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 we 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 zeilge, subway to encaustic, tile can create nuance and style in any space. We love sourcing our tile and stone products from Architessa, a Certified Women-Owned and family-operated, with generations of knowledge, passion, and experience.
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. Tile can be made from ceramic, porcelain, cement, glass, and natural stone. There’s even porcelain tile that is nearly indistinguishable from natural stone for those who are budget conscious and/or looking for a more durable material.
But don’t get it twisted, functional doesn’t have to mean basic. In recent past projects we put a fun twist on checkerboard flooring. 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 space, we chose Palatial porcelain tiles in a larger 24” x 24” format in grey and white for a dramatic harlequin or diamond pattern (see photo at top of post).
Another stunner, our Lyndonway Project bathroom renovation deserves a standing ovation. We chose MUD a 5x5 porcelain tile in an earthy muted pink that draws inspiration from Moroccan zellige for the shower tile surround to contrast with the pop of green in the vanity. The glass frameless shower doors further enhanced the sense of spaciousness as did the minimal white grout lines. For the same project, we wanted to add something special for the kitchen renovation. The stunning
