Americo Ricky Migliore Strategy for Choosing Tiles with Unique Finishes

Introduction

When it comes to creating standout designs with tile, the finish you choose can have a transformative impact on the aesthetic of a space. Tiles with unique finishes not only serve a functional purpose but can also add texture, depth, and personality to a room.

Americo Ricky Migliore, a seasoned expert in tile and stone installation, has mastered the art of selecting tiles with finishes that elevate both the beauty and functionality of a space. Based in New York, Americo brings years of experience to the table, offering valuable insights into how the right tile finish can make all the difference in a home or commercial design.

Here’s his guide to choosing tiles with unique finishes, ensuring that your space reflects your personal style and meets your design goals.

1. Understanding the Impact of Tile Finishes

Tiles come in a wide range of finishes, from matte and glossy to textured and polished. Americo emphasizes the importance of understanding how each finish impacts the overall look and feel of a room.

The finish of a tile not only influences its appearance but also its functionality. For example, matte finishes offer a more understated and modern look, while glossy finishes reflect light, adding brightness and creating a more glamorous effect.

Textured tiles, on the other hand, can add depth and dimension to a room, making them ideal for spaces where you want to create interest and contrast. Whether you're designing a cozy living room or a sleek, contemporary kitchen, Americo advises selecting a tile finish that enhances the aesthetic you’re aiming for.

In addition to visual appeal, Americo notes that different finishes can also affect the tile's durability and ease of maintenance. Glossy tiles may show fingerprints and watermarks more easily, while matte finishes tend to be more forgiving. Textured tiles, though visually stunning, may require additional maintenance to ensure they retain their appearance over time.

2. Polished Tiles for a Luxurious, Reflective Look

One of the most striking finishes you can choose for tiles is the polished finish. This highly reflective surface creates a glossy, mirror-like effect that makes a space feel more sophisticated and expansive. Americo often recommends polished tiles for use in high-end bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens, where the reflective quality of the finish can brighten a room and make it feel larger and more open.

However, Americo warns that while polished tiles can create a luxurious feel, they may require more maintenance, especially in high-traffic areas, because they can show dirt and smudges more easily. Therefore, he advises using polished tiles in areas where maintenance can be more easily managed, or selecting tiles with anti-slip treatments if they will be used in wet areas.

When choosing polished tiles, Americo also suggests considering materials like marble, porcelain, or granite, which naturally lend themselves well to this type of finish. These materials provide both beauty and durability, making them perfect for creating an upscale look.

3. Matte Tiles for a Subtle, Modern Aesthetic

Matte finishes have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in contemporary design. Americo explains that matte tiles have a smooth, non-reflective surface that lends a more subtle and modern appearance to any room. They are perfect for those looking to create a minimalist or industrial look, as they offer understated elegance without the shine.

Matte tiles are especially well-suited for areas where a more relaxed, natural ambiance is desired, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. They also pair well with natural materials like wood, stone, and concrete, making them a great choice for creating a rustic or Scandinavian-inspired design. In kitchens and bathrooms, matte tiles are also a practical choice because they hide fingerprints and watermarks better than glossy finishes.

Americo recommends matte tiles for people who want a modern, clean look without the maintenance challenges that come with highly reflective surfaces. These tiles are also less slippery than glossy tiles, making them a good option for floors, particularly in wet areas.

4. Textured Tiles for Depth and Interest

For those looking to add dimension and tactile interest to their space, Americo suggests choosing textured tiles. These tiles come in a variety of designs, from subtle undulations to bold 3D patterns, and they can transform a simple wall or floor into a captivating focal point. Textured finishes can be used to create an organic feel or to add visual intrigue to an otherwise neutral room.

Americo often uses textured tiles in feature walls, accent pieces, and even as part of mixed-material designs.

They can add a sense of movement and rhythm to a room, making them perfect for creating a dynamic, engaging environment. Whether used as a backsplash in the kitchen, an accent wall in the living room, or a feature area in a bathroom, textured tiles offer a unique way to add personality and style to a space.

It’s important to consider the material of the textured tile, as some materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, can have different finishes and textures that may require different care. Americo advises homeowners and designers to choose a texture that complements the overall design of the room and fits their desired aesthetic.

5. Handmade Tiles for a Personal Touch

One of Americo’s favorite options for adding uniqueness to a space is using handmade tiles. These tiles often come with a slightly uneven finish, offering a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship that mass-produced tiles simply can't match. Handmade tiles are perfect for creating a personalized, artisanal look in any room, and they can add character and warmth to the space.

Americo suggests that handmade tiles are especially effective in rustic or vintage-inspired spaces, where imperfections and individuality are celebrated. For example, in kitchens or bathrooms, handmade tiles with a glazed finish can add charm and a sense of history to the space. They work particularly well when paired with more traditional or eclectic design elements.

While handmade tiles are often more expensive than their mass-produced counterparts, Americo believes they offer value in their uniqueness and aesthetic appeal. They also tend to be made from natural materials, which means they can be an environmentally friendly choice.

6. Mixing Finishes for a Balanced Design

Americo often advises clients to mix different tile finishes to create contrast and balance within a room. Combining matte, glossy, and textured finishes can help break up large areas and make the space feel more dynamic. For example, you might pair a glossy tile backsplash with a matte floor or a textured wall feature with polished accents.

When mixing finishes, Americo stresses the importance of balance. Choose finishes that complement each other rather than clash, and consider the overall color scheme and material palette of the room. A neutral-colored glossy tile might pair beautifully with a muted matte tile, creating a sophisticated contrast, while textured tiles in soft tones can bring warmth and depth to a room with minimal color.

Americo also suggests considering the spatial dynamics of the room. Larger tiles with glossy finishes can make a room feel bigger, while smaller tiles with intricate textures can help create more intimacy in a cozy space. Mixing finishes allows for flexibility in design, helping you create a space that reflects your personal style while maintaining visual harmony.

Conclusion

Americo Ricky Migliore's strategy for choosing tiles with unique finishes revolves around understanding the impact of each finish on both the aesthetic and functional qualities of a space.

Whether you’re selecting glossy tiles for a sophisticated look, matte tiles for a modern vibe, or textured tiles for added depth, each finish plays an important role in creating a balanced and harmonious design.

Americo's expertise in tile and stone installation, honed over years of experience in New York, enables him to advise clients on how to choose the perfect tile finish to enhance their design vision. With the right combination of tile materials and finishes, you can transform any room into a visually striking and functional space that stands the test of time.