Dear Debbie: We are doing a quick kitchen makeover and like your advice about decorating the backsplash area to give the space some character. Are glass tiles going to get dated? We may be transferred in a year or so and are hoping to make a few upgrades that will help us sell. Emilia
Dear Emilia: Decorating with tiles is a timeless tradition. All types of tile from elegant marble or rustic terra cotta to ceramics in transitional patterns have been utilized to beautify kitchens and baths, and apart from a few colour choices that do become dated, their allure continues to grow.
Glass tiles have reached a new high in popularity. Coloured glass is being used in large sheets on countertops and there is a dazzling array of glass tiles available for backsplashes. The sparkling, translucent properties of glass in both clear and coloured states make it a designer's dream.
Coloured glass tiles can be a surprising colour shot in a kitchen that is monochrome, or comprised of stainless steel or wood. Glass mixes well with other tiles, stone and ceramic, to offer a wide variety of design patterns for a backsplash.
Be inspired by the choices available on sites such as www.interstyle.ca. Icestix are 1/2" x 2" or 4" glass tiles that sparkle in a mosaic of textures and finishes. They can be run vertically or horizontally to form unique patterns. Agate glass tiles are made from recycled glass and their rounded shapes add a jewel-like character to a surface. Dewdrops are a mix of 1' x 1" glossy iridescent and matte tiles in brilliant hues that are mesh mounted for easy installation. The modern crisp square shape of Glasshues tiles shown here come in matte or glossy finishes.
As well as on backsplashes, glass tiles can be applied to walls, tabletops and islands as a becoming detail. They can carry a colour or theme around a room by matching up with colours or patterns found in other materials. My bet is you'll hate to leave your kitchen and will transfer this decorating touch to wherever you next land. Good luck.
Dear Debbie: I have a large, bright bedroom that I want to paint teal. I love the colour, but it is very solid. Can you recommend a paint method that would give me a translucent effect and make the colour more airy without losing the vibrancy of teal? Su
Dear Su: This is where glaze becomes your best friend. A glaze is a clear translucent medium that, when mixed with paint, allows some of the undercoat to shine through. It does not dilute the colour, but the translucent quality adds depth to your finish.
Start with a light blue base coat. Then mix your favourite teal shade half and half with glazing liquid and roll this over the light base coat with a sponge roller. Allow to dry, and add a second coat of the coloured glaze if you prefer a deeper colour. It's best to experiment on a board until you get the vibrancy you are after.
Dear Debbie: The carpet on the stairs in our 20-year-old raised ranch home must be replaced, but we do not need to replace the carpet it connects to, which is the living room. When we take up the carpet, how far back do we go when we get to the top? Do we stop at the bottom or top of the riser? With thanks, Catherine
Dear Catherine: The carpet you are replacing on the stairs should stop at the top of the last riser as it is part of the staircase. It's best if you choose a shade for the stairs that complements but does not "match" the living-room carpet.
Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie's new website, www.debbietravis.com.
