Beyond Beige: How Brown Tiles Transform Everyday Spaces

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What kind of tile can you put on the wall or shower?

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Do you have to seal tile?

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How much extra tile should I buy for my project?

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What thinset is the best for my tile application?

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How hard is it to maintain natural stone?

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You have questions.

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We have answers.

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Welcome to the Belk Tile Podcast.

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How to style the bathroom, the backyard, the kitchen, how to improve your home style with tiles to make your home absolutely beautiful?

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Welcome to the Belk Tile Podcast.

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Here's your host, Mike Belk all right.

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So brown tiles?

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They're everywhere these days, right From kitchens to bathrooms.

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I mean people are really loving that warm earthy vibe they bring.

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Absolutely, and it's not just about the aesthetic appeal.

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Brown tiles offer a combination of durability and low maintenance that's hard to beat.

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I feel they're like the hardworking tiles of the home decor world they look great, they last forever and they don't whine about getting a little dirty.

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It's like tile perfection.

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That's a rather spirited way to put it, but you're quite right.

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Depending on the material, like porcelain, ceramic or natural stone they really are built to handle high traffic areas while maintaining their charm.

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Oh, porcelain and ceramic, yeah, fancy stuff.

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But OK, let me tell you about my first DIY tile project.

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Disaster, total disaster.

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Oh no, what happened?

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Well, I was inspired by this Pinterest post, right?

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So I went out, got what I thought were matching tiles and, let's just say, my kitchen ended up looking like a patchwork quilt from five different design eras, like ceramic meets, retro meets, I don't know, disaster chic eras like ceramic meets, retro meets I don't know disaster chic.

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I can only imagine how unique that must have looked.

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But mismatched tiles can sometimes make for an interesting aesthetic.

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You know, in the right hands.

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Yeah, not mine.

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It was horrendous, but that's when I learned the value of picking the right material and actually paying attention to the shades and textures.

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It's a learning curve, and brown tiles in particular offer a lot of flexibility in terms of tones.

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Lighter ones, like beige or taupe, can make a room feel larger, whereas darker options chocolate or espresso add a certain drama.

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Drama.

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See, I knew I should have gone for drama.

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My kitchen could have been a masterpiece instead of a cautionary tale.

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Well, drama or not, I think what we're seeing is how versatile these tiles are.

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They blend beautifully with various design approaches, and the durability factor just makes them a sensible choice for most homes.

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And the whole low maintenance thing right, like who's got time to scrub tiles every day?

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Not me.

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That's exactly it.

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Brown tiles, particularly the darker shades, are excellent at concealing dirt or smudges.

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They're perfect for busy households.

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Totally Okay.

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So we've got durability, charm, low upkeep and bonus no DIY nightmares.

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If you choose wisely, what's not to love.

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I agree, and when paired correctly with other colors or textures, they can truly elevate the entire look of a space.

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All right.

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So we talked about pairing brown tiles with other colors or textures to really elevate a space.

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Now let's dive into styling, because I mean, once you've picked your perfect brown tile, the real fun begins, right.

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Like, what are you going to pair it with?

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Exactly, and the beauty of brown tiles is their versatility.

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You can pair them with almost anything, but the choices you make can dramatically affect the vibe of a room.

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Yeah, like put them with neutral tones white, beige, whatever and you've got this clean, almost minimalist look.

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But then throw in some navy or gold and bam instant drama.

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Precisely.

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And let's not forget earthy tones olive, green, rust, terracotta those can really emphasize the natural warmth of brown tiles.

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It creates a cozy, organic feel that works beautifully in spaces like living rooms or bedrooms.

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Love that.

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Okay, but let's talk patterns, because I feel like this is where things really get spicy, like herringbone.

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Everyone's obsessed with herringbone.

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Herringbone is indeed quite popular, and for good reason.

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I recently visited a friend's home where they used a walnut brown tile in a herringbone pattern for their living room floor.

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It completely transformed the space.

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It felt warm, inviting and, dare I say, almost luxurious.

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I want to see.

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That sounds so good.

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It's like it takes something simple and gives it personality, right?

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Very much so.

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And then you've got the classic subway layout, perfect for backsplashes or bathroom walls.

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It's timeless Hard to go wrong with it.

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For sure.

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It's like the little black dress of tile patterns.

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You can dress it up or keep it chill.

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Exactly, and if you're leaning towards something more contemporary, geometric layouts like hexagons can add a modern edge, or large format tiles can make smaller spaces feel more expansive by minimizing grout lines.

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Ooh, love a good hexagon moment.

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It's like fun, but classy keeps things interesting, you know.

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Absolutely.

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What's important is combining the right pattern with the right shade of brown tile.

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For example, using a lighter beige in a smaller room can make it feel airy, while a dark espresso tile in a bold pattern can add drama to a larger space.

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Totally so.

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Pairing the shade, the pattern and the vibe you're going for, that's the sweet spot.

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It's all about balance.

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It truly is, and getting these elements right can elevate an interior from average to extraordinary.

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All right.

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So now that we've nailed down shades and patterns, let's talk locations.

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Where do brown tiles really shine?

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I mean, you're not just throwing them up anywhere, right?

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True, but there are quite a few spaces where they shine, like kitchens and bathrooms.

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For a start, the warmth of a medium brown tone can make a kitchen feel incredibly inviting.

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It's perfect for flooring or backsplashes.

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Totally.

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Kitchens are like the obvious choice.

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But bathrooms, oh, I love a good earthy-toned bathroom wall, especially light brown or taupe tiles.

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Makes the space feel kind of airy, almost like a little spa retreat, you know.

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Exactly, and for larger bathrooms, or if you're looking to make a statement, dark brown tiles can add a dramatic elegance.

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Paired with the right lighting, they're stunning.

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Dark tiles are bold, yeah, but you've got to commit right, Like no half measures.

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Either you're going full espresso chic or you're not.

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Precisely.

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And then there's the living room, which is another fantastic space for brown tiles, especially for flooring around a fireplace.

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The durability and warmth they bring to high traffic areas is unmatched.

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Oh yeah, a brown-tiled fireplace surround.

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That's like main character energy for a living room.

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It draws the eye without screaming for attention.

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Just natural drama.

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Classy but cozy.

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And we can't forget outdoor spaces.

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Porcelain is particularly ideal for patios or outdoor kitchens.

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It's weather-resistant and durable, so it holds up beautifully in those areas.

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Alright, hang on porcelain outdoor tiles, but what about natural stone?

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I mean, doesn't it add that sort of rustic outdoor vibe?

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It does unquestionably.

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However, natural stone often requires sealing to maintain longevity, whereas porcelain is virtually maintenance-free.

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It's a debate of aesthetics versus practicality, true, true, but I mean, if you're already creating this dreamy outdoor setup, don't you want to go all out?

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Natural stone just has that character, you know.

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That it does.

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I suppose it ultimately depends on what matters most ease of maintenance or the unique texture that natural stone offers.

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Right, so there's no wrong answer.

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It's all about finding what fits with your vibe, your space and maybe even your cleaning habits.

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Precisely and regardless of the material.

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Brown tiles bring a timeless appeal that transitions effortlessly across all these spaces.

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Couldn't agree more Brown tiles practical, stunning and seriously underrated.

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So if you're out there planning your next reno project, throw some respect on brown tiles.

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And that's all for today.

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It's been an absolute pleasure, as always, diving into the world of design with you.

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Same Thanks for tuning in for today.

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It's been an absolute pleasure, as always, diving into the world of design with you.

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Same Thanks for tuning in everyone.

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Catch you next time.

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