Not everyone has the luxury of space, especially nowadays that people are opting to stay in condos that, while they provide convenience to the homeowner, having a small space is usually inevitable.

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most out of it.

If you find yourself caved in a tiny space, here are some ways to maximise your small area. 

1. Use light colours on the walls and floor.

Short in space but abundant in lighting? Painting your walls with light shades will make your space look bigger. White/ light coloured walls blend into the shadows that’s why it gives the illusion of a much larger room.

2. Maximize hidden storage and multi-purpose items

Multi-functional is the way to go!  If you can find a couch that doubles as a storage for your bed linens and other things, then that’s a way to save space. If you can store away your belongings into nice furniture, then it minimises clutter and gives the illusion of more space. 

3. Opt for larger pieces of furniture

Having a small space doesn’t mean that you also need to have small furniture. Opt for 1 big sofa as compared to having 4 smaller chairs. With this tip, quality overrules quantity, and less is definitely more. 

4. Mirror, mirror, and more mirror. 

It’s no secret that mirrors are one of the best ways to maximise a small space. Mirrors are best placed on cabinet doors or floor-to-ceiling walls. Floor length mirrors make a room appear taller and horizontal length mirrors make a room appear wider. 

5. Use large-format tiles

Large-format tiles give the illusion of a wider room. The Calacatta Tiles 60×120 tile is the perfect tiles that gives the illusion of an elongated room. Take it up a notch by laying them out  horizontally slanted to maximise the space even more. 

There are a lot of ways to create the illusion of space to any small room. You just have to be creative enough so you can enjoy even if you have a small space. 

If you’re looking for tiles to decorate a small space, you may check out our wide range of designer tiles at www.tileexpressshop.com

Nothing is more relaxing than a warm bath after a long exhausting day. But, do you know what can make it even better? A clean and good-looking bathroom. But some people may think that renovation is a bit costly and not everyone can afford it.

Luckily we found cheap solutions to make your bathroom look fancier and pleasing to the eye so that you can truly enjoy your “me” time!

1. SWITCH IT UP!

Throw away empty containers and trade in your cheap plastic bottles of shampoo and shower gels for glass containers.  Transfer their content in clear bottles or containers to immediately amp up your bathroom. This is also an efficient way of tracking how much stuff you have left so you wouldn’t run out of shampoo at the most inconvenient time!

2. MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL

Invest in large mirrors or mirrors with interesting shapes as this will add depth to your bathroom. Yes, big mirrors can be a bit expensive but it is still a lot cheaper than renovating the entire room. You can also use mosaics for the wall to add space and drama. The Katharine Mosaic Tiles is perfect for this kind of effect.

3. FIND THE PALETTE THAT SUITS YOUR PALATE

White on white color scheme is the safest way to make your bathroom look more polished and spacious. It also reflects light and will make your bathroom appear brighter. But, if you prefer a bit of life in your bathroom but unsure of which colors go together, you can always opt for the neutral tones. Warm beige, soft grays, or even faint hues of pastel colors. The Serpeggiante Grigio tiles has warm tones that can complement your choice of color.

4. UPGRADE YOUR TILES TO A LARGER SIZE

Instead of removing your vanity or tearing your cabinets to add space, you can just use large format tiles to make your bathroom visually bigger. Blending the tiles from one area to another continuously will also make the room more refined. SL Travertine a large format tile is perfect in giving this kind of illusion.

What size of tiles do I need?

The size of tiles you need will depend on the size of the room, the size of the area being tiled and your personal preferences. Large tiles in small rooms can make the space look bigger. With a larger tile, grout lines are less frequent, while using small tiles on large areas can be impractical from a fitting point of view. Rectangular, sheet and mosaic tiles are all available in a range of different sizes.

How many tiles do I need?

When calculating how many tiles you need, measure the area and add an extra 10% (or a little more if you’re doing a patterned border). This way, you’re allowing for breakages, cutting, waste and pattern matching.

Do tiles need to be sealed?

Ceramics, glass and metal don’t need to be sealed after fixing, but some natural stone products do. Natural stone sealer seals the tiles’ natural porous surface to stop it staining and prevent water damage, making it especially important in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

How to maintain tiles in good condition?

Even after the project is completed, it is important to maintain your tiles so that they remain in excellent condition. Always check the packaging for specific maintenance advice, as not all maintenance methods are suitable for every tile type, and some can even damage certain tiles. Be sure to clean all spillages on floor tiles to reduce the risk of injury, and use absorbent mats in areas around baths and showers where possible. Mats should also be used at any external doorways to protect the tiles from damage caused by debris transfer from outside.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are the most popular choice in tiling. A key benefit of ceramic tiles is that they don’t need to be sealed after they’ve been fixed in place. They are available in a huge range of designs, colours and effects, as well as a variety of sizes. They are a cost effective tile choice as they are easy to maintain and clean. Ceramic tiles are are recommended for light traffic areas, such as cloakrooms and bathrooms.

Porcelain Tiles

Made in a similar way to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are more durable and hard-wearing and are therefore suitable for more heavy traffic areas, such as kitchens and living rooms. Porcelain can be finished either glazed, unglazed or polished.

Mosaics

Mosaic tiles can be made of any material and come in sheets containing many smaller tiles, so you can mix and match them to create your own design.

A clean, precise tile installation is easier than you might think. With planning, preparation, and our step-by-step advice, you can do it on your own.

Step 1: Prepare the surface

Make sure your surfaces are clean, smooth, and dry for best results. Take time to repair, patch, and level any damaged or uneven areas.  Double check to make sure the surface is structurally sound and the area of wax, soap scum and grease.

Remove any moldings, trim, or appliances that may interfere with tile application, and check the doorjambs to make sure tile has clearance when installed beneath. Identifying these potential complications in advance will help your installation run smoothly.

Step 2: Begin Your Layout

For an efficient layout, start by marking the center point of each of the walls in the room. Next, snap chalk lines between the center points of opposite walls to pinpoint the center of the room. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the intersection creates perfect squares. Starting at the center point, lay a row of loose tiles along the center lines in both directions, using tile spacers as you go to for even, uniform joints.

Once you reach the walls, you’ll need to cut tiles for a proper fit. If the cuts needed are smaller than half of a tile, you can adjust the center line by snapping a new line a half tile size closer to the wall.

If necessary, repeat this step along the intersecting center line for a precise design. To make a large room more manageable, divide each section into smaller 2′ x 3′ grids by snapping additional lines parallel to the center lines.

Step 3: Apply the adhesive

As a general rule of thumb, be mindful to mix only enough of the adhesive to be used within 30 minutes.  Using the flat side of the trowel type recommended on the adhesive package, spread a 1/4″ coat on the surface of one grid area without covering the guidelines.

After doing so, hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle and use the notched side to comb adhesive into standing ridges.
When you remove the excess adhesive, you leave behind a uniform, ridged setting bed for your tile. As another rule of thumb, do not spread a larger area of your adhesive than can be set in 15 minutes. Stick to the script and facilitate your tile installation with the perfect adhesive application.

Step 4: Cut tile as needed

Start by marking carefully measured cuts-to-be with a pencil or felt tip pen on the tile surface. You can use a tile cutter to achieve pinpoint straight or diagonal cuts. Make masterful curved cuts with a nipper, chipping away small pieces for best results.

For any full length curved cuts, a rod saw is most properly suited to handle the task. After your cuts are made, smooth out any sharp edges with a carborundum stone to give a soft finish to your tile.

Step 5: Set your tile

Now that you’ve primed the surface, created the layout, applied the adhesive, and cut the tile, you are fully prepared for the actual installation of your tile.

Begin by installing tiles in the center of the room, one grid at a time, finishing each grid before moving to the next. Within each grid, it will help to start with the first tile in the corner and work outward. Using a slight twisting motion, set tiles one at a time and avoid sliding them into place. Be sure to either insert spacers as each tile is set or leave equal joints between tiles.

Save the perimeter tiles in each grid for last, leaving a gap between the tile and wall. Once a grid is completely installed, tap in all tiles with a rubber mallet or hammer and wood block to ensure a solid bond and level plane. Remove excess adhesive from joints with a putty knife and from tile with a damp sponge to prevent an uneven appearance.

Lastly, allow your hard work at least 24 hours to set before walking on it. And of course, take at least 20 minutes to admire the time and care you have put in to your new floor!

Step 6: Grouting Joints

Now that your tile is in place and has had 24 hours to set, your last Step is to “grout” or fill the joints and consolidate your floor into one mass. After carefully reading and following all instructions and precautions on the grout package, make only enough to use in a 30 minute period. As you remove the tile spacers and spread grout on the tile surface, use a rubber grout float or a squeegee to force it down into the joints.

Tilt the float at a 45 degree angle and with the edge of the float, remove the excess grout from the surface immediately. Now tilt the float at a 90-degree angle and scrape it diagonally across the tiles.

Once you’ve let the grout set slightly for around 15 to 20 minutes, use a damp sponge to clean any residue from the
surface and smooth the grout joints. Make sure to rinse your sponge frequently and change the water when needed.
Polish with a soft cloth when the grout has dried and haze forms on the tile surface, and rinse again with sponge and clean water if necessary. Give your newly grouted floor 72 hours before any heavy use and at least three weeks before applying sealers or polishes.

Take a deep breath and let out sigh of relief; you have just completed your floor with 

Tile Express Shop Tiles.