May 2022 - Normandy Remodeling

One of the most exciting parts of a kitchen or bath remodel is selecting your finishes, and that includes floor and backsplash tile. If you’re familiar with the enormous assortment of geometric shapes in tile, choosing the right look for your floor and walls can be a design project in and of itself. Normandy Designer Abby Osborn says you should consider how you picture the end result of your room when deciding on a geometric shaped tile for your project.

“Ask yourself if you want an attention-grabbing focal point,” says Abby. Going outside the standard square or rectangular shapes of tile can create interest. “A fun hexagon tile on your bathroom wall will give it a pop or a small, circular penny tile on a powder room floor can add just a touch of vintage flair.”

Maybe you’re not drawn to any geometric shape in particular. “If a certain geometric shape tile isn’t speaking to you, you can still add personality using standard shaped tiles that have a raised texture,” suggests Abby.

When arranged together these textured tiles can create their own geometric patterns, regardless of the shape of the actual tile. “In a crisp, white kitchen where the slab island countertop was the star, we chose a white square wall tile that had a raised texture. This added another shape,” says Abby. Arranging these textured tiles in the right composition created subdued diamond effect on the backsplash.

“There are so many geometric tiles out there right now and most relate to modern style rooms,” says Abby. “Scale has a lot to do with how the tile shapes lend to different design styles. Bigger, exaggerated tile shapes lean more modern, where smaller tiles can create a traditional or transitional feel.”

When it comes to mixing and matching different tile shapes in one room, Abby cautions against using too many varying shapes in one area.

“Different, simple geometric shapes, like squares and rectangles can work together,” Abby says. “Though you can get away with combining multiple shapes of tile in one area if they’re all in a similar, neutral color palette. You should watch for colored veining in the tile, which creates movement, and therefore, can compete with other patterns or shapes. Too many shapes in one area will look busy and can be overwhelming.”

Bold or subdued, standard shapes, or something taken from your geometry class of yesterday, there are many options when selecting your tiles. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to discuss your upcoming home remodeling project with Abby, and you can get guidance on everything for your remodel, including your tile. We have an array of projects highlighted on our Instagram and Facebook feeds. Take a peek and you’re bound to find the right finishing touches for your home remodel.

If you’re feeling the squeeze in your kitchen space, you’re likely looking for room to expand. If stealing space from an adjacent room isn’t an option, Normandy Designer Vince Weber says that adding more square footage by building an addition might be your best solution.

“When considering an addition to create a larger kitchen, the first step is to determine how your family uses the room and then identify what your pain points are,” Vince says.

Eat-in or eat out

The way we use our kitchens has evolved. They’re no longer just a room for meal prep, but a gathering and entertaining space, as well. “Whether or not to have an eat-in area in the kitchen is a big deciding factor on the room’s layout,” Vince notes. An island is almost a staple in today’s kitchen, but the size and functionality are up to you. “Some families opt to use a large island as their eating area, while others may use the island for prep and maintain a traditional dining room, while also having a kitchen table for larger, casual gatherings,” says Vince.

Then comes the issue of storage

Lack of storage is usually a big pain point and a reason to consider an addition. If your cabinets are already filled with that beautiful heirloom china set, your stand mixer is likely creating visual clutter on your countertops. Additional storage space can be gained from more efficient layouts, but there is a limit to what that can provide. “Sometimes, the only way to get more cabinets is to have more walls,” Vince notes.

One story, or two?

You may assume that additions are large in scale, but often a small addition can have a big impact. “Sometimes a 4’ bump out is all that’s needed for a kitchen,” says Vince. There are many examples where just a few extra square feet provided the right amount of breathing room that completely transformed the space.

But if you’re already adding on, take a moment to consider what’s above the newly added space. Is it an opportunity for a larger primary suite? Both one and two-story additions provide opportunities and challenges. “If you’re going to keep the addition at a single level but live in a two-story home, there are second floor windows and roo flines to contend with,” says Vince. “A skilled designer will help you create an exterior that works well with your home and make the most of your addition.”

Yes, an addition will take longer

Pouring concrete, framing walls, and obtaining permits for an addition will take longer than an interior remodel. “But it’s a very small price to pay for such a huge, positive impact on your home and the way you live,” adds Vince. Given the numerous benefits and added square footage, many opt to move forward with an addition, despite a slightly longer timeline.

“What really matters is finding the right solution for you,” says Vince.

If you’re considering building an addition to create the dream kitchen you’ve always longed for, or have another home remodeling project in mind, schedule a time to speak with Vince. While deciding on the right solution for your home needs, you can find inspiration on our Facebook and Instagram feeds.

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Month: May 2022

Create Movement and Interest with Geometric Tile