The feature wall is something that will likely never go out of style, but it will certainly evolve and change as time goes on. Remember when just painting one wall a different color was considered bold and stylish? And now, while shiplap used to be the favorite choice during the farmhouse phase, it looks like tile is making headlines now.
Tile is an awesome choice because it adds drama and texture to any room of the home, especially when it’s on the wall. If you’re intimidated by tile, don’t be! TikTok creator the_avantgarde came up with an easy way to add gorgeous stone-like tile to her wall, and she’s taking us along for the journey.
You can watch this fast-paced tile tutorial right here for inspiration:
@the_avantgarde #diyproject #homedecor #homemakeover #hometips ♬ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
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Steps
First, she found this popular material that has apparently been going around all over TikTok for some time now – a double-sided sticky mat that’s perfect for adding tile to almost any surface.
The roll of sticky stuff that she used is called Mussel Bound Double-Sided Tile Mat. On the package, you can see that it allows you to add tile in just three easy steps: peel (and stick the mat to the wall), set the tile, then grout.
She took the roll and added it to a wall in sections, placing a beautiful stone-like tile on each one as she went. It’s best to do this slowly and in small sections to make sure that every part is attached to the wall correctly, and so that your tile is nice and even.
It’s also important to note that this stuff is not likely suitable for tiled floors, just for backsplashes and walls (minus a bathroom or shower area).
In the video, she chose to install her feature wall at the top of a landing near a stairway that goes up to her roof deck, but you could do this almost anywhere. A tile feature wall would look amazing in a bedroom, living room, or dining room.
Keep in mind that tile sticks best to smooth, flat surfaces and it may not adhere as well to textured walls. Once she added all of her tiles, she began the grouting process. She mentioned that the best part about this new material is that you don’t have to wait to start grouting.
Normally, if you’re using a mastic or thin set, you have to wait for it to cure and dry before the grout can be applied. When adding grout, always use the proper type based on the tile you choose, and do it with a large grouting sponge.
At the end of the video, she said that she has never tiled in her life and that you’ll need to stay tuned to see the big reveal.
Feedback from Viewers
Some people had questions about the process, including viewer ProfessorPirni who asked, “what is the purpose of grouting? it looked done before it.”
Any time you tile, you should always add grout to fill in the small lines and create an even appearance. Grout also prevents the tiles from shifting and separating over time.
Viewer Britney admired the TikToker’s skills, saying, ‘I can’t even get a command strip to work and you are putting rocks on the wall with tape.”
I am a huge fan of tile, and I have never heard of this new product, so it’s definitely something I want to look into. If you have an empty space that could use some extra texture or visual depth, creating a feature wall is an excellent way to do it.
I have tiled many backsplashes in my day and have always had to use mastic, so a double-sided sticky roll looks like a Godsend to me! Maybe I’ll head out to my nearest home improvement store this weekend, look for the roll and do some tile shopping to get inspired and give this technique a try!
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