For most of us, there are precious few moments in our busy schedules in which we can really enjoy some quality 'me-time' alone. In fact, the only time that we truly have to ourselves is in the bathroom in the mornings before we leave for work, or in the evenings when we unwind before going to bed to enjoy some well-deserved rest. With a bit of planning, your bathroom can be transformed into a tranquil safe haven, away from the hassles of everyday life (if only momentarily). The correct bathroom tiles can enhance this experience significantly. Use vibrant, bright tiles to stimulate the body and mind in the mornings to prepare you for the day ahead. Use warm, welcoming tiles to create a soothing environment to be enjoyed after a long, hard day's work. A combination of these two approaches will create the perfect bathroom retreat. For example, a lively diamond pattern in the center of a serene tiled wall will create the perfect setting for either circumstance.

Choosing The Right Type Of Tiles

You should select tiles that appeal to your personal preference, but they should also be practical. Ceramic tiles are always a very popular choice. Ceramic tiles are non-porous and slip resistant, and they can be cleaned easily - all you need to do is wipe them with a damp sponge or cloth.

Another great tile choice for the bathroom is travertine tiles. Finishing surfaces maintain a consistent look that presents a clean design for bathroom walls and floors. Granite tiles have a high wear and tear threshold. Bathroom floors would be well equipped in a slate tile setting due to its anti-slip finishing surface. For a touch of elegance to a bathroom, consider using marble tiles in a floor or wall design. Glass tiles are a great way to create stunning accent pieces around a tiled wall or in a unique mosaic design.

Determining The Look

It is important that the color, shape, and size of your tiles are decided upon before the tiling job commences. Small or medium tiles are usually used in smaller bathrooms or for intricate designs around the bath tub, sink, or toilet. Larger tiles can be used to great effect in creating a dramatic look for your bathroom, but should only be used if there are not many cuts that will have to be made.

Tiles come in many shapes and sizes; including squares, hexagons, rectangles, and octagons. There are also many types of accent pieces that you can use to spruce up your bathroom, such as triangles, diamond shapes, and narrow rectangles, amongst other shapes. Your color choice is also, as mentioned above, vitally important. Colors such as peach, yellow, and red radiate warmth and coziness, while softer colors like blue, green, and violet exude serenity and tranquility. To create a feeling of spaciousness in your bathroom, it is advised to use white or beige tiles as the main tile.

Determining The Appropriate Layout

Visualize how you want your bathroom to look. Using the same color tiles and grout can produce quite an eye-catching effect, while using contrasting tile and grout colors makes the tiles more noticeable. Create interesting patterns by using different size or shape tiles.

Large square tiles can be used with smaller hexagon tiles or you can set the floor and wall tiles in opposite directions. Accent tiles can also be implemented to create interesting designs but it is important to keep it simple. Too much detail can cause a chaotic effect, which is the last thing you want in your bathroom.

With the vast array of sizes, colors, and shapes available in the tile market, it may seem quite a daunting task to select and design your bathroom, but don't let this deter you. Be creative! Let your mind wander! Design the bathroom that reflects your personality!