The American Press has offered readers a peek inside many of the area’s beautiful homes. One thing that makes many of the homes standouts is the attention to detail and the selection of materials that work together beautifully to create a cohesive style.

The Old World style and French Country look incorporate the use of rustic patinas and bring to mind Tuscan villas, French country estates and sprawling Mediterranean dwellings of yesteryear.

The Old World style is a style of paradoxes. The refined surface is combined with rough textures. New furnishings work perfectly alongside antiques and primitive pieces.

Natural stone counter surfaces, flooring and backsplashes such as marble and granite work wonderfully to complete the Old World style in homes. But because of texture, warm neutral color and history, travertine tile may be one of the best-suited natural stone tile materials to use in Old World and French Country style homes. It can even be used on walls or as outdoor pavers.

“Travertine is great for producing that Mediterranean or Old World look,” said Sharon Wolbrink of Gulf Coast Carpet.

Travertine is sought because of its texture, but the naturally occurring pitting can also be filled with an epoxy resin. Filled or unfilled travertine can have a tumbled, honed or polished finish, according to Allen Walker of Kenny Fuselier Flooring.

Honed and filled travertine has had the pocked surface texture filled with an epoxy resin and is honed to a matte finish. Polished travertine has a shiny surface.

Tumbled tiles have a softer finish and may be slightly chalky or dusty-looking. The color may appear muted. To get a color enhanced tumbled tile, a sealer may be used after the tumbled tiles are installed and grouted. This will brighten the color and remove the dusty finish. Tumbled travertine with unfilled pocks may be used for backsplashes but could be difficult to keep cleaned if used on the floor.

Though the term brushed travertine isn’t used as often as the terms outlined above, this is a travertine that has been brushed with a rotary wire brush to achieve a particular texture.

Travertine edges can be straight or chiseled. Chiseled edges are irregular and give the stone an aged appearance. Not all styles or colors are available at all tile stores all the time. However, local flooring providers can obtain samples as needed.

Travertine requires sealing and special care to keep it looking its best. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are available that look similar to polished and filled travertine and can cost less and require less maintenance, Walker said.

Sixteen- and eighteen-inch squares are popular for flooring. A variety of sizes and pre-arranged patterns are available for Travertine backsplash designs.