Quality Materials in Your Custom Home: Tile Tips & Trends Part 2

In the first part of this series on trending tile we spoke to one of the largest tile distributors in North America, Emser Tile, on emerging trends—and got the perspective of a well-known residential Realtor on the impact of tile when it comes to resale value in your home.

Today, we’ll take a more global glance at tile use in the house before showing you some beautiful real-life examples of tile application in contemporary Adair Homes.

TILE TRENDS

Tile on the World Stage

Did you know that this February 23rd will mark the fifth annual National Tile Day? Add this to your calendar, pronto! According to press at BuilderOnline Resources, some global trends you should be on the lookout for include:

  • A mixed-color palate

  • Natural wood-look

  • Geometric tiles—and big is back! 

  • Playful, bright color pops

“National Tile Day is an incredible way to spotlight a timeless element of architecture and design that connects members of the tile community and its supporting industries,” - Alena Capra, Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and Coverings Industry Ambassador. 

A Local Perspective

Tile design on the global stage is typically bigger and brighter than most residential applications. But just because you don’t want an 8” yellow hexagon backsplash, doesn’t mean you aren’t on the cutting edge. 

Adair Homes Pro Team’s keep a close eye on the trending design choices in their local design centers. Here’s what they have to say: 

Justina Thoreson, Home Ownership Counselor, Southwest Washington

"I am always expressing how a backsplash is an easy and inexpensive way to jazz up your interior finishes.

It is a great way to showcase your personality in your home whether it be a clean, simple look such as a subway tile or a fun, elegant look like a glass mosaic.

I am super excited for our new lines of tiles. My favorite is the Picket Glass Mosaic in the color Honey, because it reminds me of a classic subway with a touch of glam!"

Laura McGill, Home Ownership Counselor, North Valley Arizona

"With regard to tile sizes, the most popular right now would be the 12x24 tiles staggered at 30%.

The direction in the way that particular size/pattern runs also plays a part in perception of room size. For instance, if you run the tile horizontally from the Entry in a home that is much wider than the deep, it makes the Great Room look larger.

If the plan walks deep and is narrow, then running the tile vertically from the Entry is usually a good method for making that particular floorplan seem larger. In terms of product quality, the porcelain tiles seem to be a lot more durable and less likely to crack than ceramic. If the budget doesn't allow for a porcelain tile, then ceramic tiles resist pressure better when they are smaller/narrower, rather than the 16x16 or 18x18 sizes. The other thing to think about with the smaller tiles is to choose lighter grout in that case and seal it because dark grout lines can get a bit busy and age the look of the home."

Inside an Adair Home

The Holmes Family built our Mt. Rainier plan with the help of our Central Oregon branch.

They chose to customize their kitchen with a full height tile backsplash in Emser tile’s Picket in Silver Gloss Mosaic with Platinum Grout. The Silver Picket tile pairs perfectly with the soft gray interior paint, dove white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. 

The Horn Family built a customized version of our Alexander plan with the help of our Southern Oregon branch. 

"I didn't want a standard backsplash. I love herringbone, and I loved all the textures that this specific tile added, especially since we were going streamline white on the countertops. I went on the Emser Tile website and chose my favorite tile from there. Dave, Adair's tile guy, installed it for us and he was great to work with." - Emily Horn

No matter your style, the Adair Homes Design Center has you covered. Modern, contemporary, or farmhouse—your kitchens and baths are safe in the hands of the Adair Pro Team!

For a more personalized approach to choosing tile, contact your local Adair Homes branch and speak with a Pro Team member. We have the resources, and we are here to help!

About Adair Homes

With 51-plus years in the industry, Adair’s long term commitment to treating each customer with honesty, integrity, and respect has paid off, 22,000 customers strong and counting. 

At Adair Homes, our mission states: it is our privilege to build our customers the home they have always dreamed of. We believe in providing the greatest value for our customer’s dollar and finding innovative ways to value engineer homes. We believe that we can offer an outstanding customer experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding—and offer this one-of-a-kind customer experience as the largest on-your-lot builder in the West. For more info, get in touch with us here or call 1-844-518-7072.