With so many options and design ideas it can be difficult to find a starting point. of tiles you want, it is important to consider 3 things:
Feel, Function & Funds.
Feel:
How do you want your finished space to feel?
Do you want a space that feels calm and cozy or vibrant and energetic? Are you going for a very clean, minimal look or one that is busy or layered?
Tiles with cool tones, smooth textures and glossed finishes will create a sophisticated or minimal feel; conversely tiles with warm tones and textured finishes will give a room depth and a sense of coziness.
Patterned tiles, in distinct prints and mosaics can infuse personality and create a focal point in small and large spaces. When choosing them consider where furniture and accessories will be placed; you would not want your feature tile to be covered by a rug, sofa or bookshelf.
Textured tiles (i.e. those with waves, ridges, or an uneven surface) will create a sense of visual movement and tend to warm up a space, even if they are in cool colours.
Function
The purpose of the room and the surface you wish to cover; will influence the type of tile that is best for your space.
Is it a high traffic area with working surfaces like a kitchen or a low traffic area like a study?
Porcelain and ceramic are some of the longest lasting flooring materials available, and they require little maintenance. They are moisture resistant, making it the perfect choice for areas where spills are common like bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room floors.
Glazed tiles have a sealed surface that is also resistant to scratches and allergens, this is a big plus for pet owners.
Another popular option is polyvinyl flooring or PVC. Modern PVC designs can perfectly imitate natural materials like wood, metal, glass or stone making PVC floors visually appealing.
For counters, there are several options, granite, marble, and quartz are the most popular. The durability winner is quartz. Crushed quartz stone is mixed with resin to produce countertops that range from solid colors to the look of real granite, but they’ll beat natural stone in toughness. Granite and marble are unique natural stones, these will carry a higher price tag and will require some regular maintenance, but they will give your space an elevated finish.
#TileTip, Consider the number of working surfaces you will need to cover in a space. For example kitchens and bathrooms usually have multiple surfaces (Floor, Counter, Backsplash, Cupboards etc) as well as fixtures, fittings and appliances. A general rule is not to include more than two dominant tiles and two accent tiles in these spaces. 5 or more tile options can create a space that feels very busy and disjointed.
Funds
As Barbados’ largest importer of tiles, we strive to offer quality and variety at the best possible pricing. When selecting tiles for your project, it helps us to serve you better when you have a budget in mind. Not sure what tiles cost? Visit our showroom at anytime to browse our selection. It is also useful to have the measurements of your room in square feet or the dimensions of the surface you wish to cover.
