In good design there are certain colors that will never be totally out.  Grey is one of those colors.  Like beige, white and terracotta, grey is a beautiful neutral that can be used to balance out a color scheme.

However, like many things we love, we can over use a color or style when we really like something.  Remember Harvest Gold and Avocado in the 60’s and 70’s?? We went waaaay overboard with those colors, didn’t we??

Now, in the late 2010’s and early 2020’s we might be going overboard with grey and white.  White ship-lap, white subway tiles, marble look floors tile and countertops.  These have their place in some homes, but not every home from here to California.  Ship-lap is great in a coastal or modern farm style home.  Subway tile shines in a cottage and marble looks can work well in many style homes, depending on what you pair it with.

Keeping these thoughts in mind, lets talk grey.  The grey trend always fits perfectly in a modern home and when paired with the right products can be quite beautiful in other style homes too.  Grey can be used to anchor beautiful design, and it plays well with other colors, but every shade in the room doesn’t have to be grey or grey and white.  We really don’t want you to spend your budget on a room that will be outdated before the paint is dry.  

Final thought for the day,  if you would like your home to carry into the next decade and beyond, open your thoughts to a design style to reflect the home you own, rather than the trend. If your home is a Cape Cod or Craftsman style home, use the subway tile trend to your advantage.  But if your home is a Colonial,  Traditional or French Country, maybe today’s trend is not right for you.

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict  #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations  #ResisttheOrdinary  

Drop me a line at jennifer@tilesensations.net to share your thoughts on grey or to set an appointment for a design consultation.

The post In design, is gray(grey) really on its way out? appeared first on Tile Sensations.

Who doesn’t love shopping at a local market, meeting an artist and selecting just the right art piece for your home? Selecting handmade art tile is much like that experience, and while you don’t actually get to meet the tile artist at Tile Sensations, you can definitely get a feel for each artist when picking up each piece. You can feel the love that is put into art tile and you can definitely see the artists personality. Some are solo studios, some have teams that help them. To a tile artist, work is play.

A handmade tile artist wants you to have exactly what you want, they get joy knowing that a client has commissioned them to be a part of their project. Whether you choose vibrant colors, modern styles or a hand pressed subway tile your handmade tile selection will bring a warmth and charm to your space. Art Tile is Art, with a bit of Science added in.

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict  #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations  #ResisttheOrdinary  

The post Made in the USA appeared first on Tile Sensations.

Inspiration comes from many areas. How a client dresses can be a good indicator of how they would like their home styled.  Are they Boho?  Is their style classic?  Do they tend to wear one color predominantly? 

Another style indicator can come from a favorite piece of art or a favorite corner of their home.  I like to find out where they are most comfortable.  We don’t want to repeat the design of their favorite area, we just want the result in the new space to evoke the same feelings.

When designing for 2 people living in the same space it is important to take design clues from both people. The end result should be a space loved by both.

The best part of my job is that I get to design for all types of styles. One day I get to be classic, another modern and another ??  This allows me to pull ideas from travel and relationships creating a one of a kind space for each client.  How fun is that!?!

Additional note if you are getting ready to design or style a new space: Do spend a little time on Pinterest or Houzz, but don’t get lost online. Don’t stifle a designer by insisting on too many “found” ideas. A space unique to you will not be a copycat of someone else’s space, it will be layers of color and texture, with room for art and furniture pieces you love.

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict  #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations  #ResisttheOrdinary  #notjusttile

The post Inspiration appeared first on Tile Sensations.

In Interior Design, compromise is part of our every day decisions.  Our client might compromise with his or her spouse to come to an agreement on the tile selected or the paint color.  A contractor might compromise with a subcontractor because they find something unexpected after demolition.  Or. . .  a designer might compromise with their client to stay in the desired budget.  I assure you there are compromises on every job-site from here to California.

I challenge you to find the compromise in each of the following pictures.  I am pretty sure you won’t find them, because well thought out compromises won’t make your project less appealing in the end.  In most cases you will forget you made them.

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict  #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations  #ResisttheOrdinary  #notjusttile

The post Compromise appeared first on Tile Sensations.

So… where to start? First, have an open mind and ask yourself a few questions.  How long have you dreamed about that inspiration tile?  Does it fit the style of your home?  Does it fit you?  Does it fit in your budget?  If the answers are yes, then don’t drive yourself crazy, just pick your favorite and go with it!  You will LOVE it!

If the doubts continue to creep in your mind, maybe it is time to ask for help.  Show us your pictures, pictures of the space and pictures of the exterior of your home.  Even better, show us a picture of your favorite room or nook in your home.   We love advising homeowners on tile selections.  We can answer the questions you have about care and suitability for your space.  Is this too modern for my home?  Is the tile too big for my area?  Should I use Natural Stone, Porcelain or Ceramic?  Is this Floor Rated?  And all the other questions you have about the selecting process.  Of course if you would like help with the entire selection process, cabinets, lighting, and more, we can help with that too.  The Design Team at Tile Sensations is ready to help you figure it all out.

Our goal is to help you choose products you will be happy with for decades.  There is nothing better than running into a client who purchased at Tile Sensations 10+ years ago and hear them say “I STILL Love it!!”

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict  #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations  #ResisttheOrdinary  #notjusttile

The post Choosing a tile, not as easy as you think or is it?? appeared first on Tile Sensations.

We stayed busy working on bathrooms, kitchens and fireplaces.  Wet bars, laundry rooms and dog showers.  We worked on residential and commercial projects.  If you drove past our showroom on Sutherland Avenue after hours, you likely saw the lights on and our team working late into the night.  We worked and we worked, loving every moment of it!

Additions to Tile Sensations in 2017 include wallpaper and late, til 7pm, Thursday hours.  Wallpaper is back, as you probably already know, so we have added wallpaper lines not available in big box stores or online.  Resist the Ordinary!

In January 2017, The Design Team at Tile Sensations, began taking on Interior Design projects.  What fun this has been!  We have worked on homes in Farragut, Bearden, Fountain City, Old North Knoxville and Downtown, as well as, businesses needing freshen ups!  We spent much of 2017 on relationships with trusted installers, plumbers, electricians, cabinet companies and more, making Tile Sensations your one stop shop.

Kitchen 919

The Design Team at Tile Sensations closed out 2017 working on the interiors for Kitchen 919 in the Orangery Village on Homberg.  Kitchen 919 is a must try.  Both for the fantastic local, seasonal food and for the ambiance.  The service is fantastic and the food delicious.  I personally recommend the Porcini Dusted Filet Mignon and the Misoyaki Glazed Butterfish, if you prefer the recommendation of Brooks Clark and Cityview Magazine just click here.  After you visit, let us know what you think of the interior selections, be sure to note the lighting in the main dining room and the photo wall and ceiling in the bar.  It was all fun to pick!

We are available to work with our clients from conception to completion of the project, Tile Projects, of course, and now Interior Design Projects too.  Or we can just come up with a design concept and let the homeowner takes the reins from there. You choose. We are here and ready to help.

2018! Bring it on we are ready!

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict #TheDesignTeamatTileSensations #Resist the Ordinary

The post Tile, Wallpaper, Interior Design, oh my! appeared first on Tile Sensations.

I assume you have pinned to your hearts content and have studied Houzz photos into the wee hours of the morning.  But now it is time to decide, to actually decide, what your project style will be.  How do you start making decisions?

The first question is:  “Who is this project for?”   You will find design decisions are much simpler once you decide who you are doing this project for.  Is this a project for you?  for resale?   is this a rental?

You:  This is my favorite type of project to work on.  When the remodel or new build is designed to make you smile, decisions should come a bit easier.  Think about your favorite spaces.  What do you like about them?  What don’t you like about that same space?  Whatever that favorite space is, use it as a muse.  Now I am not saying you should duplicate your favorite space, I am just saying that the properties that make you like that space can be repeated.  Is that space well lit or is dark and cozy?  Have you filled that space with color and art?  Or is it a space with minimal distractions.  The answers to each of these questions will lead you down the path towards a space that is pleasing to you.

Resale:  One statement that I strongly disagree with is “When designing for resale make everything neutral”.  When I design for resale I want my space to be different.  If I choose similar finishes to all other houses on the market why would this one stand out?  Most importantly I ask myself, who will buy this house?  Then I design for that demographic.  Will a young couple just starting a family buy it?  If so, choose more trendy colors.  Is this a weekend getaway for a boomer couple?  Then choose finishes that are obviously not a trend, but that exude quality.

Rental:  Finishes for rentals need to be, first and foremost, serviceable.  But serviceable does not need to be boring.  Of course in a rental you need to think about who is renting?  Would upscale finishes allow you to increase the daily price of your AirBnb?   If your rental is in a lower price bracket, why shouldn’t the finishes be unique? Unique does not always equate to expensive.  Remember renters will stay longer in a unit that is well taken care of, with updated features.

Now I guess it is time for more pinning. . . and remember “why choose ordinary”?   You or your space shouldn’t be ordinary or expected.

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict

The post A Primer: Design Style and Finishes appeared first on Tile Sensations.

The contractor, should you choose to use one, should be the anchor of the project.  The contractor should schedule your subs, make sure codes are followed and, in general, make sure your project turns out just the way you imagined it or better.  Remember your contractor is the one who is responsible to keep your job progressing, to start and finish on time, and to try to help you stay in budget.

Before you choose a contractor it is imperative that you decide what results you want.  

Make lists, clip pictures, work with a designer, find a way to communicate exactly what you want so there are no misunderstandings.  You may spend a little money on a designer at this stage, but it will save you headache and money later, I promise. Remember that most of the dream rooms you have seen on HGTV, Houzz and/or Pinterest were designed by an Interior Designer and they may include custom pieces made just for that homeowner.

Getting started:   

• Get 2 – 3 bids.
• Give prospective contractors all the information you have gathered on your project before he/she works up a budget for you.  A contractor cannot provide you a champagne remodel on a beer budget, so please don’t ask them to.  Some will give you pie in the sky budgets, but it is your job to make sure the budget allowances are realistic.  If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.  Be upfront with what you want.  You may have to spend a little more than originally planned or hold off on your project until you have saved enough to cover the expenses, but that is better than starting a project and being hit with unexpected expenses midstream.
• Double check the bids – One way to double check a bid is to compare allowances given with real world expenses.  Take the window allowance to the window store and ask, What can I get for this allowance? Take the countertop or cabinet budget amount to your local cabinet shop and ask what can be done for the budget allowed.   Once you have double checked 3 – 4 budget numbers you will know whether the budget provided by your contractor is realistic.  Note: Make an appointment to review bids with local shops and be willing to pay for their time. If lite information is what you need, consider emailing the information to the selected shop so they can work on your questions at their convenience.  
• Remember you can shop for your finishes anywhere you want. You do not have to stick to the list of suppliers your builder gives you.  Good design should not be limited to a few specific shops.  Pick the lighting store with a selection that makes you smile. Work with a cabinet maker that understands how you cook and of course use the best tile resource in town.  I could write pages on why to shop at Tile Sensations vs the big box stores, but that discussion on quality and service is best kept for another day.

If you don’t have time for all this, get a designer involved. A designer can do this legwork for you and I promise all this planning will help your project run smoother.

Now that you have bids from a few contractors and you’ve checked up on the allowances suggested, how do you choose one?

• Do you like him/her? This is someone you will spend a lot of time with, so let’s hope you like them. Listen to your gut.  
• Get references you can check. Find out if you can visit the previous jobsite. If so ask lots of questions about the project.  Go prepared with a list of questions so you don’t forget to ask something you really wanted to know.
• Are the budgets in your bid realistic?  If not, toss out the bid, it will only end in frustration.  If you really liked the person ask them how they managed to be so far below the other bids?
• When can the project start and what would the projected finish date be?
• Have they ever worked on a project similar to yours?   ***IMPORTANT***  Be sure the contractor you have selected is up to the task. If you choose a spec home builder for a custom project you may end up regretting that choice.  Their expertise may not be enough for your project, you may not want to be their guinea pig.  On the other hand, if they are upfront about being on a learning curve, it might turn out well.  Oh the stories we could tell . . .

Lastly know how to not be bullied by a contractor:  Yes, contractors often bully their clients. Remember, the contractor is trying to stay on schedule and sometimes they will push you for decisions just to stay on schedule; but you have the final say, no matter how hard you are being pushed.  You determine where your money is best spent.  Don’t always fall for the “we always do it this way” statement.  Changes in products and technology may make the “way we always do it” the wrong way.

• Have most of your decisions made upfront.
• Get a timeline for choices from your contractor. Knowing when your decisions need to be completed will help the entire project stay on schedule.  There is nothing worse than a call from your contractor asking for your lighting choices and you haven’t given it a moment of thought.
• Hire a designer. A designer can be the middleman on a project. A designer can communicate with the contractors in “contractor speak” and find out what is really motivating their schedule.
• Watch out for mistakes the contractor wants you to absorb. If he ordered the wrong baseboard, for example, and asks you to compromise and take it, find out what discount you will receive if you do compromise. If it isn’t enough, insist on the original choice.

All that being said a good contractor is priceless. He/she will watch your wallet, try to keep you on schedule and bring in trustworthy subs.  So take your time when picking one and if you would like a little help with the process, just call. 

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict

The post Let’s talk about contractors. appeared first on Tile Sensations.

In fact, more and more of our clients are foregoing the large master bath and spoiling themselves with separate his and her bathrooms.  Sometimes they share the shower, but more often than not they are two separate rooms, allowing two distinct design styles.  This allows everyone’s needs to be met.  Often in “His Bathroom” there will be a steam shower, lots of body jets and an elongated commode.  In “Her Bathroom” you may  find a soaking tub, make up table and great jewelry storage.  Close attention to the details in each room allow our clients to utilize their space to meet their specific needs.

           →  Note, if you look closely at the picture on the right, there is a shaving mirror on the left wall of Alan’s shower.  It looks like a cubby in the picture, but the mosaic you are seeing is a reflection of the feature wall in his mirror.

Guys also make their opinion clear regarding the areas in their homes they use  for fun and relaxation.  We are redesigning “Rec Rooms” into “Play Rooms for Big Kids”.  They often include steam rooms, second kitchens, theater rooms and pool tables, with the big screen nearby . Our clients want to spend more time at home and they want their friends to be comfortable when watching the their favorite team!

← The steam shower pictured on the left has room for all the guys after 18 holes.

No Man’s home is complete without a wet bar ready for spontaneous entertaining. Many wet bars include ice makers, wine fridge’s, microwaves and so much more!  The possibilities are endless! The questions to ask yourself when planning a wet bar is to include: How many types of beverages do I plan to serve here? Is there room for a keg? How important is a chilled glass for your beer? Is there plenty of storage for each type of glassware needed?  We don’t recommend adding a wet bar unless you have thought through the answers to these questions and more.  If you have to run back and forth to the kitchen for the things you need, your money might be better spent elsewhere.

Check out this wet bar we have designed and are excited to see come to life in Greg’s playroom!

 If you are thinking about designing a “Man-Space”,  I would love to help!  Obviously I am not a man, but I do think logically about these things 🙂

Happy Fathers Day!

Jennifer – #tileanddesignaddict

The post A Man’s Home is His Castle appeared first on Tile Sensations.

Years ago when, a design degree was unheard of, design information and pictures were not so easily found and many people relied on their own instincts to create their space.  If they didn’t have confidence in their own choices they would involve family members or friends to help choose just the right sofa or dining set.  In the world of tile there weren’t many readily available options to choose from.

In the US you may remember the era of the Pink or Blue bathroom tile.  Just about everyone during that time frame picked one of these colors because it was the hip thing to do.  Here and there you might find a yellow or green bathroom, but the pink and blue were predominant.  Tile was definitely the product of choice for ease of care and the clean look it provided both in the kitchen and bathroom.  The choices were limited, so many people had duplicate bathrooms, often neatly coordinated with the sink, tub and commode in the same color as the tile.   If I run across one of these bathrooms today, they make me smile.  The bold colors, usually paired with a fantastic wallpaper was, in its day, true style.

Today our choices in design are practically unlimited.  With top notch designers leading the way we can create a space with any feel we want.
Do you love the look of homes in Bali ? You can have that!  Or do you like a Hacienda style??  You can have that too! Or any style for that matter.  Your influence might be Asian or Adirondack or. . . ?

There is no reason to not design your home in a style that you enjoy.  In fact, if you want different styles throughout your home, we will just call you Eclectic.

Rather than Pink or Blue 4″ x 4″ tile, today’s common tile of choice is the 3″ x 6″ Subway tile.  Subway tile sales in the US have skyrocketed in the last few years.  There will likely be a time, years from now, when many bathrooms and backsplashes tiled with subway tile are pinpointed to the 2010’s.  The subway tile, which is not square, is a nice choice for many homes.  But with all the fantastic options available is subway tile right for your home? A better question might be, is it right for your personality?

Before jumping on the subway tile bandwagon ask yourself a few questions.  Is it my favorite color?  Will I smile every time I walk in the room?  Will I be glad I chose it?  Does it reflect my personality?  Will it be money well spent? If the answers are yes, go for it.  If the answer is no or maybe, DON’T SETTLE!  It is time to explore the options.  There are so many to choose from! Stop by or call Tile Sensations soon for ideas.  Our staff, who are not square, would LOVE to help you on your way to a space that is truly yours.

It is time to step out of the box. . .  Don’t be square.

Jennifer – Tile and Design Addict

The post We’re not square… appeared first on Tile Sensations.