In a room, there should only be one star. However, when you are rating Tile Sensations we prefer 5 stars, of course. 🙂
When you walk into your kitchen what do you see first? Whatever draws your attention most, that is your star. The Backsplash Tile? The Countertops? The Wallpaper? The Cabinets? The Tile Flooring? Do you like what draws your attention? Are you really glad that that is the first thing other people notice when they walk into your room? If so, Bravo! You have achieved a fantastic look! If not, maybe it is time for a redesign of your space. Â
When I design a space I think 1st about what my client wants the star to be. Maybe they pick a co-star too, but usually one star will do. Â
Thinking about the star in a room, Let’s talk kitchens. Some clients have fallen in love with a particular countertop choice. That makes the countertop the star. The tile and other features in the room become co-stars or supporting actors and the countertop takes center stage.  Other clients prefer the backsplash to be the star.  And for some homeowners living with a beautiful view, the entire kitchen takes a backseat to the windows and the view beyond.  Any one feature can be your star, you just have to be sure that the other features compliment your star and keep the room feeling cohesive.  This analogy has saved many a homeowner from over designing their space.
Having a star in your room does not give you permission to be chintzy with your other choices for that room. All elements are important to the final outcome. Attention to detail and balance are the key to good design.
Now let’s take a moment to look at a kitchen where the Tile Backsplash is the star. The tile, while not an expensive choice, really defines the space. The pattern is fresh and full of life. Notice that the other details are carefully chosen to accentuate the statement the tile is making. Also note that the 2 walls have different tile. We did this because too much of a good thing is just that, too much of a good thing. The great cabinets, super cool hood and carefully placed shelves add up to a well balanced room. And even though the tile has a ton of pattern in it, it is not over the top. (you can see this kitchen in person at Dixie Kitchens in Knoxville)
Let’s look at another Kitchen. In this example the appliances are the stars. I also think the windows likely have a fantastic view. The tile, while making a quiet statement, is a perfect backdrop to the appliances and the windows in this kitchen. The countertops balance out all the other elements with classic style. And the beautiful cabinetry is just the right choice.  Who wouldn’t want to cook in here? We love that our clients took the risk of tiling to the ceiling, making their backdrop seamless.Â
One more….
This kitchen belongs to a cook, maybe even a chef. Just look at that Cooktop! It is fantastic. And in this kitchen, the tile is a co-star. The color choice of the tile flanking that cooktop could not be better! Notice the beautiful cabinets and countertops, notice that while they are beautiful in and of themselves, they are not the star in this room, they are the supporting actors. Another beautifully designed space. We sure do have fun helping to choose tile with our clients needs in mind.
Now, how do you decide what will be your star? You start looking at pictures, lots and lots of pictures. Create a Pinterest Board and save your favorites. Don’t worry too much about whether the pictures you are pinning look the way you want your dream kitchen to look, just pin pictures that instinctually you love. Don’t think too much about color or design style at this stage. Just pin what makes you smile.  I can almost guarantee that after you have pinned 10 or more pictures you will see that there is a common thread in the pictures. Usually that common thread is your star.  To start your search on our Pinterest Boards – Click Here
Now that you have a starting place for choosing materials for your room. Stop in Tile Sensations and pick out that star! Or come see us after you have found your countertop or other star for your room.  If you don’t live in the Knoxville area, it doesn’t matter. Start sharing pins with us and we can help guide your project wherever you live.
Happy Designing!
Jennifer – Tile and Design Addict
   