How to Choose Floor Tiles Like a Pro: Inside a Designer’s Mind

 

Let’s be honest: most people choose floor tiles based on what “looks nice” at the store.

Designers? They choose tiles the way a chef selects ingredients—intentionally, artfully, and strategically.

Because to a designer, tiles aren’t just décor—they’re the foundation of the entire space. Get the tiles right, and your interiors start speaking the language of luxury and balance. Get it wrong? Even the fanciest furniture won’t save the vibe.

Today, we’ll break open the professional designer’s playbook and show you how to pick Best Floor Tiles In UK like a pro—from vision to vibe.

 Step 1: Understand Your Space Like a Designer

Designers don’t just dive into catalogues. They start by analysing the space like it’s a living, breathing entity.

Here are their go-to questions:

• Where will the tiles be installed?
  (Wet zone like a bathroom? Heavy traffic like a hallway? Outdoor patio?)
• Who’s using the space?
  (Kids, pets, clumsy adults? Safety matters.)
• What’s the purpose of the room?
  (Relaxation, productivity, or entertainment?)
• What kind of natural light does it get?
  (Glossy tiles reflect light—perfect for low-light rooms.)
• How does this space connect to other rooms?
  (Flow matters. You don’t want tile chaos.)

This strategic questioning helps designers narrow their options quickly—and ensures every tile serves a purpose.

 Step 2: Know Your Materials Like a Boss

Let’s break down the main tile types and how designers think about them:

🔸 Porcelain Tiles

• Durability:
• Style Flex: Mimics marble, stone, wood, and even concrete
• Where to Use: Literally anywhere
• Pro Designer Tip: Go matte in wet areas to avoid slips

Porcelain is the golden child of tile materials. It’s why brands like Axar Tiles invest heavily in porcelain collections—they’re long-lasting and always in style.

 🔸 Ceramic Tiles

• Durability:
• Cost-Effective: Yes
• Where to Use: Low-traffic areas or walls
• Drawback: Can chip under pressure

Designers use ceramic tiles for backsplashes, accent walls, or budget bedroom floors.

 🔸 Vitrified Tiles

• Strength: Excellent for commercial use
• Finish: Glossy, matte, rustic—plenty of options
• Where to Use: Living rooms, office lobbies, modern homes
• Pro Tip: Use large-format vitrified tiles for a seamless floor look

 🔸 Natural Stone Tiles

• Premium Appeal: High
• Maintenance: High too
• Where to Use: Villas, boutique homes, luxury hotels
• Caution: Needs sealing and regular polishing

 Step 3: Master the Art of Color & Mood

Designers think in color psychology, not just color swatches. They ask:

• Do you want this room to feel airy or cozy?
• Should the flooring be the star or the silent hero?
• Is your home already color-heavy? If yes, tone down the floor.

Quick Tips:

• Light-Colored Tiles = Bigger-looking rooms
• Dark Tiles = Intimate, dramatic spaces
• Neutral Tones = Evergreen and safe
• Bold Colors = Best for small zones (powder room, foyer)

Remember: Flooring isn’t just visual—it changes how we feel in a space.

 Step 4: Size and Layout Aren’t Afterthoughts

Designers never slap random tiles on a floor. They plan layouts with surgical precision.

Tile Size Tips:

• Large Tiles (800x800mm or bigger): Great for open spaces
• Medium Tiles: Best for kitchens and small living areas
• Small Tiles: Perfect for bathrooms or balcony detailing

Layout Patterns:

• Grid Layout = Clean and modern
• Diagonal or Diamond = Adds visual interest
• Herringbone or Chevron = Classy, high-end appeal
• Mixed Layouts = Trendy but risky—use cautiously

Designers often mix tile shapes to create a custom signature floor.

 Step 5: Function Before Flash

Here’s where 90% of homeowners go wrong. They choose the prettiest tile, not the smartest one.

Professional designers prioritize function first:

• Bathrooms? Use anti-slip, moisture-resistant tiles.
• Outdoor areas? Choose UV- and frost-resistant tiles.
• Kitchens? Go for stain-proof and easy-clean finishes.
• Commercial spaces? Focus on durability over glam.

This is where brands like Axar Tiles shine. Their collections don’t just look good—they’re engineered for real-life usage.

 Step 6: Think Maintenance—Like a Lazy Genius

No designer wants you mopping grout lines for hours. That’s why:

• Larger tiles = Less grout = Less cleaning
• Matte finish = Hides smudges better
• Glossy tiles = Need frequent cleaning
• Textured tiles = Great for grip but trickier to clean

Designers always ask: How will this look after 2 years of kids, rain, dust, and chai spills?

 Step 7: Grout is Not a Filler—It’s a Feature

Designers get weirdly obsessed with grout—and for good reason.

• Matching grout = Seamless, elegant floor
• Contrasting grout = Bold, urban vibes
• Dark grout = Less visible stains (especially in kitchens and entryways)

Tip: Ask your tile installer for grout samples before sealing the deal.

 Designer Hacks That’ll Make You Look Like a Pro

• Mix materials, not just colors. Use stone with wood-look tiles for layered luxury.
• Create visual breaks with border tiles in open plans.
• Use tile direction to elongate or widen a room.
• Combine glossy and matte finishes for texture.
• Go with Axar Tiles’ satin-finish porcelain if you want the best of both worlds—shine + grip.

 Bonus: Visit the Showroom. Always.

Even designers don’t buy tiles without seeing them in person.

• Screen colors can lie.
• Texture can’t be felt online.
• Lighting matters.
• You may discover newer trends in-store.

If you’re choosing tiles from a reputed brand like Axar Tiles, visiting their experience center can give you material samples, layout simulations, and even on-site design consultations.

 Common Tile Mistakes (Designers Avoid These Like the Plague)

• Using glossy tiles in bathrooms (slip hazard)
• Choosing too many colors (visual chaos)
• Skipping tile layout planning
• Cheap tiles that chip in 6 months
• Ignoring tile thickness in renovation projects
• Not buying 10% extra for breakage

Be smarter. Be designer-smart.

 Room-by-Room Tile Strategy (Designer Blueprint)

Living Room:

Large-format porcelain tiles in neutral shades or marble-effect finishes.
Bonus: Add a rug or mix matte + glossy for dual-texture drama.

Kitchen:

Easy-to-clean vitrified or ceramic tiles. Consider patterned tiles as a backsplash accent.

Bathroom:

Anti-skid matte tiles on the floor. Glossy subway tiles for walls to reflect light.

Bedroom:

Warm wood-look tiles or carpet tiles for cozy vibes.

Balcony/Garden:

Rustic or textured outdoor tiles. Choose UV- and water-resistant material.

 Final Word: Style is Intentional. Always.

When designers pick floor tiles, they’re not chasing trends. They’re creating intentional atmospheres. They choose materials that work with the room, not just in it.

If you’ve read this far, you’re not a tile rookie anymore—you’re officially tile-aware.

So whether you’re planning a 1BHK revamp or designing a luxury villa, let your flooring choices reflect your personality, lifestyle, and long-term plans.

And if you're ever confused, remember this:
Good tiles make the room. Great tiles make the home.