Designing with Tile: How to Choose the Right Tile for Every Room
When it comes to designing a home that feels intentional, beautiful, and built to last, tile is one of the most versatile materials you can choose. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, bathroom, entryway, or mudroom, selecting the right tile plays a critical role in both the look and performance of your space.
At Preferred Flooring & Tile, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners and interior designers throughout Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas make smart, stylish tile decisions tailored to their lifestyle. With the wide variety of materials, finishes, slip ratings, and installation patterns available today, we’re here to help you cut through the clutter and make confident decisions.
In this guide, we’re sharing expert insights from our design team along with real project experience to help you choose the best tile for every space in your home.
Kitchen: Combining Performance and Personality
The kitchen is often the most-used room in the home, which means your tile has to work hard while still looking beautiful. In Raleigh and Durham, where we frequently see open floor plans, large kitchen islands, and family-centered designs, tile is a key element for both flooring and backsplashes.
Recommended Tile Types for Kitchens:
- Porcelain or ceramic floor tile for durability and easy cleaning
- Mosaic or subway tile for backsplashes with a timeless or modern feel
Design Insights:
- Go with matte or lightly textured finishes on floors to reduce slip risk and hide smudges.
- Use contrast between backsplash and cabinetry for a dynamic visual effect.
Maintenance Tip: Kitchen floors should be swept daily and mopped weekly using a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid buildup. Grout should be sealed every 1-2 years, depending on use.
Bathrooms: Safety and Serenity
Bathrooms demand tile that’s both slip-resistant and water-tolerant. Here in North Carolina, many of our clients are opting for spa-like shower surrounds and large-format tile floors that make bathrooms feel more spacious.
Recommended Tile Types for Bathrooms:
- Textured porcelain or ceramic floor tile for wet areas
- Large-format wall tile for a modern, clean-lined look
- Mosaic or pebble tile for shower floors to add grip and comfort
Design Insights:
- Anti-slip tile is a must for walk-in showers or kids’ bathrooms.
- Use warm neutrals or soft earth tones for a calming vibe.
Maintenance Tip: Bathroom tiles should be wiped down regularly to prevent mildew. Opt for epoxy grout in showers to resist moisture and staining.
Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms: Durability Meets Design
These hardworking spaces often experience heavy foot traffic, dirty shoes, pet paws, and water spills. Tile is the ideal material thanks to its easy-to-clean surface and resistance to moisture.
Recommended Tile Types for Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms:
- Durable porcelain tile in a matte or textured finish
- Patterned or geometric tiles for a fun design moment
Design Insights:
- Go bold here! These smaller utility spaces are perfect for experimenting with pattern or color.
- Consider darker grout to minimize the appearance of dirt.
Maintenance Tip: These floors may need mopping more frequently, depending on traffic, especially in the fall and winter. Using doormats at entry points will extend the life of your grout and finish. For added durability, especially in high-traffic entryways, consider using Kerapoxy grout, an epoxy-based option that offers superior stain resistance and long-term durability.
Entryways and Hallways: First Impressions Count
In Raleigh and Durham homes, the entryway sets the tone. It’s the first thing guests see and one of the highest-traffic areas in the home. Durable tile in this space offers both function and wow-factor.
Recommended Tile Types Entryways and Hallways:
- Porcelain tile with a natural stone look
- Ceramic tile with custom inlays or borders
Design Insights:
- Use large-format tile to reduce grout lines and give the illusion of space.
- Add visual interest with chevron, herringbone, or basketweave patterns.
Maintenance Tip: Sweep and mop regularly, especially if this area connects directly to the outdoors. Seal grout to prevent staining from mud, salt, or debris.
Living Areas and Accent Walls: Texture and Drama
While not always thought of as a tile zone, living rooms, powder bathrooms, and even bedrooms can benefit from tile, especially with the rising popularity of tile accent walls, fireplaces, and wood-look tile flooring in high-traffic family rooms.
Recommended Tile Types Living Areas and Accent Walls:
- Wood-look porcelain tile for high-traffic family rooms
- Natural stone or dimensional tile for fireplace surrounds or wall accents
Design Insights:
- Tile accent walls add texture and elevate neutral spaces.
- In open-concept homes, consistent tile can help unify multiple zones.
Maintenance Tip: Wood-look tiles require very little upkeep, just sweep and mop. For vertical tile features, a light dusting or occasional wipe is all that’s needed.
Expert Tile Design Help in Raleigh and Durham, NC
Choosing the right tile isn’t just about color or shape; it’s about performance, safety, lifestyle, and the long-term maintenance that comes with each room. That’s why our design team at Preferred Flooring & Tile works one-on-one with homeowners and designers throughout Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas in North Carolina to help you make the best choice based on your space and how you live in it.
We’ll walk you through:
- Slip resistance and water tolerance
- Tile layout and pattern options
- Grout color and maintenance
- Pairing tile with other flooring or wall materials
Visit Our Design Center to Explore More
If you’re planning a remodel, new build, or just want to elevate your space with something stunning and practical, tile is a great place to start. Visit our showroom in Raleigh to explore full-size tile samples, inspiration boards, and project ideas that match your style. Appointments are preferred.
Proudly serving Raleigh, Durham & the greater Triangle area