Tile Planning Guide
January 22, 2026 – Casale Consultancy
Start Your Spring Renovation: How to Choose Tiles with Confidence (Before Work Begins)
If you’re planning a bathroom, kitchen or hallway update for spring / early summer, now is the moment to make your tile decisions. The best projects feel “easy” on install day because the thinking was done early: the right finish, the right size, the right colour, and the right material for the space.
Key message: Get it right before work begins. Choosing tiles early helps you avoid delays, last-minute compromises, and ordering the wrong coverage.
A practical checklist for planning, inspiration for key rooms, and a clear comparison of porcelain vs natural stone— plus recommended collections to explore.
A simple renovation planning checklist (that saves money later)
- Room use: wet zone vs dry zone, underfloor heating, slip resistance, maintenance expectations.
- Substrate & prep: is the floor level, are walls sound, what backer boards / tanking are needed?
- Tile material: porcelain, natural stone, or stone-effect porcelain.
- Finish: matt / polished / structured (and how it behaves in your light).
- Format: small format, large format, mosaics, feature patterns.
- Grout direction: blend (quiet luxury) vs contrast (graphic + modern).
- Coverage: measure properly and add allowance for cuts and spares.
Not sure on coverage? Use Blackman Rowe’s guide: How to work out how many tiles you need.
Choosing the right finish: matt, polished, or textured?
Matt / soft matt
A go-to for modern, calm interiors. Matt finishes reduce glare, feel more forgiving day-to-day, and pair beautifully with warm neutrals, timber, and brushed metals.
Best for: kitchens, living spaces, hallways, calm bathrooms.
Polished
Adds light and a more formal feel. Polished finishes can make smaller rooms feel brighter, but you’ll want to consider slip resistance in wet areas.
Best for: feature walls, low-traffic spaces, statement bathrooms (outside wet zones).
Textured / structured
Ideal when you want a little more grip or a more natural surface feel. It’s a strong choice for entrances, family bathrooms, and anywhere you want a confident, practical finish.
Best for: hallways, wet rooms, family homes, outdoor thresholds.
Tile size & layout: what changes the look (and the waste)
Tile size isn’t just aesthetic, it affects cuts, grout lines, and how forgiving the install is in older homes. Bigger tiles look sleek and contemporary, but they need flatter surfaces and more precise setting out.
Large format
Fewer grout lines, a more seamless “architectural” look. Great for open-plan spaces and modern bathrooms.
Watch-outs: surface flatness, lippage control, and cut planning.
Small format / mosaic
More flexibility around corners, slopes, and details. Brilliant for shower floors, niches, and feature walls.
Watch-outs: more grout = more cleaning, choose grout colour carefully.
Colour confidence: warm vs cool neutrals (and how to pick)
If you’re stuck choosing between two shades that look “nearly the same” online, you’re not alone. The secret is to match tiles to the fixed elements you can’t easily change: worktops, sanitaryware, flooring transitions, and the direction of natural light.
A quick rule of thumb
- North-facing rooms: often suit warmer tiles (cream, sand, beige) to avoid feeling cold.
- South-facing rooms: can handle cooler greys and crisp whites without looking flat.
- Busy spaces: go quieter on pattern and stronger on texture (stone-effect, soft matt).
- Feature moments: add pattern or colour where it won’t overwhelm - floor borders, splashbacks, niches.
Porcelain vs natural stone: which should you choose?
This is one of the most common early-stage renovation decisions. Both can look incredible - your “best” option depends on lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and the look you want.
Porcelain
- Highly durable and consistent
- Easy to maintain
- Huge range of stone, concrete, marble and wood effects
- Often ideal for family homes and busy kitchens
Explore: Porcelain Tiles
Natural stone
- Unique variation and character
- A softer, more “organic” feel
- Can require sealing and more mindful care
- Perfect for timeless, premium interiors
Explore: Natural Stone Tiles
Room-by-room inspiration (hallways, bathrooms, kitchens)
Hallways: durable, welcoming, easy to live with
Hallways set the tone for the whole home. Prioritise durability, grip, and a tone that works with adjacent flooring. Stone-effect porcelains and subtle texture are great for this space.
Style idea: a calm base tile + a decorative runner or border for character.
Bathrooms: define wet zones first, then add detail
Start by choosing the main wall/floor tile, then layer in personality with mosaics, niches and feature areas. A structured finish underfoot can be a smart choice in family bathrooms and wet rooms.
Style idea: soft matt on large surfaces + mosaic detail where you want “jewellery”.
Kitchens: think long-term (and choose grout wisely)
Kitchens need a tile that wears well and cleans easily. Porcelain is often the best all-rounder. Grout colour makes a bigger difference here than people expect, blend for a seamless look, contrast for a more graphic style.
Style idea: large format flooring + smaller format splashback for detail.
Feature-led collections to explore (inspiration you can shop)
Decorative tiles
The quickest route to personality - perfect for feature floors, splashbacks, and statement moments.
Statement porcelain
Achieve the look of stone or concrete with high durability and low maintenance - ideal for modern renovations.
Natural stone
For timeless, character-rich interiors. Each piece is unique - perfect if you love an authentic, natural finish.
FAQs: planning your tile order (Jan–Mar)
When should I order tiles for a spring renovation?
Ideally, finalise tile choices in January or February. It gives you time to compare samples, confirm coverage, and align delivery with your installer schedule - before spring calendars fill up.
How much extra should I order for cuts and spares?
Many projects allow around 10% for cuts, but larger formats and complex layouts (like herringbone) can benefit from 12–15%. If you’re unsure, use the coverage guide and speak to the team.
What’s the easiest tile choice for low maintenance?
Porcelain is usually the most low-maintenance option - highly durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of natural looks.
How do I choose a grout colour that looks “high end”?
For a quiet, premium finish, match grout close to the tile tone to reduce contrast. For a more modern, graphic look, use a darker grout to define the grid - especially with smaller formats.
Can Blackman Rowe help me check measurements before I order?
Yes, if you’re unsure, get in touch with your measurements and photos. It’s the quickest way to avoid under-ordering or buying too much.
