Tile trauma? expert advice to transform your home
Let's be honest: choosing grout color under a looming deadline is enough to send anyone spiraling. A recent panicked plea from a friend mid-renovation sparked a realization: tile selection isn't always as effortless as it appears. The experts, of course, make it look easy, but their expertise is born of experience. So, I consulted with tile specialists and interior designers to demystify the process and ensure your next tiling project is a resounding success.
Prioritizing your personal style and longevity
Sarah Watson, founder of Balineum, emphasizes a fundamental truth: “Tiles aren't like paint – you’re unlikely to change them in a couple of years because you’ve gone off the color.” Investing in beautiful tiles means the room evolves around them, not the other way around. Studio Peake’s Sarah Peake echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of longevity. A tile’s permanence demands careful consideration – it’s a commitment that can’t be easily softened or swapped out.
Crucially, don't relinquish control to the installer. Watson cautions, “Most tilers naturally prefer large-format porcelain because it’s quicker and easier to lay, but that shouldn’t dictate the look of your Home.” Prioritize your vision, even if it requires a slightly more involved installation process.
Sourcing quality and skilled craftsmanship
The choice of both tile maker and installer is paramount. Price is, naturally, a consideration, but remember this is a long-term investment. Watson suggests exploring handmade tiles and smaller makers for greater color, shape, and bespoke detail options. “They simply have far more flexibility than mass-produced products,” she notes. When selecting an installer, thorough research and several consultations are essential. Different installers possess different strengths, especially when working with intricate patterns or handmade materials. Always examine previous work and don’t hesitate to ask pointed questions.
Considering the room's context and practicalities
Beyond aesthetics, context is everything. “I always encourage people to think about the architecture of the room,” says Watson. Historically, rooms were often fully tiled—skirtings, dados, cornices, and all. Peake focuses on light and proportion, explaining that tiles actively alter a room’s scale, brightness, and even perceived height.
Don't overlook the practical realities. Peake reminds us to consider water exposure, slip resistance, and cleaning requirements. Outdoor tiles, wet rooms, and frequently used floors each have unique technical needs. Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May, highlights the need to balance aesthetics with practicality. Encaustic tiles, for instance, offer timeless appeal but require sealing and maintenance to preserve their look. Porcelain and marble tiles are ideal for flooring due to their durability.
The devil's in the details: edges, grout, and variations
Even seemingly minor details can significantly impact the final result. Sarah Watson advises against metal trims, favoring glazed tile trims, mitred edges, or materials like timber or stone. Grout, often an afterthought, can drastically alter a tile's tone, as my friend discovered. Watson's team typically opts for a grout color close to the tile to create a calmer surface—though a contrasting grout can be effective, it should be a deliberate design choice.
Embrace the inherent variations in handmade tiles. “No two tiles are exactly the same, and that’s precisely the point,” emphasizes Watson. Dry-laying tiles before installation allows you to appreciate these subtle differences in glaze, color, and size.
Beyond the obvious: expanding tile's potential
Don’t restrict tile use to kitchens and bathrooms. Tiles can bring texture, depth, and color to hallways, boot rooms, and even fireplaces. Fully tiled rooms, once common in Europe, offer an immersive aesthetic. However, when decorating historic homes, consider whether tiling risks over-modernizing the space. And for older buildings prone to movement, rigid tiled floors can crack over time—a conversation best had with an architect, builder, and tiler early on.
The key? Intentionality. Carly Allison, head of brand and product at Fired Earth, suggests unifying a design through color or format, rather than introducing competing patterns.
Ultimately, selecting tiles is about more than just choosing a color. It’s about creating a space that reflects your personal style, stands the test of time, and enhances your well-being.