Do you like interior design? Combine tiles with other materials and you’ll see how well they look
Today’s interior design seeks harmony between functionality and aesthetics, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by combining different materials to create dynamic and unique spaces. Tiles, with their versatility and variety of designs, are perfect for being integrated with other finishes, such as wood, marble, metal or stone. In this article we explore how to combine these materials effectively to create modern environments full of personality.
Turning tiling into a work of art
Furniture is often the main focus of a room’s decor. By combining different elements of tiling with other materials, we can create spaces with their own personality, independent of the other elements that make up the room.
Wood as a natural element
Wood is a warm, natural and organic material, which can soften the cold and rigid appearance of tiles, creating a perfect balance between rustic and contemporary. This combination is ideal for environments that seek a cozy feeling without giving up sophistication. These are our suggestions:
- Rustic and Scandinavian style: Neutral-toned or imitation wood tiles combined with natural wood elements are perfect for creating spaces with a rustic or Scandinavian style. Use wood in furniture, ceilings or decorative accessories, while tiles can be placed on the floor or as cladding on walls.
- Texture contrasts: If you choose ceramic or porcelain tiles with a wood finish, you can create a visual contrast between the smooth surfaces of the tiles and the rougher or more porous texture of the wood. This adds depth to the space and prevents the environment from looking monotonous.
- Recommended areas: Kitchen, bathroom, living rooms and hallways. In kitchens, for example, you can combine white ceramic tiles with a wooden island or wood cabinets to create a cozy and modern style.
The sophistication of marble
Marble is synonymous with luxury and sophistication, and its combination with tiles creates spaces with an elegant and modern touch. The contrast between the solidity of marble and the versatility of tiles allows you to create environments with great visual impact. Here are our suggestions:
- Imitation marble tiles: If you are looking for the beauty of marble without the high cost, imitation marble tiles are an excellent option. You can use them on the floor or walls to achieve an elegant and timeless finish.
- Combining marble with neutral-colored tiles: If you have marble on the floor or on a wall, you can opt for tiles in neutral tones such as white, gray or beige to complement the marble finish without overloading the space. This type of combination provides a sophisticated look, ideal for bathrooms and living rooms.
- Geometric designs: Tiles with geometric or large-format patterns combined with marble can give the space a contemporary and avant-garde look. Play with the contrast of materials to achieve a modern but timeless look.
Mixing ceramic and metal, the modern touch you’re looking for
Metal is a material that provides a shiny, fresh and contemporary finish. Combined with tiles, it creates an industrial and elegant atmosphere. The use of metal in details such as taps, frames, appliances or decorative elements highlights the texture and colour of the tiles.
- Metallic finish tiles: If you like shiny finishes, tiles with metallic finishes, such as stainless steel, gold or copper, can work wonders when combined with metallic surfaces. These tiles reflect light and provide a subtle shine to the decoration.
- Industrial style: If your space has an industrial style, you can combine large-format tiles in dark tones (black, grey or charcoal tones) with metallic details such as lamps, shelving structures or window frames. This contrast gives a contemporary and urban touch to the environment.
- Metallic elements in kitchen and bathroom: Metal in accessories such as faucets, kitchen utensils, appliances or mirrors can complement ceramic or porcelain tiles, creating a balance between the rigidity of the tiles and the freshness of the metal.
A more natural style with stone tiles
Stone is a noble material that brings elegance and a feeling of connection with nature. The combination of stone and tiles creates a natural and relaxing environment, ideal for those looking to incorporate an organic touch into their home.
- Stone on walls and tiles on the floor: If you want to create an environment that reflects the serenity and stability of nature, you can combine stone-clad walls (such as limestone or slate) with floor tiles in a neutral color or earth tones. This brings warmth and harmony to the space.
- Stone or imitation stone tiles: If you do not want to use natural stone for maintenance or cost reasons, you can opt for tiles that imitate stone, offering the same aesthetic without the complications of natural stone. Stone-effect tiles with a matte finish combine well with wood or steel surfaces.
- Rustic or contemporary style: Stone combined with polished or glossy finish tiles in neutral colours can adapt to both rustic styles and contemporary designs. For example, a stone wall combined with a large-format tile floor in dark tones creates an elegant contrast.
Glass for brighter environments
Glass is a perfect material to give a feeling of spaciousness and luminosity, two qualities that can be enhanced by combining it with tiles on surfaces. This material provides a clean and sophisticated finish.
- Ceramic tiles with glass details: You can integrate ceramic tiles with small glass details, such as in borders or mosaics. This adds a bright touch and a contemporary feel to spaces without overwhelming the environment.
- Tiles with glossy finishes and glass surfaces: In modern kitchens and bathrooms, glossy tiles combined with glass surfaces, such as screens or shelves, bring a feeling of lightness and luminosity.
- Minimalist and clean style: Glass, being transparent, allows the tiles to become the center of attention without detracting from the spotlight. Use glass surfaces on shelves or furniture to maximize light and maintain a minimalist style.
Small tips when combining tiles with other materials
- Don’t overload the space: Although it is tempting to play with many materials, the key is to find a visual balance. Make sure each material complements the other without creating too many intense contrasts.
- Choose colors and textures that harmonize: If a material has a strong texture, such as stone or metal, combine these with more neutral or soft tiles so as not to overload the atmosphere.
- Try matte and glossy finishes: Alternating between matte and glossy tiles can create an extra dimension in the space, making it look more visually interesting.
Conclusions
Combining tiles with materials such as wood, marble, metal, stone and glass is not only a way to add personality and style to a space, but also to create functional, sophisticated and characterful environments. The trick is to choose materials that complement each other and to maintain a visual balance that highlights the qualities of each one. With these combinations, you can create modern, cozy and, above all, unique interiors.