The Ultimate Tile Selection Guide for Interior Designers
The cornerstone of any great space is tile. They determine how light flows, how a space feels, and how a design is realized. Tiles are more than just installation materials to interior designers; they are artistic instruments. They choose the ambiance, texture, and tone.
At Real Granito, we see tiles as a component of a more comprehensive architectural narrative. Having manufactured ceramic and porcelain tiles for decades, we collaborate closely with designers to produce surfaces that add accuracy and beauty to any area.
This resource was created for designers who give careful consideration to the areas they design and who understand that small details, such as material, finish, and proportion, can make the difference between a project being merely beautiful and one that will be remembered.
Why Designers Need to Rethink Tile Selection
Selecting tiles requires both technical and artistic judgement. Light, temperature, acoustics, and human comfort are all impacted by surfaces. While a polished finish can make small spaces seem larger and more open, a matte floor can create a peaceful atmosphere in a bright living area.
Today's designers strike a balance between personality and performance. They require tiles that live up to durability standards, satisfy customer expectations, and retain their aesthetic integrity over time. The perfect tile should endure normal wear and tear from sunshine, moisture, foot traffic, and time while blending in with the overall design.
Real Granito is aware of that equilibrium. Every tile we manufacture is designed to be flexible, enabling designers and architects to realize their visions without sacrificing quality.
Understanding the Materials
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain remains one of the most versatile materials in modern interiors. Made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, it is dense, durable, and almost non-porous. It works well in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces where strength and water resistance are priorities.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are lighter and easier to handle. They are ideal for walls, backsplashes, and low-traffic areas. Their wide variety of colours and patterns allows designers to experiment with visual rhythm and tone while staying within budget.
Vitrified Tiles
These tiles combine elegance and performance. The vitrification process fuses clay and silica into a smooth, glass-like surface that resists stains and scratches. They are often used in luxury homes, hotels, and retail environments that need visual refinement along with practical endurance.
Full-Body and Double-Charge Tiles
When strength and uniformity are critical, full-body and double-charge tiles are preferred. Their colour and pattern continue throughout the tile, helping them maintain appearance even with heavy use or minor surface wear.
Table of Contents
Finishes That Shape Atmosphere
Finish is as important as form. It determines how a space feels and how it interacts with light.
Matte Finish
Non-reflective, natural, and slip-resistant. Suitable for calm, modern interiors and high-traffic floors.
Glossy Finish
Bright and reflective. Perfect for walls or small spaces that benefit from more light.
Satin Finish
A soft sheen that balances sophistication and comfort.
Textured Finish
Adds grip and tactile richness, making it a smart choice for outdoor or spa areas.
Carved and 3D Finishes
Ideal for accent walls or reception spaces where depth and dimension are part of the design narrative.
Each finish tells its own story. Real Granito collections such as Statuario Dior, Marfil Crema, and Amarula Brown demonstrate how subtle shifts in tone and texture can redefine a surface entirely.
Matching Tiles to Function and Feeling
A designer’s task is to align material with intent. Every room serves a purpose, and every purpose has a corresponding material language.
| Space | Purpose | Material | Finish | Designer Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | High visibility and warmth | Porcelain or Marble-look | Satin or Polished | Choose soft neutrals with subtle veins for timeless appeal. |
| Kitchen | Function, hygiene, activity | Porcelain or Vitrified | Matte or Semi-gloss | Opt for easy-to-clean, stain-resistant finishes. |
| Bathroom | Moisture, safety, relaxation | Textured Porcelain or Ceramic | Matte or Anti-slip | Combine glossy walls with matte floors for contrast and stability. |
| Bedroom | Calm and comfort | Ceramic or Wood-look | Satin or Matte | Use warm tones and minimal grout lines for a relaxed atmosphere. |
| Outdoor | Weather and durability | Full-body or Textured Porcelain | Grip Finish | Go for R-rated tiles that combine safety with visual continuity. |
Room-by-Room Design Approach
Living Room: The First Impression
The living room carries the story of the home. Large-format tiles, such as 1200×2400 mm slabs, create a sense of openness and visual ease. Neutral or marble-inspired designs like Calacatta Borghini or Lilac White convey quiet luxury, while warmer tones such as Amarula Crema create comfort without losing refinement.
Kitchen: Where Function Meets Refinement
Kitchens demand practicality without sacrificing style. Real Granito’s Bayona Natural and Onyx Crema tiles combine durability with aesthetic warmth. Use glossy tiles for walls and backsplashes to simplify cleaning, and matte finishes for floors to ensure grip and safety.
Bathrooms: Elegance with Safety
Bathrooms today lean toward simplicity and calm. Slip-resistant porcelain tiles like Fantasy Grey or Onyx Grey add sophistication while ensuring safety. Combining textures helps build depth without overwhelming the space.
Bedrooms: Designed for Serenity
Bedrooms should invite rest and warmth. Porcelain or ceramic tiles with satin finishes soften the space visually while staying easy to maintain. Collections such as Moon Beige or Avariyo Crema bring understated character.
Commercial Spaces: Style and Strength Combined
Corporate and retail environments need materials that balance brand aesthetics with durability. Full-body vitrified tiles such as Trixxon Natural or Vermont Brown deliver longevity while maintaining a refined look.
Outdoor and Balcony Design
Exterior tiles must handle heat, humidity, and foot traffic. Textured porcelain in earthy tones, such as Dorado Grey, performs exceptionally well outdoors while visually blending with natural surroundings.
Essential Technical Knowledge for Designers
Slip Resistance (R Ratings)
R9–R10: Ideal for living rooms and kitchens
R11–R12: Bathrooms and balconies
R13: Pools, spas, and industrial kitchens
Tile Thickness and Weight
Walls: 6–8 mm
Floors: 8–12 mm
Slim slabs (6 mm): Perfect for renovations and wall cladding
Grout and Layout
Thin grout lines create a modern, minimal look; wider joints complement rustic designs. Patterns like herringbone or chevron can influence spatial perception and light flow.
Maintenance
Porcelain and vitrified tiles are low-maintenance. Use neutral cleaners and avoid abrasives to preserve their finish and texture for years.
Design Trends Defining 2025
Sustainable Materials
Eco-conscious construction is reshaping design choices. Real Granito’s facilities integrate solar power and water recycling systems to produce tiles with minimal environmental impact.
Large-Format Aesthetics
Designers are favouring seamless surfaces with fewer joints. Large slabs create fluid transitions and make interiors appear larger.
Nature-Inspired Textures
Wood- and stone-look tiles bring organic warmth indoors, connecting modern architecture with natural beauty.
Timeless Neutrals
Soft whites, warm beiges, and subtle greys dominate, offering elegance that outlasts trends.
Dimensional Surfaces
3D and carved tiles add sculptural character, turning walls into design features without adding clutter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using glossy tiles in wet areas where matte finishes are safer.
- Ignoring proportion—oversized tiles can overwhelm small rooms.
- Focusing solely on cost instead of durability and maintenance.
- Overlooking grout colour, which can disrupt visual flow.
- Selecting tiles without testing lighting conditions in the actual space.
The Real Granito Edge
Real Granito has earned its reputation through precision, scale, and design innovation. Our manufacturing process ensures every tile maintains consistency in tone, texture, and finish. We export to multiple continents, adapting to regional preferences while upholding international standards.
Why Design Professionals Prefer Real Granito:
Working with Real Granito means having access to a partner who understands the technical side of construction and the emotional side of design.
Design That Lasts
Tiles form the quiet backbone of great interiors. They influence how spaces look, how they feel, and how long they last. The right surface does not compete with design—it completes it.
Real Granito’s collections, from the understated elegance of Statuario Antico to the earthy calm of Amarula Brown, are created for spaces that deserve permanence and purpose. Every piece reflects craftsmanship, quality, and respect for architecture as an art form.
For inquiries or catalogues:
connect@realgranito.com
www.realgranito.com
Real Granito — creating surfaces that inspire, perform, and endure.