How about this for a fresh take on home decor: Try adding tile to your staircase, which is already a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom flooring. It’s just so daring that it may work, right?
As Emily Seeds Interior Design demonstrated, it does when they covered the risers of a set of wooden stairs with Calacatta Zebrino tile from Ann Sacks, a Portland, OR-based business known for its painstakingly made tile collections. It’s a simple modification that makes a big difference (impressing your guests from the minute they step inside your home).
And tiling your stair risers is only one of the many ways you can add color or design to your room. Tile is also being reimagined as an accent for places other than the kitchen and bathroom by designers. It’s a simple and eye-catching decorative piece that works well in a variety of other spots across the home.
Continue reading for more tile decorating ideas.
Table of Contents
Entryway Tile
Because it’s the first thing you see when you come in, the doorway is the ideal area to make a huge style statement. And, as much as we adore hardwood, there are few things more welcoming—or eye-catching—than an entryway floor adorned with a statement tile. Cover a few square feet with bright pink, or use black and white in large quantities for a graphic take on the basic palette.
Laundry Room Tile
Sure, the laundry room is the workhorse of your home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun in there as well—in fact, it’s an excellent place to experiment and take architectural risks. Whether you choose stylish neutrals or bright, vivid colors, a tiled backsplash can make you happy even while you’re folding the eighth load of laundry. (As an added bonus, a tile surface is long-lasting and simple to maintain.)
Fireplace Tile
Often the focal point of any living area or great room, your hearth really becomes an attention-getter when it’s covered in tile. Try a monochromatic look or a poppy pattern. Pro tip: Keep the furniture around it low-key so this tiled spot can be the star.
Office Tile
Now that we’re all working from home more than ever before, it’s a good time to up-level your workspace. Why not make it extra-inspiring with a fun tile floor? It’s just as energizing and creativity-sparking as artwork on a wall.
Bar Tile
Whether you’re pouring coffee or drinks, this is one of the most intriguing aspects of a house, and tiling may make it seem the part. This is the place to go big—a bold design, a dazzling metallic—and then retreat to your elegant area.
Powder Room Tile
With a tiled accent wall that is as calming as it is attractive, you can transform this area into a spa-like refuge. In this bathroom decorated by Wendy Word (above, left), gold hardware with a contemporary penny mosaic tile is a winning mix, and stretching it from floor to ceiling elevates this space to a great showstopper.
Conclusion
Tiles are a versatile and stylish way to finish any home project, from floors and walls to backsplashes and fireplaces. There are many different types of tiles to choose from, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone, so you can find the perfect look for your home. Tiles are easy to clean and maintain and can last for years with proper care. Whether you’re looking to add a new tile floor or update your kitchen backsplash, tiles are a great option for any home improvement project. Furthermore, tile can increase your home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.