Improve and Upgrade your Kitchen with Tile

Tile is an extremely versatile material that comes in a rainbow of colors and a seemingly infinite array of finishes, styles and materials. In a kitchen, using tile for the flooring, backsplash or countertop not only adds style and color to the space, it can enhance function, because tile is relatively easy to keep clean. And when it comes time to put your house on the market, tile is generally considered a material upgrade when compared to Formica or linoleum. So installing tile is great idea both now and later.

Tile Flooring

If you are tired of your old kitchen floor, a tile floor may be just what your kitchen needs to rev up its decorative style. From Tuscan-inspired terra cotta tiles to patterned or textured ceramics or beautiful porcelain tiles, there is not a color or shape that cannot be found to provide a beautiful grounding color in your kitchen. Sealing the grout after installation will protect it from spills and spatters so that messes can be easily wiped up.

All text copyright angelaglancy. Photo from Flikr - "1950's Kitchen Remodeled" courtesy of NancyHugoCKD.com.

Countertops and Backsplashes

Tile also looks beautiful on the tile or countertop and again the choices in colors, sizes, shapes, designs and layouts are limitless. Tiles can be used to accent any style kitchen, from bold and modern to rustic, country or traditional. Backsplash tiles allow you to create mosaic or mural effects on the wall and also make it easier to keep the areas behind the stove and sink clean and dry. Shimmering glass tiles give a kitchen a polished modern look.

Tiled countertops are durable and highly heat resistant. The only drawbacks with tiled countertops is that the surface is uneven, which can be bothersome for some cooks. You would be wise to seal the grout on both the backsplash and countertop to make cleanups a breeze.

All text copyright angelaglancy. Photo from Flikr - "Santa Cecilia Granite Countertops with Tile Backsplash in Charlotte" courtesy of granite-charlotte.

Affordable Options

Tile prices can vary greatly based on the material, size and design. If you want to use expensive specialty tiles to make a design statement, use them in smaller accent doses and use simpler, less expensive tiles for the majority of space. Specialty tiles can be used randomly or as a border across a backsplash or counter edge; or create a mural or design behind the cook range. Besides being less expensive, using the most decorative tiles judiciously will make them stand out even more.

When choosing tile, keep in mind that you can visually manipulate the kitchen space with tile. For example, using small tiles on a backsplash makes it seem more expansive and laying tiles diagonally makes a space seem longer. Just as color on the wall can make a room feel larger or smaller, light colored tiles will give a more expansive feel than darker tiles. Dark earthy color like terra cotta add a warm ambiance to the kitchen, while bright colors can be used to accent any decorative style.

If installing tile in your kitchen is more work or expense that you want to take on, add the beauty of tile in accents, such as framed tiles for wall art and tiled trivets for the countertop. A tiled topped table brings color and design to a kitchen that may complement modern, Mediterranean, traditional or country looks. Enhance your design with metal wall hangings or contemporary metal wall art that matches your style and speaks to your heart.

All text copyright angelaglancy. Photo from Flikr - "French Country Kitchen" courtesy of NancyHugoCKD.com.