FLOORING

Bathroom flooring can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your newly remodeled bathroom. Floor tile comes in a wide variety of materials from marble, granite and ceramic to limestone, vinyl and travertine. I can order any tile that you find on the market. I can bring tile samples to you if you can give me a basic idea of the materials that you are considering.

One of the biggest factors that goes into determining the material you use is the finish that you are looking for. If you are interested in a European look I will probably suggest a natural stone with an unfilled finish. Bathroom tiles come in a huge variety of textures in each of the above materials. Allow me to help you make these decisions easily and efficiently.

The last factor that will play into your bathroom tile choice is the pattern that you are going for. Square tiles in a traditional square pattern is a classic look, but you might want to spice up your flooring with one of the many patterns that are out there. If you do want a pattern, I will point you to the right combination of materials, finishes and patterns to get what you need to make your dream bathroom a reality.

WALLS & SHOWER STALLS
Want to add some personality to your bathroom? Try adding some splash on the walls.

Start by selecting the main wall tile, which typically is made of ceramic, porcelain, marble or limestone. Many people have moved away from small tiles to large tiles, and are varying the patterns.
 
The old prototype of the 4-by-4 is looking pretty dated. Most people want rectangular wall tiles in the 8-inch by 12-inch sizes or modular tiles in 6 by 6, 12 by 12, 6 by 12 that you mix and match to make a pattern.
 
Then zero in on one or two areas that you want to emphasize. Try:

• the shower stall
• the deck around a whirlpool tub
• framing a section in front of the vanity

If you're concerned about resale value, keep the extremes limited to confined areas, such as the shower stall.

• soft, earth tones -- camels, sage, creams
• ceramic patterns that resemble natural stone
• real granite
• tumbled marble for an Old World look
• glass and metal tiles -- as randomly placed accents; borders or on a full wall

Glass Tiles
Glass tiles add a sense of freshness and tranquility. They often are arranged in a row with several different colors that blend together and accent other decor. The finish on glass is much different than ceramic -- it's a deeper, more layered look.
 
How to Blend
While many of these materials can be mixed together, they key is blending the right shades, textures and color tones. You can put ceramic with natural materials--granite and marble and limestone--and glass with marble and granite and limestone, but the colors need to work together.
 
Maintenance Issues
While marble can create a stunning look, it involves more maintenance than ceramic. It is a porous material and should be sealed once every one to two years, depending on how much the area is used. For example, if you have a steam shower that you use every day, you should seal it more often because the steam and heat will break down the treatment.