Decorative Tile

Kitchen Design : Episode KDE-1012 -- More Projects »

Tiles are a terrific way to express personality in the kitchen. Host Joan Kohn visits tile expert Bruce Levitt of Tile: A Refined Selection, Inc., and interior designer Anna Kasabian, to learn tips for selecting the right tile for your kitchen.

A classic look for tile includes little or muted color with soft contrasts, and geometric shapes. Interest comes from finish and texture, including three-dimensional, raised patterns.

With a tile mural, consider using contrasting styles and colors for trim tiles.

Grout darker than fill tile becomes much more of a design statement than matching or light grout, which seems to disappear.

Border tiles can add interest and color in confined spaces.

Tiles, which often are considered artwork, can accent an architectural feature (like a range hood), create a focal point (like a multi-tile tableaux for the backsplash ), or outline and delineate areas (like a chair rail or under molding).
There are three basic categories of tile: fill tile, solid in color and less expensive, which usually is used for background; trim tile, which can be three-dimensional and is used to finish a design; and decorative tile, which adds color and personality , and comes in a limitless variety of styles, color, textures and themes.
Because tile is so permanent and long-lasting, classic looks that never go out of style are popular.
To get a realistic idea of what different tiles look like, visit showrooms where designers have created vignettes that stimulate the imagination and show the possibilities of color, texture, and style combinations.
Before buying tiles, stand in your kitchen and notice where the natural light hits, and where there are dark or unpleasant areas. These spots can be highlighted and brightened with the right tiles.
Grout is important to the finished look of tile installation. A grout that matches fill tile or is just slightly lighter disappears. Darker grout stands out more.
For a big look with a little cost, use a dramatic (more expensive) accent tile sparingly, surrounded by less expensive fill tile.

Guests
Anna Kasabian
Decorator / Homeowner
333 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02115

Bruce Levitt
Tiles: A Refined Selection, Inc.
Phone: 617-357-5522
Also in this Episode

Kitchen Design : Episode KDE-1012
•	New Floor Plan
•	Decorative Tile
•	Fantasy Tour

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