Choosing tiles for each room

Living rooms: look beyond the sample

Look at the floor from the entrance, the seating area and the adjoining room. Compare the tile beside timber, upholstery and painted walls. A sample that seems neutral on its own can look warmer or cooler beside another material.

Use the same approach for open-plan spaces. You may choose a shared colour family while changing the exact material or format where the room’s use changes. Record these decisions on your material schedule.

Kitchens: floors, splashbacks and worktops

A tile that works on a kitchen floor may not be suitable for a worktop. Room photographs cannot settle that question. Tell us where you plan to use the tile so we can discuss the specifications you need.

Consider food preparation, cleaning routines, nearby appliances and traffic. Ask for the relevant technical information before making the final selection.

Bathrooms: plan for water

Wet-area design involves the complete assembly, including drainage, waterproofing and compatible installation materials. The tile finish alone does not establish whether a floor is appropriate for a wet area.

Your designer or installer can help establish the requirements for bathroom walls, floors and shower floors. Each needs to be assessed separately.

Describe where each tile will go

Use the room ideas to build a shortlist. Tell us where each tile will go when you enquire, so we can check the relevant product information.

• Name each wall or floor area.
• State whether it is indoors, outdoors, dry or exposed to water.
• Include the project country and any required standards.
• Ask for suitability confirmation and the relevant product documents.

Common questions