Americo Migliore’s Guide to Choosing the Right Tile for Your Project
Expert Insights for Selecting the Perfect Tile to Enhance Any Space
Introduction
When it comes to tile installation, one of the most crucial steps in ensuring the success of your project is selecting the right type of tile. Americo Migliore, an expert in tile and stone installation based in New York, understands the intricacies involved in choosing tiles that not only meet aesthetic expectations but also stand the test of time.
Whether you're embarking on a commercial renovation or revamping a residential space, the tile selection process is foundational to achieving your desired results.
In this guide, Americo shares his expert insights into the factors to consider when choosing the right tile for your project, from material choices to layout planning and beyond. With his wealth of experience in the field, Americo has learned that the perfect tile is a blend of practicality, beauty, and functionality, suited to the unique needs of every space.
1. Understanding Your Space
Before diving into the world of tiles, Americo emphasizes the importance of understanding the specifics of the space you're working with. Different rooms and environments require different types of tiles based on their use and the kind of wear and tear they will endure. Americo typically starts by considering the following aspects:
Traffic and Usage: High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, or kitchens need durable tiles that can withstand constant foot traffic. Conversely, areas with less traffic, such as bedrooms or bathrooms, might not require as tough materials.
Moisture Levels: Wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements demand tiles with water-resistant qualities. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are often ideal for such spaces as they resist water absorption, making them perfect for flooring and walls exposed to moisture.
Lighting Conditions: Americo always considers how lighting will interact with the tile. Some tiles, like glossy ceramics, can reflect light, making smaller spaces appear larger. In contrast, matte finishes may be better suited for spaces where you want to minimize reflections and achieve a more subdued, rustic aesthetic.
2. Choosing the Right Material
The material you choose plays a significant role in the functionality, appearance, and durability of your tile installation. Americo recommends evaluating the pros and cons of each material to make an informed decision:
Ceramic Tile: One of the most versatile materials, ceramic tiles are affordable, come in a variety of styles, and are easy to maintain. Americo suggests ceramic tiles for spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, especially for wall applications. While they’re durable, they can be prone to chipping under heavy impact.
Porcelain Tile: Known for its strength and water resistance, porcelain is a top choice for both residential and commercial applications. Its dense composition makes it highly durable, ideal for high-traffic areas. Americo recommends porcelain tiles for spaces that require exceptional performance, such as entryways or outdoor patios.
Natural Stone: Materials like granite, marble, limestone, and slate offer a luxurious touch and are highly durable. Americo’s expertise lies in working with natural stone, especially in commercial spaces. Each stone has unique qualities, and Americo stresses the importance of choosing a stone that matches the style and function of the space.
Glass Tile: Glass tiles are perfect for decorative applications, such as backsplashes or accent walls. They add an element of sophistication and reflect light beautifully. While they’re not as durable as porcelain or stone, they are easy to clean and maintain.
Cement Tile: For a unique and customizable look, cement tiles offer a variety of patterns and colors. Americo enjoys working with cement tiles for residential and commercial design projects that require bold, artistic expressions. These tiles are not only durable but also eco-friendly.
3. Tile Size and Shape
The size and shape of your tiles are more than just a design choice—they can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of the space. Americo advises considering the dimensions of the room and the effect you want to create before selecting tile sizes.
Large Format Tiles: Larger tiles can make a room feel more expansive and modern. They also create fewer grout lines, giving the space a seamless, polished appearance. However, large tiles require precise installation and may not be suitable for very small spaces or intricate layouts.
Small Tiles: Small tiles, such as mosaics or subway tiles, offer more flexibility in design and are ideal for spaces that require detailed patterns or intricate layouts. They’re particularly useful in smaller rooms or when you want to create unique visual effects.
Shape Variety: Tiles come in various shapes, including squares, rectangles, hexagons, and even custom shapes. Americo encourages experimenting with different tile shapes to achieve distinctive designs, such as herringbone or chevron patterns, to add texture and movement to a room.
4. Tile Texture and Finish
The texture and finish of your tiles can significantly impact both the aesthetic and the practical aspects of your installation. Americo highlights the importance of selecting a finish that not only complements your style but also suits the function of the space.
Glossy vs. Matte: Glossy finishes can brighten a room by reflecting light, but they may show smudges and dirt more easily. On the other hand, matte finishes, while less reflective, provide a more subtle, contemporary look and are easier to clean, making them ideal for flooring.
Textured Tiles: For added visual interest, textured tiles—such as those with a raised or uneven surface—can introduce a tactile dimension to walls or floors. Americo often uses textured tiles for areas like backsplashes, where visual appeal is key.
Slip Resistance: In wet or high-moisture areas, choosing tiles with slip-resistant qualities is essential for safety. Americo recommends textured tiles or those with a rougher finish, particularly for bathroom floors, pools, and other areas where slipping could be a concern.
5. Color and Style
The color and style of the tiles you select should complement the overall design theme of the space. Americo emphasizes that the tile color can significantly affect how the space feels and interacts with other elements.
Neutral Tones: Shades like beige, gray, and white are timeless and versatile, easily complementing various design styles. These colors create a clean, modern look and allow you to introduce bolder accents through other elements like furniture and décor.
Bold Colors: If you want to make a statement, bright colors and patterns can energize the space. Americo often uses bold tiles in areas like accent walls, kitchens, and bathrooms to create a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
Coordinating with Other Materials: Americo recommends ensuring that your tile selection complements other materials in the room, such as cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. A cohesive design is key to creating a balanced, aesthetically pleasing space.
6. Budget Considerations
Finally, when choosing tiles, your budget is a crucial factor. Americo understands that it’s important to strike a balance between quality and cost, and he always works with clients to find the best options that fit within their budget constraints while maintaining the desired aesthetic.
Quality vs. Price: While higher-end materials like natural stone and custom tiles may come at a premium, they can provide lasting value and beauty. For projects with budget constraints, Americo often recommends porcelain or ceramic tiles, which offer durability and style at a more affordable price point.
Installation Costs: Tile installation is a skilled trade that requires precision and expertise. Americo advises clients to factor in installation costs when budgeting, as the right installation methods are critical to ensuring the longevity and durability of the tiles.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tile for your project can be a daunting task, but with the guidance of an expert like Americo Migliore, you can make informed decisions that lead to a successful installation.
By considering factors such as space usage, material type, size, finish, color, and budget, you’ll be well on your way to selecting tiles that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also deliver lasting value and functionality.
Whether you're working on a high-end commercial project or a residential renovation, Americo’s insights can help you achieve the perfect tile installation every time.
Americo Migliore's expertise in tile and stone installation in New York has earned him a reputation for creating beautiful, functional spaces. His attention to detail, extensive knowledge, and experience make him a go-to expert for all tile-related projects, no matter how complex or unique the requirements may be.
About the Creator
Americo Migliore
Americo Migliore Jr, a 36-year-old of Italian descent, is a distinguished leader in the New York tri-state area’s commercial interior stone and tile installation industry.
Keep reading
More stories from Americo Migliore and writers in Motivation and other communities.
Americo Migliore Jr Guide to Matching Tile Finishes for Seamless Style
Introduction Tile finishes can greatly impact the overall look and feel of any space. As an expert in tile and stone installation, Americo Migliore Jr understands that choosing the right finishes can be a game-changer for achieving a cohesive, stylish, and functional design.
By Americo Miglioreabout a year ago in Motivation
“He Kept Going When No One Was Watching — And That Changed Everything”
No one ever noticed the days he almost gave up. There were no messages asking if he was okay. No one wondered why he became quieter. No one asked how much effort it took just to keep going. To the world, he was just another ordinary man. His name was Ayaan. Ayaan’s life didn’t collapse in one dramatic moment. It slowly faded. Missed opportunities. Rejected ideas. Silent disappointments. Every failure was small, but together they became heavy. He had dreams once. Big ones. Dreams that kept him awake at night, imagining a future where his hard work would finally matter. But over time, those dreams began to feel unrealistic—almost embarrassing. People around him seemed to move forward effortlessly. They celebrated promotions, achievements, and milestones. Ayaan watched from the side, smiling politely while feeling invisible. At work, his efforts were ignored. Among friends, his voice faded. At home, expectations weighed heavily on him. Slowly, a dangerous thought settled into his mind: “Maybe I’m not good enough.” That thought followed him everywhere. It followed him on crowded buses. It followed him into sleepless nights. It followed him every time he tried again and failed. One night, after scrolling through endless success stories online, Ayaan closed his phone and stared at the dark ceiling. His chest felt tight, not because of pain—but because of exhaustion. He whispered quietly, “How long do I keep trying?” There was no answer. But that night, Ayaan made a decision—not a loud one, not a confident one. A tired decision. He decided to keep going, even if nothing changed. The next morning felt the same. The same routine. The same doubts. The same fear of wasting his life. But Ayaan showed up anyway. He worked when no one praised him. He studied when no one guided him. He practiced when no one believed in him. Some days, motivation disappeared completely. On those days, discipline took over. He reminded himself: “I don’t need applause. I need progress.” Weeks passed. Nothing dramatic happened. No sudden success. No recognition. No miracle. But something subtle began to shift. Ayaan became calmer under pressure. He learned to sit with discomfort instead of running from it. He stopped comparing his journey to others. The silence that once scared him now became his training ground. Months later, a serious problem appeared at his workplace. It was complicated, risky, and easy to blame on someone else. Most people avoided it. Some pretended it wasn’t their responsibility. Ayaan didn’t announce himself. He didn’t seek attention. He simply started working. Late nights. Mistakes. Corrections. Learning. There were moments he wanted to quit. Moments when fear whispered, “You’re not ready.” But he answered back, “I’ll learn.” Slowly, the problem began to disappear. Not perfectly—but steadily. People noticed, quietly. One afternoon, his manager called him into the office. Ayaan expected criticism. Instead, he heard a question that stunned him: “Where did you learn all this?” Ayaan paused. How could he explain years of silent effort? How could he explain working when no one cared? He simply replied, “I kept going.” That moment didn’t change his life overnight. He didn’t become famous. He didn’t suddenly become successful. But it changed something far more important. His belief in himself. For the first time, Ayaan understood that life doesn’t always reward effort immediately. Sometimes, it watches. It watches who continues without praise. Who improves without recognition. Who grows in silence. Years later, Ayaan looked back at the version of himself who almost quit. The man who felt invisible. The man who thought no one was watching. And he smiled. Because he finally understood the truth: Life was always watching. Not to judge. Not to rush. But to see if he would keep going when it was hardest. The world doesn’t reward those who only work when they’re seen. It rewards those who build strength in silence. And sometimes, the moment that changes everything doesn’t come with applause. It comes quietly. After patience. After effort. After consistency. That is when everything finally begins to change. Final Message Keep going—even when no one is watching. Especially then.
By Inayat khan4 days ago in Motivation
Comments