When it’s time for remodeling, the decisions come fast and furious: What type of flooring would look best? Cabinetry? Paint colors? Tile? Choosing so many elements is enough to overwhelm the most confident of people.
“Choice is good—except when it paralyzes you with indecision as you browse the myriad finish options available for your dream kitchen or bath renovation,” notes 5280 magazine in a recent article.
While we can’t help with most of your selections, recently 5280 tackled the subject of tiles. To help readers pick out tiles, the magazine asked Denver interior designer Laura Medicus for advice.
Medicus noted that she first considers “what I need the tile to do for me in the space. Do I need a punch of color? Do I need a pattern? Or do I just need texture? Decide this, and it will help narrow your search.”
Then again, you could just go with one of Medicus’s 5 favorite tiles, listed below:
Surface Art’s Victoria II Tile: Medicus notes that she “loves the uneven surface” of this subway tile, “and I love that it’s glossy.” She recommends “go(ing) big,” using it on an entire wall or next to windows.
Cosa Marble Company’s Handmade Porcelain Tile: Cosa Marble offers subway-size “crackle tile,” as well as mosaics and trim pieces that can lend a vintage touch to a room. “I love these tiles when I’m trying to add a little texture to a bath or a kitchen,” Medicus told 5280.
Sabine Hill Cement Tile: This cement tile comes in a variety of patterns and colors. Customers are encouraged to play with a chosen pattern online “rotating it for different layout ideas.” Medicus warns, however, that the tile needs some extra attention, requiring sealing before installation, again before grouting, and then one final time.
Jeffrey Court’s Mod Herringbone Mosaic Tile: Medicus likes this natural stone tile for use as accents. Available in herringbone and other patterns, it is “great for special backsplashes and fireplace surrounds.”
Black Slate Floor Tile: Available in different shapes, this natural stone is an affordable classic, great to use for floors in entryways, kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Large-Scale Picket Tile: Think of a picket fence with pointed ends on both the top and bottom. For this style, Medicus prefers the Reine from Bedrosians. “It’s a good price point for a shaped tile, it comes in a few colors, and there’s usually good availability.” Consider it for kitchen backsplashes and shower surrounds.