Mixed Materials in Bathroom and Kitchen Design
Mixing Natural Stone, Ceramic and Glass Tiles
Oct 8, 2009
Bathroom and kitchen backsplash tiles serve the dual purpose of protecting surfaces and enhancing the design of the space. Create new and interesting looks, or cut down on the amount of high maintenance materials, by mixing and combining different types of tile.
Benefits of Combining Materials
Occasionally, a small amount of color is desired for a border in a child’s bathroom. Or the beauty of natural stone is at odds with the sealing and maintenance that it requires. Maybe a homeowner has fallen in love with an extremely expensive tile, and can’t afford to use it everywhere in the room. For these problems, combining materials may be the solution.
Thin strips of brightly colored glass tiles can make an inexpensive and fun border for a child’s bathroom when combined with ceramic subway tiles on the walls and a porcelain floor. A river rock shower floor can give a massage to the feet, while porcelain tiles are placed on the shower walls and bathroom floor to keep the maintenance and sealing to one small area.
An expensive, custom stone mosaic can be contained to small accents in a porcelain or ceramic floor to give life and beauty while keeping the design in the budget. Combining materials is always a great way to add exactly the touch that’s desired, without overwhelming the design, the maintenance capabilities of the homeowner, or the building budget.
Combinations of Tile Design
There is no limitation to the amount of design combinations that can be achieved from mixing materials. If using porcelain tiles, for their durability and low maintenance, but want to enhance the design, try using small amounts of natural stone. A polished mosaic border, set into a matte porcelain floor will attract and reflect light, drawing the eye and giving an extra dimension to the look.
For an inexpensive backsplash, that combines modern and classic designs, try laying subway tile in a running bond along the counter tops, and cut glass mosaics into strips to accent. Fill the entire space in behind the stove in glass tiles for an eye catching look that will anchor the design.
Tumbled marble tiles and handmade ceramic tiles can be combined for an old world look that sets off the beauty and variation in the ceramic tiles. Or glass and marble mosaics can be combined for added color and variation. Try mixing materials in the layout, or look for combined mosaics consisting of ceramic, stone, glass and metal in varying combinations.
Consideration of Mixed Materials
If using different materials within one area, be sure to take into consideration any thickness or installation differences. Glass may be thinner than a ceramic or stone that it is being paired with, requiring the material to be back buttered and built up with thinset to match the field. If a stone border is being used on the walls with ceramic tiles, and is thicker than the field, a small domed molding placed on either side of the material will help mask any differences in thickness.
Be sure that any natural stone is sealed properly, and that the proper grout and thinset is used for each material. Glass will require a white, latex additive thinset and a sanded grout, while a standard wall tile might just require mastic and unsanded grout. When combining the two, be sure to use the correct materials for installing each.
When materials are combined, the limits to the designs that can be achieved are due only to the imagination of the designer. Try piecing together different materials today, and take the kitchen or bathroom design to the next level.
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