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Rectangular Tiles: Is It Still Hip To Be Square?

May 12, 2014

In the late 40s to early 60s, new home constructions boomed across U.S. suburbs to accommodate the burgeoning Post-World War II economy and the resulting growing family unit. It is no surprise then that what was popular during this time as a standard option, namely square tiles (typically 4”x4”), can still be found in many of today’s homes that boast their originalporcelain tile. In contemporary homes and newer builds, on the other hand, the hot shape in188bet登入官网现在是矩形,这意味着许多day’s homeowners are updating their bathrooms and kitchens. Larger, rectangular tiles are on the way in for a fresher, more current appearance.

countertops

The oversized shapes of rectangular tiles are popular today for several reasons: they are far-removed from the 40s-60s bathrooms of old, their larger sizes create fewer grout joints, and when thinly set, they can create a nearly seamless look – a very modern ideal.

MSI offers several highly popular lines of rectangular porcelain tile. TheEramosa serieshas distinctive, oversized appeal (tiles are 12”x24”), as well as a modern pattern and color palette. The pattern is a delicate linear veining, which sets it apart. The color selections are neutral: beige, grey, silver, and white. Neutral coloring, in addition to shape, keep these tiles looking timeless. If you’ve ever walked into a circa 1950s home, you probably found bright pinks and sea-foam greens in the bathrooms and kitchen. Contemporary tiles detour from dated color selections, offering a more neutral color scheme on which to build – mosaic188bet登录网址, available in a vast spectrum from bold to neutral, or a strikinggranite countertop, may be used to add even more focal interest and depth.

TheDimensions seriesis another popular MSI option for rectangular tiles. These tiles have an urban appeal, with appearances that fit their names: Concrete, Glacier, Graphite, Gris, Khaki and Olive. Pairings of these tiles with neutral or bold mosaics are common design choices. (Note that where once a standard size wall or floor tile was en vogue, now tiles are most desirable in tiny or large sizes.188bet登录网址因此,小方块并不是一个过时的看.) Mixing tiles of varying size and pattern can create more focal interest than large expanses of 4”x4” tiles with thick grout lines. Rectangular tiles in the Focus Series and Loft Series, have slightly different patterns and similar colors to those of Eramosa and Dimensions, making them ideal for mixing and matching harmoniously.

Arabescato-Carrera

Porcelain tiles are not the only kinds of tiles which are increasingly popular in rectangular dimensions. For example, marble flooring also comes in 12”x24” selections –Athens Greyis amarble tilesimilar in look to the porcelain tiles of theFocus serieswith its sophisticated, horizontal lines. Coupling these marble floors with porcelain tiles allows modern designers to mix materials and patterns while still creating an overall cohesive appeal from floor to ceiling.

The question remains – is it still hip to be square? The answer is not clear cut. Though rectangular options have burst on the scene in recent years as a way to update from the square tiles of older constructed homes, square tiles are still available today in newer, more updated sizes, colors and patterns (particularly in ceramic tiles), which make them an enduring choice for today’s homes. What you’ll notice, however, is that 4”x4” porcelain wall tile, is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Tiles of such dimensions have been updated to exciting materials like limestone, marble, onyx, quartzite,slateandtravertine. The striking colors, patterns, and textures of these materials give this older sizing option a more modern day feel – so that square can stay hip a little longer.