Combining Large and Small Tiles for Unique Aesthetics: Americo Ricky Migliore Guide

Introduction

When it comes to designing a stunning space, the combination of large and small tiles offers an exceptional way to create depth, texture, and visual interest. Americo Ricky Migliore, a renowned expert in tile and stone installation based in New York, has mastered the art of mixing tile sizes to achieve unique and aesthetically pleasing results.

His approach goes beyond simply placing tiles on the floor or wall; he strategically blends large and small tiles to enhance the overall look and feel of a room, whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, or living space.

In this guide, Americo shares his expert insights into how combining large and small tiles can elevate your design, offering tips, techniques, and inspiration for achieving a harmonious balance between tile sizes.

From creating focal points to accentuating specific areas of the room, this article will help you harness the power of tile size combinations for a truly standout interior.

1. The Impact of Mixing Large and Small Tiles

Tile selection can dramatically influence the flow and atmosphere of a room. One of the most effective ways to transform a space is by combining large and small tiles in a way that is both visually engaging and functional. The key to this technique is balance.

Americo emphasizes that the careful use of different tile sizes can help achieve a dynamic contrast that adds both depth and texture to your design.

Large tiles are perfect for creating expansive, seamless surfaces, while smaller tiles offer intricate detail and precision. By thoughtfully blending these two sizes, you can break up the monotony of large tile expanses, making a room feel more personalized and layered.

The contrast between the two sizes creates an intriguing focal point that draws attention, adding visual excitement without overwhelming the space. Americo’s approach ensures that the combination enhances the room’s overall design, rather than distracting from it.

2. Creating Focal Points with Large and Small Tiles

One of the most effective ways to use large and small tiles is by creating focal points within the room. Large tiles can serve as the main design element, covering significant areas like floors or feature walls, while smaller tiles can be used to highlight specific sections or features, such as backsplashes, borders, or niches.

Americo recommends using large tiles for expansive surfaces like floors and larger walls to create a sense of continuity. For example, large format porcelain or ceramic tiles can give a room a clean, modern look with minimal grout lines. These tiles work well in areas like the living room or entryway, where you want the space to feel open and airy.

Smaller tiles, on the other hand, are perfect for highlighting accents or drawing attention to specific areas, such as a focal wall or shower niche. They can be arranged in intricate patterns, like mosaic or subway designs, to provide a contrasting visual element to the large tiles.

By using small tiles in high-traffic or functional areas (such as kitchen backsplashes or bathroom shower walls), you can add texture and personality without overpowering the design.

Americo suggests combining the two to create a sense of flow in the room. For instance, you could frame a feature wall with large tiles while placing a smaller tile pattern inside to draw attention to that area. This technique is especially effective for adding depth and dimension to otherwise flat surfaces.

3. Achieving Balance Between Large and Small Tiles

Achieving balance is crucial when combining large and small tiles. Too many large tiles can make the room feel cold and impersonal, while excessive use of small tiles can make the design feel cluttered. Americo advises homeowners to use a mix of large and small tiles in a way that maintains harmony within the space.

A common approach is to use large tiles as the primary backdrop and incorporate smaller tiles in accent areas. For example, you can use large tiles on the floor and complement them with smaller tiles on the wall, creating a contrast that adds visual intrigue.

Alternatively, consider using large tiles in the main area of the room and smaller tiles along the edges or as a decorative border. The goal is to create a sense of movement without disrupting the flow of the design.

Americo suggests using neutral tones for the large tiles to create a calming backdrop and opting for more colorful or textured small tiles to add focal points and personality. This contrast can help maintain a sense of balance while still allowing the smaller tiles to stand out as accent pieces.

4. Choosing the Right Materials for Large and Small Tiles

The choice of materials is just as important as the size of the tiles when it comes to achieving a harmonious look. Americo recommends considering the material of both large and small tiles to create a cohesive design that enhances the room's overall aesthetic.

For large tiles, materials like porcelain, marble, or natural stone work well because they offer a clean, polished look with minimal grout lines. These materials also provide durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Large tiles are great for creating a sophisticated, seamless surface that adds a modern touch to your space.

For smaller tiles, you have more flexibility in terms of material selection. Ceramic, mosaic, and glass tiles are all excellent choices for smaller designs. They offer intricate details and the ability to experiment with different textures and colors. Americo suggests combining glass or ceramic tiles with larger porcelain tiles for a striking contrast. The smooth finish of larger porcelain tiles can be beautifully complemented by the intricate patterns of smaller ceramic or mosaic tiles, creating an attractive visual texture.

When mixing materials, it’s important to ensure that the textures of the tiles complement each other. For example, combining a glossy large tile with a matte small tile can create a sophisticated and balanced effect.

Americo advises choosing materials that not only work together aesthetically but also serve the practical needs of the space, such as water resistance in bathrooms or slip resistance in kitchens.

5. Creating Movement with Tile Patterns

Americo encourages homeowners to experiment with tile patterns when combining large and small tiles. Patterns such as herringbone, chevron, or basketweave can be used to create movement and rhythm within the room, adding a sense of texture and dimension.

For example, you could arrange large tiles in a basic grid layout and then incorporate smaller tiles in a diagonal or herringbone pattern for added visual interest.

The key to success with this technique is ensuring that the tile sizes work well together and that the patterns don’t clash. Americo suggests using the larger tiles for more straightforward designs and leaving the intricate patterns for the smaller tiles, allowing them to be the focal points in the design.

Small tiles can also be used to create borders or accents within the large tile layout. For instance, a band of small, colorful tiles running along the edges of the large tiles can define the space and add visual contrast.

This combination of large and small tiles, when paired with striking patterns, can make any room feel more dynamic and engaging.

6. Color Choices for Large and Small Tile Combinations

Color plays a crucial role in the combination of large and small tiles. While large tiles tend to dominate the space, small tiles allow for greater experimentation with color and texture. Americo recommends using a consistent color palette across both large and small tiles to maintain cohesion, but don’t be afraid to play with shades, textures, and tones.

For example, using large tiles in neutral tones like gray, beige, or white can create a calm and spacious environment. Then, small tiles in vibrant colors or patterns can be introduced to add personality and charm. Accent tiles in bold hues like navy blue, emerald green, or gold can be used sparingly in specific areas, such as along a feature wall or as part of a backsplash.

Americo also advises experimenting with contrasting finishes to add depth to the color palette. For instance, pairing a matte finish on large tiles with glossy, colorful small tiles can create a beautiful contrast that enhances the visual appeal of the space.

By carefully selecting colors and finishes, you can ensure that both large and small tiles work together to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Conclusion

Combining large and small tiles is an art that, when done right, can elevate the aesthetic of any room. Americo Ricky Migliore’s expert advice provides a comprehensive guide to achieving stunning design outcomes by mixing tile sizes thoughtfully.

Whether you’re creating focal points, adding texture, or experimenting with patterns and colors, the key to success is balance.

By choosing complementary materials, paying attention to layout, and mixing finishes, you can create a space that feels cohesive and visually dynamic. Americo’s approach to blending large and small tiles offers endless possibilities for homeowners looking to create a personalized and sophisticated interior.

With the right strategy, you can transform any room into a work of art that combines both form and function seamlessly.