January/February 2014 Cover

About the Cover Back splashes have become an essential part of kitchen design, ranging from neutral colors to a bright splash of radiance. Subway tiles remain popular, but designers are finding new ways to express a homeowners personality through    textures, colors, and design. Photo courtesy  Merrilatt Cabinets.

Time for Tile

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time for tile In addition to large format tiles which can now be used almost anywhere due to increased availability and improved installation materials and methods, homeowners are also able to select from porcelain tile closely resembling almost any natural product, according to Amy Balsimo of Louisville Tile of Nashville. “Thanks to high definition and digital printing, porcelain can be anything one can dream of—hardwood, travertine, slate, or intricately patterned,” Balsimo says. “Another interesting trend is the use of ‘fabric’ look tiles and metallic effects for contemporary or transitional tastes.” Sarah Higdon of Renaissance Tile & Bath agrees. “If you can imagine it, …