Any designers/decorators here?

[HoneySuckle]

I am remodelling a bathroom.  Found the colour tile I like but it only comes in 6", 12" and 18."

The 6 x 6 is too small, but 12 x 12 is not bad.  However, my tile setter said I should use 18 x 18s because they would make the bathroom seem bigger. This is a 7' x 7' bathroom.

Anyone use 18 x 18s in a small room?

[TheArtist]

If they are on a diagonal, it could be quite nice. 7x7 sounds like about the right size for a tile like that to work in. Will make the smaller bathroom seem more gracious and above average. May be a big scary at first because its not what many would instictively do, but once its in and done you will be glad.

What kind of sink do you have in there? Something that looks like a piece of furniture with feet will also make the floorspace look larger and enabale more of the tile to show. Of course a pedistal sink or something of that nature would do that even more.

Couple of possible exceptions. It also depends on the type of tile to some extent. If the tiles are shiny, like a black marble or granite, definitely. If the tiles are textured like a slate and each of slightly different color, going with the 12" may be better so that you can see more of the color variations.

As a design note. If you are going for a bold look or something that has strong colors on the walls etc. then lean towards the larger tiles. However if you are going for a monotone look, everything of a similar color and shade, go with the smaller or smallest tile. When doing a room that say, all off white, walls, floors, furniture, fabric, etc. and your in a small space "Texture" and soft patterns are your friend. Its the variations in texture that add interest and create a soft relaxing feel. So going with the smallest tiles would be the thing in that instance.

[carltonplace]

Might I ask how old your house is?

[HoneySuckle]

Actually, the house was built in the latter part of 1989.

The entire bathroom area is 7 x 7 and not at all spacious. We have a vanity in there, then the toilet and opposite is the bath tub.

Here are some pics. I sure hope this works.

[/UR

[URL=http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o27/maripositaII/bathroomtiles2.jpg]

[HoneySuckle]

quote:Originally posted by HoneySuckle

Actually, the house was built in the latter part of 1989.

The entire bathroom area is 7 x 7 and not at all spacious. We have a vanity in there, then the toilet and opposite is the bath tub.

Here are some pics. I sure hope this works.

[/UR

[URL=http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o27/maripositaII/bathroomtiles2.jpg]

[HoneySuckle]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

If they are on a diagonal, it could be quite nice. 7x7 sounds like about the right size for a tile like that to work in. Will make the smaller bathroom seem more gracious and above average. May be a big scary at first because its not what many would instictively do, but once its in and done you will be glad.

What kind of sink do you have in there? Something that looks like a piece of furniture with feet will also make the floorspace look larger and enabale more of the tile to show. Of course a pedistal sink or something of that nature would do that even more.

Couple of possible exceptions. It also depends on the type of tile to some extent. If the tiles are shiny, like a black marble or granite, definitely. If the tiles are textured like a slate and each of slightly different color, going with the 12" may be better so that you can see more of the color variations.

As a design note. If you are going for a bold look or something that has strong colors on the walls etc. then lean towards the larger tiles. However if you are going for a monotone look, everything of a similar color and shade, go with the smaller or smallest tile. When doing a room that say, all off white, walls, floors, furniture, fabric, etc. and your in a small space "Texture" and soft patterns are your friend. Its the variations in texture that add interest and create a soft relaxing feel. So going with the smallest tiles would be the thing in that instance.

I should have given more details.  The tiles are from Interceramic and are porcelain (through body I think they call it), and is a light greyish colour.  I didn't want white, but didn't want anything as bold as the "mauve" the builder had used.  I chose the glass tiles to bring in some extra colour.

I am trying to achieve a modern/contemporary look.  The vanity is about 58" (custom) and is maple in a light honey stain, with Euro style drawer pulls found at IKEA. They're the longish ones.  Granite vanity top (remnant) has some of the greyish tones so that's why we chose the tile.

[TheArtist]

Wow its really hard to tell without actually seeing the space and getting a better feel. I wondered about any tub taking up floorspace too. Really any tile size will work. Each will shift the room slightly towards a different mood and feel. The large tile can have a modern look to it. But I am going to have to bow out on this one. Just would be too hard to give proper advice. With every rule of thumb, there are a dozen exceptions to each. It takes a combo of talking with the client, getting a feel for what they are going for and also seeing the space and what will best work in it. Then finding solutions and compromises to get where you want to go.

For some reason I am still leaning towards the larger tile though. Especially if you are going to be using the other tile in the bathroom. The floor will become a clean, "visual point of rest" allowing the smaller tile in the other areas to shine. You dont want a lot going on to clutter up the space so that your eye constantly darts from one thing to the next.  

But again, just a guess. lol

[HoneySuckle]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Wow its really hard to tell without actually seeing the space and getting a better feel. I wondered about any tub taking up floorspace too. Really any tile size will work. Each will shift the room slightly towards a different mood and feel. The large tile can have a modern look to it. But I am going to have to bow out on this one. Just would be too hard to give proper advice. With every rule of thumb, there are a dozen exceptions to each. It takes a combo of talking with the client, getting a feel for what they are going for and also seeing the space and what will best work in it. Then finding solutions and compromises to get where you want to go.

For some reason I am still leaning towards the larger tile though. Especially if you are going to be using the other tile in the bathroom. The floor will become a clean, "visual point of rest" allowing the smaller tile in the other areas to shine. You dont want a lot going on to clutter up the space so that your eye constantly darts from one thing to the next.  

But again, just a guess. lol

Your guess was good enough, trust me. I have a tile setter who comes highly recommended and has done some work on Brookside. His references loved what he did, but he followed what THEY wanted.  I know what I don't like (traditional), and love modern/contemporary, but don't know how to get it. Does not make sense?

Anyway, my idea was to use the 12x12 on the walls, and the 18x18 on the floor. Tile guy said use all 18x18, BUT I don't really trust his taste. He'd set whatever I wanted.  

Will have to post pics when it's done.

In the kitchen I'm going with 20x20s because the space is more open, and I wanted that concrete look. Remember though that the glass tiles will be the border.

[mr.jaynes]

quote:Originally posted by HoneySuckle

quote:Originally posted by HoneySuckle

Actually, the house was built in the latter part of 1989.

The entire bathroom area is 7 x 7 and not at all spacious. We have a vanity in there, then the toilet and opposite is the bath tub.

Here are some pics. I sure hope this works.

[/UR

[URL=http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o27/maripositaII/bathroomtiles2.jpg]

In the words of a friend of a friend, "That wall has got to go!"