When people think of tile, they tend to think ceramic. Ceramic’s a good choice, but there are other materials available worth calling out. Reclaimed barnwood tile varies in depth and is sealed to resist moisture. Its texture lends itself to non-traditional uses like ceiling tile in the bathroom. It’s also a natural choice for modernists.

Hand-printed limestone tiles are good for indoor/outdoor use—an outdoor bar is just one suggestion. They exhibit slight variation from tile to tile, contributing to the idea of the individualistic home. The handmade cement tiles in this Specialty Shop are eco-friendly and 100% recyclable.

Check out our Pinterest board for tile ideas. If there’s a recurring theme, it’s that you shouldn’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and materials. You should also feel comfortable keeping it simple or making a statement because both approaches work. It’s just a matter of what you think works best.

// Shop Versatile Tile until August 10, 2012. //

- Sean, writer and editor for the Foundary