Choosing tiles for a new build can feel a bit like planning a wedding — a million decisions, a ton of pressure, and you only get one shot to get it right. Between bathrooms, the laundry, kitchen splashbacks, the porch and alfresco… tile design becomes a big part of the puzzle. And while it’s true that tiles aren’t easy to change later, the good news is: with the right info up your sleeve (like this!), it’s a whole lot easier. After designing and building over 20 homes since 2010, we’ve learned a thing or two. So let’s break down everything you need to know about tile design for your new build — minus the stress.
Main Floor Tiles at Dream Home 10
TILE 101: TYPES TO KNOW
Tile design starts with understanding the tile types. The material determines price, installation complexity, and how much maintenance your tiles will need once the mess (hello, kids) inevitably kicks in.
Ceramic Tiles
These are affordable and great for walls or bathrooms that don’t get a ton of traffic. Less dense than porcelain but still durable, ceramic tiles are a solid starter for tile design in lower-impact areas.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain = the overachiever. Harder, denser, and more durable, it’s ideal for busy spaces or pet-friendly homes. Plus, it’s low maintenance and doesn’t need sealing. In tile design terms, it’s a crowd favourite for a reason.
Stone & Handmade Tiles
These beauties bring texture and character to your tile design but need a bit more TLC. Expect to reseal them regularly and avoid harsh cleaners to keep them looking fresh.
Mosaic Tiles
Think of these like jewellery for your walls — gorgeous but high-maintenance. With lots of grout lines and a higher install cost, we love using mosaic tiles as a feature splashback or a statement shower wall. You might want to seal that grout, though!
White Matt Wall Tiles and Enzo 'Sand' Porcelain Tiles used in Dream Home 10
DON'T FORGET THE EDGE: TILE EDGING 101
Tile edging might be a small detail, but it packs a big punch when it comes to the final look and feel of your tile design.
Rectified Tiles
Clean lines, modern vibes. These tiles are precisely cut, which means you can get those sleek, ultra-thin grout lines (around 1.5mm). It does cost more to lay, but the result? Worth it.
Cushion Edge Tiles
A little softer and more traditional. These have rounded edges and need wider grout lines (think 3–5mm). That slightly more relaxed look can be perfect for certain spaces.
Rectified Tiles VS. Cushioned Edge Tiles
TILE DESIGN TIP: KEEP IT COHESIVE
Here’s the dream scenario with new builds — you’re choosing all your tiles at once, which makes it so much easier to create consistency from room to room. We always repeat colours or materials throughout, but mix up size and placement based on the room’s layout, lighting, and vibe.
At Dream Home 10, we did something for the first time: tiled every room. Yep, 14 spaces including the pool area and alfresco. We used the Enzo range from Color Tile in ‘Sand’ for nearly every space (except Bathrooms 3 & 5 and the powder room — where we got a little playful). The range came in multiple sizes so we could keep it cohesive while still matching tile scale to room size. That’s a tile design win.
GET GROUT RIGHT
Grout is the unsung hero of tile design. Want your tiles to stand out? Choose a contrasting grout. Prefer a seamless, luxe look? Match the grout to the tile.
In Dream Home 10, we used a colour called ‘Travertine’ in the main spaces for a soft, blended finish. In bathrooms 3 and 5, we went with ‘Mudberry’ to match the alternative tile tone. It’s subtle, but grout choices really do elevate your tile design.
Mudberry Grout and Travertine Grout
LAYING PATTERNS: THE SECRET TO WOW-WORTHY FLOORS
Patterns can totally change the feel of your tile design — but they can also change your quote. More intricate patterns = more time = more cost.
Simple stackbond or brickbond patterns are the most budget-friendly. But when you want something extra (like a herringbone splashback), expect your tiler to spend more time making it perfect.
BUDGET TIP
Trying to save on tiles? Mosaic tiles like these can be expensive, consider using them sparingly in a bathroom as a feature strip behind the basins for added luxury.
Brickbond Pattern
Splashback Mosaic Tiles
Horizontal Stackbond
Mosaic Tile Wall
SIZE MATTERS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT TILE DIMENSIONS
The size of your space will guide your tile choice. Too big, and your tiler may struggle to get the right slope for bathroom drainage. Too small, and you’ll be scrubbing grout forever.
Larger tiles can actually make small bathrooms look bigger, especially when paired with floor-to-ceiling tiling and light colours. Ask your builder or tile supplier (like Color Tile!) for the largest tile size that still meets slope and drainage requirements.
Large Format Tiles used throughout Dream Home 10
GLOSS VS. MATTE: WHAT TO KNOW
This is all about vibe and practicality.
Gloss Tiles
They reflect light, making spaces feel bigger and brighter — ideal for small bathrooms or darker areas. But heads up, they can show water spots and fingerprints more easily, especially on floors.
Matte Tiles
These have a more natural, modern feel and are great for high-traffic areas (hello, grip!). They’re also lower maintenance in the cleaning department. Most of the tiles we used in Dream Home 10 were matte for that exact reason.
Wall and Floor Matt Tiles. Glass Tiles behind vanity and bath in Dream Home 10 Bathrooms.
WRAPPING IT UP: YOUR TILE DESIGN CONFIDENCE BOOST
Tile design doesn’t need to feel like a game of guesswork. With a little planning, some insider knowledge, and a brand like Color Tile offering beautiful, versatile options — you’ll walk into your tile appointment with clarity and confidence. Use this blog as your go-to guide, and remember: when you choose tiles that are practical and beautiful, you’re laying the foundation (literally) for a home you’ll love for years to come.
WANT BUDGET TIPS FOR YOUR NEW BUILD? YOU NEED THIS.
