4 Simple Tips for Choosing the Best Tile Pairing in Any Space
A new home design project is always exciting, and choosing the perfect tile pairing is one of our favorite parts. As you shop for tile in Dallas, consider these questions:
What personal items do you want to highlight in the space? What feelings would you like your guests to have as they enter the room? Are you ready to give tile the center stage in your design DIY project, or would you want it to play a solid supporting role? These questions can help you choose the perfect tile pairing for any space.
Use Tile for Function and Decor
Don’t shy away from bold tile patterns if you have a small room. In tight spaces, a standout tile can pull double duty and serve as a functional decor piece. Instead of cluttering the room with artwork, accessories, or too much furniture, using tile patterns is the perfect way to maximize your minimal space.
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The Nola Green cement tile in this bathroom became a centerpiece and added design interest without infringing on the small amount of usable space. The design team at @harlowhays didn’t have to add extra elements to the room; the tile design made a bold statement all on its own.
Choose the Best Neutral
Instead of using tile as a decor focal point, your DIY tile project might serve better as a backdrop for other accessories or pieces in your room. Many homeowners have art collections, furniture, and keepsakes that deserve the limelight, and the background tile you choose to support these treasures can make or break the room’s flow. You have several choices even when your tile is in the neutral-tone category.
Warm neutrals like cream and tan will complement natural wood stains or items with red, yellow, orange, and brown tones. Choose a brighter white or grey neutral tile if your room is cooler with blues, greens, and greys. Assess your needs with various amounts of daylight, and always order a sample before committing to the entire tile installation.
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Designers @gildedheights chose the Unglazed Natural Terracotta 2”x6” Zellige tile around the fireplace for this room. It’s the perfect backdrop for this stunning artwork and highlights the warm tones around the space.
Does This Tile Move You?
The right tile can evoke feelings of stability or movement in a space, depending on your chosen size, shape, and layout. For rooms that need a cozy sense of comfort and permanence, select tiles that match the lines of the space and are classic colors and patterns. Are you looking for some movement and fun? Choose exciting shapes and layouts that will draw everyone’s immediate attention.
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The small checkerboard pattern in this space, designed by @livingawilderlife, uses our Snow White and Black 4”x4” Zellige to make the room timeless. The straight lines and solid color contrast make the space grounded.
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On the other hand, this larger pattern on the floors in the @reems_design entryway renovation shows how a different size and layout of the same colors can create a different feeling. Rather than having a sense of stability, these Bardiglio Grey and Casablanca Carrara marble tiles encourage guests to move forward and into the house (the perfect feeling for an entryway).
Stay True to Your Vibes
The same kind of tile in the same type of space can have drastically different effects depending on the size, shape, and color. Consider what mood you’re trying to evoke, and then browse a local tile showroom like the Riad Tile spot in Dallas to get a feel for your options in person.
Are you drawn to a dark and sophisticated feeling? The team @gildedheights chose our Nero Marquina Black Marble Herringbone Mosaic as a backdrop for this coffee bar. The cement tile feels solid and natural, while the black pattern adds a bit of mystery.
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For the opposite aesthetic in a similar space, the team @arizonhome created a crisp and clean pantry with our 2”x8” White cement tile. Both rooms are functionally identical, but the tile helps sell the different moods.
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The good news is that whatever tile pairing you choose, it’s likely to be a success if it adds the feeling to your space that you’ve dreamed of since that first spark of DIY energy took over.
