Lucy Okunak is the owner of Euro Stone and Tile located in Wycoff, New Jersey. In the following article, Lucy Okunak discusses the journey beyond the conventional, exploring the innovative applications of stone and tile flooring that have redefined the boundaries of interior design. From striking patterns to surprising textures and unconventional placements, Lucy Okunak delves into the boundless creativity that propels these materials into uncharted territory, reshaping the way we perceive and experience flooring design.
Stone and tile flooring doesn’t have to be simple. Nor does it have to only be used on the floor.
Playing with patterns is a way to add individuality to a room, by forgoing traditional layouts and opting for mosaics or herringbone. Tiling can also be used to create feature walls, and accents whether they are standalone or placed around a featured focus. Furniture, such as tabletops and counters can also get a new lease of life with stone or tile.
Lucy Okunak Says to Be Inventive with Patterns
Instead of opting for a traditional opus pattern, think outside the box when laying the material.
Lucy Okunak says to take inspiration from wood flooring patterns, which can be easily emulated using stone tiles. For example, a herringbone pattern makes for a striking statement floor and works well in limestone or terracotta.
Creating a circular layout with thin curved pieces of stone tiling can also help to create focal spaces, such as by highlighting certain features within living rooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
Laying out stone flooring in this way can help to draw the eye through the space, helping to create a feeling that the room appears larger.
Make a Mosaic
tone and tiles don’t have to be large slabs. Lucy Okunak explains that opting for smaller tiles to create a mosaic-like design can also help to add a sense of depth and luxury, especially when it comes to bathrooms or kitchen applications.
The mosaic pattern can also be carried up and onto walls to create a seamless space, and in some cases, such as by using a basketweave mosaic pattern, can even add a touch of softness to this otherwise hard material.
Create an Accent Wall
Instead of looking to punchy wallpapers or paints for a statement wall, consider using stone or porcelain tiles instead. Lucy Okunak notes that this can add a unique touch to any room, as well as provide texture.
Colorful tiles can be used to create a playful feature, while natural stone can help to provide a more natural and earthy feel to a room.
Elevate the Stairs
Make a change from the usual wood, or a carpet stair runner by using tile on stair risers. This can help to tie in the flooring in connecting rooms but can also help to either add a spot of color as a focal point if using bright tiles or even make the stairs look more expensive by using natural stone such as slate, explains Lucy Okunak.
Fire Surrounds
Fire surrounds, especially those that are builder-grade or drab, can be jazzed up by using these materials to highlight this popular feature. Utilize bright tile to turn the fireplace into an accent feature of the room, or natural, muted colors in stone to help bring a sense of coziness to the space.
Lucy Okunak indicates that it is important to remember that the tiles should be heat-safe and mounted on a cement backing board to help prevent damage. Epoxy grout will also help to repel ash and keep the stone and/or tile looking fresh.
Tiled Tables
Stone and tile can also be used to refresh old tables and other furniture to create a new design. If using a heavy stone, make sure that the furniture is sturdy enough to take the weight.
Using tiles in this way can also be a fantastic way to customize an outdoor kitchen or dining space by providing a weather-resistant finish to countertops and tables, explains Lucy Okunak.
Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are a great alternative to traditional stone flooring. Made by combining stone chips with a binding agent such as concrete, terrazzo is not only cost-effective but also durable and functional.
It can be used not only as flooring but also to line walls and furniture too, due to it not only being thinner but stronger than traditional stone flooring. There are no grout lines either, leading to a seamless finish and less anxiety about cleaning up grime from between the cracks, reports Lucy Okunak.
Wrapping Up
The world of interior design is a realm of endless possibilities, constantly evolving to push boundaries and redefine what is considered traditional. From captivating patterns that draw the eye to unexpected textures that invite touch, stone and tile flooring have demonstrated their ability to elevate spaces to new levels of sophistication and aesthetic appeal. By breaking free from traditional installations, designers have harnessed the inherent qualities of these materials to create immersive experiences that captivate the senses.
The future of stone and tile flooring lies in its ability to adapt, innovate, and transcend expectations. By daring to think beyond the ordinary, designers and architects can unlock the full potential of these materials, breathing life into spaces with their timeless beauty and unmatched durability.
