Colors, lights and combinations to enhance tiles

Format immediately influences the perception of space. Large tiles (60x60, 80x80, 60x120, and larger) reduce the number of joints and create a more seamless and modern effect, particularly suited to open-plan living areas, long hallways, and contemporary spaces. Smaller formats or modular units (20x20, 30x60, hexagons, bricks) add rhythm and detail, making them attractive for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and wall coverings.

Running, herringbone, and herringbone patterns, as well as mixed patterns, allow for very different effects even with the same size. For example, a wood-effect stoneware tile laid in a herringbone pattern completely changes its appearance compared to the same material laid straight: the former has a more refined and decorative feel, the latter more linear and understated.

In terms of color, neutrals (white, gray, sand, greige) are a safe foundation: they allow you to change the decor over time without having to redo the floors and walls. In modern bathrooms, combinations of light and medium grays work very well, with wood inserts or pops of color only on small elements (furniture, textiles, accessories).

Stone and concrete-effect tiles are a key feature of contemporary spaces: they create textured, sophisticated atmospheres without the inherent challenges of original materials. Pairing them with white walls or soft colors (sage green, dove gray, dusty blue) and natural woods creates spaces that are both warm and clean.

For those who prefer bolder solutions, colored or patterned tiles can be concentrated in specific areas: a mosaic-tiled shower, a 20x20 cement-effect floor in the entryway or kitchen, or a prominent wall behind the sink. In these cases, it's important to balance the rest of the space with more subdued surfaces to avoid an overly dramatic effect.

The escape is a design element that should not be underestimated:

• Grout in the same color as the tile for a uniform and continuous effect.

• Slightly contrasting grout to highlight the design (e.g. hexagonal tiles or small formats).

• Dark grout on light tiles in high-traffic areas, where a slight darkening over time will be less visible.

Combinations with other materials complete the look: wood-effect stoneware paired with white walls and neutral resins, stone-effect tiles paired with plasterboard and suspended ceilings with indirect lighting, glossy surfaces paired with matte walls. The trick is to limit the number of primary materials and work with a cohesive palette, rather than adding too many different effects.

Light also plays a role: glossy, light surfaces amplify brightness in small bathrooms and hallways, while matte, textured finishes work best in large open spaces or high-traffic areas. Finally, grazing light highlights textures and reliefs, so it should be considered when choosing tiles.