5 easy mistakes to avoid when selecting tiles & designing your kitchen
Updating any room in your home is exciting, especially the kitchen, which for many families is the heart of the home. There is so much to think about when choosing your kitchen style and tiles can often be an afterthought. This week we’ve put together 5 easy mistakes to avoid when selecting your kitchen tiles, so that you can make the best possible choice for your home.
Not doing your research
You might have your heart set on the exact style of kitchen you want, which is great, but sometimes thinking about other, maybe more practical options is worthwhile. You might be surprised and even change your mind. We love this guide from Ideal Home which breaks down the steps into planning a kitchen.
When it comes to selecting tiles, we recommend visiting your local retailer to browse the huge selection of products that are available. Bringing samples home with you is a great way to get a feel for the product and see how it works with the lighting in your kitchen, as this can make a big difference on the final effect.
Overlooking aftercare
Aftercare is so important with tiles, especially in areas that are exposed to water, like behind the sink. Sealing your tiles will make them easier to clean and help them look their best for longer.
Not mixing before you fix
We’ve mentioned this a few times on our blog but with any tiles you purchase, we always recommend you check each box and mix the tiles before you fix them to the wall or floor. Lots of our tiles are handcrafted with undulating glazes, such as tiles from the Winchester Tile collection and the Artworks collection. These glazes catch the light differently and checking out the shade variation in them before installation means you can properly arrange the tiles to create a more even look.
Not trying out different grout
Grout makes a huge difference to the overall appearance of your tiles so it’s worth trying out what works for you and what doesn’t. Grey grout is hugely popular at the moment and a great way to add some definition into your scheme, especially against crisp whites as shown below.
Taking shortcuts
Although it can be tempting to have a go at some DIY and install the tiles yourself, tiling is a skill that requires experience and we always recommend hiring a professional. Paying a bit more for a tiler is a great investment, especially when it comes to something likeVictorian Floor tiles, as they can be tricky to install.
Although this style of flooring is often associated with hallways and paths, Victorian Floor Tiles also look fantastic in a kitchen, not to mention their hardwearing qualities which make them the perfect tiles for the high traffic and spills endured by our kitchens.
