Which Pattern is for you?_ A guide to tile layouts.

Picking out the tile is the fun part! Now its time to figure out how to best lay out it. Check out this tile guide:

Straight Lay

This is the most simple and classic layout. We often see this layout with typical square tiles, and its looks pretty traditional and classic; but with the use of a more linear tile, this layout can also look very contemporary.

Running Bond

Running bond is also known as the brick layout. The tiles here are offset by half the width of the tile. This is also a very classic look. 

Stacking Bond

Stacking bond is a more modern way to layout tile. It typically refers to the the tile layout on the walls (much like straight lay). See how this layout creates some very nice vertical lines on around the fireplace.

Diagonal

This tile is very much the same as the the straight lay or running bond, but instead of running the tiles in a horizontal or vertical pattern they are turned at a 45 degree angle.

Offset

Running bond is considered offset, but these are some examples of tiles at more of 1/4 or 1/3 offset. This creates more of an expansive pattern, while still keeping the tiles running in the same direction.

Modular

This layout is when three or more size tiles are used to form a layout.

Pinwheel

The pinwheel is more of a vintage pattern. It is created when there is one small tile in the center of four larger tiles.

Herringbone

The herringbone is also a very classic/vintage tile layout; but it has become a trend again more recently. Depending on the tile, it can give a very modern feel to a space or a more historic feel. It is more often done with thin and linear tiles, but can be just as successful with larger tiles (see first picture).

Saint Simon

This pattern is created when you run two tiles side by side vertical then horizontal.

Trend Alert: Matte Appliances

The new look for kitchen is bold without being in-your-face.  An object with a matte finish seems to strip away all other distractions such as surface sheen, forcing the object to speak for itself.  Matte can also be a really unexpected finish for objects that are traditionally lustrous or glossy.  This surprise can serve as a wonderful layer in your design, adding depth to the overall composition and counterpoint to other finishes.

Here are some examples:

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Here are our designer's picks:

History Lesson: Arne Jacobsen Pre Pop Chair

"Arne Jacobsen was an architect first and foremost. The design of furniture followed organically--Jacobsen, a believer in the ideal of Gesamtkunst, wanted furniture which suited his buildings.

These "Pre Pop" chairs, designed for Asko, have a compelling and modern simplicity. They are not often available for sale.  The Design Museum of Denmark has a pair in its collection."

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