Decorative Feature Tiles at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

It can be difficult to know how to intersperse decorative feature tiles among plain ones to create the best effect. In order to get a feel for the right design balance, first cut out tile-sized squares of paper and tape them to the walls, then move them around until you are happy with the effect. In general, it is best to keep feature tiles at least one Tile out from the corners of a room. If you don't, the eye will tend to be drawn to the Wall edges and away from the central areas of pattern.

TILES ARE made of hard-fired clay and, depending on the composition of the clay and the temperature of the firing, they can be very durable. Quarry tiles are popular for paving; these are unglazed, geometric in shape (usually square or octagonal) and regular so they can be used to make formal, smooth surfaces. However, they are very difficult to cut and should be reserved for areas with long, straight edges rather than complicated curved perimeters. For a more eye-catching effect, use glazed paving tiles which come in different shapes and colors, often with painted motifs or designs. The more decorative tiles look best in the strong sunlight of hot climates. As glazed tiles are both fragile and relatively expensive, they should only be employed in small quantities. Fragments of tiles can be used to make Floor mosaics.

You will need a Tile cutter, a level with a vertical vial, a steel ruler, a few long, straight wooden battens, a serrated adhesive spreader (usually supplied with the adhesive), Tile clippers or pincers, a sponge, and a soft cloth. Above Patterned tiles can be used to create an overall design or interspersed among plain background tiles to become random feature tiles.