When deciding what ceramic tile to install into your house, there are 3 steps that will make the process much easier to give an excellent result for years to come.

These are surface, color, and design, all very dependent on each other and can vary in degrees of importance. Here will start with the surface: 1. Surfaces When thinking of art tiles that will be glazed, first decide where they are to be used. Once the space is pinpointed, this should decide whether to use a mat or satin/gloss finish on the tiles. Matt finish is excellent for surfaces that do not require constant cleaning or are not immersed in water, such as flooring, backsplashes, and wall applications. Pool lines, bathroom tiles (especially in the shower), and fountain tiles in the water should have. The reason is mainly for sanitation purposes (and ultimately, how it looks and lasts). Gloss or stain is easy to clean, whereas the matt finish is porous and absorbs liquid (and dirt), making it hard to keep clean. Remember that using matt and gloss or satin together on one tile can create a lovely effect that adds a particular dimension. 2. Color While color can also be affected by the type of glaze finish… matt, gloss or satin, or combinations, it is essential to pick your colors based on your specific needs. Factoring in the application, the type of house design, and the surrounding color story or lack thereof is an important bird’s eye view. As is the direction of the architect, designer, or your desires. While modern tiles use muted coloring and strongly emphasize black, Malibu or traditional tiles have specific color stories, as in the greens, blues, and some earth tones with a pop color such as gold or red.   3. Design The design is tied in with the color and can be enhanced by choice of color or, conversely, muted. Here you would make your decisions based on the style of the house, where the tiles will be used as well as the specific look you, your designer, or your architect are trying to achieve. The softer majolica look, the Malibu/traditional Spanish tile look, the color washed out cement tile look, or molded pieces that give a more Victorian look. There is nothing as lasting an imprint as a ceramic glazed tile; we can see the persistence in history where people have used them to continue to improve and beautify the look and feel of their surroundings.   Enjoy the process; it’s fun! Save Save Save Save