Welcome to the new launch of MDKdesigns.com. MDK Designs will be sharing a quarterly blog featuring design experiences from current projects, trendy styles, and valuable design knowledge. Our first blog entry is going to shed light on the complex world of tile.

Tile has been around for centuries and has been used both structurally and decoratively in homes and in religious contexts. Terracotta tiles are most commonly recognized as the reddish-orange shingles used on roofs. Tiny mosaic tiles of bright varying colors were used to ornately design the interiors of mosques. How about the typically unusually colored glossy ceramic tile found in your local high school bathrooms? There are endless examples of how tiles are used, but the point is that tiles can be used on any surface, come in many sizes, colors, and shapes, and are made from many different materials.

Today’s array of tile choices has developed far beyond your typical subway tile. With today’s manufacturing capabilities tile can be made of the standard materials consisting of ceramic, porcelain, stone, marble or the creative tile choices of glass, metal, cork, wood, and even leather. The color choices and designs are ever expanding and options are endless. Tile is designed with varying textures, patterns, and can be used for purposes of covering bathroom shower stalls or creating custom mosaics to decorate ceilings.

Mosaic design, or a pattern made of small pieces, can be created with the use of the same or similar size tile or with the water-jet cut technique. Mosaics made using the standard cut tiles can be created using just about any tile type, whereas the water-jet cut technique is used with marble and other hard stones to create softer edges in the design. The beauty with mosaic, any design can be created; it can be simple as creating a monochromatic pattern or taking a favorite photo and bringing it to life through mosaic artwork.

A current project we are working on heavily utilizes tile throughout the design. The residences’ unadorned foyer has been transformed into a focal point through the use of glass tile with vibrant hues of teal and red to create a unique mosaic inspired by both the Arabic culture and modern influences. The custom mosaic tile set the tone, color pallet and atmosphere for the flat. Further, the living room features a wall tiled in 24 x 24 mirrored etched glass with a white damask print, custom designed to meet the client’s vision. The tile installations will definitely make a strong statement and showcases the client’s refined artistic tastes

Another example of a great use of tile is with our client who is transforming their master bath into a sleek modern oasis with the use of white glass tiles on the walls and 12x24 white Thassos on the floor. This will be a beautiful tone on tone concept where combination of textures will bring the room to life. The use of the 12x24 rectilinear floor tile opposed to the traditional 12x12 brings the modern concept alive.

At MDK Designs we have a passion for tile how and how beautifully it can modify any space. Whether you are looking for a dramatic statement in your foyer or for a more subtle, functional and elegant design for your kitchen backsplash, tile can certainly serve all purposes. While tile has a large price range, any design can be modified to fit your budget. Do yourself a favor and visit a tile showroom. Go ahead and marvel at the endless possibilities tile can bring to your home décor.

This article was made possible through the collaboration of:

www.discovertile.com