MICHELE VAN DER VEEN
atmosphere. In contrast, lighter colors like white and beige are perfect for smaller rooms because they reflect light and create an airy, more expansive feel. SHAPE, SIZE, AND PATTERN Sizing up the space to be tiled is also an important part of the step toward creating an aesthetically pleasing home. Not every shape, size, or pattern is made to work in every room. Again, knowing the background and origin of the home helps with your selection of patterns. Choosing a tile that is relevant to the size of the room is always a good starting point. A large room such as a kitchen or living room can handle larger- sized tiles, but medium-sized rooms like bathrooms need medium tiles. Mosaic tiles, which are very popular in modern farmhouses, work great in small spaces. Tiles come in a variety of shapes these days, adding varying levels of visual interest to a home and defining the personality and character of the rooms
in which it is used. Selecting the right one can be very confusing. Square tiles and hexagon tiles are a big look for 2024. Both work well in traditional and modern homes. The shape of your tile will impact the overall feeling of a room, influencing the perception of the room’s size and mood. Selecting the right tile for your next investment property can be achieved easily by understanding the architectural design of the home, its history, and the practical needs of each room to be tiled. Considering factors like how a room will be used, its shape and size, and which patterns, and colors would work will before hitting the stores will give you some direction and make you feel more in control. With hundreds of tiles to choose from, selecting the right tile for the right room will feel less stressful if you do your homework before you arrive at the tile stores. Buying tile with confidence will aid you in your design process and help you to create beauty and value for any project.
space’s unique requirements. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even mudrooms often experience high moisture and require water-resistant, easy-to-clean tiles. Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice because they are less porous, making them highly resistant to water and stains. Ceramic tiles are also water and heat-resistant but are more prone to moisture-related damage over time compared to porcelain. Natural stone tiles, while durable and scratch-resistant, are the most porous and require regular sealing to prevent staining and discoloration. Though they demand more maintenance, including frequent cleaning and sealing, their longevity and timeless appeal make them a popular choice for spaces where durability is key. STYLE AND COLOR Choosing the perfect style and color of tile plays a crucial role in defining a home’s architectural design. Whether your project is a new build or renovation, tile work is where the home starts to come to life.
Thoughtful tile selection bridges the interior design with the exterior architecture, creating a cohesive look from the outside in. To achieve cohesiveness, understanding the history and background of the home’s design is essential. For example, travertine is the top tile choice for a Tuscany-style home because it mimics the limestone and sandstone found in Tuscan quarries. Pairing natural stone with matte tiles instead of glossy finishes adds an authentic Tuscan flair to the design. Tile color also depends on the style of the home and regional influences. For example, earth tones such as rusts, browns, and creams are common in Tuscan homes because of the natural materials available in that region of the world. When selecting tile for specific spaces, consider how color impacts the room’s feel. Darker tiles such as charcoal or walnut are more suitable for larger spaces because these darker colors absorb light, creating a cozier and more intimate
Michele Van Der Veen is the host of Good Day segments, including Flip It, Decorate Like a Designer, and Stage to Sell. She started her career in real estate investing more than 30 years ago. A published author, Van Der Veen has been recognized and featured in international magazines for her unique approach to interior design. Acquiring a formal education from the Interior Designers Institute of California, her experience stems from building custom homes to flipping more than 100 homes and working in commercial real estate development alongside her father at a young age. Not afraid to push the limit on her designs and investments, Van Der Veen will often be heard reassuring her team about her decisions by saying “Don’t worry, we are the comps!”
For more on Van Der Veen’s work or to contact her, visit iHeartHomescorp.com.
10 | think realty magazine :: january - february 2025
thinkrealty.com | 11
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