Ceramic and porcelain tiles are some of the most popular tiles today. Ceramic tile is made from natural clay, sand and water. They are molded and baked in a kiln to remove most of the moisture. Porcelain tile is also made from clay and are baked at very high temperatures for long periods of time so that almost all the water is removed. Porcelain tile is much harder and denser than ceramic due to the longer drying time.

There are also glass, marble, metal, and stone tiles along with the widely popular cement encaustic tiles or encaustic- looking tiles that are made of porcelain. True cement tiles are very thick so you would have to account for that thickness prior to purchasing. They need to be sealed regularly and are made by hand.

This is probably one of my most favorite tile installations that I used in my clients’ master bathroom. It was used on one wall only in the shower and totally transformed the space.

Shopping for tiles for me is like a jewelry or shoe store for others. I could stay for hours and hours and therefore my head is full of a thousand ideas of where and how to install it.

Exterior applications are ideal as well. What a great way to add pattern and color to your outdoor space.

Though encaustic tiles date back to the 1800’s with popularity in the 30’s as well, it has geared up recently again. There are hundreds and hundreds of patterns to choose from with endless ideas of how and where to install it.

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Clean and classic in style and color, and definitely ubiquitous, I like that subway tile gives a nod to history yet still feeling current in today’s world.

Whether you use white or dark-colored grout, that is a personal preference. For me, I usually gravitate towards the white tile and white grout combination for it makes for a clean, less “busy” look. Many chefs and restaurants will recommended the use of gray or dark grout in their kitchens for it covers up the stains left from oil and grease when cooking.

Though the typical subway tile is usually 3″ x 6″ and thought to be white, today’s subway tile is offered in a multitude of sizes. You will also find tiles with a beveled edge.

These tiles come in a variety of colors such as the black tile used in these kitchens. What a nice contrast the black tile makes with the white cabinets.

Subway tiles are typically made of ceramic. But in the past several years, there are new materials available such as glass and marble. Currently there is an array of sizes available to choose from along with a myriad of colors and materials.

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 New Ravenna Mosaics

Tile and marble can be used for flooring, walls, and backslashes and can be the” art” for most any space or room. A good tile design can tell a story; it can add dimension and color, or it can be textural. It can be simple yet exquisite.

Black and white is a classic color combination. This marble tile had been cut into chevron pieces and designed perfectly for this hallway.

This cream, black and white marble floor in this foyer is very simple yet elegant. It is classic and will stand the test of time.

You will generally see kitchen designs with backsplashes made of tile yet sometimes marble or granite slabs are used. Currently the marketplace offers so many unique and interesting tiles for the kitchen and bath, that is simply hard to choose.

Tiling just the back wall in a bathroom can add lots of color and interest to a somewhat bland space.

New Ravenna Mosaics

You can also combine different types of tile or marble or even different colors and shapes. This bath combined honey-combed shaped wall and floor tiles with marble slabs for the shower.

Love this black and white penny tile they used in the vestibule of this residence. What a clever idea…

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These quaint but modern farmhouses feel charming and elegant but in a relaxed, approachable sense.

Fluid lines and modest materials are an ideal starting point. Add in the simple beauty of the surrounding landscape and it warrants my attention. Every element and detail needs to be thoughtful and purposeful.

 Pursley Dixon Architects

Gone are the days when the homes and barns were built in the dogtrot style. Dogtrot floor plans date back to the late 19th and early 20th century. Typically is consisted of two cabins under one roof-line with an open area or breezeway in the middle. Because of the heat and humidity in the southern states, this style home would allow for continuous air flow.

Architectural Digest

Whether it is stone, brick, timber or concrete, these homes have a welcoming vibe that captures my interest.

Some homes you feel you must see the inside to get a true sense of space. The exterior architecture is so intriguing  therefore what a great treat it would be to peek inside.

images via pinterest

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Steel doors and windows are so classic and timeless, in my opinion. They offer a minimalist feel which is ageless and memorable in all respects. They are ideal for most traditional and contemporary settings. Not every window or door of the home needs to be made of the same material. If done correctly, a steel door or grouping of windows can be added to the exterior. Homeowners tend to think that all the windows in a home have to match one another. Depending on the fenestration, the arrangement of doors and windows, you can have more than one style of window or door.

There are some areas of the home that can be more defined. These steel doors and walls can define two areas while still allowing the space to feel open and the flow to be uninterrupted.

The kitchen is an ideal location in the home to add this style of window. Steel doors can also be used in the bathroom; even used for the shower door. Any room in the house truly has potential for steel door and windows.

House Beautiful

images via pinterest

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