How My Apartment Was Transformed by Changing the Floor

When I remodeled my apartment, I worked on several improvements, from walls to details of decoration. But one of the most impactful changes was replacing the old flooring. It completely transformed the way the apartment looks and feels.

In this Instructable, I’ll focus on the floor renovation process: how I planned the design, selected the materials, and installed a combination of ceramic and artisanal hydraulic tiles.

Materials

1. Ceramic floor tiles (indicate size and reference)
2. Artisanal hydraulic tiles
3. Light gray grout
4. White paint for baseboards

Tools

1. Tape measure
2. Rubber mallet
3. Trowel and notched trowel
4. Tile cutter
5. Paint roller and brush
6. Cleaning supplies (bucket, sponge, gloves)

1. A mood board was created to define the tones that would best fit the new design.
2. The apartment floor plan was used to calculate the total surface area and estimate the required quantity of tiles.
3. Different options were compared, balancing aesthetic coherence with cost per square meter.
4. A final decision was made to combine ceramic tiles (durable and cost-effective) with hydraulic tiles (artisanal and unique in design).

1. With measurements in hand, the layout for both tile types was planned.
2. Several patterns were tested for the hydraulic tiles to determine the most suitable arrangement.
3. The ceramic tiles were aligned in a consistent direction to ensure uniformity throughout the apartment.

1. The old laminated floor, bedroom carpets, and baseboards were removed.
2. The baseboards were repainted in white and stored for later installation.
3. The subfloor was cleaned and prepared for tile placement.

1. Tiles were dry-laid to confirm the chosen pattern before permanent installation.
2. Ceramic tiles were measured and installed so that the layout followed a consistent direction across the space.
3. A light gray grout was applied to achieve a seamless and cohesive finish.
4. When the ceramic floor is finished installing, leaving the spaces where the hydraulic floor should go.

1. Since hydraulic tiles are thicker, the subfloor level was adjusted to accommodate their depth.
2. Once installed, the hydraulic tiles were polished and sealed to protect the surface and enhance the colors
3. Once the grout set, the repainted baseboards were reinstalled.

The combination of artisanal hydraulic tiles with modern ceramic tiles gave the apartment a unique and refreshed identity. The new floor brightened the rooms, added personality through patterned details, and provided a durable surface for daily living.

Extra tips:

1. Always test hydraulic tile patterns before permanent installation to avoid misalignment.
2. Grout color can dramatically affect the final result, neutral tones like gray often help unify the floor.
3. Regular cleaning with non-acidic products will preserve the finish and extend the life of the tiles.