Bathroom Remodeling – New Tile
Lots of factors argue in favor of replacing your tile. If you plan to move soon, updating your bathroom with the help of a Fairfax bathroom remodeling contractor can improve the resale value of your home. Even if you are not planning a move any time soon, updating the tile and color scheme can give your bathroom a refreshing face lift and give you an opportunity to replace old plumbing or repair leaks. You may have old floor tile that is worn and chipped, grout that’s stained beyond reconditioning, or wall tiles falling down, but these can be quickly fixed and transformed into a brand new bathroom by installing new tile.
New tile can bring the modern and luxurious flair to your bathroom that you’ve always been waiting for. New tile can be an expensive element of a bathroom remodel, so take your time researching all of the options available to you. If your budget permits, you can incorporate other new features such as countertops with built in storage and a curbless walk in shower. Whatever you decide, an updated tile style will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Tile Style Trending Now
2018 is halfway over. Yet some of the hottest tile styles are so fabulous they are likely to remain popular into 2019 and beyond. Here are some of the most popular tile styles that work well with any Fairfax bathroom remodeling project:
Cement Tile
Colorful and flamboyant, cement encaustic-style tiles are still the rage. Centuries ago, encaustic tiles were made with different clays which gave them different colors. The clays were molded together to form a tile with a design embedded in the tile. Originally, the tiles were called inlaid tiles. Later, the Victorians referred to them as encaustic tiles because they resembled enamelwork. The production process allowed the design to remain in place even as the tile wore down.
Today, encaustic cement tiles may be a handmade decorative tile produced from cement, marble dust, and mineral pigments, then pressed by hydraulic machines and cured naturally. More budget-friendly tiles have the design printed on it. These cement tiles are infinitely customizable, which allows designers to create unique spaces. They are available in traditional patterns, reminiscent of an old English manor, a Moorish palace, or a French chalet. Some are inspired by 17th century motifs with nature themes available in traditional delft color palettes, like cobalt, yellow and magenta.
Use it on the floor and let it pop against a plain wall tile. Or use it on the wall with a quiet floor tile.
The hottest trend in cement encaustic tiles is geometric designs with a three dimensional or simpler design lending an ultra-modern feel. The range of designs and colors is endless and fabulous.
Zellige Tiles
Tone-on-tone Zellige tiles are terracotta with a shimmery finish. They give a soothing, sophisticated look with a little texture to make it interesting. The style is a traditional one from Morocco that works well in a modern yet organic bathroom.
Grid Patterns
For an instant contemporary look, shoot for a subway tile set in a grid pattern, rather than a traditional interlocking pattern. Get away from white and have some fun with fresh pastel colors, or retro bathroom colors. (Be careful, though, as the millennial pink is not as hot as it was a year ago.) Try the grid pattern in subway bricks, squares, or hexagonal shapes for an even edgier feel. White subway never goes out of style. Be sure to use a darker grout to avoid problems with staining.
Distressed Wood
Tiles that look just like old wood are much better than real wood for the wet bathroom floor and walls. These tiles expertly duplicate the look of distressed or reclaimed wood in detail. They can be installed in traditional end-to-end style, or in a fancier herringbone or parquet square design. Coordinate these distressed wood-look tiles with natural stone, marble, and soft metallic accessories, and your bathroom will feel like an expensive Zen-like spa.
Earth Tones and Bricks
Old brick, whether long and lean or traditionally sized and rough, earthy terracotta and brick or subway tiles in earth tone colors are very popular and versatile. They work in urban lofts or in old traditional homes. When placed in a grid or herringbone pattern, they give a modern edge look. The style contrasts well with sleek contemporary fixtures and accessories.
3-D and Shapes
These tiles offer a subtle design, whether a subway with beveled edges or embossed with a wavy waterfall texture or shaped in 1970’s-style geometricana. These 3-D tiles were popular in the art deco days of old Hollywood, and are resurging in modern designs.
Hexagons, penny-rounds, and arabesques are still hot. They are available in a variety of colors to give these traditional, retro shapes a very modern look.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo tiles are appearing more often nowadays, especially in recent Fairfax bathroom remodeling projects. Terrazzo provides a depth of texture against a more plain style of tiles and wood.
Art Tile
Tiles have always been an outlet for artisans to express their creativity. You can find art tiles of all kinds just by doing some online research. Be forewarned that these art tiles can be pricey. If your budget cannot handle an entire bathroom of art tile, you may be able to incorporate them in limited amounts as a focal point in the floor or as artwork on a wall.
Work with a Reputable Fairfax Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
New bathroom tile or any bathroom remodeling project is an important and expensive commitment. The options can be overwhelming. Consult with a reputable Fairfax bathroom remodeling contractor to help you with a design that you are sure to love for years to come and fits your budget. Bathroom design experts can meet with you and help you with your design, select the right tiles and other materials for your space, and install it all for you. By contracting a Fairfax bathroom remodeling contractor, you are in experienced hands that will build your bathroom with your chosen tile style to detailed and quality specifications.
