Whether your goal is short- or long-term, remodeling your home can be time-consuming and daunting. Experiencing the finished product, however, can also be extremely rewarding. The first step of any remodeling process is to choose one or two key design elements. Flooring makes a huge difference to the final appearance of any space -- after all, it's literally the foundation for your whole design scheme.
Ceramic tile and natural stone floors, with their wide range of colors and styles, are a perfect way to jazz up any interior. You can create a dramatic look all your own. Or opt for an understated look with more universal appeal, which will help increase the resale value of your home.
"Tile and stone floors are extremely versatile, in terms of both visual appeal and installation," says Tamara Christian, president of National Trade Productions and show director for Coverings 2006, the world's leading showcase for ceramic tile and natural stone coverings. "These materials are a smart choice -- both smart looking and a smart investment for your home."
Individual Style
If you're living in your dream house, don't be afraid to get creative with tile flooring! You can make a bold statement by choosing brighter colors: how about the newly revived "peas, corn and carrots" retro look of the 50s and 60s? Decorate with varying shades of acid green, gold and orange, arresting designs created in black and white tiles, and coordinated accent pieces.
If you're feeling adventurous, go for ceramic tiles printed with pop art images made popular by Andy Warhol in the 1960s. With vividly colored symbols, shapes and even letters against starkly white backgrounds, these graphics are a perfect way to make a bold design statement.
Universal Appeal
If you plan to sell your home, your flooring plays a significant role in the home's market value and aesthetic appeal. HomeGain.com, a Web site that provides homesellers with advice on how to get the best price for their homes, estimates that a new or high-quality floor can increase the selling price of a home as much as $2,000 - $3,000, yielding an average of about 48 percent return on investment.
There are myriad ways to create an understated look that will appeal to just about any potential buyer. If you are the "au natural" type, choose ceramic tiles that look like natural stone in an array of neutral colors and earth tones. Or if you'd rather go for the real thing, you can pick from a large selection of natural stone in countless colors and sizes.
"Not only do tiles appeal to many homeowners and work with a range of design styles, they also can increase your home value," says Christian. "Choosing tile makes good design and financial sense."
Courtesy of ARA Content
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