Somany Kitchen Tiles Catalogue PDF – Designer Picks & Pro Advice: 1 Minute to Find Your Ideal Somany Kitchen Tile Style & PDF Download Tips

Kitchen tiles carry more than pattern and polish; they set the tone for ergonomics, maintenance, and the daily rhythm of cooking. After a decade designing residential kitchens, I’ve learned that picking the right tile is part visual composition and part performance engineering. In open kitchens where light fluctuates, the right finish can reduce glare, improve perceived brightness, and keep surfaces workable. Steelcase research shows 34% of people cite visual comfort as a top contributor to wellbeing in workplaces; translate that to a busy kitchen, and glare control plus color legibility become decisive factors for safety and sustained comfort (Steelcase, research). WELL v2 further recommends glare control and balanced illuminance for task areas, a principle I apply by pairing matte or satin tiles near prep zones with higher-reflectance backsplashes where ambient light is weaker (v2.wellcertified.com).

Color choices affect behavior and mood. Verywell Mind’s color psychology overview notes warm tones can energize, while cooler hues promote calm. In a kitchen, I use warm neutrals to make morning routines feel lively, and cooler, desaturated blues or greens around cleanup stations to reduce stress. Under 3000–3500K task lighting, warm tiles read balanced without color distortion, and cooler tiles keep the space visually crisp. The Illuminating Engineering Society recommends 300–500 lux for light household tasks; when prep surfaces are properly lit, mid-sheen tiles avoid hotspots that cause eye fatigue and misjudged cuts (IES standards). If glossy tiles are a must, I control angles of incidence to redirect reflections away from sightlines.

Designer Picks: Somany Tile Types That Work Hard

I favor porcelain for its density and water resistance—excellent for floors, especially in high-traffic cooking paths. Large-format porcelain (600x1200mm or similar) reduces grout lines, creating a clean visual field and faster cleanup. For backsplashes, glazed ceramic offers color depth and easier stain release. Satin and honed finishes are my go-to in prep-heavy kitchens; they deliver tactile grip with reduced glare. Textured porcelain with a subtle micro-relief is a smart floor option near sinks, balancing slip resistance with mop-friendly surfaces.

Layout and Proportion: Planning the Tile Field

Tile composition shouldn’t be an afterthought. I map tile fields to align with cabinet seams and major sightlines, keeping cuts symmetrical around cooktops and sinks. A 2:1 proportion between main tile and accent band creates rhythm without visual noise. For narrow galley kitchens, vertical stack layouts lift the eye and reduce lateral clutter; in wider kitchens, a herringbone or chevron backsplash adds motion behind a still run of base cabinets. When the layout needs testing before ordering, a quick pass in a room layout tool can clarify cut lines, grout distribution, and how finishes respond under task and ambient lighting.

room layout tool

Finish Matters: Glare, Cleaning, and Tactility

Gloss, satin, and matte each come with trade-offs. Gloss amplifies light but can introduce reflectance glare; I reserve it for upper splash zones away from eye-level tasks. Satin is the all-rounder—enough reflectance to brighten, yet forgiving on fingerprints and water marks. Matte emphasizes texture and hides wear but may hold more residue; pairing with a premium grout sealer keeps maintenance predictable. Near cooktops, choose tiles with high thermal shock resistance and low porosity; porcelain with a PEI rating suitable for floors will confidently handle splatter and repeated cleaning.

Color Strategy: Neutrals, Contrasts, and Depth

To anchor a kitchen, I build a neutral base—sand, stone grey, or soft taupe—and layer contrast through a backsplash pattern or a muted accent border. Strong contrasts (black/white) look crisp but magnify dust and water spots; mid-contrast palettes deliver sophistication with less maintenance stress. Blues and greens are timeless for Somany’s ceramic lines—pair them with warm woods to avoid a clinical feel. If natural light is limited, choose warm-neutral tiles with a reflectance value around 50–60% for balanced bounce without glare.

Grout Intelligence: Color, Width, and Sealers

Grout can make or break detailing. A 2–3mm joint in rectified porcelain maintains precision; 3–5mm suits handmade-look ceramic. Color-match grout for a seamless field, or use a shade lighter than the tile to lift patterns. In high-use kitchens, epoxy grout resists staining and is excellent behind cooktops. Cementitious grout with a penetrating sealer works well for floors where flexibility is preferred. Keep joints compact around corners to minimize cracking from minor substrate movement.

Ergonomics and Slip Resistance

Human factors start at the floor. In wet areas, look for tiles with slip-resistance ratings suitable for residential kitchens—micro-texture that’s foot-friendly but grippy when damp. Align tile transitions to avoid toe-stubs and ensure any thresholds are flush or beveled. Around islands, consider a perimeter border tile to visually cue circulation lanes; this soft guidance reduces collisions when multiple people cook together. Acoustically, textured matte tiles and grout absorb a touch of high-frequency clatter; pair with soft furnishings or ceiling treatments to balance the hard surface palette.

Sustainability and Lifespan

Porcelain’s longevity reduces replacement cycles, and many manufacturers offer tiles with recycled content. Specify low-VOC setting materials and favor neutral palettes with enduring relevance to avoid premature refreshes. If radiant heating is planned, confirm tile and mortar compatibility for thermal cycling.

Installation Notes: Substrates and Edges

Flat, sound substrates are non-negotiable. I use leveling systems on large-format floors to keep lippage in check. For edges: bullnose or metal profiles protect corners and deliver a tailored finish. Around outlets, pre-plan the tile grid to avoid narrow slivers; a half-tile or centered cut looks intentional and professional.

Maintenance Routine: Keep It Pristine

Daily: mild pH-neutral cleaner and microfiber. Weekly: inspect grout lines, address splashes behind cooktops promptly. Monthly: refresh sealer if using cementitious grout; epoxy lines need less attention. Avoid abrasive pads on glossy finishes to prevent micro-scratches that dull reflectance.

Sample Checklist Before Ordering

- Order at least two finishes of the same color (matte and satin) to compare glare under 300–350 lux task lighting.

- Test stain removal on sauce, oil, and coffee.

- Check slip feel with wet feet and common kitchen footwear.

- Mock up grout colors on sample boards under 3000–3500K lighting.

- Confirm tone variation (V1–V4) and ensure the intended range matches your design intent.

FAQ

Q1: Which tile finish is best behind a cooktop?

A1: Glazed ceramic or porcelain with a satin finish balances cleanability and glare control. Satin hides smudges better than gloss and still reflects enough light for a bright workspace.

Q2: How much light should I plan for over prep areas?

A2: Target 300–500 lux at the counter, aligned with IES recommendations for light household tasks. With that level, satin or matte tiles reduce hotspots and eye strain.

Q3: Are large-format tiles practical on kitchen floors?

A3: Yes, if the substrate is flat and leveling systems are used. Fewer grout joints mean easier cleaning and a calmer visual field. Choose rectified porcelain for tight, precise joints.

Q4: What grout type works best in high-splash zones?

A4: Epoxy grout resists stains and is ideal behind cooktops and sinks. For floors, a cementitious grout with a penetrating sealer offers flexibility and reliable maintenance.

Q5: Will glossy tiles make my kitchen look brighter?

A5: Gloss increases reflectance but can introduce glare. If you prefer gloss, position lighting to avoid direct reflections into sightlines and consider using gloss above eye level.

Q6: How do color choices influence kitchen mood?

A6: Warm neutrals energize morning routines; cooler blues/greens promote calm. Very saturated colors can be striking but may show wear more quickly; desaturated tones are timeless and forgiving.

Q7: What slip resistance should I look for?

A7: Choose tiles with subtle texture designed for residential wet areas. Micro-relief surfaces provide grip without being abrasive, making them comfortable for barefoot traffic.

Q8: Can I mix matte floor tiles with a glossy backsplash?

A8: Absolutely. Matte floors reduce slip and glare; a glossy or satin backsplash offers visual lift. Keep the palette cohesive through undertones and grout color continuity.

Q9: How do I avoid awkward cuts around outlets?

A9: Plan the tile grid first, centering outlets within larger pieces or aligning them with grout lines. Use trim profiles or bullnose for clean edge terminations.

Q10: What’s the easiest way to visualize tile layouts before ordering?

A10: Use an interior layout planner to simulate tile fields, grout lines, and lighting angles. Test multiple patterns and cut scenarios to reduce ordering risk.

Q11: Are cool-toned tiles too cold for small kitchens?

A11: Not if balanced with warm lighting (3000–3500K) and wood or brass accents. Cool hues keep small spaces crisp; warmth in metals and timber adds comfort.

Q12: How often should I reseal grout?

A12: Epoxy grout typically doesn’t need resealing. Cementitious grout benefits from a penetrating sealer every 6–12 months, depending on traffic and cleaning routine.