I recently had a conversation with a friend who had moved out of the area years ago and since returned. One of her first questions was did I still have those delightful tiles in my master bathroom? I assured her I did, and loved them just as much now as I had when I chose them. They aren’t a traditional tile – in either color or design – and were an investment I thought long over. They were made in Italy, so they had to be ordered and shipped. They make the room quite uniquely ours. They may not be everyone’s taste, but on a personal note, in my home, they are a delight.
Choosing items that make up the “bones” of a room require thought and honest questions. If you are getting your home ready to sell, you most likely have been told to make it less personal to appeal to more potential buyers. They want it to be their home, not feel like they’ve moved into yours. If instead you have just recently purchased your home, of course, many of the more permanent items are most likely quite basic or neutral in color. If it’s a starter/first home, sticking to that theme may be a good idea. If you anticipate staying long term – then you may have a larger palette to paint from.
Tile of course is a long-term commitment. Time, proper installation costs, and removal of previous coverings all factor in to the decision as well. Tile in a shower, bath surround, or on the floor are a much larger project than changing up the backsplash around a sink. Maybe you already have a tiled bath – in that case using a few strategically placed accent tiles could bring you the extra drama – your special signature. That “pink pottery aha!”. Can’t actually replace tiles? How about using tile pieces as part of the accessories or art.
Before resigning yourself to white or beige (today’s version of that mid-century avocado green or harvest gold), spend some time looking at the incredible range of neutral tile colors, materials, and textures. Or let me show you some of examples of the ones I’ve already used in model homes. Boring may sell, but you can’t go wrong with knowing the newer trends, if resale is a design plan consideration.
Hint – tile isn’t just for the bathroom or kitchen either!
And don’t forget, my clients always say “I never would have thought of that!”
Want to find out why? Use the form to the right to send me your name and email to join us!