Choosing Tiles for Your Renovation: Tips from a Sydney Interior Designer

1. Start with the Room’s Purpose

Tiles come in a range of materials, styles, and durability levels. Each room has specific requirements, so the first question to ask yourself is: Where am I placing these tiles? This may seem simple, but narrowing down the purpose helps eliminate choices that might not be suitable.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms require moisture-resistant tiles. Porcelain and ceramic are popular choices here, as they’re water-resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand daily use.

Kitchens: For kitchen floors, consider tiles that can handle heavy foot traffic and the occasional spill. For splashbacks, let your creativity shine—mosaic, variable shade, gloss or matt tiles will add personality and can be cleaned easily. 

Glazed vs. Unglazed Tiles: Glazed tiles are highly resistant to moisture and stains, making them a good choice for splash-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Unglazed tiles, such as natural stone, have a beautiful, rustic look but require sealing to stay stain-free.

Glossy vs. Matte Finish: Glossy tiles reflect light, which can make a small bathroom or kitchen feel larger. However, they show water marks and fingerprints more easily, so they require frequent cleaning. Matte tiles, on the other hand, hide smudges well and offer a softer, more contemporary look.

3. Consider the Size and Layout of Your Space

Tile size and layout can dramatically alter the feel of a room. Larger tiles make a small space feel bigger by reducing the number of grout lines, while smaller tiles are perfect for areas where intricate designs or patterns can add interest, like bathroom feature walls.

Large Format Tiles: These are popular for open-plan living spaces and bathrooms, as they give a seamless, modern look. They also mean less grout, which can be easier to clean.

Subway Tiles: Classic subway tiles are perfect for a timeless look in kitchens or bathrooms, especially when installed in creative layouts like herringbone or vertical stacking.
Mosaics: While mosaics take more time to install, and certainly have more grout to clean, they create a wonderful sense of texture and visual interest, often with interesting plays on colour. Consider using them in shower niches, as a laundry splashback, or teamed in contrast with large format floor tiles with the larger tiles continued 1200mm high on a bathroom wall and the mosaic tile above it.

4. Pay Attention to Colour and Pattern

The colour of your tiles will set the tone for your entire room, so take your time with this decision. Neutral colours—whites, greys, beiges—are popular in Sydney homes as they provide a versatile base. But don’t shy away from using bold colours or patterns if you want to make a statement.

Neutral Tones: If you’re renovating for resale, neutral tones are a safe choice as they appeal to a broad range of tastes. They also create a calm, cohesive look. But don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest most basic grey or white tile as this will cheapen the look of your space and stand in the way of achieving a premium sale price. Neutral doesn’t have to be boring!

Image from Studio Doherty

5. Think About Grout

Grout might seem like an afterthought, but it’s an important part of your tile choice. The colour and thickness of grout lines impact both the look and the maintenance of your tiled areas. A good rule of thumb is a grout width of around 3mm for pressed edge floor tiles and no less than 1.5mm for wall tiles. Above all, be sure to select a quality product to ensure longevity.

Contrasting Grout: A darker grout against light tiles, or vice versa, can make a beautiful design statement and bring another element of colour into the design. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have some fun with it!

Matching Grout: Using grout in a similar shade to your tiles creates a seamless effect, making the space look larger. When choosing grout for dark floor tiles, find the darkest hues in the tile and choose a grout colour to match.

6. Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Different tile materials require different levels of maintenance. Stone tiles, for instance, need sealing to prevent stains, while porcelain tiles are low-maintenance and simply need regular cleaning.

Porcelain and Ceramic: These are some of the easiest tiles to maintain. They’re water-resistant, stain-resistant, and only need a quick mop or wipe down.

Natural Stone: Natural stone tiles like marble or travertine are beautiful but need extra care. Regular sealing is required to prevent stains, and it’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals.

7. Set Your Budget

The cost of tiles can vary widely, and it’s important to choose tiles that meet both your design goals and your budget. Large format tiles or custom designs might be pricier, but you can often find budget-friendly options that offer a similar look. For smaller areas like powder rooms and splashbacks, you can afford to splash out a bit!

Quality Matters: For high-traffic areas, it’s worth investing in good-quality tiles that can stand up to daily wear and tear.

Sample Before You Buy: Always request a few samples before making a final decision. Tiles can look very different in person compared to online photos.