Designer Tiles - Giving Your Wall the WOW Factor

When you go out Friday night, you may choose to express yourself with those sassy red heels, and when you're entertaining or relaxing at home, you can express that same bold elegance everyday with eye-catching designer tiles on your kitchen or bathroom walls. A tile backsplash is a great way to spruce up a room by adding texture and vibrancy. If you are looking for a unique and exciting effect to add to your walls, consider some of the options presented below.

Types of Designer Tiles

• Glass
  Glass tiles are some of the most versatile, available in a nearly limitless array of shapes, styles, and colors. Typically, a selection of slightly varied colors are placed together in a mosaic pattern to create a unique look. This style can even be seen on the set of the hit show Hell's Kitchen, which has half of the kitchen covered in a red mosaic and the other half in blue.

• Stainless Steel
  An ideal wall covering, stainless steel works well for both kitchens and bathrooms. Steel in tile form, made by coating or capping a ceramic tile with stainless steel, is actually easier to install and more affordable than sheet steel. Contradictory to what many people may think, stainless steel actually comes in many colors and finishes. It adds a modern, minimal look and is easy to keep clean and shiny.

• Ceramic
  Ceramic tiles are very versatile. Available in virtually every color pallet and style, ceramic can complement any room. Emblems or patterns can be indented or embossed on ceramic, giving it a 3D effect and creating a piece of art on your walls. The color and finish can also be varied for a specialized appearance.

• Natural Stone
  If you are adding custom stone countertops as part of your remodeling project, stone may be the "natural" choice for your backsplash as well. There is something about the appearance of granite or marble flowing seamlessly from the countertop to the wall that creates a sense of luxury. Some stone materials are non-porous by nature, and others can be sealed to protect them from water and bacteria for use in kitchens or bathrooms.

The options available to homeowners taking on a remodeling project can be overwhelming, so you may want to ask the advice of a professional. To get started, you can also look through home magazines and websites to get an idea of what you like. Whether you are looking for something understated or bold, you can find tiles to suit every taste.