• Kitchen tileModern elegant kitchen image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  When choosing tile or stone for your home, there are a few options to keep in mind depending on where the tile or stone will be laid. Homeowners can choose to use just one type of stone or tile or they can mix multiple types of coordinating colors to create a truly eclectic, unique look. The best way to make a tasteful decision is to know your options, know what you want, and make a reasonable choice from the presented information.
  
  

Natural stone

• Natural stone is the perfect item if you want a unique finish to your floors, walls and countertops. Since natural stone is not manufactured, no two pieces are the same, so it’s guaranteed that your product will be unlike anyone else's. The stone can also be cut into columns, furniture pieces and other accessories to match your flooring. When using a natural stone flooring take advantage of this fact. Remember there are many colors that occur naturally in granites and marbles, so search for one you can color coordinate with. If you have a heavy traffic area, try a honed finish. This allows for luster, but less luster than a high polish finish and it stands up to heavy traffic areas.
  
  

Limestone and slate

• Both stones are commonly used as tiles for flooring or cut for table tops, counter tops, and fireplaces. When caring for limestone and slate treat them as if they’re a fine wood finish. You can find specific protective polishes for these and remember they will chip and break easily if not correctly cared for.
  
  

Tile

• When choosing a tile there are plenty of color and composite options. Terrazzo tile is a popular choice. It’s made by mixing marble chips in concrete beds, then the product is polished until smooth. While it's a beautiful, elegant option, it’s extremely slippery. This makes it a bad choice for those with small children or the elderly in the household, although if you insist on terrazzo tiles you can have nonslip additives applied to the surface. Concrete tile is a very high-traffic resistant tile. For a unique look you can purchase concrete tiles plain and hand paint them. This allows you to ensure your design is unique and completely what you want.