There was a time when tile was synonymous with flooring. From the foyer and powder room to the kitchen and dining area, tile has been a popular flooring material for decades. In the past, choosing tile meant picking from a few 4×4 ceramic options available in a limited range of neutral shades. Fortunately, technology and time have brought us an overwhelming selection. This “tile revolution” has transformed the industry over the past 10-15 years. It doesn’t matter if you prefer the look of ceramic, travertine, slate, marble or wood, there is something available for your taste and budget.
Open layouts are a game changer for flooring
Most new construction and custom homes have one thing in common—open layouts. Today’s buyer wants fewer walls chopping up their space in favor of rooms that seamlessly flow from one to another. Open concepts dominate main level floor plans, specifically the kitchen, living and dining areas.
Related: Design tips and trends in flooring
Although the open floor plan offers endless benefits, there are challenges when it comes to flooring. Buyers that have always preferred tiled kitchens and breakfast nooks realize the difficulty when flooring decisions need to be finalized. Why? Since there is no obvious dividing line in the floor, as typically defined by door frames and thresholds, it’s much trickier to incorporate multiple flooring options. This limits the ability to have tile in the kitchen and hardwoods in the living room, for example.
With that being said, the tile industry offers options, styles and designs that continue to evolve and change. Perhaps you prefer the advantages and affordability of tile, but like the look of real wood. Luckily, there is a variety of tile flooring made to look like the real thing without the setbacks of solid wood. In other words if you want tile material that resembles real wood, you can get it!
Tile you can see and touch
When selecting special features and finishes for a new home or remodel, move past the notion that tile is flooring. A great majority of tile in a home isn’t used for flooring but rather as backsplashes, shower and tub surrounds, facades and countertops. Buyers are finding that the boom in the tile industry has really opened up the possibilities for creating one-of-a-kind tile masterpieces that decorate the home, making it truly unique.
Kitchen Backsplashes—The trendiest types of tile used for backsplashes are ceramic, glass and stone. Natural stone to shiny subway tiles, backsplashes are a great place to put a distinctive touch on your kitchen.
Bathtub & Shower Surrounds—While mosaic stone or glass tiles are a popular way to brighten up a bathroom, natural stone options are also a classic choice for shower walls and tub surrounds.
Countertops & Vanities—Tile makes a durable countertop surface in both the kitchen and bathroom. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are some preferred options, but natural stone is a top contender for surfaces as well.
Design elements that make your house a home
There are many ways to incorporate classic and contemporary tile into your home. Whether it’s for your custom home or renovation project, Highland Builders can help ensure that the features in your home reflect your taste, desire and budget. Contact Highland Builders today at (804) 449-6006 to learn about our unique process for custom building and home remodeling.
