Terracotta tiles captivate with their timeless allure, and we're diving deep into why this ancient material is experiencing such a powerful renaissance in modern design. The earthy warmth and authentic character of these "baked earth" tiles transform ordinary spaces into inviting, soulful environments that connect us to centuries of architectural tradition.

We explore how terracotta has evolved beyond country kitchens to become a designer favorite in contemporary settings. From rustic farmhouses to sleek urban lofts, these tiles bring warmth and texture to every application. The natural color variations and subtle imperfections create dynamic surfaces that change throughout the day as light shifts across them, offering a living, breathing quality that manufactured alternatives simply cannot match.

Practical considerations take center stage as we share essential maintenance wisdom for keeping terracotta beautiful for decades. Proper sealing techniques, cleaning protocols, and preventative measures ensure these investments continue to improve with age. We share real client stories—from design triumphs to happy accidents that became cherished features—demonstrating how terracotta develops that coveted Mediterranean patina over time. Creative applications abound as designers experiment with sizes, patterns, and complementary materials. Pairing terracotta with crisp whites, bold accent colors, or mixed metals creates striking juxtapositions that balance earthy tradition with modern sophistication. Whether installed as hexagons, classic rectangles, or custom mosaics, these versatile tiles adapt to any aesthetic vision.

Ready to bring this timeless material into your home? Visit belktile.com or call 614-543-8334 to explore our terracotta collections. Share your terracotta dreams or installations with us on social media—we'd love to see how you're incorporating this enduring material into your spaces!

Transforming your kitchen with the perfect backsplash starts with understanding its role as the "jewelry" that completes your space. Should you choose your backsplash first, or follow the more traditional sequence of cabinets, countertops, flooring, and then backsplash? While there's no absolute rule, Mike and Abby share their professional approach to creating kitchens that feel intentional rather than haphazard.

The conversation delves into an essential design question: what element should be your kitchen's star? If you've invested in showstopping cabinets or a dramatic countertop, your backsplash might play a supporting role. Alternatively, in a kitchen with simpler elements, a bold backsplash can instantly elevate the entire space from ordinary to extraordinary. One client example featured plain shaker cabinets and a white countertop completely transformed by metallic glass tile that added unexpected glamour.

From material selection (with a myth-busting discussion about glass tile's enduring appeal) to practical maintenance considerations, Mike and Abby cover everything homeowners need to know about backsplash design. They explore how newer grout options like urethane and epoxy have revolutionized maintenance, offer installation tips like using caulk at transition points, and emphasize how proper lighting makes even simple tile selections look high-end. Their practical advice on budget considerations, from affordable ceramic options to splurge-worthy custom mosaics, ensures listeners at every price point can create backsplashes that truly belong in their kitchens.

Ready to transform your kitchen with a backsplash that perfectly complements your space? Visit belktile.com, call 614-543-8334, or connect with us on social media to turn the insights from this episode into your own beautiful kitchen reality.

Ready to transform your space with the boldest tile trends of 2025? This episode dives deep into the exciting world of statement tiles that are revolutionizing home design right now.

Gone are the days when tiles merely blended into the background. Today's homeowners are embracing maximalism with open arms – from geometric patterns and Moroccan-inspired motifs to vibrant mosaics that command attention. As Mike notes, "Tiles aren't just a background anymore, they're the main event." We explore how hexagons, trellises, and abstract designs are taking center stage in kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond, creating conversation-starting focal points that express your unique personality.

Texture is having a major moment too. Those flat, glossy surfaces? They're making way for three-dimensional tiles that play with light and shadow. We discuss the rising popularity of fluted porcelain, contoured surfaces, and matte finishes in warm, earthy tones like terracotta and muted green. Sustainability enters the conversation as we highlight eco-friendly options including recycled glass tiles and cork-infused ceramics that prove you don't need to sacrifice style for environmental consciousness.

Even classic patterns are getting refreshed for 2025. Herringbone with oversized planks, chevron in unexpected colors, and subway tiles installed vertically – these traditional layouts are finding new life through creative applications. We share practical installation advice, color combination strategies, and tips for balancing bold choices with more neutral elements to create spaces that feel both timeless and thoroughly modern. Whether you're planning a complete renovation or just wanting to update a backsplash, this episode offers inspiration and guidance for making your tile selections truly spectacular. Subscribe now and join the conversation – what tile trend will you try first?

Ready to transform your kitchen? The landscape of kitchen tile is undergoing a dramatic shift in 2025, moving away from safe, all-white designs toward bold personal statements that combine texture, color, and innovative materials.

Designers are embracing fluted ceramics, geometric reliefs, and vintage-inspired patterns like classic Delft tiles that turn backsplashes into genuine conversation pieces. The tactile experience has become just as important as visual appeal – people want kitchens they can feel, not just admire in photographs. This sensory approach pairs perfectly with the surge in earthy color palettes featuring terracottas, burgundies, and forest greens that create warmer, more inviting spaces.

Large format tiles continue gaining momentum, offering fewer grout lines and easier maintenance while mimicking luxurious materials like marble and wood. Meanwhile, technological innovation brings us color-changing smart tiles and temperature-responsive surfaces. Sustainability isn't just trending but becoming an expectation, with recycled glass, eco-friendly ceramics, and reclaimed materials allowing homeowners to create stunning spaces without environmental guilt.

The defining feature of 2025's kitchen tile landscape is fearless personalization. Homeowners are mixing different styles, eras, and global influences – from Moroccan patterns to metallic accents – creating spaces that tell their unique stories. As we discuss in this episode, the most successful kitchens balance boldness with longevity, creating spaces that feel current without becoming quickly dated. Remember, "trends come and go, but personality never goes out of style."

Curious about incorporating these trends into your own kitchen? Whether you're planning a complete renovation or just refreshing your backsplash, Belk Tile has the expertise to guide you through creating a space that's both on-trend and timeless. Connect with us on social media or visit our website to explore options that will make your kitchen the stunning heart of your home for years to come.

Ready to transform your shower into a stunning sanctuary? The latest episode of the Belk Tile Podcast takes you on a deep dive into what's trending for 2025 shower wall designs, with practical advice that balances beauty and functionality.

Subway tiles—the "little black dress of bathrooms"—continue their reign but with fresh twists. Vertical installations are making waves in smaller spaces, creating the illusion of height while maintaining that timeless appeal. Meanwhile, large-format marble tiles deliver luxury for those seeking a spa-like retreat, though marble-look porcelain offers the same aesthetic with far less maintenance headache (and fewer grout lines to scrub!).

For the design adventurous, geometric patterns are having a moment. Hexagons, Moroccan fish scales, and penny rounds add personality without overwhelming when used as accents in niches or feature walls. Textured and 3D tiles create stunning light play and dimension, though Mike and Abby don't shy away from the cleaning realities—keep that soft brush handy! The conversation gets practical with material comparisons (porcelain still reigns supreme), the epoxy versus cement grout debate, and why proper waterproofing behind those beautiful tiles is absolutely non-negotiable.

Whether you're planning a complete bathroom renovation or just dreaming of upgrading your shower space, this episode delivers the perfect blend of design inspiration and practical know-how. From material selection to maintenance tips, we've got you covered. Have a specific tile question? Reach out and we might feature your question on our next episode! Connect with us at belktile.com or find us on social media @BelkTile.

The mystery of "How much tile do I need?" frustrates even the most meticulous homeowners and designers. During this conversation with Abby, we unravel why that seemingly simple calculation consistently falls short in real-world applications.

Every tile installation includes hidden factors that increase material needs beyond basic measurements. Those awkward cuts around outlets, inevitable breakage during shipping or installation, and factory defects quickly consume your supply. One kitchen backsplash client learned this lesson the hard way, running short halfway through installation despite our warnings. The experience highlights why the professional standard of adding 10-15% overage exists—it's not excessive caution, but practical necessity.

Your specific project details significantly impact how much extra you'll need. Working with subway tile in a rectangular room? The standard 10% might suffice. Planning a herringbone pattern or tiling a room with multiple angles and alcoves? You'll want 15-20% additional material. Large format tiles create proportionally larger waste with each cut, while complex patterns generate unusable offcuts. We share real customer scenarios, including a sunroom with so many angles that required nearly 20% extra material to complete successfully.

Beyond preventing installation delays, ordering sufficient overage serves another critical purpose—future repairs. Tile production varies between batches, making perfect matches impossible years later if you damage a tile. Having spares from your original installation ensures seamless repairs without resorting to visible patches or complete replacements. Have you encountered tile shortages in your projects? Share your experiences and reach out with questions as you plan your next tile transformation. Your well-planned project starts with the right materials calculation.

Ever wondered if there's a grout that actually lives up to the hype? In our latest deep dive, we explore Starlike Evo epoxy grout, the product that's transforming how designers and homeowners approach tile projects.

Tired of dealing with stained, cracked, or moldy grout lines? You're not alone. We break down why Starlike Evo stands apart from traditional options, offering exceptional durability against stains, water damage, chemicals, and even UV rays. Whether you're designing a busy entryway that faces constant foot traffic, a family bathroom prone to moisture, or an outdoor kitchen exposed to the elements, this product delivers performance that conventional grouts simply can't match.

What really caught our attention is the versatility - Starlike Evo works with joint widths from 1/8" to 1/2", making it perfect for everything from delicate mosaics to large-format tiles. The color options are a designer's dream, with vibrant jewel tones that maintain their brilliance year after year. We share real-world examples from commercial pool installations to family kitchens where this grout has stood the test of time without yellowing, cracking, or harboring mold. For those concerned about installation, we provide step-by-step guidance on mixing, applying, and cleaning up this user-friendly product.

Want to learn more about transforming your tile projects with the right materials? Listen now, and don't forget to leave a rating and review! Have questions about your specific project? Reach out to us at www.belktile.com or call 614-543-8334 - we might feature your question on our next episode.

Ever stared at your bathroom walls wondering whether those shower tiles should go all the way up? You're not alone. This question plagues homeowners and designers alike, and today we're solving this common design dilemma once and for all.

When it comes to tile height in showers, the decision impacts far more than aesthetics. Full-height tiling creates a waterproof shield around your shower, dramatically reducing the risk of moisture penetration that leads to mold and structural damage. Beyond protection, ceiling-height tile delivers a striking visual effect that can transform your space. As we share from real client experiences, even the smallest bathrooms gain a sense of height and openness when tile draws the eye upward. The clean, seamless look eliminates that awkward transition between tile and drywall that often becomes a maintenance headache.

Of course, we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't address the challenges. Higher material costs, skilled installation requirements, and maintenance considerations all factor into this decision. We break down exactly what to expect with different materials—from budget-friendly porcelain to luxurious natural stone—and share insider tips on grout selection that can save you countless hours of scrubbing. Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation or simply curious about design trends, our practical advice helps you balance beauty with functionality. The perfect bathroom isn't just about looking great in photos; it's about creating a space you'll love living with every day. Listen now to transform your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary with confidence and know-how that only comes from decades in the tile industry.

Ever stood in the tile aisle wondering if your kitchen and bathroom should match? You're not alone. The age-old design debate continues to divide homeowners and professionals alike, with strong opinions on both sides of the argument.

We dive deep into this question, sharing real stories of homeowners who went the matchy-matchy route only to find their spaces feeling flat and repetitive. Instead of perfect coordination, we explore how your home can be in conversation with itself – creating connections between spaces without turning them into carbon copies. Think of your tile choices as family members who share resemblances without being identical twins.

The conversation extends beyond mere aesthetics into the psychology of color and space. Fascinating research from Zillow reveals how specific colors like olive green in kitchens and navy blue in bedrooms can actually add thousands to your home's value. We unpack why these earth tones and mineral-inspired hues create environments that feel both on-trend and timeless, working seamlessly across design styles from modern to coastal to traditional.

For those struggling with bathroom organization, we share practical decluttering strategies that transform even small spaces. The "one-minute tidy" method and smart storage solutions can make your morning routine smoother while showcasing your beautiful tile choices. Whether you're renovating for yourself or preparing to sell, these insights help create spaces that feel intentional, cohesive, and full of personality.

Ready to make more confident design decisions for your home? Listen now, and don't forget to share your own tile dilemmas with us on social media.

Think brown tiles are boring? Think again! We're diving deep into the surprisingly versatile world of brown tiles and discovering why these earthy-toned design elements deserve much more credit than they typically receive.

Brown tiles offer that perfect combination of practical durability and aesthetic warmth that's increasingly sought after in modern home design. Whether you're drawn to the light, airy feel of beige and taupe or the dramatic sophistication of chocolate and espresso tones, there's a brown tile that can transform your space. Our conversation reveals why these hardworking tiles conceal dirt masterfully in high-traffic areas while maintaining their charm year after year.

The styling possibilities with brown tiles are virtually endless. We explore how pairing them with neutrals creates minimalist elegance, while combining them with bold colors like navy or gold introduces dramatic contrast. Pattern selection takes center stage as we discuss the timeless appeal of subway layouts, the contemporary edge of hexagon arrangements, and the undeniable sophistication of herringbone designs. From kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms and outdoor spaces, brown tiles prove their versatility across every area of the home.

Should you choose porcelain for its weather resistance or natural stone for its unique character? We weigh the practical considerations against aesthetic desires to help you make informed decisions for your next renovation project. Join us as we celebrate these underrated design heroes and discover how brown tiles can elevate your home with their timeless appeal and remarkable versatility. Leave a rating and review, and reach out with your questions for our next episode!