Remodeling Trends - September 2014

REMODELING TRENDS

September/2014

In This Issue

Motivational Quotes

6 Design Ideas for Bathroom Wall & Floor Tile

10 Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Bathroom

Contact Design Builders

904 Ethan Allen Highway,
Ridgefield, CT, 06877
203-431-9104
www.DBARINC.com
davida@dbarinc.com

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About Design Builders

Design Builders & Remodeling is a full-service, residential design build firm headquartered in Ridgefield, CT. The firm has proudly serviced discriminating buyers in Fairfield, Westchester, Litchfield and Putnam Counties since 1986.

Full Design Services

Design Builders and Remodeling specializes in the design and building of additions, renovations, new home construction, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling and new kitchens.

If you are looking for bathroom tile ideas, you have a lot to choose from. The tiles you use in your bathroom are an essential part of its décor. Check out the following 6 design ideas we have come up with for bathroom tile.

Sincerely,
David H. Adams, President
Design Builders and Remodeling, Inc.
(203) 431-9104

Motivational Quotes
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T.S. Elliot

6 Design Ideas for Bathroom Wall & Floor Tile

Tile design is likely on your checklist of decisions you need to make if you are planning to remodel a bathroom. There are many patterns, materials, shapes and an endless array of colors that you can use.

Twelve-inch square travertine tile was used on the floor and walls of this bathroom for easy maintenance. Tile was used to protect the entry to the walk-in shower and to finish the privacy wall. Rectangular 1x3-inch mosaic tile was used for the shower floor. 1x1-inch brown mosaic tile accents the dual sink vanity and the base of the shower wall.

1. Tile for Function and Style

Tile is an excellent choice for bathroom wall and floor surfaces because it is resistant to water, easy to maintain and available in many attractive styles.

For easy maintenance, consider 12-inch square tile for walls and floors. Less grout means that there are fewer crevices where mildew, soap residue and dirt can build up.
In the shower, use a smaller tile for traction to help prevent slips and falls. Mosaic or natural stone tile is attractive and practical for shower floors.
Think about areas in the bathroom near the shower entry and the tub where water may puddle. In these areas wood floor molding may break down and rot over time. Consider using ceramic tile to protect the walls and contain water. Tile used for molding can contrast or blend with floor tile.
Small mosaic tile adds interest when used as an accent. Linear tile can be used to finish off a field of tile or as an accent to break up the pattern.

Linear tile breaks up a pattern of 12x12-inch and 3x6-inch wall tile and frames a wall niche on the interior of this walk-in shower. Stone mosaic tile was used for the shower floor. The marble creates a shelf and caps the shower wall.

Twelve-inch square travertine tile was used on the floor and walls of this bathroom for easy maintenance. Tile was used to protect the entry to the walk-in shower and to finish the privacy wall. Rectangular 1-by-3-inch mosaic tile was used for the shower floor. 1-by-1-inch brown mosaic tile accents the dual sink vanity and the base of the shower wall.

2. Slip-resistant Floor Tile
Give special consideration to the tile you select for a bathroom floor. There are many shapes, textures, colors and tile products available. While no tile is "slip-proof," tile with texture can be slip-resistant. Check the manufacturer's product information to determine if a tile is slip-resistant. Unglazed tile usually provides a good footing, as do many mosaics. Glazed tiles with texture, grit or a wavy profile can also provide adequate traction. Mosaic tile is frequently used on the floor of shower stalls where wet surfaces are especially slippery because of its traction and durability.

3. Grid Pattern Tile is one of the most popular tile patterns in bath design, which uses aligned tile squares to create a field of floor or wall tile. Square tile in different sizes and materials can be used to create contrast and interest in a room. Checkerboard tile is also laid in a grid pattern and created by alternating colors.

Square tile in a grid pattern used for the tub deck, shower interior and flooring, complements the glass block walls of the walk-in shower.

White subway tile was used as a surround for this tub/shower combo with a glass mosaic accent border.

4. Subway Pattern Tile or brick pattern tile has stood the test of time. The most common size tile used in bathroom to create this pattern is 3-by-6-inch rectangular tile. Traditional white glazed ceramic tile used on bathroom walls makes a great field for accent tile or can stand on its own.

Glass mosaic tile was used to frame the mirror, creating a focal point in a half bath.

5. Mosaic Tile is very versatile. It comes in 12-inch sheets with a mesh backing to simplify installation. As a floor surface, mosaic tile provides traction. It adds color and interest to a bathroom when used as a wall tile or border. Mosaic tile can also be used to accentuate vanities and mirrors.

The rippled ceramic tile and bright blue glass accents create an illusion of waves of water in this bath remodel.

6. Accent Tile can be your personal statement in a bath or kitchen. Colors, shapes and textures reflect elements that you find appealing. We always enjoy planning this aspect of a bath remodeling project with homeowners and including the creative ideas they have for their homes.

Ten Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Bathroom

Your bathroom may be small, but it can live large--even with no additional square footage. New space-saving products, as well as some clever design techniques, will influence your perception of space. You will experience your bathroom as more spacious than it actually is. In addition, your tiny bathroom can have the stylish look of a much larger spa-like bathroom.

black white bathroom tile 1. Add depth with color. Choose light, cool neutrals and pastels. These color tones recede from the eye, optically enlarging the space. Dark shades advance towards the eye, shrinking the space visually. Avoid elaborate patterns, since they can overpower a small room.

2. Increase visual height. Using the same material and color for floor and wall tiles helps move the eye up the wall, rather than stopping at the bottom edge of the room. Installing tile in a vertical pattern or painting vertical stripes on the wall can give the feeling of a taller room. Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls to create the illusion of a taller bathroom.

3. Scale down the vanity. Install a smaller furniture-style vanity, a floating vanity, or a pedestal sink to optimize the space. For additional storage, choose a vanity with drawers or mount a mirrored cabinet above. If the corners of the vanity get in the way, select a style with rounded edges.

frameless shower door 4. Minimize the shower door. Select a frameless glass shower door or shower screen to enhance your view, making the room feel larger. A shower screen, sliding shower door or rolling door have the advantage of requiring no clearance in the room.

5. Expand the shower enclosure. If you use a shower curtain, switch from a straight rod to a curved one. It can add up to seven inches of elbow room while you are showering.

wall niche bathroom

6. Reduce clutter with niches. Clutter makes a bathroom appear smaller and hinders the smooth functioning of the space. Wall niches reduce clutter by keeping towels, soaps, and bottles out of the way, while taking up no extra space in the room.

7. Upgrade the toilet. New compact models take up less room and are more efficient than older toilets. Some compacts offer the comfort of elongated seats. Another option is a wall-mounted toilet that saves space since the tank is mounted inside the wall.

8. Illuminate the room. A well-lit bathroom will appear larger than a darkened room. If possible, capture natural light during the day by installing windows, skylights or tubular skylights. Layer the artificial lighting in the room, using a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting, to brighten up dark corners.

9. Reflect with mirrors. Install generously-sized mirrors because of their light-enhancing and reflective qualities that visually open up a small bathroom.

10. Create a focal point. Include one especially eye-catching item, whether it is a stunning light fixture or an exquisite vanity. This area of interest will draw attention away from the size of your bathroom.

Please call 203-431-9104 to schedule a complimentary design consultation or to make an appointment to visit our showroom. Our showroom is open from 9-5 Monday through Friday, and by appointment weekends and evenings.

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