Can I Combine White & Brown Tiles?

How the Tiles Lay

• Tile layout patterns are as numerous as your imagination and your or your contractor's skills. By using different-size tiles in a room, you add visual impact. For example, lay 10- or 12-inch brown tiles and white tiles on the floor in your desired pattern, alternate with patterned tiles, and then tile the walls under the cabinets and behind the sink with smaller tiles in a complementary pattern.

Tiled Foyers

• By tiling the foyer, you add not only distinction but also practicality to your home. A tiled entry in your home says "look who's arrived." Brown and white tiles, with dark, rich wood appointments and accents of color, makes a warm, inviting first impression of your traditional, transitional or modern home. Even more impressive, create a brown and white mosaic area "rug" with tiles to greet your guests.

Brown and White for a Warm Kitchen

• The kitchen has always been known as the heart of the home, and brown and white tiles will comfy it up a notch. Pair brown and white flooring with white or rich dark brown cabinets, and paint all the untiled walls with a rich coffee or mocha color. Add tomato red accents for real hot drama or cool down with royal blue accessories. If you have a sunroom or hearth room off the kitchen, carry the same design elements throughout.

Brown-and-White Drama in the Bathroom

• For drama and serenity in the bathroom, tile in brown and white. Pristine white bathroom fixtures against a predominately brown tile background is just perfect. Within a standalone glass or Plexiglas-enclosed shower stall, walls with 6- to 10-inch brown tiles accented with white-and-brown-patterned ones is simply stunning. In the same bathroom, use smaller-size tiles for the bath or spa surround.

Carry the Combination Throughout Your Open-Layout Floor Plan

• Provide color and design continuity throughout the open areas -- kitchen, dining and living areas to promote its spaciousness and functionality. Since these areas receive the most traffic and need durable flooring, choose brown or white for your dominant color and the other to delineate areas. For example, create a pathway from one area to another or tile "rugs" for each space. In the living area, use a gorgeous area rug or install carpeting within the perimeter of the tiled area.