7 architectural styles and the tile designs that complement them

When it comes to fashion, most people have a style they’re drawn to. Some prefer casual all the time, while others prefer a tailored look. Some want a style straight from the mannequin, while others seek out trends that involve mixing, matching or reinventing. When it comes to home decor, it’s very much the same. It’s about choosing materials and palettes that speak to the unique style of those who live in the space – and in many instances, keeping in line with the architectural intent of the house. 
In this post, we’ll explore the various types of home styles and some tile designs and installation techniques that work for each:

Craftsman

Craftsman houses originated in the early 1900s. When these houses are renovated, homeowners typically wish to embrace the artisanship by showing off the actual structure of the home, so the intent is to complement the original features rather than cover them up. To balance the richness of your home's interior, consider neutral palettes such as brown, beige, or dark porcelain tiles. The use of natural stone tile and natural stone mosaics will allow you to maintain a classic look while achieving a fresh appearance. Contemporary homes offer lots of family space.

Contemporary

The 21st century represents the onset of contemporary homes. And when it comes to contemporary, no two homes look alike. Each has a distinct personality. Clean, straight lines are a signature feature of this home style, and acutely angled roofs are common. Inside, contemporary homes offer lots of space for families to spread out and relax. Checkered or solid porcelain tiles with a contemporary design can make the rooms feel even more spacious. In bathrooms, ivory colored subway tiles add a traditional yet modern look. Bold, geometric tiles also work well in this style home.

Georgian colonial

These homes have two important sources of inspiration: classical Greece and 1700s Britain. Combining brown brick with tall white pillars, this style of house is imposing, yet homey. Often, Georgian colonial homes feature a perfectly symmetrical design.
Repeating your home's exterior symmetry with an equivalent interior design is a great way to create a consistent aesthetic. Natural stone mosaics and porcelain mosaics or ceramic mosaics always look fantastic in a Georgian colonial. Consider stacked, brick, chevron or herringbone patterns in the foyer, kitchen or bathrooms.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean homes are well known for their natural stone, terracotta, or stucco exteriors, as well as their gigantic windows that let in the sunlight. Modeled after the rustic homes of Italy and the South of France, a Mediterranean home can make you yearn for a vacation or can tempt you to turn your own home into a luxurious paradise. 
If ever there was a home that called for stone, porcelain and ceramic tile, a Mediterranean home is it. Crisp marble and other natural stones or cool ceramic tiles evoke the feeling of a Venetian hotel you'd never want to leave. In the kitchen, lightly colored porcelain tiles with a wood look catch the sunlight and diffuse it into a warm glow.

Modern

Modern, or Mid-Century Modern, homes often feature open floor plans designed with fun and entertainment in mind. This style of home can feature a wide variety of materials, with fun shapes, textures and colors.
Make your statement with mirrored glass. Or incorporate a bold geometric tile or classic stone mosaic.

Ranch

Ranch-style kitchens often display natural materials. Single-story ranch homes invite the outdoors to come right up onto the front porch. Characterized by open floor plans and large windows, this style home welcomes just about any interior decor. Consider a porcelain tiles with a wood look to complement natural materials used in ranch homes. An earth-toned stone helps to bring the natural colors of a desert inside. 

Victorian

Victorian homes are ornate inside and out. Often featuring turrets and gabled porches, these homes are anything but plain. Inside, each room has its own distinct personality, as should the walls and floors. Mosaic tile patterns work well in any room of a Victorian home. From miniature curved limestone mosaics to beveled arabesque patterns, you needn't worry about the room feeling too busy. Victorian homes are designed full of curio-cabinets, grandfather clocks and ornate shelving - the tiles should match that unique sense of understated opulence.
Now that you have a better understanding of which tile designs match well with various home styles, stop by missionstonetile.com to find the perfect pattern for your house.

5 DIY tile installation tips from a tile expert

A home improvement project can do wonders to enrich the space around you, transforming your house from simply a place to sleep and eat into a sanctuary from the outside world. Tile installation can turn a room into a relaxing retreat, as well as boost the value of your house.
Those looking to beautify and enhance their home should follow the advice of our tile sourcing and installation expert with these five tile installation tips:

1. Plan your design before you buy
There are dozens of tile varieties. Before you make a purchase, plan out exactly how you want your finished product to look. For example, if you are adding subway tile to your bathroom, will you use a monochrome or two-tone pattern? Will you mix hexagon tiles with chevron shapes, or do you prefer the uniformity of square tiles? Find a pattern you like and modify it to make it your own. Experiment with color and shape before making decision. Design magazines, such as Interior Design Magazine or Luxe, are a perfect starting point. Or, browse Pinterest and Houzz for ideas.

2. Understand where the material can be used
Before you purchase materials, pay close attention to the technical specifications of the material. This means understanding how the product can be used. Can it be used on walls only? Or floors? If being used for flooring, does the material offer slip resistance? Be especially careful about choosing materials for areas where the traffic will be a little higher, such as breezeways and kitchens. Most websites should tell you how the material can be used.


3. Consider how the material will perform over time
Some materials are simply easier to maintain over time. Some people prefer porcelain or ceramic tile, rather than natural stone or wood for this reason. It’s important to understand care and maintenance of stone and tile before selecting. Here are some examples of what to think about, and questions you may want to ask before you purchase:
If want to use stone tile or mosaics for your kitchen backsplash, you'll need a dense material that’s not too porous – to help avoid stains. Try to select a material that’s recommended for use as a backsplash. Soft stone types may stain if exposed to grease, dirty water or harsh chemicals. For instance, porous limestone tiles are more likely to stain than dense marble tiles or porcelain tile. Materials with a high abrasion resistance, or a higher Mohs scale rating, will be less likely to show signs of wear and tear. Although, some people don’t mind the look of a slightly worn material. It’s all a matter of preference.

4. Know which tools you'll need
Tile installation is like any creative process – once you are ready to get started, it’s generally best to keep the momentum going and finish the project without interruption. So, it’s important to be prepared. For many, it’s easiest to hire a professional tile installer, or sub-contractor. These individuals usually know how best to level the floor to help prevent chipping and cracking. (Note that ALL materials are prone to chipping and cracking if the floor isn’t level). And when cutting tiles is required, which is often the case, they can often cut the tile with more precision than the DIY’er. But – for those who prefer a DIY project, make sure you have these essential supplies before getting to work:
● Work gloves.
● Goggles.
● Tile spacers.
● Tile cutter.
● Tape measure.
● Level.
● Notched trowel.
● Plastic sheeting.
● Measuring tape.
● Buckets.
● Mixing paddle.
● Rubber grout float.
● Power drill.

5. Consider the finishing touches
As a final design flourish, consider the details of the design. For example, you might want to replace your light switch and outlet covers with new ones that complement your tile design. In the kitchen, stainless steel plates look great with porcelain or natural stone tiles. In the bathroom, you might opt for decorative ceramic plates that complement your tile selection.
When you put in the time and effort, you'll be proud of your beautifully finished product. To get inspired for your next DIY tile installation project, visit missionstonetile.com.