Today, we’re peeking into the tile files! Tile is many a client’s favorite material for a reason: their versatility is unmatched as a hardy, water-withstanding material that clocks in function as heavily as it does design. When you’re considering treatments for floors, walls, and areas like backsplashes, tile is a terrific option!

There are many takes on tile out there, but today we’re focusing on Emily June Design’s favorites: using unique grouts, direction-based designs, mosaics, patterns, shapes, and natural stone!

gorgeous grouts

Grout is a mixture of water, cement, and sand that creates a glue-like material to fill the joints, or open spaces, between tiles. Grout also blocks water and protects the edges of a tile from chipping and cracking. As you can see, grout is mainly a functional tool – but that doesn’t mean it can’t bring some fun to the party!

The next time you’re considering a new tile project, try experimenting with grout! Changing things up can offer a unique focal point to any project. For example, utilizing contrasting grout (think white grout with a dark tile) is an easy way to subtly amp up visual interest in tiled areas! Ready to turn up the dial even further? Colored grouts are the wildcard in the traditional family of neutral options such as black, white, and grey. Using these is an easy way bring an unexpected pop of color to large spaces of tile, easily jazzing up a shower or kitchen!

See how effective this orange grout is at bringing your eye back for a double take?

Design by: @witlof_design

Photo by: @saralyndphotography

getting tired of the same old grout? SHOP THE LINKS BELOW FOR SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PICKS!

dazzling directions

Sometimes, less is more. Simple rectangular tiles in a single color (sounds a little boring already, right?) can be completely transformed into the Cinderella of the ball just by arranging them in various patterns! This subtle shift can bring some serious visual interest to a floor, wall, or any tiled space by leading the eye in various directions, even toward other design features like a window or a cooking range.

Clients have a wide variety of directional patterns to choose from, but some of our personal favorites are Basket Weave, Herringbone, Chevron, and Brick.

The “brick” style pattern keeps the beautifully-tiled fireplace in focus by making it appear wide and stately.

Design by: @mwi_interiors

Photo by: @brittanydawn

ready to go in a new direction? SHOP THE LINKS BELOW FOR SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PICKS!

marvelous mosaics

Decorative mosaics, or designs made out of small pieces of material date back to 4th Century Greece (if you read last week’s blog, you’ve realized just how innovative our ancient civilization friends were back in the day!). Today, glass, ceramic, and stone have replaced small pebbles to create beautiful, intricate mosaic tiles. Modern mosaics designs can range from multiple single-color shapes arranged in a pattern or smaller-scale pieces combined to create a mosaic tile.

While more fragile glass mosaic tiles are most useful on walls and backsplashes, sturdier ceramic or stone mosaics make an attractive flooring! No matter the complexity of the design, mosaics are a sure-fire way to create an interesting space, inspiring plenty of double-takes.

This designer cleverly used multiple colors of tile to create an eye-catching mosiac out of larger tiles!

Design by: @foxhomesmn

Photo by: @foxhomesmn

getting motivated by mosaics? SHOP THE LINKS BELOW FOR SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PICKS!

pretty patterns

One of our most favorite tile styles is a patterned tile, which has a pattern that is painted, printed, or integrated into the makeup of the tile itself! As one of the oldest forms of decorative art, painted tiles have roots in ancient Egyptian and Arab culture. Full of personality, patterned tiles are a way to inject creativity and fun into any space.

When choosing a pattern, consider playing with scale. Using smaller patterns will make a space feel bigger, and larger patterns can make a large space feel cozier. Try mixing different sized patterns in the same space – the contrast will have quite an impact!

You can see how the pattern in this tile carries your eye towards this gorgeous shower and light-flooded window!

Design by: @ninafarmerinteriors

Photo by: @stephankentjohnson

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stellar shapes

Don’t be a square – consider softer tile shapes like arabesques, arches, circles! Geometric options like rhombuses and triangles are another way to keep sharp lines but keep a design looking uniquely yours, rather than relying on a basic rectangle tile.

Creatively-shaped tile can be used in varying colors to create a pleasing pattern across a wall, or you could let the texture of a tile in a single color do all of the work! Light will reflect across an uneven tile surface, shining a spotlight on any waves, grooves, or creases in its design.

Varying colors brings this wall of tile in a simple shape to life!

Design by: @emilyjunedesigns

Photo by: @kerrykirkphoto

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stone-age style

Natural stone tiles are made out of, well, natural stone! This material is created naturally over thousands of years by water, minerals, and lava. Natural stone is extracted from various environments from around the world – for example, Italy’s landscape is ripe with mountains, making it one of the top sources in the world for marble! Granite, another popular natural stone, is found in areas where the magma under mountains or volcanoes has cooled into stone.

Natural stone tiles are a classic choice because they instantly elevate a space. Their durability is unmatched, providing a great choice for frequently-traveled floors and adding value to a home. Tiles can be large slices of stone or small pieces cut into shapes and arranged into unique patterns.

tile files