Renovating a house is much more than a simple makeover—it’s about infusing fresh energy into a space that holds our memories. It’s an opportunity to adapt your living environment to modern needs, enhance functionality, and even increase the property’s value. Inspired by the sleek homes we often see in magazines, many of us dream of transforming our own living spaces. Yet, the challenges—especially when dealing with small, old houses—often stop us from taking that first step.
This article is designed as a comprehensive guide. We’ll not only explore renovation ideas for different areas of the home, but also show you how smart choices in materials—particularly tiles—can make the journey smoother. From durable, high-traffic tiles to luxurious, eye-catching designs for interiors, each choice tells its own story. Our goal is to equip you with key principles so you can enjoy the beauty of your renewed home for years to come—while learning how proper tile care and cleaning will help preserve that beauty.
1. Why Renovate? The Key to Transforming Old, Small Homes
Older homes, while full of nostalgic charm, often come with issues like outdated plumbing, poor lighting, or inefficient layouts. Renovation here isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. With careful planning, you can remove non-structural walls to create an open, airy space, or redesign the kitchen layout to boost efficiency.
Choosing the right flooring and wall materials plays a crucial role. Tiles, thanks to their durability, variety, and resistance to moisture, are one of the best solutions. For example, when renovating the exterior of an old house, or the flooring of a garage or courtyard, technical tiles from the PMA collection—engineered for industrial and heavy-use environments—offer unmatched durability against weather and wear. Strong, resilient, and long-lasting, they’re an investment that pays off.
2. Key Ideas for Renovating Different Spaces
Kitchen: The Beating Heart of the Home
Today’s kitchens are not just cooking spaces—they’re social hubs for families.
- Idea: Add an island or create an open-plan design that flows into the living area. In small, old homes, this can dramatically improve the sense of space.
- Materials: For floors and backsplashes, large-format slab tiles from the IMPERIO collection are both luxurious and practical. Their large size minimizes grout lines, creating a seamless, elegant look that’s also easier to clean. Pair them with cabinetry in complementary colors for a stunning effect.
Bathroom: Your Personal Spa
Bathroom makeovers are often the most satisfying part of a renovation.
- Idea: Replace old bathtubs with a modern walk-in shower enclosed in glass. Wall-hung toilets also free up floor space and make cleaning easier.
- Materials: Since moisture is the main concern, porcelain tiles from the PMA collection—available in matte or polished finishes—are ideal. Matte or textured surfaces prevent slipping, while a feature wall in marble-look tiles from IMPERIO adds a touch of luxury.
Living Room: A Space for Gathering
Your living room is the home’s showcase.
- Idea: Create a statement wall using textured or patterned tiles. Extending the same flooring onto a balcony or terrace (if available) adds continuity and makes the space feel larger.
- Materials: Porcelain tiles with natural wood or stone looks bring warmth and elegance without the high-maintenance. Neutral shades like gray, cream, or beige from the IMPERIO collection provide flexibility for furniture and décor, while PMA’s durable tiles make them perfect for heavy-traffic areas such as the entryway.
3. Choosing Tiles Wisely: Beyond Looks and Colors
Tile selection isn’t just about aesthetics—understanding technical features ensures the right fit for each space.
- Porcelain vs. Regular Ceramic: Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures, making them denser, tougher, and nearly non-porous. This means they resist water, stains, and frost—perfect for everything from kitchens to exteriors.
- Finishes: From polished (glossy) to matte, semi-gloss (lappato), or textured, each finish serves a purpose. Polished IMPERIO tiles create a sleek, luxurious effect but aren’t ideal for wet floors, while matte PMA tiles are slip-resistant and perfect for bathrooms, patios, and industrial spaces.
- Size: Large-format slabs are a major trend in modern design. With fewer grout lines, they create a sleek, seamless look and make small spaces appear larger.
4. Professional Installation: The Secret to Longevity
Even the finest tiles lose their impact if poorly installed. Professional installation is an investment in durability and beauty.
- Surface Prep: The base must be clean, level, and even. Any imperfections could cause cracks or loose tiles later.
- Adhesive: Never use traditional mortar (cement and sand) for porcelain tiles—especially large formats. They require specialized porcelain tile adhesives, like those from PMA, which ensure strong, flexible bonding.
- Grouting: Grout doesn’t just fill gaps—it prevents water and dirt from seeping underneath, while also enhancing the finish. High-quality PMA grouts are waterproof and anti-fungal, preventing discoloration and mold over time.
5. Tile Care and Maintenance: Keeping the Shine Alive
One of the biggest advantages of tiles is their low maintenance. With a few simple habits, your tiles will retain their beauty for decades.
Daily and Weekly Care
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and prevent scratches, especially on polished tiles.
- Mop with warm water and a neutral pH cleaner. Avoid harsh acids (like bleach) or strong alkalis (like powdered detergents), which can damage glaze and grout.
- Dry surfaces immediately with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots—this enhances the shine of polished tiles, especially those from IMPERIO.
Tackling Stubborn Stains
- Grease/Oil: Use a neutral cleaner and scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Coffee/Tea/Juice: A 50/50 mix of warm water and white vinegar works well. Spray, wait a few minutes, then wipe clean.
- Ink/Paint: Apply isopropyl alcohol on a cloth (test in an inconspicuous area first).
Special Care for Grout
- Use an old toothbrush with baking soda paste for regular grout cleaning.
- Apply a grout sealer after installation to protect against moisture and stains. PMA’s premium grout products reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
Conclusion: A Home for Today, An Investment for Tomorrow
Renovating a home is an exciting journey—one that, with careful planning and smart choices, ends in a beautiful and rewarding result. As we’ve seen, successful renovations aren’t just about new layouts, but about selecting the right materials. Tiles—combining durability, beauty, and easy maintenance—stand out as the undisputed hero.
By using PMA’s high-performance tiles for exteriors and high-traffic areas, and IMPERIO’s luxurious designs for interiors, you achieve both functionality and elegance. Paired with proper installation and PMA adhesives and grouts, along with simple maintenance habits, your dream home will shine like new for years to come.