The kitchen is the heart of the home and where most families spend a lot of time. So it’s important to make it practical and functional. While how the kitchen looks is important, it’s one of those spaces where form naturally follows function. In other words, a convenient and practical kitchen will always look and feel better than a poorly planned one. 

But where do you start? There are usually 3 things to consider:

1. What you do in the kitchen – do you cook simple meals for you and your kids? Do you like to entertain a lot? Does your kitchen have an open layout or is it a closed room?
2. The available space – do you have space for an island? Do you need an eating area for informal meals? How many appliances need counter space?
3. Your budget – this determines the finishes, the quality and type of materials you can use, and what appliances you should prioritize.

Layout

Once you’ve nailed these basics down, it’s time to start planning. The first thing you should consider is how to layout the basic workhorses of any kitchen – the stove, the sink, and the refrigerator. The working triangle as it’s called determines how quickly and efficiently you can cook. The total distance between all 3 work areas should not be less than 10 feet and not more than 25 feet. 

Also, consider how wide your pathways need to be. Do you have one or two cooks in the house? Design cabinets and drawers appropriately to ensure everyone has room to move between the counters. You should also ensure that there is enough space for all appliance doors to be open at once (dishwasher, fridge, oven, microwave, etc)

Consider how and where you place the sink and refrigerator as well. These are often used by children and guests, so you don’t want them tucked away in a corner. Keep them accessible to both the cook and other family members. 

Counters

In any kitchen counter space is valuable. You need it for prepping your meals, cooking, for appliances, and occasionally even to eat. So don’t waste it on appliances that can be stored elsewhere like a coffeemaker or instant pot. Stash smaller, infrequently used appliances in the pantry. 

Similarly, plan where you need the counters to be. Allow at least 15 inches of space on either side of your stove and sink to offload hot dishes or to organize meal prep. Decide if you want one large, unbroken countertop or several smaller ones on all sides. Do you like the idea of a galley style kitchen or an L-shape or even a U-shaped working area? 

Kitchen island

Everyone wants a kitchen island but do you have space or need for it? An L-shaped kitchen might benefit from an island but a large U-shaped kitchen may not need one at all.in the same vein, consider how you will be using the island. Is it for additional prep space or to use as informal seating for friends? 

If your kitchen is too small for an island (experts recommend at least 8 feet by 12 feet), consider using a cart instead. Try one that has a built-in work surface that you can wheel away when not in use. 

The sink & faucet

Whether you cook or not, you’ll spend a lot of time here. A large single bowl may serve you better than the typical smaller two bowl sink. Measure your biggest pots and pan to make sure they fit. Your faucet choice will also impact how quickly you can wash up. A pull-out faucet with magnetic docking can make it easier to fill large pots or clean stubborn stains in corners. 

Cabinets vs drawers

This can be a tough one. How many cabinets and drawers do you need? The best option is to inventory all your kitchen items. Flatware, plates, ladles, and small tools are perfect for drawers. Cabinets are best used for larger pots and pan along with baking items like cookie sheets. You can also install pullout hardware to provide easy access to items at the back of the cabinets.

Ventilation and lighting

Ventilation is often overlooked but plays a huge role in the kitchen. Plan around existing windows and also install a good range hood to get rid of smells, moisture, and grease. Without ventilation, all that grease is going to end up on your brand new cabinet doors!

The same goes for lighting. Lights fall under 3 categories:

1. General

These ceiling lights are the most used ones, so make sure they are bright and sufficient to light up the entire room. 

1. Task

Task lighting is needed for specific areas such as over the stove and under cabinets. 

1. Accent

Accent lights provide the ambiance you need when entertaining or simply sitting down to a meal with family. These lights can be purely decorative as well.

Standalone bathtubs are all the rage these days and for good reason. If you have your heart set on one, great choice! But striking as they are, freestanding tubs can also pose a challenge when it comes to decorating the rest of your bathroom.

A freestanding tub serves as a great statement piece, you really don’t need other pieces to crowd the room. These tubs add character and a touch of luxury. Not to mention giving you an amazing spa-like space to relax in at the end of the day. 

The best part of a freestanding tub? It can match any design trend or decorating style. Whether you opt for classic, contemporary, or modern design, you can style the freestanding tub accordingly.

• Consider the tub shape 

Move beyond the same old rectangular tub. With a freestanding tub, you’re not limited to regular shapes or sharp corners. You can opt for an oval, round, or irregular shaped tub as well. Consider the total area and the position of doors, windows, etc. in your bathroom when selecting the tub shape. 

A large square bathroom with many windows can benefit from an oval or oblong tub. An oddly-shaped room could use a round tub to great effect. Take some time and think about what works well for your family and home. Many tubs even come with an elevated backrest for added comfort, especially useful if you like a hot soak after a hard day’s work!

• Faucets 

A freestanding tub is remarkable in itself and draws the eye of any viewer. But it doesn’t mean you should forget about the faucet. The best bet for a freestanding tub is to opt for a beautiful and understated faucet that will complement it. You don’t want to pull attention away from the tub.

If your tub is too far away from the wall, you may want to get a floor-standing tub filler. These faucets often look stunning and nicely complement any tub. But if your tub is close enough to a wall, then a wall-mounted or even deck mounted faucet may work better. 

• Use the space behind the tub

A freestanding tub is a delight to behold but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the space around it. The first thing to consider is the backdrop of your new tub. You want something that will accentuate the new fixture, not hide it. 

A statement wall in a contrasting color to the rest of the walls is one option. Another is to hang a beautiful art piece or sculpture on the wall behind the tub. You can set the tub against a window for a striking view and plenty of natural light. You can also enclose your tub with glass walls to set it apart from other areas in the room.

• What you need on and around the tub

  

One of the minor disadvantages of a freestanding tub is that you lose access to a shelf or cabinet to hold your bath items. So think of adding a few pieces that provide storage and decor options. An ottoman or side table for your candles and books usually works well. A lush rug in a bright shade can offer a warm place for your feet when you get out of the tub. If you have some more space around the tub, a potted plant or two will add some visual interest as well.

A caddy for your bath items can also work nicely, especially if you can snag one that uses similar materials as the tub. Most caddies are movable but some are beautiful enough to display. It reduces clutter and helps you keep all your necessities within reach. An alternative to a caddy is to balance a tray across the tub rim. Many manufacturers offer these trays as stylish accessories to their tub lineup. Snag one for your space when buying the tub itself so you can see how they work together. 

• Look up! 

The bathroom ceiling is one place no one notices at first glance. But if your freestanding tub is in the middle of the room, it offers a fantastic opportunity to use the empty ceiling space above. There are a couple of options you can consider to upgrade your bathroom ceiling.

One is to set up a dramatic light fixture directly above the tub to focus attention. A chandelier or modern pendant light can do the job nicely. It also helps you quite a bit if you like to read in the tub but don’t have many windows for natural lighting.

The second option is to highlight the ceiling with glass tiles or patterns. Plain walls with a patterned or tiled ceiling can create a unique design. If you plan to use a curtain, you can mount the curtain tracks to the ceiling for a more cohesive look.

Summer is the perfect time for a beach vacation and that’s what a lot of people do each year. But what if you can’t make it to the beach whenever you like? Bring the beach house style into your home for a change. Some people like the beach house aesthetic so much that they incorporate it into their everyday living areas. 

So what can you do to celebrate the beach all year round? All it needs is a bit of inspiration and decor ideas.

Select the right colors

What colors spring to mind when you think of the beach? Most people would say blues and greens. But you don’t have to stop there. Think of all the different shades of blues, greens, and teals you could use in your beach-inspired space. You can also use soft whites, creams, yellows as well as neutrals like beige and pale grey. 

The key here is to think of soft and airy shades. You don’t really want intense colors on your walls or floor. You can certainly use them in spots around the house but for the really large areas like the walls, keep it light.

Focus on the floor

The walls and ceiling are not the only areas you can paint. Depending on your flooring materials, you can also paint a seaside mural or beach colors underneath your feet. You can try out various shades of the same color such as tan throughout the home. Or even paint in some stripes on wood to mimic planks. 

A mural with sand, shells, coral, and rocks can help you recreate the beach inside. Painted floors work especially well in the kitchen and the back or front porch.

Add texture with natural fabrics

One of the key elements of the beach house style is to bring the outdoors in. So think of using natural fabrics and materials wherever you can. Furniture made of sisal or bamboo is a great option. You don’t have to replace your existing furniture but adding one or two accent pieces can really help. 

Another idea is to use area rugs made from natural fibers like linen or jute. These rugs are durable and will instantly remind you of a beach cottage. You can also get window shades made of bamboo or linen to complete the look.

Transform furniture

What if you have perfectly good furniture that’s not ready to replace but is also not very summery? Consider painting them where appropriate. If you have salvage pieces like a chair from a garage sale, paint them in a beach-inspired color. Think of the bright orange of a beach umbrella or the jewel tones of a swimsuit. These furniture pieces will make a nice contrast to pale or pastel colors on the walls. 

If painting furniture is not an option – for a couch or other pieces – you can also slipcovers. Slipcovers are ideal as you can wash them and change them out with the season. Rotate between 1 or 2 beach colors for the summer and switch back to other shades for fall and winter. 

Get inspired by nature

There’s no better source of inspiration for home decor than the sun, sand, and sea. Think of items you might have lying around the house from your last beach vacation. Seashells, sea stars, sand dollars, coral, etc all make wonderful accessories. After they’re cleaned and bleached, you can even paint them to match the colors of your home. 

You can arrange a bunch of similar items in a group such as a bowl or on the wall. You can also spotlight a unique piece such as a seashell in an unusual shape or a brightly colored piece of coral. There are plenty of opportunities to accessorize when it comes to beach style homes so don’t limit yourself. From curtains, sheets, and furniture to coffee table books, the options are endless. 

You can even make your own scrapbook or photobook of your beach vacations to display. Arrange a few photos on the walls, especially in the kitchen or living room. It might seem like a small thing but they quickly add up to give a summer vibe.

Consider scents

When recreating the beach house style in your home, don’t overlook your sense of smell. Nothing says beach like the scents of fresh air, sunshine, and the salty smell of the ocean. Find a scent that invokes the beach and mist it in around the house. You can also spritz linens with it or use beach-scented detergent in the laundry. Other alternatives include setting out a bowl of potpourri in key areas or lighting an aromatic candle. Select an option that works for you and your family but definitely don’t use all of them at once.

Remember that the beach house style is inspired by nature so embrace imperfection. Think outside the box and don’t worry about making it look perfect!

The current decor trends in houses tend toward neutral palettes. You might have seen that most houses end up with grey or white walls. It’s easy, quick, and doesn’t require homeowners to make even more decisions. 

Unfortunately, people seem to think in extremes when it comes to home decor. It’s not unusual to find homes with entire rooms done in a single color, specifically white. Many think that the only two options are all white spaces or bright and colorful rooms that look chaotic. 

But you don’t have to stick to beige, white, and grey for your home. You can always add subtle and classy accents of color to any white or neutral-colored room. Here are a few ways to liven up a room without going overboard with color:

Accent walls

The easiest way to add a pop of color is to paint one wall in the room. Accent walls in bright shades are quick and easy to DIY. You don’t even need a lot of paint if the wall isn’t very big. Deep purples, navy blue, and forest green are popular colors for accent walls.  

Another option to highlight one wall is to use brightly colored Moroccan tiles. Depending on the color and size of the tiles, you can create geometric patterns or cover the entire wall. 

Appliances

A growing trend in home design is using colorful appliances. After years of stainless steel or even white appliances, it’s the perfect way to add color to your kitchen. If your oven or microwave is due for a replacement anyway, try checking out fun colors like candy red, soft aqua, or bright yellow. Many companies now offer color-coordinated appliances for modern kitchens. 

Accessories

If painting sounds difficult and replacing an appliance isn’t on the cards, try using colorful accessories. This is a nifty trick for bathrooms where your options for decorating may be limited. Pick out towel bars, faucets, and even showerheads in matching colors for a subtle addition. 

Colorful fabric

A quick and inexpensive way to bring color is by using the textiles within a room. From area rugs to upholstery, there are many opportunities to use colorful fabric. The best part is that you can switch out the curtains or throws with the season or according to your mood. Using natural textiles like linen or cotton can also make a room feel lived-in.

Use flowers and plants

Is there a room that wouldn’t benefit from a bit of greenery? Add one pot or a group to freshen up any space. Your options aren’t limited to just potted plants. You can also hang a few plants from the ceiling, add flowers in a vase or two, or even use artificial flowers in creative ways. Break up a bouquet of artificial flowers and arrange them on a white wall in patterns or shapes. It’s a quick way to add some color without damaging the walls or furniture.

Statement pieces

Another alternative way to bring in color is to focus on a statement piece. Whether it’s a famous work of art or simply a colorful photograph form your vacation, shine a spotlight on 1 piece. A bright blue chair in an all-white bedroom or living room can be quite eye-catching. 

One or two accent colors

Unsure about how much color is enough? Keep in mind the simple decor rule of 60-30-10. The dominant color of a room should be 60%. The 30% accent color adds visual interest and the final 10% adds some sparkle. 

Consider your living room for instance. If the walls are a neutral white or grey, add color with upholstery for the 30% visual interest. Finally, a statement piece in a bright color can be the remaining 10%.

For a subtle look, limit your accent colors to one or two at the most. Even pastel shades can be overwhelming if you add too many to the room.

Statement lighting

Instead of a statement piece of art try using a statement light instead. Oversized pendant lights, chandeliers, and colorful lamps in the accent color of the room often work wonders. As a bonus, statement lights in the dining or living room can also spark interesting conversations with guests especially if yours has a story around it.

Mirrors with bright frames

Sometimes you are left with a blank piece of the wall after decorating a room. It may the wrong spot for artwork or there may not be enough light to hang anything. So how do you fill it up? It may just be the ideal spot for a large mirror. 

Go for mirrors with bright and colorful frames as a way to add color. This idea works well for corridors, foyers, and other narrow spaces which usually have very little light. A mirror will also reflect the existing shades in the room, so you have a way of adding color without doing anything. 

Modern style is one of the most misunderstood decorating trends. Many people confuse modern and contemporary styles. It’s easy to see why as both words essentially mean the same thing in a dictionary. However, interior decorators will tell you that both are quite different. 

Modern vs Contemporary

The contemporary design style reflects current trends i.e, it changes with the time. The contemporary style of tomorrow may be completely different from today. It is ideal for those who wish to stay up to date with the current trends and who can afford to update their homes as trends change.

Modern style, however, is rooted in a specific time period which is the early 1900s to 1950s. It features straight horizontal and vertical lines instead of curves, smooth reflective surfaces, and neutral or natural color palettes. The design philosophy of modern style is that form follows function. In other words, furnishings should be designed to reflect their purpose. It also emphasizes clutter-free surfaces since any details that are not needed for functionality is removed. 

Who is it for?

Modern style is quite popular these days as it complements the minimalist movement as well as the concept of open design in today’s homes. Homeowners who want to stick to a specific design style that emphasizes function over purely decorative embellishments will love the modern style. If you’re tired of clutter or worried about buying too many unnecessary furnishings, the modern decor style may be right for you.

How to create a modern space

A typical modern room often features the following elements and design choices:

• Emphasis on straight lines over curves and angles
• No fussy embellishments or unnecessary details
• Comfortable low-lying furniture with clean lines instead of large upholstered pieces
• Natural materials like glass, metal, leather, and stone
• Neutral color palette with more natural colors or even unpainted natural fibers
• Shiny and reflective surfaces like glass, steel, and chrome
• Lots of natural light and open windows which don’t have layered curtains or other such additions

You don’t have to stick to all of these characteristics in one room but keep them in mind when buying furniture or other decor pieces. A modern bedroom doesn’t mean you can’t have luxurious curtains for privacy. You can always add in a textured rug in the living room if you think the space is too stark. As with all design ‘rules,’ it’s important to know them so you can break them in the best ways!

A modern bedroom

A good rule of thumb for a modern space is that less is more. A traditional bedroom might have a large bed along the longest wall, a couple of dressers, and a separate seating area with the standard 2 or 4 chairs. With modern decor, you don’t have to stick to expectations. Emphasize open spaces with only the pieces you need. That can mean using a single chair instead of 4 or fewer pillows on the bed. 

A modern bathroom

When decorating a bathroom in the modern style, stick to basic geometric shapes like squares and ovals. A glass shower enclosure or a freestanding tub in the center of the room is perfect for this style. Try to stick to neutral colors like tan, grey, white, black, and beige. For accent colors, try subdued reds, blues, and greens.

Emphasize the clan lines with no-handle cabinets and sink counters. Another great addition is to use wall-mounted faucets instead of the standard ones in the sink. It reduces clutter around this important space and gives an unexpected twist.you can also add a few warm touches with flowers, potted plants, and wood/leather accents throughout the room.

A modern kitchen

A modern kitchen is versatile and who doesn’t want a functional kitchen? You can use the modern design philosophy of form follows function to great effect in your kitchen. There are so many areas where you can create the modern aesthetic – from light-filled windows to flush doors on cabinets.

The color trends for 2020 include dark colors like bold blues, deep greens, and black. These are perfect to create a modern color palette throughout the room. A typical modern kitchen may feature white cabinets and dark walls with pops of blues or greens. But you don’t have to stick to just that idea. Try using white appliances or accessories on a dark countertop or vice-versa.

You can replace the typical kitchen cabinet doors with frosted or even clear glass on all sides or just a select few. Color match appliances in bold modern colors. Don’t forget the floor and backsplash as well. Simple designs featuring geometric shapes – such as subway or penny tiles – will work well in the modern kitchen. You can emphasize function and remove extraneous details in any room to fit with the modern decor style.

No kitchen remodel is complete without a new sink and faucet. A sink is one of the most used items in your kitchen. Think about it, you use the sink every day even if you don’t cook. And home cooks are not the only people using the sink. Children, guests, and others in your family also use the sink a lot. 

When it comes to kitchen sinks and faucets, looks aren’t everything. While aesthetics play a big role in most renovations, functionality is crucial here. A good quality sink and faucet will last years and selecting a classic style will keep your kitchen looking good throughout. But what does quality mean and what should you look for when buying a new sink and faucet?

Material and Features

The latest advancements in kitchen hardware have practically eliminated leaky faucets and corroded sinks. Many manufacturers also offer lifetime warranties for defects and even finishes in some cases. If you go for reputed brands like Blanco, Prochef, and Grohe, you won’t have to worry about performance and quality. Most of these brands also plenty of options at various price points, so you can always find something that fits your budget.

What distinguishes different faucets is the features they offer such as accessories, finishes, touchless operation, pull out hoses, or spray options. Similarly, sinks from major manufacturers are almost all good and the sink material is more important than the brand you select. For instance, stainless steel kitchen sinks are versatile and suited for most decor styles, irrespective of brand or gauge (thickness of the steel).

That being said, here are a few things to check before purchasing a sink and faucet that will complete the look of your kitchen:

• Mounting holes

While there is no rule that says you have to buy the sink and faucet from the same brand or even model line, it is easier to get a consistent look this way. 

However, you do have to match the number of mounting holes needed for your faucet with those available for the sink of your choice. If your sink has more holes than your faucet needs, you will have to cover the extra ones. Most sinks come with a mounting or deck plate for this purpose. But never buy a faucet that needs more holes than the sink comes with. It’s not easy or cheap to drill extra holes in most sinks.

Apart from matching the number of mounting holes, you should also check for the position. Most faucets are installed near the center of the sink but some fancier options are mounted to the wall or even a corner of the sink. Corner faucets look good but they need to have longer hoses to reach the opposite sink corner. 

• Style and shapes

The next thing to consider is the faucet style and sink shape. Straight spout faucets are readily available and inexpensive. But you may have trouble with large bowls or filling big pots. A gooseneck faucet or one with a pull out spray head is a good option for most cooks. 

Sinks also come in multiple options and shapes. For instance, do you want one large bowl to fit even the biggest pots or two smaller bowls to separate tasks like rinsing vegetables? A 2 bowl sink is very handy if you have two cooks in the family. Rectangular sinks are most common but round, square, and other shapes are also available.

Always match the sink and faucet finish. A shiny chrome faucet will look out of place if the rest of your kitchen features a matte chrome finish and vice-versa.

• Installation and repair

Always look for sinks and faucets that are easy to install and repair. If your faucet leaks, the manufacturer will send a replacement part but you will have to install it yourself. You shouldn’t have to purchase specialized tools for installing the sink. Faucets with long water supply hoses make it easier to connect to the main water line. If the faucet comes with a pull out spray head, check that the counterweight functions properly. 

For sinks, top or under-mounting is a major concern. Top mount or drop-in models are easy to install as long as you have the right measurements for your countertop. But they have a lip that sits on the counter and food particles often get stuck underneath. That’s why under-mounted sinks are becoming popular. These sinks are mounted from under the counter, so it’s easy to clean the countertop. You simply push food particles straight into the sink. But these sinks are more difficult to install and your countertop may not accommodate one.

Finally, do consider an InSinkErator or garbage disposal for the kitchen sink. It’s often overlooked but can make a huge difference. Having one in your sink greatly reduces the chance of the drain getting clogged.

As we head into yet another week of quarantine, the question on everyone’s lips is pretty much the same – what do I do when I’m stuck at home? Well, now might just be the perfect time to take on that renovation or remodel project you’ve been putting off for months! True, stores and businesses are closed in most places but online shopping and delivery options are aplenty.

Here are a few projects you can tackle around the house with little expense and not much work.

Swap the faucets

We often don’t think about the faucet until it stops working but if yours is really old, swapping out for a new model can get you neat features like a pull-down spray or an automatic sensor. This is a simple, quick, and easy project that won’t take you more than an hour to do. 

It’s a good option for when you don’t feel like splurging on a massive remodel project for the bathroom or kitchen. Swapping out the faucets is a great way to freshen up an old vanity or kitchen sink. 

Add accessories

Take a look around your bathroom or powder room. Do you have a place for everything like hand towels, soap, or toilet paper? Now is the time to add accessories or replace old ones. An extra towel rod or a new toilet roll holder can work wonders.

Manufacturers offer bathroom accessories in a variety of coordinating finishes, so you should be able to find one that matches your existing decor. The best part? Replacing accessories won’t break the bank but still feel like a substantial upgrade.

Update lighting

Lighting can make or break a room. Unfortunately, it’s also something that many homeowners don’t think about. Most rooms need different kinds of lighting – ambient and task lighting. Ambient or overheard lighting provides general illumination throughout a room. It’s great for when you enter the kitchen or bathroom but not so much when you want to highlight specific elements in the room or when you need to complete a task.

Go through your kitchen and see where and what kind of lighting you need. Do you need under cabinet lights to see better when prepping dinner? Or maybe you just want to replace the massive chandelier that takes up way too much room. New pendant lights or LED cabinet lights can liven up a drab kitchen or bath even if you don’t change anything else.

A new coat of paint

If you’re looking for a more intensive project that will take days to finish, how about painting the walls? It doesn’t have to be the entire house at once either. Just take a look at the most often used rooms like the bath or kitchen. Chances are the walls could use a fresh coat of paint or even a brand new color.

The color trends for 2020 lean more towards darker colors like dark blues and deep greens. So if you have a white kitchen from a couple of decades ago, you might want to give your kitchen a facelift with new paint.

Renovate the kitchen

Updating your kitchen doesn’t always mean you need to spend thousands of dollars and replace all your cabinets and appliances. Smaller projects can also upgrade your rooms. Some examples of things you could replace or add include drawer pulls, cabinet handles, a new backsplash, or even a fresh coat of paint above the range. 

You can also add some accessories or artwork on the kitchen walls. Look for small items that you can place around the room like an antique china set or an heirloom vase. Do you have a collection of teas or other food items from your travels? It’s the perfect time to organize and display them in your home.

Rearrange furniture

This might exactly be a remodel project but rearranging the furniture can also freshen up any room. Sometimes moving furniture pieces will give you new ideas on how to decorate the space. It can also free up hidden space from nooks and crannies. 

Some people don’t move their furniture at all from the day they move in. You may have noticed that things get in the way as you move around the house or that certain things are not where they need to be. If that’s the case, re-evaluate how you use a room and rearrange things to find a better fit.

Focus on walls

Consider changing the artwork on your living room walls or replacing the small mirror in the bathroom. You can also sort and organize all your pictures and print them out to hang on the walls. These kinds of projects are time-intensive so it’s easy to postpone them when you’re busy. Now that we all have some much-needed time on our hands, it’s a great way to fill out those empty picture frames!

White spaces are a classic design style and one that’s back in vogue thanks to the growing popularity of the minimalist trend. White rooms, paint, and tile look spacious and airy making it a good choice for practically any room in the home. It pairs really well with light, pastel colors like yellow or lilac, and also with dark contrasting shades like black or navy blue. 

Here’s how and where you can use white tile in your home without overwhelming other design choices.

Where to use white tile

The kitchen and bathroom are two places where homeowners commonly use tiles. Naturally, these are your best options when it comes to using white tile. But subway tiles in a brick pattern is not the only way you can use white.

The bathroom

White subway tiles are quite the rage in bathroom design. A white bathroom looks clean, airy, and much bigger than it actually is. No wonder white tiles are popular for bathrooms! Square or rectangular tiles are not your only choice of white tile though. Mixing patterns, shapes, and even different shades of the same color can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

One way to use multiple shapes or patterns is to distinguish between different areas within the same room. For example, you can use white rectangle tiles of different lengths to separate the vanity and shower area. The entire room looks cohesive, yet allows you to visually demarcate spaces. 

Another option when using white tile is to use 2 different shades throughout the bathroom. For instance, you could use a bright white tile for the walls and an ivory white or light grey tiles as a border. This allows you to mimic the look of baseboard and/or molding without the expense.

The Kitchen

Kitchens offer a much bigger canvas for white tiles. There are several places you can use tiles here – for a backsplash, on the floor, or on the walls. Some people may not like white tiles in the kitchen as it can quickly look grimy or dull. But the important thing to remember is that tile is much easier to clean than paint or other materials. You can use white tiles to your heart’s content without worrying about maintenance. 

You can use white tiles in interesting ways in the kitchen. For instance, you can mix and match the subway and penny tiles to create beautiful patterns on the wall. You can also create a focus wall by installing white tiles from the floor to the ceiling. This is an especially good option if you have a large window framing the kitchen or a fireplace that you would like to showcase.

You can also match white tiles with other colors to create interesting patterns for your backsplash. One way to dress up plain white tiles is to use a strong grout color. There’s no reason you should stick plain old white or grey grout. A white tile can easily stand out with a bright blue or dark green grout color for a distinctive look.

Different ways to use white tiles

Even within the bathroom and kitchen, you can use white tiles in creative ways. It’s easy to go overboard when it comes to shapes, colors, or textures but many people play it safe by sticking to just one shape or color. 

A good rule of thumb is to vary one aspect while keeping another the same for unity. So you might want to use different tile shapes but keep the color constant or use the same square tiles in different colors in the kitchen.

Tiles come in many textures and materials. From ceramic to porcelain, there’s no end to beautiful tiles. Marble tiles are good choices in the kitchen as they add texture. Glass tiles are trendy as they can reflect light, adding to the elegance of a room. Tired or bored with rectangles everywhere? Now you try out triangles, circles (penny tiles), hexagons, or even octagons if you like. 

Think out of the box when it comes to patterns as well. You don’t have to stick with straight lines. Diagonal or irregular edges can look quite interesting or alternate diagonal tiles for a herringbone pattern on the walls. Try alternating between white and black tiles or any other dark color for a minimal yet modern style.

You can also use white tiles to frame and delineate specific architectural features like fireplaces, windows, artwork, or mirrors. Draw attention to your favorite painting with thin white tiles or showcase a rustic fireplace with white penny tiles. Some people might think white is a safe choice or even boring but you can create magic by using it with different colors, shapes, and textures.

Once you dive into the world of interior design, there’s no turning back. It’s easy to get lost in a confusing world of trends and decor choices. There are just so many styles to choose from, not to mention you can mix and match elements that suit you and your family. If you don’t know where to start with interior design, here’s a quick guide to the most popular design trends for the home.

Traditional

The traditional design features classic design elements and is inspired by European sensibilities. Traditional homes feature sumptuous furnishings, rich textile fabrics like silk or velvet and curved lines. Furniture pieces are made of deep, rich wood and feature elegant embellishments. 

Symmetry and neutral colors are the basic foundation of this style. The traditional design may come across as messy and heavy, thanks to the use of flamboyant accessories and antique-looking furniture. If you have a lot of older furniture or love collecting antiques, this style is for you.

Modern

In many ways, modern design is the polar opposite of the traditional style. It features straight lines as opposed to curves and emphasizes sleekness rather than flamboyance. Modern design uses more metal and glass than other design styles. 

Smooth surfaces, clutter-free rooms, and limited color palettes are the hallmark of modern design. A modern home may have asymmetrical furniture and feature artwork on the walls. There are not a lot of decor items and the design choices can make any room look larger than it is. 

Bohemian

The bohemian design may look chaotic or messy at first glance. It features a lot of colors, patterns, and textures. This style is very eclectic and offers plenty of room to explore your heart’s desire. There are few fixed rules in bohemian design and it’s perfect for adventurous people.

Floor pillows, vintage textiles, and global accessories are common in bohemian homes. The emphasis is on warm and comfortable, with colors tending towards reds and purples. 

Contemporary

People often confuse modern and contemporary design, although they are quite different. Modern design refers to a certain design style that started in the 20th century. The contemporary design focuses on the here and now, it’s less anchored to any particular time period. 

Today, contemporary means sleek lines and solid colors with pops of color throughout the room. Most designers use metal accents but this style can also incorporate curved lines and elegant furnishings. In other words, these are things that you would never find in a modern styled home. 

Industrial

The industrial design is a popular trend, especially in older buildings and converted warehouses. The main features are exposed ductworks and pipes, brick or concrete walls as well as the use of metal. You can find light fixtures made of black metal or rustic wood in such homes. 

High ceilings and sparse furniture highlight a typical industrial apartment or home. Deep and rich colors like reds and browns dominate the walls. This design style works well for large, open homes. Smaller homes often don’t have the room to allow large architectural elements like industrial ducts and pipes.

Rustic

The rustic style evokes the countryside or natural elements in the home. Featuring a lot of wooden paneling and floral elements, rustic design is like a wood cabin but on a large scale. Wood and stone are popular material choices for rustic homes. You won’t find a lot of metal or glass but rather a lot of natural elements like leather, wood, and brick. 

Most rustic-inspired houses will feature a statement fireplace that stands out to any viewer. Simple patterns and solid textiles find a place here. Overall, the emphasis is on nature and outdoors.

Farmhouse

If you’re looking for warmth and comfort, farmhouse design is a good choice. It’s relaxing and practical with a few sleek elements thrown in. Common farmhouse elements are shiplap, wide wooden planks for floors, and large barn doors. Raw and natural materials like plants feature heavily in farmhouse-style homes. You can see warm and neutral colors in this design with pops of nature-inspired colors like sage green or deep orange.

If you like farmhouse design, consider natural materials like cotton, linen, and hemp over synthetics. Avoid plastic or even glass and opt for weathered wood or leather instead.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian design has become quite popular in recent years and for good reasons. With its minimalism and practical approach to aesthetics, this style is common in Nordic countries. Often featuring white and pale colors, Scandinavian design is practical and functional. The furniture here is practically a work of art but so understated that most people may not even notice it. Many pieces take direct inspiration from artwork such as sculptures. It is a perfect combination of form and function, reflective of a simple approach to life.