THE HOUSE WHISPERER
THE CHICO
DESIGN CENTER
CHRISTINE MAC SHANE
TILES FOR EVERY TASTE AND BUDGET…
It is time to start putting some thought into the larger
color and design plan of the kitchen make-over at the Project House. So, I went
to our local expert in tile, counter tops, sinks, tubs and plumbing fixtures –
Dave Myer of Chico
Design Center
for help.
The outside of Dave’s store is almost the complete opposite
of what you will find inside. It is just like all the other older store fronts
on Park Ave.,
with a parking lot and a non-descript window-ed entry into his remarkable
showroom. The floor is tiled with an assortment of designs that spark your
imagination from step one. It can be a little overwhelming at first as there
are so many to choose from, but Dave soon steps up with a welcome smile to
guide you to where you can best discuss what you are looking for.
Even though there are hundreds of tiles in just as many
colors and designs as you can imagine, he has access to thousands more! So, it
became clear that there must be a method to choosing just the right one.
Dave said that it helps to come in with a budget in mind so
that you can narrow down your choices and focus on what will work for your
project. So…
- – Have
a budget (even if it is just a range of price to work with).
- – Know
where you will be using the tile (floor, walls, patio etc) as this will
determine the type of tile he will show you.
- – Have samples of other colors in the
room (cabinets, paint, counters etc) as this will help determine pattern
and color of tile.
If you have these three things with you when you come to
look at the vast array of tile and design options, you will find the whole
experience less intimidating and quite fun!
Once the choice has been made, you will need to choose a
grout. Just remember that it will dry lighter than the little color rods
appear. It is really up to you at this point – do you want an almost seamless
look or a higher contrast? Dave can suggest several grouts and, through his
years of experience in seeing the end product, will be able to help you narrow
it down.
I am excited to move forward with the floor…BUT…it is
actually not going in until later in the schedule. I wanted to start planning
the over all color theme and wanted to be sure the tiles would be available
when I was ready to have my tile man install them (Dave can refer you to an
installer too!).
If you have a project in mind or are still in the early
“just thinking” stages, I would strongly recommend a trip into the Design Center,
even if it is simply to get the ideas flowing.
You can reach Dave at Chico Design
Center, 2300 Park Ave. or
phone (530) 893-9392.
dave@chicodesigncenter.com.
