Great Versatile Tile Options for Both Flooring and Walls in Your Home

Tile has been an architectural mainstay for millennia, and it’s used for both interior and exterior design. From the intricate mosaics of the Romans to simple terracotta floor tiles, tile is both versatile and practical.

Today, dozens of types of tile can be used on floors and walls, both indoors and out. Some have been around for centuries, and others are very modern and cutting-edge. Let's take a look at versatile options that are trending in tile.

Terracotta

Everything old is new again, and unglazed terracotta adds warmth to both walls and floors. Unglazed terracotta is particularly appropriate in the kitchen, but its porous nature makes it inappropriate for a bathroom.

Terracotta floor tiles are also very appropriate for use outdoors, such as on a patio or walkway. The slightly rough, unfinished surface makes terracotta nearly slip-resistant.

Glazed Ceramic

When most people think of tile, they think of glazed ceramic. It's available in nearly any shape you can imagine, as well as any color or pattern. From minimalist, art deco, or Boho, ceramic tile fits right into any style.

Glazed ceramic tile can be used anywhere, and the waterproof surface makes it perfect for the bathroom. However, if used on a floor, choose a tile with a matte or slightly rough finish. Very shiny glazed tiles can create a serious slipping hazard.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is a common desire in home design, but large pieces of it can get expensive fast. Natural stone tiles are much more affordable than a single large stone slab and create much the same high-end look. Stone tile is possibly the most durable type of tile you can choose, and you have a lot of options within that category, including marble, granite, slate, sandstone, and limestone. Natural stone tile is also great to use around fireplaces and wood stoves.

One type of natural stone you should consider is limestone. This is a classic architectural stone that has been used for thousands of years. Compared to other types of natural stone tile, it’s very affordable, and it can even increase your home’s value. In addition, slip-resistant limestone tiles can be found that are very good for floors. Just remember to seal the tile to protect it from water damage.

Metal Tile

Like ceramic tiles, metal tiles are highly versatile, waterproof, and can be found in a variety of styles to fit any décor. From the familiar, embossed Old West-style ceiling tiles, to space-age, 3D stainless steel, metal tiles are great in both kitchens and bathrooms. Like natural stone, metal tiles are also ideal to use around a fireplace or wood stove.

Tile has been used for centuries on both floors and walls, for good reason. It's versatile, durable, and gets the job done while looking fabulous. When you’re looking for a versatile tile for your next home project, consider these options.

Why You Should Consider Adding a Sunroom to Your Home

Imagine unwinding after a long day of work in a sun-filled space with your loved ones. Or maybe you’d rather start your day off sipping coffee and catching up on your favorite podcast before the buzz and activity of the day begins. 

The perfect place to do both is in a sunroom. Not only does this space boast multiple health benefits, but it offers a versatile space in your home for entertaining and spending time with the people who matter most. 

If you’re still on the fence about creating a sunroom in your home, we’ve rounded up a few benefits you may not have thought of. 

Increase Your Home’s Value

Any time you add on to your home, you’re increasing not only your square footage, but the overall value of your home. Not to mention, a sunroom is seen by many buyers to be an added luxury where they can spend hours with their loved ones soaking up some vitamin D. 

More Living and Entertaining Space

If you’re a big fan of entertaining, a sunroom provides a year-round space that can be used for anything from Thanksgiving overflow to a space to store the food for a backyard gathering. You could also use this space to store unused decorations throughout the year to make the most of this added space.

A Versatile Room

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that life can change and sometimes our homes have to adapt to a new normal. A sunroom is the perfect room for the unexpected. Whether you need to set up a new at-home classroom for your little ones, are housing guests for longer than expected or need a new playroom for your growing family, there’s no shortage of uses when it comes to your sunroom. 

Now that you’re inspired to think about how to incorporate a sunroom into your own home, now’s the time to start envisioning what it may look like. Our friends at Angi Consumer have created five moodboards to spark your imagination. Whether you want to create a plant-filled oasis or a colorful sunny escape, there’s a sunroom idea for every personality and style. 

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The Most Common Gutter Shapes To Know

The gutters on your home’s exterior protect your home from unwanted water collection. When liquid pools around your roof or foundation, you could experience significant home damage problems. Here are the most common gutter shapes to know.

K-Style Gutters

The K-style gutter received its name because its side profile vaguely resembles the letter K. This shape is perfect for simple gutter installation because of its flat back, which allows you to nail directly into the fascia. The K-style gutter is large, enabling it to carry more water than the other shapes, which is helpful in rainy climates. The only thing to be wary of is that the inner angles can collect rotting debris.

Half-Round Gutters

As the name suggests, half-round gutters are in the shape of a semi-circle, like a pipe cut in half. The half-round style collects plenty of water—and debris—just as any other gutter would. However, its special curvature enables it to funnel water quickly and simply toward the earth through the downspout. If you plan to use half-round gutters, you should install leaf guards. This way, you can keep the foliage out and the water in.

Fascia Gutters

Fascia gutters are the most stylish option out of the three, offering functional yet unique designs. The fascia is the outermost paneling between your gutters and your wall or roof. This board typically consists of wood that offers your home a clean, angled look. With fascia gutters, you can boost your home’s curb appeal while maintaining a healthy water runoff system.

As you peruse the options, you must also remember the difference between seamless and regular gutters. Depending on the shape of your gutter, this may be easier or harder to accommodate. But, with the most common gutter shapes to know in mind, you can make the best choice for your home’s exterior.

Crucial Factors To Consider for Choosing an Area Rug

Area rugs are some of the best ways to add splashes of color and style to your home without needing to change up your entire design. Unintrusive to the eye, area rugs complement existing color schemes and décor and give a room depth. However, as beneficial as area rugs are to a home’s interior, picking the right one for you specifically requires a bit of work. These are some important factors to consider for choosing an area rug to help you narrow down your search.

Placement

A vital factor to consider for choosing an area rug is where you’re planning to place it. After all, this aspect will help you determine the perfect dimensions of your rug and how much traffic it will get. Location will also influence your style and color, since you’ll need to match your new rug to the aesthetic of that particular space. A rug that’ll work in your bedroom, for example, might not complement your living room. Because of this, you should choose its placement prior to anything else.

Rug Style and Color

Second, you should think about what rug style and color would work best with your current interior design. Area rugs come in a plethora of different options, but not all of them will have the desired effect on your space. For instance, some rugs have tasseled fabric on the borders, while others have more of a bound, straight-edge look. Both styles have their benefits, and it’s up to you to decide which is better for you. Color works in much the same way, since you should try to match the aesthetic as much as possible.

Pattern

Next, turn your attention to the different patterns available. Rug patterns can range from traditional florals to something more modern, such as stripes. Typically, patterns allow you to add movement to a room that’s dominantly made up of bold colors. So, if your walls are all painted a solid hue, incorporating a pattern in your rug is great for adding an area of interest.

Area Size

The overall size of the rug is important, too. The dimensions of your rug not only affect how it looks in the room but also determines the amount of influence it has over the design. The larger your rug is, the more emphasis it will receive when positioned near furniture and décor. Smaller rugs, on the other hand, are more useful for slight pops of color and for establishing a cozy atmosphere. You can choose from several different sizes, depending on the room you’re decorating and your preferences. Therefore, take your time when making this decision.

Pile Height

Last, you should consider your desired pile height. Pile height refers to a rug’s thickness or plushness as it lies on the floor of your home. Thick rugs are soft and cozy, while low-pile rugs are stronger and easier to clean. As such, if an area sees a lot of traffic, low-pile might be the way to go. Otherwise, private places such as bedrooms and bathrooms benefit greatly from a little extra comfort.