Dabbieri Blog

Large Format Tiles Inspiration: Transform Your Home with Modern Elegance

When it comes to interior design, flooring isn’t just a functional element—it’s a defining feature that sets the tone for the entire space. Over the past few years, large format tiles have taken center stage in modern homes, and it’s not hard to see why. These tiles, characterized by their generous dimensions and sleek aesthetics, create a clean and contemporary look that interior designers and homeowners alike are falling in love with. Whether you're aiming for a spacious feel in a cozy room or a luxurious vibe throughout your home, large format tiles offer endless possibilities to elevate your interior design.

If you’ve been considering a refresh for your floors, walls, or even outdoor spaces, here’s how large format tiles can help achieve your dream home aesthetics.

Haut Monde Tile by Daltile

Why Choose Large Format Tiles?

Large format tiles are here to make a statement. These oversized beauties—typically measuring 24x24 inches or larger—bring a bold, seamless appearance to any space while offering exceptional practicality. Here are some of the key reasons they’ve become a top choice for interior designers and homeowners:

• Visual Impact: Large tiles create an illusion of space, making smaller rooms feel open and airy.
• Reduced Grout Lines: With fewer grout lines, your floors or walls appear smooth and uninterrupted, contributing to that clean, modern aesthetic.
• Versatility: Available in a wide array of materials, finishes, and patterns, these tiles can suit modern, rustic, industrial, or classic interiors.
• Durability: Beyond their size, large format tiles are crafted with durability in mind, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or outdoor use.

Now that you know the broad appeal of large format tiles, let's explore some inspiring ways to incorporate them into your design vision.

Make Small Spaces Feel Spacious

One of the most magical effects of large format tiles is their ability to make small rooms appear larger. By using tiles with fewer grout lines, your floor or wall achieves a nearly seamless look, tricking the eye into perceiving more space. This strategy works wonders in areas like small bathrooms, powder rooms, or galley-style kitchens.

For example, installing pale-colored large format porcelain tiles in a bathroom can brighten up the space while creating a clean, spa-like atmosphere. Pair the tiles with minimalist fixtures, like a floating vanity or glass shower enclosure, to maintain an open, uncluttered vibe. Rectangular tiles installed in a herringbone or chevron pattern can add a unique, dynamic touch to smaller spaces without overwhelming them.

If you’re working with tight spaces, remember to opt for light shades and glossy finishes to enhance the reflection of natural light and amplify the feeling of openness.

Add Modern Drama to Living Areas

Large format tiles aren't just practical—they're also incredibly stylish and can turn any living room, dining area, or hallway into a designer-inspired space. For living areas, consider natural stone-inspired tiles, like marble or travertine-lookalikes, for a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic. These tiles offer the elegance of natural materials with the low maintenance of porcelain or ceramic.

For those who prefer a sleek, ultra-modern aesthetic, matte-finish concrete-effect tiles are a stunning option for open-plan layouts. Their neutral tones provide the perfect foundation for contemporary furniture and decor, allowing you to layer textures, patterns, and colors without overwhelming the space.

Want to add a bold, dramatic touch? Go for dark tiles, like charcoal or black hues, paired with contrasting light walls or accents. Dark large tiles with a high-gloss finish can create a polished, luxurious feel that’s perfect for statement-making spaces.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Extend the Indoors to Outdoors

One of the most exciting trends in home design is biophilic design, which blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, and large format tiles are the perfect tool to achieve this effect. By choosing a tile design that spans both interior flooring and an outdoor patio or entertaining area, you can create a seamless transition between the two spaces.

For instance, large format tiles in stone or slate-inspired designs can beautifully complement outdoor elements like greenery or a poolside setting. Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for outdoor use due to their durability and resistance to weather changes.

Are you designing a patio or outdoor dining area? Opt for slip-resistant finishes to ensure safety without compromising style. Combine these tiles with wide glass doors to add a cohesive, flowing feel that connects your indoor comfort with the natural beauty of the outdoors. It’s the ideal setup for entertaining or simply relaxing in your backyard haven.

Your Path to Effortless Elegance

Large format tiles are more than just a design choice—they're a lifestyle upgrade. Their beauty, versatility, and functionality make them an investment in creating a home that reflects your personality while providing practical benefits for years to come. Whether you want to make a small room feel expansive, create a dramatic focal point in your living area, or seamlessly connect your indoors and outdoors, large format tiles offer endless possibilities for creating a space you’ll love coming home to.

If you’re ready to explore how large format tiles can transform your space, our curated collection offers premium designs for all tastes and needs. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade or an interior designer planning your next project, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.

Bring the Outdoors Inside: Natural Décor for Interior Design

Biophilic design is one of this year’s biggest trends, but natural decor is more than just a passing fad. It’s a timeless way to bring balance, relaxation, and charm into your home. Whether it’s your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, adding nature-inspired elements can instantly transform your space into a vibrant, inviting retreat. From indoor plants to natural materials like wood and stone, biophilic design enhances both aesthetics and well-being. Create a home that feels alive and full of personality by embracing the beauty of nature.

Discover how natural materials, textures, and tones can instantly elevate your home decor. From mastering the basics of natural design to incorporating natural flooring for a cohesive look, we’ll guide you through creating a timeless, eco-friendly space.

Why Choose Natural Décor?

Natural décor is more than just a design trend—it’s a sustainable lifestyle choice with lasting benefits. By incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and neutral tones into your home, you can create a calming space that promotes relaxation, improves air quality, and reduces stress. Unlike fleeting interior design trends, natural elements remain timeless, adding both elegance and functionality to any room.

How to Add Natural Decor to Your Home

Natural decor is incredibly versatile, making it easy to blend into any home style. Whether your vibe is modern, vintage, rustic, or something else entirely, natural materials pair beautifully with every interior design aesthetic.

Start with Furniture

Furniture is the perfect starting point for introducing natural decor. Solid wood furniture, rattan, bamboo, and wicker are excellent choices that add warmth and texture. A rich wooden coffee table complements a mid-century modern look, while a rattan accent chair works perfectly for a boho-inspired space.

Add Earthy Textiles

Incorporate fabrics like linen cushions, wool blankets, and natural fiber rugs to bring softness and comfort into the room. These materials enhance the organic feel while maintaining practicality and style.

Use Accent Pieces

Smaller natural accents can make a big impact. Think ceramic or glass vases, woven baskets, and wood or metal sculptures. These elements add depth and dimension, creating visual interest and even sparking conversation.

Natural Flooring for Warmth and Style

Natural materials like hardwood, wool, or stone tile make a statement in flooring, forming the foundation of your design. Hardwood is durable and timeless, while stone options like slate or limestone bring a modern edge, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.

Don't Forget Plants

Indoor plants are a must for natural decor. Snake plants, fiddle-leaf figs, and colorful flowers bring life and vibrancy to your space while purifying the air and boosting your mood.

By combining furniture, textiles, accent pieces, and greenery, you can create a harmonious, natural aesthetic in your home.

Designing a Cohesive Natural Space

Creating a harmonious interior design goes beyond adding individual natural elements—it’s about combining them seamlessly. To achieve a cohesive and visually appealing space, focus on layering textures, mixing materials, and sticking to a consistent theme. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your home. By paying attention to these details, you can design an inviting, nature-inspired space that reflects your unique style while maintaining balance and warmth.

Are you ready to transform your home with natural décor? Start small or go big, and make this timeless design your own!

Transform Your Dining Room into a Stylish Space for Memorable Meals

Your dining room is more than just a place to eat—it's where friends gather, memories are made, and meaningful conversations unfold over delicious meals. With life often moving faster than we would like, crafting a formal dining room that invites you to pause, connect, and celebrate can make all the difference.

If you've been dreaming of transforming your dining space into one that's elegant yet inviting, we're here to take you through everything you need to know about how to create a formal dining room—from layout to décor choices that enhance ambiance.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Why a Formal Dining Room Matters

A formal dining room is more than just a functional space—it's a deliberate place for slowing down and savoring meals with loved ones. While the term "formal" might sound intimidating, it's really about designing a space that complements your home's style. A well-crafted formal dining room should seamlessly blend with the rest of your home while offering a sense of purpose and refined elegance. Whether you're hosting dinner parties or celebrating special milestones, this space ensures you're always ready to entertain with sophistication and ease.

Creating the Perfect Formal Dining Room Layout

The first step in designing your dream formal dining room is selecting the ideal layout. It should not only suit the size and flow of your space but also feel well-defined. If your home already has a designated dining room, you've got step one covered. However, if you're working with an open floor plan, defining the dining area becomes essential. Fortunately, this is easy to achieve with elements like room dividers or architectural features such as half-walls or columns.

To further establish the dining zone, consider anchoring the space with an area rug beneath your dining table. This not only helps visually define the room but also adds a layer of personality and warmth. Naturally, the dining table should serve as the focal point of the space. Be sure to choose a table that's appropriately sized—one that isn't too large or too small—so guests can move around comfortably.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Choosing the Perfect Furniture to Elevate Your Formal Dining Room

The dining table is the heart of your room, both in function and style. As the focal point, it sets the tone for your space, making it the foundation of your dining room's design. Whether your style leans mid-century modern or minimalist, the materials you choose are key to achieving your look. For a timeless, formal feel, consider rich wood tones like mahogany or walnut to add warmth and elegance. For a sleek, modern vibe, glass or polished marble tables bring sophistication. The table's shape matters, too. Rectangular tables are a classic choice, offering balanced proportions and a refined presence. Round tables are ideal for smaller spaces, creating intimacy without sacrificing style.

Dining chairs should balance comfort and style. While traditionally, they match or complement the table, bold choices can add character. For a maximalist look, mixing and matching chairs can create a dynamic, engaging space when done thoughtfully. If space permits, enhance your dining area with a bar cart, sideboard, or cabinet. These pieces offer practical storage and act as stylish elements to elevate your dining room's ambiance.

Transform Your Dining Room with Decor

The final step in designing your formal dining room is accessorizing with decor. Start with a defined style and color scheme to guide your choices. Proper lighting is key—install a chandelier above the table for both function and a striking centerpiece, and pair it with wall sconces or lamps for a layered effect. Add dimension to the room with wall art or mirrors, such as landscapes, family photos, or a gilded mirror. Complete the look with a centerpiece, like a vase of fresh flowers or a decorative bowl, ensuring it's low enough for visibility. Finally, refine the space with tableware, whether classic and simple or bold and patterned, to tie everything together.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Bringing It All Together

Designing a formal dining room is about more than the furniture or decor—it's about crafting an atmosphere where people can connect, share stories, and create lasting memories. It's an opportunity to elevate your home's functionality and style simultaneously.

If you are feeling inspired to start planning your dream dining room, we'd love to help take some of the guesswork out of the design process. Contact our design experts for personalized room solutions tailored to your unique taste and lifestyle.

Your perfect formal dining room is closer than you think—start dreaming, designing, and celebrating today.

How to Harness the Power of Lighting in Interior Design

When it comes to interior design, lighting is pivotal. It affects the mood, enhances the color palette, and influences how you feel in a room. Whether you're designing your dream home or revamping your current space, understanding how to harness the power of lighting is key to creating an environment that's both stylish and inviting.

From using natural light to layering interior lighting with ambient, task, and accent fixtures, this guide will "light the way" (pun intended!) to achieving the perfect balance of beauty and practicality in your home decor lighting.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Why Lighting is Key to Interior Design

Lighting is one of the most important elements in interior design—but often overlooked. The right lighting sets the mood, and can create a sense of calm, vibrancy, or coziness in a space. It also has a huge impact on how colors appear, whether it’s your wall paint, furniture, or decor. A poorly lit room can make even the boldest hues seem dull, while great lighting will make them pop. Lighting isn't just about aesthetics, it also plays a functional role. Being able to accurately use lighting allows you to elevate your space and take your interior design to the next level.

Mastering Natural Light

Natural light is the foundation of good interior design. There’s no denying the warmth and vibrancy sunlight brings to a space, making it feel alive and welcoming. The first step is to consider the orientation of the room. North facing rooms receive soft, consistent light and benefit from lighter decor to maximize brightness. South-facing rooms, on the other hand, enjoy ample sunlight throughout the day, enhancing warm or neutral tones. By taking note of the natural light flow, you can design spaces that use it effectively.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Layering Types of Interior Lighting

While natural light is fundamental, interior lighting is where you can truly customize the vibe and functionality of your home. A well-lit room combines three categories of lighting: ambient, task, and accent

1. Ambient Lighting

Also known as general lighting, ambient lighting provides the overall illumination for a room. Think ceiling lights, chandeliers, and recessed fixtures.

• Integrate dimmable ambient lighting to make spaces adaptable for different occasions, from casual gatherings to quiet evenings.

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting is functional, focused light designed for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working.

• Examples include desk lamps, under-cabinet kitchen lighting, and even pendant lights in over-the-table setups.
• Select light levels appropriate to the task—bright enough to help but not overwhelming.

3. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting adds drama and flair, drawing attention to focal points like artwork, architectural details, or decorative objects. Examples include track lighting, wall sconces, and LED strips.

• Use this sparingly for maximum impact—it’s the icing on your interior design cake.

Know When to Layer

Layers create depth and balance in your lighting scheme. For instance, pair a bold chandelier with understated task lighting in a living room, or add accent lights to a kitchen with functional overhead lights.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Final Touches to Transform Your Space

Once you’ve nailed down your lighting strategy, it’s time to add the finishing touches to personalize your space. Experiment with smart lighting systems to change hues and brightness settings with a simple app or voice command. Incorporate decorative light fixtures, like fairy lights or lanterns, to infuse whimsy into your home decor lighting. Consider color temperature. Warm light creates a cozy and relaxing ambiance, ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, whereas cool light works well for functional areas like kitchens, home offices, and bathrooms.

Light Your Way to Dream Spaces

Lighting has the power to elevate any room, making it not only functional but also stylish and inviting. Whether you’re maximizing natural light, layering ambient, task, and accent lights, or selecting the perfect fixtures for your decor, thoughtful lighting design can completely transform your home. Take your time to experiment, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your lighting scheme. After all, it’s your space—you deserve to shine in it.

For more design inspiration check out the rest of our blog. When it comes time to shop visit your local International Design Guild for trusted expert advice and top quality products and services.

Find Your Perfect Cozy Winter Carpet

When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, its important to make your home the ultimate sanctuary of warmth and comfort. While a crackling fireplace and a cozy throw blanket can add charm, nothing enhances your winter retreat quite like the perfect carpet. The right winter flooring not only insulates your space but also elevates the interior of your home. Whether you're looking for something incredibly soft, visually appealing, or textured and warm underfoot, we've got you covered.

This guide will walk you through three types of cozy carpets—plush, patterned, and textured—that will add both style and comfort to your home interior this winter season.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Sink Into Softness With Plush Carpets

If maximum softness is what you're after, plush carpets are the ideal choice for your winter flooring. With their dense pile and velvety surface, these luxurious carpets feel like walking on a cloud. Perfect for bedrooms or family rooms, plush carpets create an inviting atmosphere, turning every day into a cozy retreat.

Why Choose Plush Carpets?

• Superior Comfort: Plush carpets are designed to feel irresistibly soft underfoot, making chilly winter mornings much easier.
• Insulation Benefits: Their thick pile adds an extra layer of warmth and soundproofing, making your living space feel even more snug.
• Endless Color Choices: Available in a variety of neutral and bold shades, plush carpets can seamlessly complement your home interior.

When selecting a soft carpet, look for options made from durable materials like nylon or SmartStrand. These fibers are built to last while retaining their luxurious feel, even in high-traffic areas.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Add Flair to Your Space With Patterned Carpets

Who says winter flooring has to be plain? Patterned carpets are a fantastic way to make a bold design statement while keeping your home cozy. From geometric shapes to florals, patterned carpets bring personality to any space. Plus, they’re great for hiding everyday wear and tear—perfect for homes with kids or pets.

Why Patterned Carpets Stand Out

• Visual Appeal: Patterns instantly elevate the aesthetic of your interiors, adding depth and character.
• Low Maintenance: The intricate designs naturally mask stains and dirt, making them a practical choice for winter.
• Versatile Styles: Choose from timeless motifs or modern patterns to suit your design style, whether it's classic or contemporary.

Popular in living rooms, home offices, and hallways, patterned carpets become the centerpiece of your flooring without sacrificing warmth or durability. Pair them with solid-colored furniture and minimal decor to create a balanced and harmonious room.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Get the Ultimate Winter Texture With Textured Carpets

If you're looking for a carpet that not only feels warm but also adds dimension to your space, textured carpets are a must-have. These carpets feature varying pile heights or weaves that create a tactile experience you (and your feet!) will love. Their organic look often mimics natural materials, making them a popular choice for rustic or modern-cozy designs.

Benefits of Textured Carpets

• Durability: Textured carpets are built to withstand wear and tear, maintaining their appearance even in busy households.
• Cozy Vibes: Their unique textures add a tangible sense of warmth, perfect for winter nights indoors.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Many textured carpets are made from sustainable or recycled materials for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Textured carpets work beautifully in dens, dining rooms, and even staircases, offering a balance of style and substance. For an added layer of warmth, consider pairing textured carpets with an underlay pad for exceptional comfort.

Wrap Up in Warmth This Winter

Finding the perfect cozy carpet for winter comes down to your personal needs and design preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the luxurious comfort of plush carpets, the eye-catching beauty of patterned designs, or the tactile charm of textured options, there’s a carpet out there to match your vision.

Now’s the perfect time to redefine your winter flooring and make every step in your home a warm one. Need some expert guidance or inspiration? Reach out to us today, and we’ll help you find the ideal style and material for your space.

Upgrade your winter flooring and feel the difference—your perfect cozy carpet awaits!

Formal Living Rooms Are Back: The Interior Design Trend Taking Over 2025

In the past, living room trends have focused on more casual spaces designed for everything from family movie nights to working from home. In 2025, we're seeing a resurgence of defined spaces, like formal living rooms. This trend is all about timeless elegance and sophistication and creating a dedicated space for entertaining and unwinding in style.

If you want to elevate your home in the coming year, learn more about the must-have components of formal living rooms, tips to style them, and how to incorporate this trend seamlessly into your home. You'll walk away with practical ideas and inspiration to transform your space into a masterpiece.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

What Defines a Formal Living Room?

Unlike the family room, designed for everyday use, a formal living room is intentionally curated for entertaining guests, hosting gatherings, or simply creating a luxurious escape. Its design is purposeful, with a focus on aesthetics and creating an atmosphere.

Key Characteristics of Formal Living Rooms

• Sophisticated Style Elements: Think timeless furniture, plush upholstery, and a harmonious color palette. Formal living rooms are the epitome of elegance.
• Well-Defined Layout: These rooms typically have a symmetrical arrangement, creating balance and visual appeal.
• High-Quality Materials: From rich woods and marble surfaces to textured fabrics like velvet and linen, formal living rooms feature premium materials that elevate the overall feeling of the space.
• Statement Décor: A dramatic chandelier, a grand mirror, or an eye-catching piece of art instantly sets the tone.
• Purposeful Furniture Placement: Unlike casual spaces, furniture in formal living rooms is often arranged around a focal point, such as a fireplace or a grand window, to encourage conversation and relaxation.

Why Are Formal Living Rooms Trending in 2025?

The 2025 interior trends are driven by a desire to reconnect with elegance and intentionality in home design. With many of us spending more time at home, formal living rooms serve as spaces to create lasting impressions, host meaningful gatherings, or indulge in quiet luxury.

This trend reflects a general shift toward more curated lifestyles where quality trumps quantity, allowing you to define your personal taste and make your living spaces more distinctive.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

How to Create a Formal Living Room That Wows

You don’t need a sprawling mansion to create a stunning formal living room. Even small spaces can adopt the key principles of this design trend. Follow these steps to create a formal living room that speaks to elegance and timeless style:

1. Choose a Refined Color Palette

The color palette sets the mood of your living room. For a formal aesthetic, aim for sophisticated hues such as deep navy, emerald green, rich burgundy, or classic neutrals like ivory, taupe, and charcoal gray. Use lighter shades for the walls to create an airy foundation while incorporating darker or jewel tones through furniture and accent pieces for depth and contrast.

2. Invest in High-Quality Furniture

The heart of a formal living room is its furniture. Look for timeless pieces like a tufted sofa, wingback chairs, and a classic coffee table. Selecting furniture with clean lines, luxurious upholstery (velvet or leather, for example), and intricate detailing will enhance the upscale vibe.

Pro Tip: Symmetrical furniture arrangements instantly add a polished look. Pair armchairs on both sides of a sofa or position matching side tables for balance.

3. Create a Focal Point

Every formal living room needs a focal point. Options include:

• A bold fireplace with a mantel adorned with tasteful décor.
• A statement rug that ties the entire space together.
• An oversized piece of art or gallery wall that adds personality to the room.

Don’t be afraid to make it a conversation starter—it’s meant to grab attention.

4. Incorporate Layered Lighting

Lighting is essential for achieving the right ambiance. To layer the lighting, opt for a blend of statement fixtures, like chandeliers or pendant lights, and softer options, like table lamps and wall sconces. Dimmer switches are a great addition to create a warm and inviting glow during evening gatherings.

5. Add Texture and Patterns

Elegance lies in the details, and nothing gives a room dimension quite like texture and patterns. Use throw pillows, soft area rugs, and drapes in complementary patterns or subtle textures to enhance the visual appeal. Incorporate metallic accents through mirrors, picture frames, or decor pieces for a touch of glamour.

6. Focus on Timeless Décor

Accessories bring the design together. Classics like fresh floral arrangements, sculptures, or antique vases exude sophistication. Prioritize quality over quantity; too much clutter can diminish the room's formality.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Formal Living Rooms That Reflect Your Personal Style

While this trend embraces tradition, the key to making it unique is to reflect your personality. Blend modern touches with traditional elements or introduce bold statement pieces that showcase your individual style. Whether you love mid-century modern art or antique French furniture, the 2025 formal living room design trend is flexible enough to adapt to your preferences.

For those ready to elevate their space with expert guidance, connect with our team for personalized home décor ideas and expert styling tips. Let's bring your formal living room vision to life.