There’s a certain sense of mental peace that you experience when you walk into a thoughtfully remodeled home. Whether it’s how a mosaic tile captures the noon light or the artistic paintings that play into the wall’s color schemes, the beauty is in the detail. Behind such beautiful intricacies are designers who blend function, personality, and art together to create spaces that exude such a peaceful aura.
Recently, we had the pleasure of talking to Samantha Ruiz; an art designer with a 15-year track record of transforming basic spaces into splendid homes. We had a wonderful chat with her about the power of lighting, her favorite design hacks, and industry trends.
1. What do you think homeowners ignore the most when it comes to tile and lighting design?
Samantha: To be honest, most homeowners ignore the idea of “personal touch”. They treat tiling and lighting as checkboxes to check, after completing the remodel but they’re actually some of the most expressive elements in a space. Lights don’t just light up the room, they also have the power to uplift your mood. Tiles, on the other hand, reflect your favorite hues and lighten you up when you walk into the room. So I always recommend my clients to pay close attention to these elements.
2. What does your remodeling process look like?
Samantha: It always begins with a conversation. Like I mentioned earlier, personal touch matters so I try to understand the homeowner’s personality. Do they love hosting dinner parties? Are they coffee lovers? What are their daily rituals? I take inspiration from their art collection and their favorite travel destinations. Once I get to know their personality, I begin building a narrative through materials to craft their story within their home.
3. Which tile and lighting trends are you currently excited about?
Samantha: I love that we’re moving towards bold colors and texture trends in tiles. Emerald green, hand-painted terracotta, zellige tiles, and mixed patterns are some of my favorite trends. Homeowners are getting all the more creative with their choices. As far as lighting is concerned, I’d say layered lighting; I think it’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves. I also love sculptural lighting, chandeliers that appear like they’re floating, and wall sconces made from recycled glass. These are quite some exciting trends.
4. What are some tips you’d want to share with homeowners who are planning to remodel their homes?
Samantha: Do not plan in haste. Remember, good design is 90% planning and 10% execution. Look around, observe different interiors, invest in gathering samples, and try them out in your space. Also, pay attention to your lighting layout. I’ve seen amazing tilework get lost in shadows simply because the lighting wasn’t considered at the right time. Most importantly, do not shy away from statement pieces. Give your guests something interesting to remember about your home; like a patterned tile in your living room or a dramatic pendant over the kitchen island.
5. What is that one project you’ll never forget?
Samantha: Oh, there are so many unforgettable projects! There’s this one project that stands out the most. I remodeled a kitchen for a couple who loved mid-century modern design. We used deep teal handcrafted tiles for the backsplash and vintage-inspired globe pendants with brass details for lighting. What made this space truly special was the use of tiles from the homeowner’s grandma’s kitchen which brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the entire room.
6. Final thoughts for anyone about to dive into a home remodel?
Samantha: Genuinely, trust the process, and trust your instincts. Your designer may have the experience and ideas, but it’s your home. If an idea speaks to you, lean into it. That’s how you can create spaces that don’t just look pretty, but also feel peaceful and fulfilling to live in.
From our conversation with Samantha, one thing is clear: thoughtful design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that reflects who you are. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a full remodel, don’t underestimate the power of tile and lighting to bring your vision to life.
Thinking of starting a remodel? Begin with inspiration and don’t be afraid to bring in an expert who can turn your ideas into a beautiful reality. We at Tile & Light Art of Durango will help you with responsible sourcing, and expert installation guidance and bring your vision to reality.
Are you ready to create a smarter, future-friendly home? Let’s talk!