Annual Homes & Design Issue

Adding Ambience With Tile

Tips & Trends

By Rachel Studebaker

Every element of a room’s design plays a role in determining its look and feel, and with such a wide variety of colors, shapes, patterns, and textures, it’s no surprise that tile and stone are often key. From an expansive marble countertop in the kitchen to mosaic tile details in a bathroom, tile and stone can be the deciding factor or the perfect finishing touch when adding ambience to a space. Read on to learn more from local experts as they share insights on top selections and their effects.

Bethe Motlow

Louisville Tile

Indefinable inspiration – the French call it the “je ne sais quoi” – from foyer to patio, tile can build ambience, like the character of a page turner. Bold movement, vein-cut looks in large format size, mixed with dark, angular, and moody mosaics and hints of champagne gold, set the stage for a dramatically memorable master en suite. Iridescent mosaics shimmering in tones of pink, cream, and tan steep fond kitchen memories of exotic travel to distant lands. Use naturalistic wood-plank tile to ground vastly open spaces and flow easily onto scenic views with restful foundational outdoor pavers. Call on theater from the forest realm to write a personal novella to nature. From modest courtyards to quaint patio fairylands to breathtaking scenic overlooks, embrace the majestic place called home: our native Tennessee.

Maria Ivan

Granite Empire of Chattanooga

Stone countertops are a timeless choice for enhancing both the beauty and functionality of any space. We offer a wide selection of natural and engineered stones, each adding unique qualities to your home. Granite is known for its durability and natural variations, providing a grounded, earthy look that adds warmth and texture. It’s perfect for kitchens, where family and friends gather. Quartz, with its non-porous surface and low-maintenance properties, delivers a more uniform appearance, ideal for sleek, modern kitchens and high-traffic areas. Marble, featuring elegant veining and sophisticated charm, offers a luxurious, timeless appeal, often seen in bathrooms or as statement islands. With over 140 colors available, we help homeowners and contractors select the perfect stone to match their design vision, whether you’re seeking beauty, practicality, or lasting value.

Jessica Hurst

The Tile Store

Checkerboard tile is really popular right now, making a statement in bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and more. But have you ever wondered how tile – especially a bold pattern like checkerboard – can add ambience to a space? From the texture and color to the mood created by its pattern, tile has a special way of transforming any room. We offer a variety of color options and different square sizes, so you can find just the right look – whether you want something bold and striking or more subtle and understated. With plenty of choices, it’s easy to add a stylish and timeless touch to your home.

Anna Baker

Stone Source, Inc.

Marble is like art – it will make you feel something – and moody marble has been on trend lately. White marble with dark gray and gold veining in Calacatta Macchia Vecchia and red, gold, and gray veining in Calacatta Viola make a powerful statement in a room. The movement is striking, and the colors are bold against a white background, demanding to be noticed. Darker marbles like Empress Green, Graphite, and Portoro add a deep richness to a room. They are grounding colors that evoke a rich, loamy feeling. Calacatta and Carrara marbles are on the softer side of the spectrum. The white backgrounds with wispy gray veins offer a sense of peace and serenity, like looking at clouds floating by. Another ethereal stone is Onyx. It is a translucent stone that feels otherworldly. There is a reason we have been decorating our homes with these materials for thousands of years. They have a way of reflecting our emotions.

Back to Premier Living