Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles
are a beautiful way to bring the feeling of the outdoors into your home. Created by treating naturally occurring rock
and stone to smooth out imperfections, they are often used for kitchen tiles. Stone tile effects can vary from matte to
glossy, each one meant to highlight the texture and unique makeup of the
stone. Kitchen stone tiles are a
worthwhile investment as they are durable and very unique – no two tiles will
ever be identical as they're not machine made, like ceramic or glass tiles.
Kitchen stone tiles
are a flexible design option that brings the feeling of luxury into a
home. They're very popular in the Ottawa
area, due to the seemingly endless array of design options.
Popular Types of Stone
There are many types
of stone that vary in cost and composition.
Some of the most popular stone types are:
- Marble
– Marble is made from recrystallized limestone.
When it forms, it creates a unique pattern and is usually white or light
in colour. Marble is often polished to a
high shine, and was historically used for sculpture.
- Granite
– Granite is made from several minerals and always contains quartz and feldspar. It is often light in colour with white, pink
and orange accents. It is a hard, strong
stone that is popular in building construction.
- Slate
– Slate is usually gray in colour and is made from shale or mudstone; which are
both clay-based minerals.
Kitchen Decorating Ideas
There are many ways
to incorporate natural stone tile into your kitchen. One way is to create a backsplash, which is
an arrangement of tiles located on the wall behind the sink and
countertop. A backsplash runs the length
of the
kitchen cabinets but does not continue onto the main walls of
the space. It creates a dramatic design
effect and serves a functional purpose, as it is easier to clean than a painted
or papered wall.
Tiles can also be
used on countertops. A well-designed
kitchen island or counter can incorporate the beauty of stone and provide a
serviceable cooking and preparation area.
Natural stone is a great alternative to laminate or wood
countertops. It's long lasting and easy
to maintain. A neutral coloured stone countertop
is an investment even for a person who frequently "makes over” the rooms in
their home, as it coordinates well with many designs.
For the passionate
decorator, stone floor tiles can bring a unique look to your kitchen. You can cover your entire floor or create a
dramatic tiled area that draws the attention of your guests. The many colour options of stone allow for
endless creativity and bring a fresh look to your space. In a kitchen with many windows, a stone floor
brings the feeling of the outdoors into the room and makes it feel much larger.
The flexibility and beauty of decorating with
stone tiles is a trend that, like the stone itself, is something that is here
to stay.