of the wall color -all while introducing an element of fun!
  • Overall, this kitchen achieves a feeling of warmth and comfort while being extremely functional and not to mention – easy to keep clean!

What are your thoughts on this kitchen? What would you change? Does the warmth and color scheme appeal to you?

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

Recent Comments

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive new post notifications via email.