We all have a budget when renovating and designing our homes, or at least most of us do. Knowing how to stretch a renovation budget is key. At Prosper+Dwell we are all about elevating humble, simple materials.

The beauty of good design is that it does not have to be expensive. With a little ingenuity and creativity the possibilities for simple and inexpensive materials are endless. So we have decided to share some simple ideas for elevating inexpensive tile to help you stretch your budget without sacrificing on style and beauty.

Play with Tile pattern

Playing with the pattern of simple and inexpensive tile adds interest and excitement to an inexpensive material. An obvious choice for this trick is the simple subway tile, however this pattern play is not limited to the subway tile. The options to customize how tile can be laid applies to most individual tile shapes and sizes.

As noted playing with pattern is particularly easy with the simple subway tile which now comes in an abundance of sizes. The simple subway tile can be laid in so many different ways, each offering a unique end result. The variation in pattern has such an impact on the final result, from classic and traditional to more edgy and modern. See examples below to be inspired by the variety of patterns for the simple subway tile.

Mix Tiles

With the abundance of inexpensive tile options out there, combining a few different tiles allows you to truly customize the look of your project. You can add an inlay, accent a special area or niche, add a border, create a tile rug, truly the options are endless. Adding unique touches to your tile work is sure to make the end result feel custom and special.

Run Tile to the ceiling

Running tile to the ceiling is another option to elevate simple tile. This design choice uses tile as a feature and adds texture and interest to the walls. This option instantly elevates the look of a tile installation. While extending your tile to the ceiling will certainly increase the overall cost of the job, the end result is absolutely worth it. This trick also helps avoid the need in some applications for matching trim pieces that are often not available for cheaper tiles.

Minimize Grout lines

Minimizing the grout lines adds a higher end look to ordinary tile. This trick can be combined with others to really push inexpensive tiles to have a wow factor. A word of caution for this method it is important to pay attention to the grout tolerance of the tiles you choose, each tile has it’s own minimum grout line as specified by manufacture. Grout lines also add traction to flooring applications, so be sure to consider those things when making the decision to minimize grout lines.

This trick works particularly well with tiles with natural and uneven edges like those made to mimic Zellige tiles. The closer the grout lines the more exaggerated unevenness of tile edges will be, however that is the goal when trying to add a particular character of Zellige tiles to the look of your tile application.

Choose large Format Porcelain Tiles

The range of large format porcelain tiles that beautifully mimic expensive stone and marble have grown significantly. The use of large slabs of stone and marble is common in high end spa like settings. A similar look can be achieved with large format porcelain tiles with matching grout. The tiles can be run from floor to walls to achieve a rich and expensive look.

Pay attention to tile finish

The finish of tile defines the overall look of the tile application. Be sure to compare different tiles and their finishes and edges. Certain inexpensive tiles have a higher end look simply because they have a superior glaze and finish. In many cases a matte tile will have a better look than an inexpensive gloss finish. Not all glossy finishes are created equal. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve consider selecting a tile that has a slightly undulating or interesting texture or finish.

Avoid poor trimming

When selecting tile it is important to consider how edges of the tile application will be finished. A trick to elevate an inexpensive tile application is to ensure that you select a tile that has a coordinating pencil liner or bullnose if the job will have prominent edges that require finishing. If tile does not have a matching trim consider ways that trim would not be necessary, such as running tile to ceiling.

DESIGNER NOTES For selecting Tile

When selecting tile for a specific application there are certain things that should always be considered:

Consider Scale: Does the scale of the tile work well in the space you are tiling? It is important to consider how tile can be laid out on a floor or wall and what types of cuts will be needed to accommodate tile in the space. Best practice is to plan ahead and lay out tile in a drawing to ensure you do not end up with odd cuts and sizes in obvious areas.
Consider Edges: Make sure to consider if your tile application requires matching tile trim. If your tile job requires finishing on edges it is important to consider how you will finish those edges. Not all inexpensive tile had coordinating trim pieces and will therefore require metal edging or an alternative trim.
Consider Finish: Check the manufacturers specifications to ensure that tile is suited for flooring, walls, and wet areas before use. This is particularly important when selecting flooring, not all tile has the proper slip resistance to be safe on the floor nor can all tiles be used in areas with consistent moisture.
Consider Cost: Make sure to consider how customizing tile job may affect cost of installation. If you select to have tile laid in a special pattern, be prepared to have the cost of installation go up.