When it comes to selecting floor tiles, the choices you make can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality of your space. Byzantine Design offers a diverse selection of materials and finishes that cater to various tastes and requirements. Here's a 4-step guide on some important things to consider that will help you select the perfect floor tiles:
1. CONSIDER YOUR SPACE
Selecting the perfect tiles starts with understanding how your space will be used. Take a minute to ask yourself the following questions:
What is the lighting in the space like?
Lighting greatly impacts how finishes look. Matt finishes and darker tones can make large, bright spaces feel cozier, but might make small, dark areas seem more confined. Glossier, lighter tones can enhance brightness, making small, dim spaces appear larger. When you visit our showroom, be prepared to discuss your windows, skylight positions, and any lighting fixtures like ceiling, wall lights and feature lights in the space.
Who will use the space?
Understanding your space's future use is crucial. For example, family bathrooms require durable and indestructible finishes that can withstand messes from children and teenagers. Kitchens and Dining areas may also need to be resilient to wine spills, energetic pets and heavy foot traffic. Consider potential frequent visitors as well such as elderly parents or extended family with young children. Take a few minutes to imagine the lived-in space.
Purpose of the project - forever home / rental / resale?
Finishes are always a significant investment, enhancing both the beauty and functionality of a space. For those designing their long-term or forever home, we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and create a space that truly reflects your personal lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. This way, your home becomes a sanctuary that embodies your identity, offering joy in every corner.
For rental or resale properties, while we still advocate for choosing finishes that are beautiful, it is essential to prioritise certain functional specifications and budgets. This consideration ensures that the selected finishes are safe and versatile enough to accommodate the diverse needs of future occupants.
2. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE
There is a wide variety of materials in the tile world, but today we will focus on our main ones.
1. NATURAL STONE TILES are crafted from stone quarried directly from the earth and can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes and formats. These require more care and maintenance in comparison to machine-manufactured tiles as they are porous by nature.
2. GLAZED PORCELAIN TILES are machine-manufactured non-porous, requiring very minimal care and maintenance compared to natural stone tiles.
3. TERRAZZO TILES are traditionally made from marble, granite and/or glass chips embedded in a cement base. As the materials are porous, their care and maintenance is similar to that of natural stone.
4. TERRACOTTA TILES are traditionally made from natural clay which is baked at high temperatures. The final hardened product can be left in its natural state or can be given a glaze coat for added protection or colour. Raw terracotta is highly porous, and therefore will require similar care to that of natural stone.
The key point to remember is that natural materials are porous, whereas Porcelain/manufactured tiles are not. This distinction doesn't make one superior to the other; it simply highlights considerations to keep in mind when choosing between them.
For Natural Stone, Terrazzo and Terracotta tiles we advise applying a coat of sealer to ensure durability, protection, and the preservation of its aesthetic appeal. It's important to clean them with natural, mild soaps and pH-neutral products, avoiding harsh chemicals. Natural stone naturally exhibits tonal and textural variation, and its ageing process only adds to its unique beauty. Think of the charming streets and cafes of Europe adorned with timeless stone and natural finishes!
Porcelain tiles, in contrast, don't require sealing and are less demanding in terms of cleaning products. Though we still recommend using mild and pH-neutral cleaners to prevent discolouration or damage. Porcelain tiles offer a more consistent tonal and textural appearance. Technology has gone far, so we can now offer feature designs that closely resemble natural stone for those desiring a more organic look with minimal maintenance and upkeep.
Both materials are known for their quality and durability, so you can rest reassured that you won’t be compromising on quality or beauty regardless of your choice.
Beyond these, other materials such as ceramic, glass, and cement are available. Each has unique suitability for different spaces and distinct care requirements. For a more in-depth understanding of these options, our team is here to assist you with personalised advice!
3. GLOSS OR MATT?
GLOSS Finishes feature a smooth and reflective surface, making colours pop and giving the tiles and the space a more vibrant appearance. They're particularly beneficial in smaller rooms with limited natural light, as the reflective glaze helps to bounce light around, making the space feel more expansive and inviting.
MATT finishes on the other hand, are non-reflective and provide a softer, more textured look. Unlike gloss finishes, matt tiles absorb light, creating a subtle and understated ambiance. They are an excellent choice for bright and spacious areas that can benefit from a touch of subtlety and warmth, offering a cozy and refined atmosphere.
4. DISCOVER YOUR UNIQUE DESIGN STYLE
Understanding your personal style and aesthetic preferences is essential in creating a space that truly resonates with you. Whether you're drawn to the nostalgic charm of 70's retro interiors or the timeless elegance of traditional Victorian design (or a mix of both), knowing what styles, eras, colours, shapes and textures you love and gravitate towards is a great step! However, if you're uncertain about your preferences, trust your instincts and allow your spontaneous reactions to guide you. A wonderful way to discover your style is by visiting our showroom. It's a playground for the senses, so we encourage you to interact with the displays, feel the textures, experiment with mixing patterns and colours, and take note of what captures your interest the most. Let your intuition lead the way to finding what truly makes your design sense come alive.
In conclusion, this is our team's simplified 4-step guide to finding the perfect floor tiles for your space. While these steps provide a foundational approach, there's so much more involved in selecting finishes, a wealth of knowledge our team has gathered through years of experience and expertise. To gain professional insights and assistance in creating your dream space, we invite you to visit us at 10 James St, Windsor VIC. Alternatively, feel free to contact us via phone or email. No appointment is necessary; simply drop by and let us help you transform your vision into reality.
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