Kitchen Tiles

[kwicky]

I need to put up some square 100mm plain coloured tiles in the kitchen. What is the usual number or colours required so they create a balanced view without looking uniform but appear random? Are there any rules to follow with the arrangement?

[PAUL55]

First, decide how many colours you want, too many and it looks like a curcus, not enouph and you won't have the desired effect. Example - If you decide on four colours and you want a balanced amount but to apear random, you would run your first row say 1234-1234-1234. You would then stagger the second row trying not to get two tiles of the same colour touching and so-on and so-on course after course. Depending on how many colours you choose, you may get two of the same colour touching here and there as part of the pattern, but the overall effect will look random and very nice.

[EDLEE]

If there were rules or patterns it wouldn't be random.

What I do when making mosaics is to assemble all my tiles on the floor then stand back and decide on changes. Since everyone's tastes are different you will be able to decide what YOU like.

A sketch of your design with or without numbering the tile will allow you to reassemble the pattern easily when the time comes to set them with mortar or glue.

I wish you success and hope you find the process enjoyable. You get better at it the more you do it.

[PAUL55]

I didn't say it would be random, I said it would apear random and would look much nicer and more professional than having clumps of colours here and there.