With all the subtle decorating hues in style right now, especially for bathrooms, travertine is the perfect tile to use. Ranging in soft shades of beige and sand to a wide range of zen like browns, even clean blacks, travertine tiles can turn a bathroom into a relaxing spa.
Travertine is a natural stone and with all its color differentiations works great in small amounts as an accent or border or in larger amounts to cover a floor, wall, countertop or shower. Creating a wall of travertine mosaic tile offers a focal point in a bathroom, whether it is a wall over a tub, counter top or inside the shower.
The smaller mosaic tiles are best used for creating the mosaic look and, as mentioned, can also be used to cover an entire wall. If doing a large area, try to stick with a single color of tile; the natural variations will add enough color difference for a nice effect without looking too busy.
On the other hand, because of the varying hues and different colors of travertine, it is easy to do a mosaic with this tile. Again, the smaller tiles work nicely, but choose a smaller space for the mosaic. This could be a border or a circle with a certain pattern on a shower wall. Maybe on a larger wall of one color, a mosaic can be created by using alternating colors of tile. Many people do this inside a shower alcove shelf as well. The bit of mosaic adds artistry and flair to the bathroom, and this little detail will enrich the room.
As well as the attractive smaller mosaic tiles travertine tiles are also available in large slabs that will give you a much simpler look. For a bet each way an effective design style is to use the larger tiles as a background texture and then create a more detailed pattern within.
The texture of travertine varies depending on the type of finish you choose. It is a natural stone and it can be polished so that it comes up with a smooth shine or it can be honed which gives it a smooth finish but more of a natural look. The tile is also available with a brushed or tumbled finish that brings out the textural variations that you would expect to see in a natural stone.
The only problem you may have with using travertine tiles is the fact that the stone is porous and will absorb liquids unless it is treated with a sealant first. Failing to do that will degrade the surface of the tiles and they will soon begin to change appearance. Cleaning the tiles requires care as well because using vinegar or a citrus-based cleaner will erode the stone and significantly mar the appearance of the tiles.
Again, travertine is an excellent tile to work with, whether in all one color or a mix to create a mosaic look. The tiles range in size from small mosaic rectangles to larger squares. The best thing to do is to be creative and let the tile be the star.
no comment untill now