Let’s Talk Tile
5 Reasons Tile Makes A Big Difference
From the windows to the walls (do you like what I did there?) tile has a unique ability to transform a space—both functionally and aesthetically. Here are five reasons why tile makes such a powerful impact and how I use tile in our interior design projects:
Visual Impact
Tile comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, and finishes, making it one of the most versatile design elements. Whether you're going for a sleek modern look, rustic charm, or classic elegance, tile can instantly set the tone and mood of a space.
Bold patterned tiles can create a stunning focal point in a bathroom or kitchen.
Subtle, neutral tiles can make a room feel calm, spacious, and sophisticated.
2. Sense of Scale & Space
Tile can affect perception of size and proportion. Large format tiles can make a small room feel bigger and less cluttered by reducing grout lines. Vertical patterns can make ceilings seem higher, while horizontal can make rooms feel wider.
3. Texture & Dimension
Tile isn’t just about color (though I love it) —texture and finish play a huge role in adding depth and interest. Glossy tiles reflect light and make spaces feel brighter, while matte or textured tiles can add a cozy, grounded feel. 3D tile brings an architectural element that can make walls dynamic and sculptural.
4. Function Meets Beauty
Tile is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for kitchens and baths. But more than function, it adds refinement and polish to elevate a whole room.
5. Personal Expression
Tile allows for creative self-expression. From intricate mosaics to minimalist geometric patterns, tile is a medium for telling a story or making a personal design statement.
From terracotta to zellige, subway to encaustic, tile can create nuance and style in any space. Tile can be made from ceramic, porcelain, cement, glass, and natural stone. There’s even porcelain tile printed to look like marble that is nearly indistinguishable from natural stone. This is a win-win for those who are budget conscious and/or looking for a more durable material. I love sourcing our tile and stone products from Architessa, a Certified Women-Owned and family-operated company. Quality matters folks. Below, I’ll walk through some of our favorite tile selections with product links to Architessa’s site, all of which were made in the US, Spain, or Italy.
At Marble Moon Interiors, we start our selections first by understanding the necessary function of the tile. While wall tile allows for lots of shine and glossy finishes (peep the many gorgeous kitchen backsplashes above), floor tile needs to be durable for everyday wear. But don’t get it twisted, functional doesn’t have to mean basic. At our Stuart Avenue Project, the spacious kitchen and dining area connected to a screened porch with glass doors along the entire back wall. Given the openness of the space, I chose grey and white porcelain tiles in a larger 24x 24 format for a dramatic harlequin pattern (see photo at top of post).
Another stunner, for our Lyndonway Project bathroom renovation I chose a 5x5 porcelain tile in an earthy muted pink that draws inspiration from Moroccan zellige for the shower in a grid pattern with a contrasting fluted green vanity. For the same project, I wanted to add something special for our client’s kitchen renovation. The unique hand-painted 6x6 terracotta tile, part of designer Lauren Liess’ collection, added blue, black, and reddish pink accents in a folk floral pattern. By laying the tile in a grid pattern and framing it with marble edging, the tile is a true work of art floating over the oven range. Around it and throughout the kitchen’s backsplash we selected an authentic zellige tile in a traditional horizontal offset pattern.
Last but not least, for our N27 Project, I incorporated bold and saturated color in tile. For the kitchen backsplash, I chose to vertically stack a brick-shaped glossy porcelain tile in a warm terracotta color. The vertical stack and glossy finish emphasizes the ridges in the tile, giving a 3D effect as it amplifies how it reflects light. Speaking of 3D, our drybar backsplash steals the show for me. The black glazed brick tile in 3D is so modern and makes you want to reach out and touch it. The fluted finish brightens the surface and captures your attention as it is surrounded by beautiful glassware and liqueurs.
Thinking about tile for your home or a commerical project? We’d love to help.
