tile

Trends in Tile

October 18, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Are you working on a new tile project at home? Are you redoing your kitchen tile, backsplash or a bathroom? If so, you’ll want to keep reading as we take a closer look at what’s trending in tile!

Think BIG

Large format tiles like 18″x36″ and 24″x48″ are what’s hot. Don’t be afraid to go big! Larger tiles have several advatages. One of those advantages is how large format tile can make a room feel bigger. The less lines that interrupt your line of sight, the larger and cleaner the space will feel. Other advantages include less grout, which means you are spending less time cleaning dirty grout. With less grout showing more attention is paid to the tile, which is what you’re paying for in the first place!

Hex’s are Huge!

These tiles are available in different sizes, colors and even textures. Think about using monochromatic hexagons or different shades together to create a look like the photo below. Hexagonal shaped tile can be used on the floor of a room, shower floor, accent wall, shower wall, backsplash, exterior feature wall or anywhere your imagination (or interior designer!) can think of. Love this look, but not sure how to incorporate it into your room? Ask us for help! It’s what we are here for! You can text us right from our homepage.

Make the Most of your design with Metals

Using metal tile in your tile design can be a creative way to get a designer look without spending big bucks. Think about using a more affordable tile in most of your area (also known as “field tile”) and using metal tile as an accent. This way you get the look if you can’t afford to use metal tile throughout your entire space.

If your budget allows it, use metallic tile to make a statement like this below! Note the use of lighter tile on the wall and contrasting darker tile as an accent in front of the metal chairs. The mix of metal finishes in this room gives it a high end designer feel!

If these tile trends excite you, let our experts work with you on how to incorporate these trends into your home or business. Make a statement! Let the tile do the talking! Show off your design style with tile! Let’s get started. https://www.iccfloors.com/contact

What’s the Best Backsplash Material?

September 28, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Backsplashes too often, unfortunately, don’t make it to the top of the priority list of homeowners in Indianapolis when renovating their kitchens. Backsplashes serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They enable homeowners in Indianapolis to protect walls from grease, water, and foodstuffs while providing opportunities to make a unique design statement.

No one material is superior to other backsplash options. Material selection often depends on style preferences and ease of maintenance. Here are the pros and cons of different backsplash materials:

Glass (Slabs or Tile)

Pros:

Easy to clean
Resists heat and won’t be damaged from cooking
Endless options – almost every color scheme, style and design is available in glass
Customizable sizing
Enhances illumination because of glass’ ability to reflect light
On-trend

Cons:

Can be costly
Glass mosaics may not have long-term staying or stylistic power
May not be perceived as novel or unique

Natural Stone

Pros:

Timeless look
Unique – no two pieces of stone look the same
Cost-effective

Cons:

Requires more effort to clean
Some cleaning products could cause the stone to discolor
Stones are naturally porous, which causes them to absorb water and stains. Therefore, stone needs to be resealed every two to three years or more often depending on the amount of cooking in your kitchen.
What you see may not be what you get. Because no two pieces of stone are the same, the sample you see in the showroom will vary slightly from the stone that is shipped.

What backsplash would enhance the look, feel, and functionality of your new kitchen? Give us a call to discuss or make an appointment to visit us at one of our beautiful showrooms.

Trend Spotting: Modern Hexagon Patterns

September 11, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

The current passion for hexagon designs in interior design can be traced back to the British designer, David Hicks (1929-1998) who was known for his modern geometric patterns. Look for hexagonal patterns on walls, furnishings, accessories and floors. The hexagon can be spotted on carpets, area rugs, curtains, pillows, wallpapers and fabrics. Even stencils for painted walls and fabrics are popping up on design blogs for DIY patterns.

The hexagon is also a classic pattern in tiles. White hexagonal tiles for a bathroom floor are still a classic choice. Mixing in the occasional black or colored tile in with the white is also a classic combination for hexagonal floor tiles. Hexagonal patterns have evolved beyond the classic style into sexy and sophisticated.

Hexagons can be used in all different sizes for delicate or bold patterns. The bigger the hexagon, the more intense the areas of color will be, and therefore the stronger the pattern. Tone on tone hexagonal patterns can be more subtle. Large patterns for walls and linens make a bold statement in a room.

Like the chevron pattern, hexagonal patterns are a hot trend right now; one that the design world has seen before. The design world is very similar to the world of fashion; what is old is new again with vintage-inspired patterns and colors making a comeback. This time, the look has been elevated to suit a range of styles anywhere from classic to modern. As with all trends, the style will not always be trending, but rest assured the look will have longevity as it originates from a timeless shape. Where could you see this shape in your space?

Different Types of Tiles and How to Choose the Right One

February 14, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Tile has been used for centuries as a decorative floor and wall covering. Not only do many tiles offer the benefits of unmatched aesthetical appeal and substantial durability, but many tiles can be used in wet environments. This feature makes tile a very versatile flooring option. However, there are many different types of tiles on the market. Knowing some of the common tile selections and their pros and cons can better help you tailor the right selection for your home.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile has been around for a very long time. It is created by heating clay inside a kiln to harden it. It is not baked nearly as hot as porcelain, however, and is easier to chip or get damaged by frost.

Porcelain

Like ceramic tile, porcelain is clay heated in a kiln. However, it is baked at a much higher temperature, making it much more durable and less porous. Being less porous also makes this tile more difficult to stain. This is why toilets and sinks are commonly made from porcelain.

Glass

Another option to use when tiling your home is glass. Glass offers a translucent glaze, which can be very aesthetically pleasing. It is typically marketed for backsplashes or accent pieces. Additionally, glass can come in a large variety of colors and adds character to any backsplash or shower wall.

Marble

This natural stone is quarried and cut into tiles. It is full of character, with each piece being unique and individualized through their pebbly spots and veining. Marble is great; however, it is very easily stained and vulnerable to etching when it encounters acidic materials.

Mosaic

Mosaic tile is a category of tiles that are combined on a small mesh sheet for installation purposes. Mosaic tiles are typically accent pieces, which can be fun to add to walls or backsplashes. Additionally, mosaics can be made of glass, ceramic, stone, or other materials. They are very timeless and can add a charming pattern to your room.

Limestone

Limestone is a very decorative tile option with beautiful texture. Limestone is made of calcium carbonate. Limestone can also be soft and porous, which makes it vulnerable to staining or damage. However, limestone offers a beautiful, elegant look.

Quarry

Another durable option is quarry tile. This tile is made the same way that brick is formed. It is a very impervious tile, which is extremely hard. Quarry tile is not considered to be slippery when wet, which is why it is used in some outdoor places like ski resorts.

Different tiles can be used for various applications. From outside tiles for patios to indoor tiles for backsplashes, each tile can offer a distinct set of advantages. If you are having trouble choosing the right one for you, our team at ICC Home would love to assist you. We have a knowledgable staff ready to answer all and any of your questions. Visit us today, and let us help you find the perfect tile.

Flooring 101: Tile

August 30, 2019 by iccfloors 1 Comment

Tile has been used in homes since as early as the 8th century. From wall mosaics to decorative floors, tile is forever loved for its delicate beauty, incredible durability, and easy-to-maintain properties. That being said, while many households incorporate tile into their design, few truly understand its characteristics. In today’s part of our series, we are going to take a closer look at tile’s attributes and why homeowners select this flooring. Let’s take a look!

Ceramic vs. Porcelain

There are two types of tiles: Ceramic and Porcelain. While similar, these two types also differ from one another. Here are their key differences:

Porcelain

The key difference between ceramic and porcelain tile is that porcelain can be used outdoors. Due to its frost-resistant properties, it can be placed in environments that drop to the negatives. Additionally, porcelain has a low water absorption rate, making it the better choice for showers and pools. Lastly, porcelain is considered more durable and harder than ceramic tile, making it a great choice for households that are prone to drops and spills.

Ceramic

On the other hand, ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain tile. This is due to the way porcelain tile is manufactured. If you are looking for an affordable tile option, ceramic tile may be your way to go.

Durability

Tile floors are typically considered durable due to the way they are made. While being exposed to extremely high temperatures during creation, tile is incredibly tough and often difficult to crack; therefore, homeowners love the durability and reliability of their tile floors.

Hypoallergenic & Sustainable

Many homeowners choose tile because of its hypoallergenic properties. In fact, parents of children with asthma or allergies love tile floors because they cannot hold common household allergens. Because tile is an impervious surface, homeowners can rest at ease that their household floors will be free of bacteria, fungi, mold, and other dust mites.

Curated from natural and sustainable materials, tile is the most environmental-friendly flooring choice on the market. In fact, it can help moderate the temperature throughout your home and create a more energy-efficient space.

Water-, Slip-, and Fire-Resistant

While many homeowners are probably aware of the fact that tile floors are water-resistant, since they are frequently used in bathrooms, many homeowners may not know that tile floors are fire-resistant. In fact, its fire-resistant property can help homeowners feel at ease with their flooring decision. Since tile is a non-flammable material, if a fire were to happen, it will not produce smoke or burn toxic fumes, helping to give you peace of mind.

In addition to being fire-resistant, tile floors can have slip-resistant properties to keep your family safe. Some tile designs offer a slip-resistant barrier through their different textures and finishes, which works well in pool areas to help avoid any accidental falls.

All in all, tile is a very diverse and beautiful flooring choice. From pools to backsplashes to floors, tile can add a touch of elegance to any home design. For more information on ICC Home’s tile selection, please visit us here.

Additionally, if you missed the previous posts in our series, be sure to visit their corresponding links here: Carpet and Hardwood. Also, be sure to check back next week for our final part of the series on Luxury Vinyl Planking.