Friday, August 28, 2009

FLOOR DESIGN

An often overlooked design element is your floor. After the walls which are easily changed with paint, wallpaper or texture, your floor coverings constitute the most square footage in your interior design. The "green" choice is a well chosen porcelain tile or stone which never has to be replaced as long as you own your home.


Choosing the size of tile is sometimes a challenge. The best way to make a decision is to use 1/2" blue painters tape and space it out on your floor at 12" then 18" and then 24" intervals and take photographs of each and/or leave each size down for a few days. Go with the size that "feels" right. You live there, you walk there, you'll know! Don't let the salesperson at the tile shop talk you into some other size that isn't right for you. In later posts, I'll get into floor layout patterns and tile rugs, the blue tape test is the best way to outline your floor design too. Since your floor covering is a major investment it's well worth the time to lay it out. From my experience only about 10% of clients can actually visualize a design without aides so don't be surprised that you can't, you're in the majority!


Your tile choices, either porcelain or stone are guided by the architectural style of your home and your life style. If the changes to your floors are due to a kitchen renovation I recommend that first choose your granite counter tops and let the color choice flow from there. It's easier to fall in love with a granite and then pick your floors than the other way around, trust me.


If you couldn't live without Van Gogh, the fabulous granite pictured below but you had already ordered green slate tile for the floor, you might have to pass it up. Van Gogh demands center stage as the focal point of your kitchen or bathroom. I love this one, but it needs to be balanced with a neutral floor to really shine.



Thursday, August 27, 2009

THE BEGINNING

The other day I went to see "Julie and Julia" which inspired me to begin this blog. Since there is no way that I could negotiate my way through 524 recipes (even though I have the book), I don't have a passion for cooking. However the fact that Julie is now publishing her second book and also signed a movie deal after her first year was rather intriguing.....


I love tiles, the texture, the whimsy and the overall look, that is my passion. Now, I work mainly with designers, they have a color vision which I translate into the best stone, glass tile or porcelain that meets their needs. I'm the first to admit the I wouldn't have a clue if a chenille or twill would work on a couch but I can tell you if limestone or travertine should go on your floor.


Whenever you find this blog and choose to join in, Welcome. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to express them. This is a forum for everyone and we can all have fun making our homes unique.


For now I'll leave you with one of my favorite art tiles by Sandy Culp. This is Pear Pair which is a perfect touch of whimsy for any rustic kitchen.