The prettiest renovation mistake: falling for the wrong tile

Anyone choosing tiles for a renovation knows the problem, a showroom can turn a simple decision into an overwhelming one. Aaron and Naomi Tzipel, owners of Kedem Ceramica in Tel Aviv, say their role is to help clients sort through the options and match them to the actual home, not just what looks good on display.

Aaron says the common mistake starts with visual appeal. Dark tiles may be trendy and attractive, he notes, but in Israel’s hard water they can quickly show limescale and demand much more cleaning. He warns that many trends last only two or three years, so homeowners should think about how they will live with the choice over time, not just whether it photographs well.

Function matters as much as design, especially in bathrooms and toilets. Aaron says those spaces should use anti-slip tiles with an R10 standard, while wall tiles can be chosen more freely for style. He also explains that full-body tiles are important in wet areas because if something falls on them, the glaze will not be damaged. By contrast, glazed tiles with full glazing are easier to clean and can leave no trace after spills.

Kedem Ceramica offers customers flooring for wet rooms and apartments, parquet, faucets, jacuzzis, sinks, and custom bathroom cabinets. Aaron says clients who come through B144 are especially relevant because they arrive knowing what they want and receive guidance before making the final decision. “A customer who comes here is basically family,” he says, adding that helping people leaves the team with a strong sense of satisfaction.