Selecting tile is about more than choosing a color or pattern—it’s about creating a space that feels cohesive, functional, and lasting. At Decorative Materials, our Design Consultants work closely with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders to help guide material selections for projects of every style and scale.
We asked members of our team to share some of their favorite tile tips, common mistakes to avoid, and advice they often give clients during the selection process. Here are some expert insights from the Decorative Materials team.
One of the strongest themes across the team was the importance of choosing materials that feel authentic to the client and the home—not simply following trends.
As Design Consultant Aye Scarsini shared:
“The best product is the one that honors the architecture, the location, the use of the space, and the client’s personal taste.”
Similarly, Jenn emphasized looking beyond what’s currently trending:
“Choose what you like instead of what’s trending—you’ll be happier with it five years from now.”
Lauren Herman agrees, noting that the most important factor is that clients truly love their selection.
“A close second is making sure it is appropriate for the application and maintenance expectations.”
Tile is a long-term design decision. While trends can offer inspiration, timeless projects are often rooted in materials that genuinely resonate with the people living with them every day.
Another recurring piece of advice was the importance of viewing tile as part of a larger design story rather than as an isolated selection.
Monica Lozano explained:
“Clients often focus on the look and feel of a single item without considering how all the elements will work together. It’s important to think about lighting, plumbing, and accessory finishes to create a cohesive design.”
Jackie Caudill echoed this sentiment:
“Tile is more than a finish. It’s a foundational design element that shapes how a space feels, flows, and functions.”
Kim Storm offered a simple reminder:
“It is all in the details. Even the smallest details help to create the overall design and make the project feel cohesive.”
The most successful projects happen when every material works together harmoniously—from cabinetry and countertops to lighting and plumbing finishes.
While aesthetics are important, our team consistently emphasized that performance and maintenance should always be part of the conversation.
Melanie Hulse advises clients to think carefully about how the space will actually be used:
“For a rental, you may want to stick to porcelain instead of natural stone. If it’s your dream primary bath, you may be willing to invest in marble and maintain it properly.”
Michele Baum reinforced the importance of understanding maintenance expectations:
“The client must understand the maintenance requirements for the material they are selecting. By understanding durability and care recommendations, the installation can be successful.”
Tori Kungli also encourages clients to focus on the intended application:
“It’s important to ensure you both love your tile and get to enjoy it without the hassle of issues or damage from using the wrong material in the wrong application.”
When helping clients navigate porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone selections, Kara Levine recommends starting with lifestyle considerations.
“Think about what you currently have in your home and what you love or wish were different about it. Your daily use, maintenance tolerance, and aesthetic preferences can help determine the best fit.”
Jenn emphasized a similar point:
“Lifestyle and usage—who will use this area? Dogs? Kids? Is it a rental? Who will clean it and do they know what to use?”
From pets and kids to rental properties and heavy-use kitchens, selecting the right material for the application helps ensure longevity and satisfaction over time.
Many of our consultants highlighted how often the smallest details end up having the biggest impact on the final installation.
Aye Scarsini noted the importance of planning edge details and seam placement before installation begins, while Amanda Norris emphasized the value of dry-laying stone and handmade tile prior to installation.
Several consultants also mentioned how frequently trim and accent pieces are overlooked during the planning process. Tanya Sabo explained:
“It is important to be sure all of the parts and pieces have been selected, especially when working with ceramic tile. Trim and accent pieces are often missed during the planning stage.”
Melanie Hulse added:
“Trim pieces are often forgotten when selecting tile.”
Becky Glaesel agreed, emphasizing the importance of:
“Remembering all the trim and accent pieces needed to complete the project.”
Even layout direction and starting points can dramatically influence the final visual outcome of a space.
As Jackie Caudill put it:
“Layout, pattern, direction, and starting point define the entire visual experience.”
A great piece of advice came from Megan Rice, who encourages clients to trust the professionals guiding them through the process:
“Trust your designer—they know what they’re doing.”
Megan Rice also reminded clients not to be afraid of making bold or expressive choices:
“People are often worried that a space will feel too busy or that they’ll grow tired of it, but when I think about the installations I love most, it’s clear the designer really went for it. Sometimes, more truly is more.”
And sometimes, one of the best decisions you can make is assembling the right team from the start. Jackie Caudill summed it up simply:
“Hire a great installer :)”
At Decorative Materials, our Design Consultants help clients navigate everything from material selection and functionality to layout, maintenance, and finishing details. Whether you’re designing a mountain retreat, modern kitchen, timeless bath, or large-scale commercial project, thoughtful material selection plays a major role in how a space ultimately looks and performs.
Visit one of our Colorado showrooms to explore tile, stone, mosaics, slab, and bathroom furniture with guidance from our expert team.