Tile and Stone
Earthy Creativity

Contact Inez today at 778-896-1758 (mobile) or by email.

Tile and Stone Trends

Of the entire palette of materials available to me, tiles offer the most options for creativity. Now, more than ever, their diversity is huge. Not only do tiles come in a wide variety of textures and colours, they are available in more sizes than ever before.

The most popular format for 2012 is the rectangle. Kitchen splash tiles now come in a variety of elongated rectangular shapes. It used to be that the 3" x 6" subway tiles were all the rage. Now you see 4" x 12", 6" x 18" or even 2" x 18" sizing.

Floor tiles are often as large as 24” x 36”. The rectangular forms are usually used to create a horizontal, linear effect on walls, with accents and borders used vertically. On floors they are sometimes staggered for a brick-like effect, but a herringbone pattern can also look spectacular. For 2011, rectangular tiles are mostley being stacked rather than staggered, for an ultra-modern, grid-like effect.

Tile surfaces are smoother now with rectified edges, which allows for a much tighter grout joint. I love the look of rectified tile on a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. It looks like a huge slab of stone because the tile edges have no bevels and the joins are so tight.

Many ceramic and porcelain tiles mimic the look of slate, marble and limestone. The newest trend, though, is to simulate wood,leather, linen, fabric, wallpaper, alligator skin and even sisal carpet! Inroads in ink-jet technology have enhanced the aesthetics of tile by creating less repetition of graphics.

Glass tiles have also become increasingly popular. They usually come in a smaller mosaic format, whether round, rectangular or square, in a wide array of vibrant colours. They can be used as accents combined with larger tiles, or alone to create a spectacular shimmering effect.

Tiles with a stainless steel, nickel or copper surface are being used as borders and inserts, both for floors and walls. Some metallic tiles are now also available in a larger format for floors.

Accent tiles are now being seen in a mixture of materials - stone, glass, metal, all be combined in a single trim piece. It's like jewelry to dress up a field tile.

Aside from the vibrant colours of glass, most tiles are in neutral earth tones. Dark chocolate browns, crème brulee, charcoal, concrete grey and walnut are especially popular.

Classic white and cream marble looks are also big, especially those with subtle veining, such as Cararra and Calacatta.

Tiles are an inherently green product. They are made of natural substances and have the longest life cycle of any floor covering choice. When installed correctly a tile floor will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking to do a tile project, come see me at Surdel Flooring and Design Centre. We have a huge selection of the latest looks. We carry tiles by Mohawk, Daltile, Tierra Sol, Ames, Centura, Euro, Julian, and more. I can help put it all together for you as well as coordinate the tile installation.

For more information about tile, click on the links below: Dal Tile

Mohawk Tile



For more information call Inez at 778-896-1758, or you can fill in the simple form below with details of your flooring needs.

Discover how easy it can be to beautify your home with Inez and Surdel Flooring. Call me today for your free design consultation!

Servicing the Vancouver area from White Rock to False Creek to West Vancouver to Langley and beyond, Surdel Flooring & Design Centre is centrally located at 13562 77th Ave, Surrey, BC.