North County Real Estate News February 2014 Issue Vol.1 | Page 3

Go wild for TILE

Home Improvement

by Kathryn Weber

T

ile was once coldly utilitarian and blandly oblivious to any kind of
real style. Fast forward to today’s tile and the choices and varieties are
limitless. Perhaps the biggest news is that tile is being used in more ways
than ever before. Tile’s fresh look makes for easy upkeep, too.
From metallic to natural-looking stone to glass, you can now create a
beautiful room by using one style or, better still, combining a variety of tile
styles and sizes.
Tile is being use more on walls outside of the shower. Instead of sticking
with small 4-by-4 or 6-by-6 tiles, you can now decorate showers and bathrooms
with 12-inch and larger tiles, or tiny, intricate mosaics, or glass strips, or even
pebbles. Adding tile up bathroom walls creates a spa look at home.
SET THE STYLE

Tile can also be used to reflect the style of a home. The pattern can be
especially powerful. For example, using certain tile patterns on floors and
walls can create a period feel. A running bond pattern in a long, rectangularshaped tile will create a turn-of-the-century look. Add tile with a crackled
glaze and the look can grow even more authentic. Take that same running
bond and apply it to large tiles with a stone look and you can even recreate
the look of a castle floor.
MIX TILES
Today, tile manufacturers carry a wide variety of tile sizes, as well as accent
and trim pieces to match. If you want a cleaner, more contemporary look, limit
the variety of tiles used. If you want an opulent look, mix tiles.
Try adding a stone pebble finish in a wave pattern in the middle of a shower
wall or on the floor of the shower. Mix finishes, such as metallic or glass, with
your tile to give it a burst of interest. Instead of wood trim in the bathroom or
kitchen, add a tile baseboard. The look is updated, and tile can withstand more
wear and tear than wood.
BE CAUTIOUS
The only concerns with tile are where it’s used and grout. Many kitchens
today feature rough tile backsplashes, and while they look fantastic, once grease
splatters on this type of finish, it can be tough to clean.
A particularly wonderful look is metallic tile behind a stove. These smoothsurface tiles dress up the area and are easy to clean. Tile should make your life
easier because it’s durable and easy to clean.
Grouting material has improved. Especially in wet environments like the
bath, grout needs to be sealed, and with the new grouts that contain sealer, this
problem is eliminated. n
© 2013 Distributed by Tribune Media Services

local events calendar
Guided Tidepooling
Adventures in La Jolla Saturday
February 1 2014 – Naturalists
from Scripps Birch Aquarium will
help you discover the wonderful
inhabitants of the tidepools in
La Jolla, Cal. Cost is only $15 per
person. Reservations required.

don’t like football, the commercials are worth it. Still can’t
convince you to watch? It’s a
great time to shop in the empty
stores.

Star Party - February 7, 2014
@ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Join the
MiraCosta College Astronomy
BEACH CLEANUP February 1,
Program for an evening of
2014 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
stargazing with binoculars and
All are invited to attend a beach telescopes. The event is free
cleanup at the Oceanside Pier
and open to the public; all ages
on Saturday, February 1st from
are welcome. Bring yourself
9am-11am. Meet at the north
and dress for cold weather.
side of the Pier on the beach.
Cancellation updates are posted
Cleanup supplies will be proon the website and on the Star
vided, but please bring your own Party Line 760-757-2121 x 6201
reusable bag, bucket and work- as soon as the decision is made.
ing gloved if you have them.
Sweetheart Sail - tentative
Pre-registration is only required Saturday Feb 8 and Sunday Feb
for groups of 25 or more people. 9, 2014. Celebrate Valentines

San Diego Tide Pools February 1-2, 10-16 and 24-28
2014 at various times at low
tide. Fall and winter are the best
times to explore the San Diego
tide pools. It’s free and one of
the best kids activities in San
Diego.
Super Bowl 2014 - Watch the
XLVIII SuperBowl game Sunday
February 2. Game is played this
year in New York. Even if you

Beach Middle School and High
School Surfing event. Sponsored
by Scholastic Surf Series.
Location a