A Guide to Choosing Kitchen Tile & Materials for Your Remodel
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and for good reason. It's where delicious meals are prepared, meaningful conversations are had, and memories are made. When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, one of the key decisions you'll face is choosing the right tile materials and colors. Tiles play a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics and making the right choices will impact the overall look and feel of your space. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of selecting the perfect tile materials and colors for your kitchen remodel.
Assess Your Needs and Lifestyle
Before delving into tile options, take a moment to consider your lifestyle and how you use your kitchen. Do you cook frequently? Do you have children or pets? Are you looking for a sleek, modern aesthetic or a cozy, traditional vibe? Understanding your needs and preferences will help guide your tile decisions.
How often do you cook?
If you're an avid cook, durability and ease of cleaning should be top priorities. Consider materials like porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile that can withstand the wear and tear of a bustling kitchen.
Another important consideration is what tile grout to choose. Traditional cementitious grout is porous, meaning food and other debris can get trapped in it. It becomes the breeding ground for nasty germs you don’t want anywhere near your food.
The best way to avoid this is by choosing a non-porous grout option like the Starlike EVO epoxy grouts. Available in a multitude of colors, there’s something for every style.
Who makes up your family?
If you have young children or pets, you might want to avoid tiles that are easily stained or scratched. Opt for materials that are easy to clean and don’t require continuous maintenance. Be mindful of materials like natural stone and granite that require constant resealing if it’s something that would be an inconvenience to your day-to-day schedule.
What’s your style?
Your kitchen's overall design plays a significant role in your tile selection. If you're aiming for a contemporary look, glass tiles or sleek subway tiles might be appealing. For a rustic feel, natural stone tiles like travertine or slate could be ideal.
Understanding Tile Materials
There are a wide variety of tile materials available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are known for their durability and water resistance. They are highly versatile and come in a range of styles, from classic to modern. Recently, patterned porcelain tile has become a popular choice to add a pop of interest and create a center point that draws the eye to any kitchen. Porcelain is an excellent choice for kitchen floors and backsplashes.
Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles, such as granite, marble, slate, and natural pebble, provide a timeless and elegant look. However, they require more maintenance and should be sealed regularly to prevent staining. That said, they provide a natural, rustic touch to any part of your home.
Glass Tile
Glass mosaic tiles add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen and are available in many shapes, colors, and sizes. They are often used in kitchen backsplashes, accent walls, and many other decorative elements.
Choosing Colors
Selecting the right colors for your kitchen tiles is a critical step in the remodeling process. The color scheme you choose can influence the mood and ambiance of the space. Here are some things to consider when picking your tile:
Coordinate with Cabinetry
Your kitchen cabinets will play a significant role in the overall color palette. If you have neutral cabinets, you have more flexibility to experiment with bold tile colors. If your cabinets are already colorful, consider neutral tiles to create balance.
Create Contrast
To add depth and visual interest, consider choosing tiles that contrast with the colors of your countertops and cabinets. For instance, dark tiles can provide a striking contrast against light-colored cabinets. You can also create contrast by incorporating patterned tiles into your kitchen design. From modern to Mediterranean, there’s something for everyone to create a stunning focal point in the space.
Choosing Your Grout
Grout isn’t just a practical part of your kitchen tile remodel but can be used as an additional design element that will influence the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Consider matching your grout color to the color of your tile to create a seamless look across your floor or kitchen backsplash.
If choosing glass tile, the Starlike EVO 700 is the perfect choice! Its color adaptive properties allow it to match the color of your kitchen tile beautifully.
If you’ve noticed your kitchen may be looking a bit washed out, try picking a contrasting, but complementary grout color to help your tile pop. There are many free online tools such as Adobe Color that can help you pick the perfect harmonious color.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, your personal taste matters. Choose colors that resonate with you and create the atmosphere you desire in your kitchen. Think about all the places that bring you joy and peace. Is there a particular color that reminds you of this place? If so, consider choosing a tile that embodies it. At the end of the day, it’s your home and all that matters is that you love the end result!
Seeking Professional Advice
When you're trying to decide on what tiles to use, getting advice from a pro can be super helpful. Think about asking a tile expert or an interior designer for their thoughts. Your contractor or tile installer can be very helpful as well. They know all about the latest trends, how durable different tiles are, and what colors and textures work best together. So, if you're not sure which tiles to choose, asking a professional can be a smart move to get the perfect tile to match what you want for your project.
Talking to a pro about tile recommendations isn't just about getting ideas – it's also about making sure your tiles will work well. Pros can figure out if the tiles you're eyeing are good for places with lots of moisture or if they might be slippery. They can also give you tips about how to take care of your tile, so it stays looking great for years to come. By having a chat with a knowledgeable expert and telling them about your project's needs, budget, and style preferences, you can get advice that fits just right.
As always, we recommend contacting a professional for the tile installation. Some materials require skilled application from an experienced pro and you’re going to want everything to go off without a hitch.
Choosing the right kitchen tile materials and colors is a decision that requires careful consideration of both style and functionality. By assessing your lifestyle, understanding tile materials, selecting suitable colors, creating visual interest, and considering maintenance factors, you can create a kitchen space that is not only visually stunning but also tailored to your unique needs. Remember, your kitchen should reflect your personality and be a space where you feel inspired to cook, gather, and create cherished memories for years to come.
As always, the tile pros at AquaBlu are here to help you find the perfect tile and materials to create the home of your dreams. Give us a call at (800) 971 1442 and let us help you Bring Paradise Home.
