Collection: Artesano

Perfectly straight tiles create very precise lines across a wall. Artesano takes some of that precision away, and that's exactly where its charm comes from.

The edges are only subtly irregular, so you don't get the pronounced undulations associated with some handmade tiles. Instead, the eye notices small changes in the way neighbouring tiles meet. When repeated across a wall, those tiny differences make the installation feel less mechanical.

This can be particularly effective alongside very clean cabinetry or sanitaryware. The contrast between precise, contemporary fixtures and a slightly imperfect tiled surface gives the room more visual depth ; rather than everything being finished to exactly the same degree of precision.

Artesano's colours can take the collection in very different directions. White and Aqua keep things fresh and light, while Green and Blue can introduce a stronger sense of depth. Rose and Burgundy are more expressive, particularly when used across a substantial area.

With the richer colours, it's worth looking at the surrounding finishes before choosing a paint colour or worktop. You don't necessarily want to repeat the dominant tile colour; a quieter tone that picks up an undertone within the glaze can create a more sophisticated relationship.

This is also where natural materials can be useful. Timber, stone and warm neutral finishes provide enough variation of their own to complement Artesano without competing with its irregular edges.

The handmade influence doesn't mean you have to build a country-style interior around Artesano. In fact, placing a subtly irregular tile against contemporary materials can make the difference more noticeable.

Think of a simple run of Artesano alongside flat-fronted cabinetry, a clean stone worktop or modern brassware. The furniture and fittings provide the precision; the tile introduces a softer element.

This is also why the relatively compact 6.5 × 20cm format is useful. It gives you more visible joints and a greater rhythm across the wall than a larger tile would, while the restrained edge variation stops those joints from becoming overly rigid.

With Artesano, grout has a particularly interesting role because the edges themselves aren't perfectly uniform.

A closely related grout colour allows the small changes in each edge to blend together, so the overall wall feels softer and the colour of the tile remains the main feature. A contrasting grout traces those edges much more clearly, making the individual pieces and their slight differences easier to see.

The same principle applies to the laying pattern. A brick bond complements the collection's more traditional influence, whereas stacking the tiles gives the irregular edges a more contemporary setting.

If you're drawn to Artesano because of its handmade appearance, I'd generally avoid making every element around it equally decorative. Letting the tile's small imperfections provide the visual detail can create a much more balanced result.