Choosing the right tile means balancing use, material, format, surface, colour and installation. There is no universal solution: there is the surface that best fits each space and project.
Function first, aesthetics second.
Begin by defining where the surface will be used: floor or wall, indoor or outdoor, residential or contract, dry area or a space exposed to water and humidity. Intended use determines the technical performance to consider before colour or format.
Porcelain, ceramic and mosaic: different languages.
Porcelain stoneware is valued for resistance and low water absorption; ceramic mosaic works well for detail, colour, curves and complex surfaces; small formats and strips add rhythm, texture and depth.
Glossy, matt, structured and three-dimensional finishes each change how light interacts with the surface.
Performance and maintenance are part of the design.
In kitchens, choose surfaces suited to frequent cleaning and daily use. In bathrooms, water and humidity require careful attention to intended use, slip resistance where relevant and correct installation.
A tile is never chosen in isolation.
Format, orientation, grout colour and joint width all influence the final result. Tone-on-tone grout can create continuity; contrast can turn the installation grid into a graphic element.
Always evaluate sample, light and context.
- View the material in the actual light of the space.
- Check technical data and intended use.
- Consider installation, cuts, special pieces and grout early.
- Compare samples in the same environment.
- Assess maintenance and intensity of use over time.
