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A Pop of Printed Tile

close up of patterned backsplash tile in kitchenSolid color tiles can often feel like a blank canvas, and while there are times when thatโ€™s exactly what your design needs, there are other instances when it can make the space feel, well, blank. Adding a pattern to one of these solid color tiles opens up a world of opportunities for color, pattern, and style that can take that blank canvas and make it a wow factor for almost any space.

โ€œPrinted tile is just what it sounds like,โ€ Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe says. โ€œThey take a plain tile and print a pattern over the top of it, and usually the pattern is then glazed over for a more durable finish.โ€

โ€œYou can find patterns applied to natural stone that allows the beauty of the stone to blend with the printed pattern, or you can find printed patterns on a more uniform background like porcelain, ceramic or even glass,โ€ Ashley explains. โ€œThey are very durable and hold up well over time so you can place them practically anywhere, on your backsplash, on your floor, or even in your shower for an added pop of detail.โ€

Printed tiles can create the look of wallpaper or even intricate mosaics, but be careful not to indulge in too much of a good thing. Mudroom with blue - gray cabinetry, patterned floor tile and stained wooden benchโ€œI like to remind people that too many patterns in one space can make the room feel busy, which detracts from the beauty of the individual tiles,โ€ Ashley notes. โ€œThat doesnโ€™t mean youโ€™re limited to just one pattern, but try to use different sized options to balance the scale and proportion. For instance, use bigger patterns on the floor and smaller patterns on the wall to really help break up the space and not make things feel too uniform.โ€

While patterned tiles can create a dynamic look, there are certain spaces you may want to reconsider incorporating them into. โ€œPatterned tiles in areas such as the stairs can create a major trip or fall hazard due in part from the eyes struggling to distinguish depth and borders with the changes in elevation because of the pattern,โ€ Ashley states. โ€œIf your remodel is part of a long term plan for aging-in-place, Iโ€™d advise against incorporating such a strong pattern within your stairs to avoid any possible injuries.โ€

About ready to incorporate a bold and one-of-a-kind feature wall into your own home? Set up a time with Ashley to discuss your homeโ€™s possibilities. Looking for even more home inspiration? Follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop on our favorite projects as well as some helpful tricks to help you with your next remodeling endeavor.

Gray cabinets with light countertops and a patterned backsplash tile

printed tile next to soaking tub

decorative bath floor tile

Giving Detail to Your Cabinet Interior

built in cabinetry for storage and viewingThey say itโ€™s not what is outside, but whatโ€™s inside that matters the most. Now this doesnโ€™t mean you should disregard your cabinetryโ€™s exterior, rather itโ€™s more about giving thought to the cabinet interior, which can be easy to overlook.

A cabinetโ€™s interior typically matches its exterior color, or features the standard natural maple stained interior. For cabinets with glass fronts, open mesh, or open shelving, incorporating a contrasting paint color or stain is an easy way to give your cabinets a boost of character. โ€œA stark color contrast can create that dramatic look that sets your kitchen apart from others,โ€ ย says Normandy Designer Liz Reifschneider . โ€œIt also provides a striking backdrop to showcase your favorite set of plates, those travel mugs youโ€™ve gathered throughout the years, or any collectibles that youโ€™re just itching to brag about.โ€

Two-tone kitchens and contrasting interiors go hand in hand, as they have the potential to really tie a space together. โ€œFor kitchens that feature multiple colors or stains, Iโ€™ll typically take the island color ย and apply it to the inside of the perimeter cabinetry,โ€ Liz remarks. โ€œFor instance, if the perimeter cabinetry is white and the island features a dark stain, Iโ€™ll incorporate the stain into the cabinet interior for cabinets that want to have a โ€˜see throughโ€™ element.โ€

โ€œTaking color cues from other areas such as beams, floating shelves, or even your backsplash is another great way to visually balance and tie together a space,โ€ Liz adds. โ€œJust make sure not to overdo it; less is always more when opting for a vivid color.โ€

Wine storage, white outer cabinet, dark interiorโ€œMirrors are another unexpected option you can use to brighten up a cabinet interior, and work well for kitchens that are looking for more of a glam elementโ€ notes Liz. โ€œA full piece of mirror on the back of the cabinet interior adds a bit of glitz to a space while they simultaneously brighten up the cabinet interior by reflecting the available light.โ€

Cabinets are about so much more than the look of the interior or the exterior, and the right design is more about a smart layout than anything else. Set up a free consultation with Liz to talk about possibilities for your kitchen. Make sure to follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips, tricks, and inspiration.

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