Many homeowners are hooked on using marble floor tiles or marble wall tiles to add interest and texture during renovations. But like all design elements, using marble strategically is key. For example, one hot trend is using different marble tiles in the same space to produce stunning results. And while you can combine varying shapes, sizes and patterns to create emphasis, you need to do so while maintaining balance and continuity.
In this post, we’ll provide you with a few guidelines so that you can mix and match marble tiles successfully in your home.
Plan, plan, plan
Planning is always a critical step in any design project and is even more important when you’re planning on mixing marbles. Decide where you want to create visual interest. Does your space lend itself to a feature on the floor or on the wall? Consider the existing elements in the space as well, such as fixtures, faucets, cupboards, etc. What do you want to play up or down? What colours would complement and accent the existing elements?
Once you decide where to add texture, keep the other surfaces simple. For example, if your wall is the focal point, keep the floor neutral, or vice versa.
Experiment with samples
Marble tiles are a beautiful investment, but when mixing colours, patterns and/or sizes, it’s always a good idea to experiment before buying. Ask your marble floor tile or marble wall tile supplier for samples of marbles that you like. Then, try different layouts and combinations of the tiles at home. That way you can mix and match your shortlisted marbles to find the perfect match for your space.
Balance patterns and finishes
Create balance by mixing smaller patterns, which are your “interest” tiles, with larger patterned or plain tiles. The larger tiles create a monochromatic look, which allows the smaller patterned tiles to “pop”. Your eyes are consequently guided appropriately; too much small pattern confuses the eye so that you don’t know where to look.
Similarly, use your finishes wisely. You may select to go with all matte finishes and play with colour or size to create interest. Alternatively, you may prefer to create contrast by using a glossy finished tile strategically. One example of using glossy tile to create an elegant effect is when you offset high-gloss subway tiles on one wall with matte finished tiles on other surfaces in the room.
Create interest with shape, not colour
Create texture with tiles of the same colour or pattern but different shape, using grout to create the balance you want. Use a darker grout colour for a vivid look or matching grout for a softer look. By limiting your colour palette, the various surfaces remain visually connected, while the different sizes provide interest by playing with the tonal consistency.
Combine tones with caution
When choosing either patterns or colours, avoid selecting marbles that are almost identical to each other. Maintaining consistency is important, but combining marbles that could be mistaken for each other often makes viewers think the combination was the result of a “mistake” rather than an effort to create a unique look.
Along the same lines, most people like to play it safe and stick to all warm tones or all cool tones in their palette. However, blending both warm and cool tones in a space can work well. For example, having warm earth tones throughout that are set off by cool grey accents can be blended harmoniously. Just ensure that your space includes enough references to each colour scale to integrate seamlessly.
Mixing marble floor tiles and marble wall tiles can be daunting. But if you plan carefully and choose well, you can count on creating a visually stunning space in your home.
