JACKSONVILLE, Florida - Decorative tile is a beautiful and durable way to design interior spaces. Tile can be used on flooring, walls and countertops, and the patterns that can be developed are only limited by the imagination.

"When most people hear the word tile, they equate it to ceramic tile without considering the number of other products within the tile category, such as porcelain, mosaics, glass, metal and natural stone," said Judith Sisler Johnston, president, Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member. "There are a variety of products available that are designed for many different uses."

Among the choices, ceramic tile is composed of clay and baked at high temperatures. Color and pattern is added with glazing, where a glass-like coating or stain is applied. Ceramics are available in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. They are rated by performance so the consumer knows which choices are best suited for flooring, walls, countertops, indoor and outdoor use, and residential or commercial settings.

Porcelain is a ceramic tile composed of finer materials and baked at higher temperatures, resulting in a dense, moisture-resistant product. Porcelains, which can be glazed or stained to create design and color variations, can endure high traffic and high moisture areas.

Mosaic tile is usually composed of small pieces and often attached to a mesh backing. Mosaics can be made of ceramic, porcelain, natural stone or glass. They are generally used as an accent to complement other tiles within a design.

Glass tiles and glass mosaic tiles are often opaque and may have a metallic, jewel-like appearance. They can be used as an accent, trim or field tile within a space to create a shimmering effect.

Metal tiles are reflective when used as a field tile in larger sizes. They also come in mosaics and are usually selected as decorative accents to complement the design.

In the natural stone family, marble is available in many colors, patterns and sizes. The finish can be polished, honed or etched. Natural stone is a stately enhancement when used in entries, foyers and halls. It is also suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.

Travertine and limestone are natural stone choices typically available in earth tones like gold, cream and brown. The finish can be honed, chiseled or tumbled. Natural stone is an ideal choice for flooring in any room or when used as a backsplash with granite countertops.

Granite is a durable natural stone used for flooring, walls or countertops. Produced around the world, it is available in many colors and patterns. Granite's popularity has dramatically increased in recent years because of its global availability.

Slate is a textured natural stone with a weathered appearance and flowing color variations. Colors range from a single shade to blends of blues, grays, greens, golds and rusts. Slate can have a smooth surface or a cleft appearance with irregular surfaces. It is used for flooring, countertops, entry foyers and fireplace surrounds.

Tile appearance can vary to include contemporary, traditional, rustic, Asian and Old World-style influences. The application can be just as varied, with tile used as flooring or on walls, in showers and tubs, on countertops, surrounding fireplaces and on patios. Tile sizes can span from large to small and color ranges include warm, cool and neutral tones. Tile can be applied in myriad patterns - including pinwheel, bricks, grid, and diamond - in horizontal, vertical or diagonal configurations.

Grout, the mortar that sticks tile to the surface, can contrast or blend with the tile color. The size of the grout line also impacts the overall style. Generally, wider spacing is more casual while tight joints appear more formal and elegant.

The variation in tile's color, shade and tone also contributes to the setting's ambiance. Within each tile and from tile-to-tile, a low variation usually means consistent color while a high variation commonly will show color shade and tone differences. A random variation will show the most inconsistencies within each tile and from tile-to-tile.

A custom look can be achieved with additional details, such as borders, coins and decorative accents. A small foyer can be made to look formal with the addition of a large tile, installed in a grid pattern with minimal grout in a complementary color. Installing the same tile on a diagonal creates a sense of widening a small space while mosaic bands or borders between tiles produces an inspiring layer of detail.

Sisler Johnston says the use of tile in nontraditional areas, such as living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, has increased in popularity. Decorative tiles can enhance a room's appeal and add lasting value to a home. Maintenance ease combined with the appeal of area rugs and growing concerns for the environment make tile a natural choice.

While tile is an ideal choice for use in many areas of the home or workplace, Sisler Johnston believes it is wise to consult with a licensed interior designer before making any design decisions. Interior designers are specialists with extensive product knowledge. They are the first to receive the latest product information from manufacturers, and they often know how to achieve the best results in the most cost-effect manner.

"Our clients often ask us to assist in making important tile choices for their homes and businesses," Sisler Johnston said. "If it is a new structure, we begin by reviewing the floor plan to determine the contiguous areas that will be impacted by tile choices and patterns. If it is an existing home or business, we visit the areas under consideration before we arrive at a decision to recommend the best choices."

Sisler Johnston also suggests visiting manufacturers' tile websites to become more knowledgeable about products and applications. Some manufacturers, such as Mohawk, publish resource guides to help consumers understand tile choices and designs.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients, specializing in luxurious living spaces for exceptional homes. The company designs residential and model homes as well as community centers, hotel and office suites.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with timeless elegance and classic style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville's leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients' personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with nearly 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

Photography:

Master Bath - By installing tile on a diagonal, you can achieve a sense of widening a small space as done here at Kargar's Showcase model in Plantation Bay.

Kitchen - Granite counter tops were chosen by Sisler Johnston for Brylen's Berkshire model because of the stone's increasing popularity and durability.

Locker Room - Glass mosaic tiles were added as a shimmering accent to the walls of the locker rooms at Sweetwater's amenity center.