Picking the right tile pattern for your floor is one of the most important decisions that you can make. A simple square pattern will blend nicely into the current style of your home. Or get your floor to make a statement with a pattern that has more movement. Whatever your floor pattern goal, at Rustico we’ve coined the phrase “Make Every Space Count!” Here are some basic principles to consider as you make a plan for your flooring.

1. Consider hiring a designer

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with designing the right layout for your floor. Whether it’s a 200-square foot kitchen or an 8,000-square foot hacienda, a good designer can help. Designers have studied the equivalent of interior architecture. They don’t just pick out fabrics and furniture. A good designer will make your project space cohesive as a whole, keep you on budget, and help you eliminate waste.

2. Need some visual inspiration to get ideas?

Check out some websites that have massive amounts of search-able photos. Some sources to consider are Houzz, Pinterest, and interior design blogs. Beware though – searching through photos can consume a lot of time. When you find something that you really like, stop looking and move on!

3. Pick your pattern and scale it to size.

If you plan on using a square or rectangular tile, consider the size of your room relative to the size of tile that you select. Large carpet flooring tiles are a good fit in large open spaces. Smaller tiles suit more compact spaces. A square shaped tile can be kept very basic, or it can be installed in patterns such as: diagonal, running brick, or cut corners with decorative inlaid tiles like Cement Tile. Rule of thumb: Go big in big spaces, stay small in small spaces.

4. Consider your budget.

If you have tight budget constraints then the “scaled it to size” section above is really important. By keeping your tile scaled to fit the room, you’ll eliminate unnecessary waste. Waste in cutting tile equates to wasted dollars. Stay budget friendly by tiling smart sizes in your room.

If you like something more ornamental than a budget-friendly square or rectangular tile, check out decorative patterns. A Hexagon is a 1-tile pattern that is a great choice for something decorative without pushing cost. Alternatively, an Octagon pattern is nice for a floor with some punch. The Octagon is a 2-tile pattern that requires an insert tile to complete the pattern. For this reason, the Octagon floor pattern is naturally more expensive. And then there are tile patterns such as San Felipe, Fleur de Lis, and Riviera. The San Felipe and Fleur de Lis each create their own pattern, or you can mix these two decorative carpet tiles to create the Riviera Pattern. Decorative shapes like this are more expensive due to the increased manufacturing and labor costs. No matter what your budget is, there is a Saltillo tile pattern that can fit into it nicely and produce a beautiful floor that will last a lifetime.

5. Don’t be afraid to let your floor make a statement.

It’s no longer just about paint colors and pillows – floor tile can “wow” and impress your house guests in seconds. Visualize your space. A well-planned floor pattern will draw the eye down to appreciate the sweat equity invested to produce true craftsmanship. Whether it’s an hacienda-style home, a beach bungalow, a rustic hunting lodge, or a suburban starter home, a Saltillo tile pattern can make your space count!

Rustico Pro Tip:

If you have a tight budget, it’s tough to beat the price point on a 12×12 Traditional Saltillo tile. Get creative with patterns – squares don’t have to be boring!