Ajay Patel House

12. Create outdoor seatingMost city homes lack the luxury of private gardens and patios. Therefore, when designing your second home, add loads of functionality to the outdoor area and integrate it with the indoors.Here is a patio by Dipen Gada and Associates, which is perfect for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors.See more patio ideas in photos on Houzz

Don’t scrub too hard or use abrasive cleaning applicators, such as steel wool.Dry or buff the tiles with a soft towel to avoid water spots.Use microfibre mops rather than cotton or sponge mops – they clean harder and smarter.Deep cleaning by a professional cleaning company twice a year, is a definite must-do to keep your tiles looking as good as new for a long time to come.Read more: Tile Guide: Where to Use Which Tile TypeWhich Tiles Are Perfect for Indian Floors?Tile Guide: Which Tiles Are Perfect For Your Kitchen & Bathroom?Tell us: What kind of tiles have you used in your home? Do tell us in the Comments section.

8. Lounging in style in IndiaThis colourful, eclectic patio designed by Dipen Gada and Associates for a home in Gujarat, India, uses a pergola structure for shade, privacy and to mount a hanging chair. The minty-green paint for the wooden pergola and the terra cotta orange accents in the pillows and brickwork set a colourful scene for backyard lounging.

Winner (balcony): Dipen Gada and AssociatesA nice, meditative spot this, where the indoor-outdoor brick structure complements the greenery outside.

2. Natural stone tilesNothing beats the rustic beauty of natural stone. These tiles effortlessly add colour, texture and warmth, and are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions. Natural stone tiles are made with natural stones like granite, marble, slate and travertine that are machine-cut to standard square or rectangular tiles. Being a natural material, they come with natural grain patterns, so no two tiles look the same. Note that natural stone is highly porous and needs to be sealed properly.Take a look at more spaces that use decorative outdoor floor tiles

1. This space, designed by Dipen Gada and Associates, with stone flooring, jali screens and brick walls is like an extension of the interiors. The jhoola, sofa chairs and dainty lanterns create a refreshing, cheerful atmosphere. Check out this guide for outdoor sofas