Architect Sachin Shetty Talks About How To Select The Best Tile For Your Upcoming Project

With a gamut of residential and commercial projects under his belt, Architect Sachin Shetty, Founder and Principal Designer, Intutive Habitat Architecture+ Design Studio, believes in creating balanced, aesthetically pleasing spaces that are functionally sound. He is known for his eye for detail, which crafts a language of understated austerity.

In this exclusive chat, he spills the beans on how he goes about selecting tiles for his projects. Here are some excerpts from the interview…

While designing a space, it is essential to keep the size, concept, and use of the particular space in mind while choosing tiles – be it for the floors or the walls. Your glossy patterned tile may look mesmerising, but it would make terrible and highly accident-prone bathroom flooring. So, it is important to understand the needs of the space and how materials function before you start choosing.

Here are some tips Architect Sachin Shetty suggests you keep in mind while choosing tiles for any residential or commercial space.

Tip 1: Space Size And Tile Colour Are Interlaid

“Lighter coloured tiles will go well for compact spaces, while darker shades will be better for bigger spaces. This will ensure that daylighting is adjusted accordingly,” says Sachin. 

It is no secret that the colour of our tiles has a significant impact on the visual aspect of the room. Lighter tiles reflect more light and can make the space look bigger, while darker tiles absorb more light than they reflect and make a small space seem even smaller.

So, while dark floors can make a bold statement, reserve this for your living room, where there is ample space, and opt for lighter tiles for your smaller bathroom size.

Tip 2: Use Locally Available Tiles

Sachin Shetty, Founder and Principal Designer, Intutive Habitat Architecture+ Design Studio advises to pick locally sourced tiles. “It could be a good decision to for locally sourced tiles as they are easier to transport and can be easily replaced when required.”

“Vocal for local” is the call of the hour, and more and more people are switching to locally-made products instead of imported stuff. This not only helps encourage local business owners but also reduces our carbon footprint. So, why should this not apply to the tiles you buy for your project too?

It may be tempting to call for imported tiles – after all, there is always the thought process that imported = better. But not only are our homegrown brands at par with international brands in quality and variety of designs but buying local is also great for the environment (and your pocket too).

Locally sourced materials are easier and cheaper to transport, reducing your overall cost. Looking to support your local businesses? Click here to find a store near you.

Tip 3: When Using Patterned Tiles

“It is always best to keep the furniture load in mind while using patterned tiles so as to ensure that the furniture doesn’t mask the design.”

Pattern tiles are a great way to spruce up an otherwise dull space, and an unexpected pattern patch can uplift the mood of any room they are added to.

But, it is important to keep in mind how much furniture your space will have before you select a pattern tile for your space. After all, you want to avoid covering or hiding the designs under or behind furniture pieces.

For floors, opt for pattern tiles in the centre of your room, where there is empty space devoid of all furniture. You can even use pattern tiles to create a border of sorts around your centre table or coffee table to highlight it.

Similarly, don’t hide your pretty accent wall behind a sofa or TV unit. Rather, use tiles to spruce up bare walls and keep the walls behind furniture simple.

Tip 4: Use Spacer For Clean Finish

“In larger format tiles, use of a spacer will give you a perfect finish and minimise defects, if any.” Using tile spacers ensures that your tiles are evenly spaced, giving them a polished, professional look. Tile spacers can not only help you keep your tiles level but also ensure that each tile has enough space for just the right amount of grout.

Spacers ensure that there is enough space to factor in the expansion and provide you with a much more durable surface. If your tiles, especially the larger format tiles, are placed too close together, there is a high probability of them getting damaged in the event of tiles expanding. There is also a high possibility of them getting chipped or dislodged due to being packed in too tight.

Tip 5: Use Natural Materials

“Using natural material for most spaces ensures that the project is sustainable and environmentally friendly.” Natural stone tiles are a popular choice for residential and commercial projects since they are timeless and elegant and add an aura of sophistication to the space. Not to mention, they are durable and long-lasting too. Using natural stone tiles is also great for the environment, making their use a win-win situation.

Natural stone tiles are easy to maintain and help up the value of your property. With beautiful textures and patterns, these tiles add to the beauty of the space and can create a warm and inviting ambience.

How Can Orientbell Tiles Help You?

Selecting suitable tiles for your space may seem difficult, but it does not need to be one! Our industry experts can help you make your vision a reality. If you still need to set a vision, our team can also help steer you in the right direction based on your requirements and space.

The tiles manufactured by Orientbell Tiles are manufactured using some of the latest technology and are robust and long-lasting. They are easy to clean, require minimal maintenance and can withstand the onslaught of water. Made using various materials, you can use the tiles in residential and commercial spaces, both indoors and outdoors.

For the best tiles for your space, browse our website or visit a store near you. You can also use TriaLook, a visualisation tool, to see how the tiles will look post-installation.

We hope we made the process of tile selection easier for you!