Tiles with a point of view: Inside Australia’s luxury tile curator
Written by
18 February 2026
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5 min read
On a weekday morning in Tiento’s new South Melbourne showroom, designers meander the bright, open space under exposed black timber beams. Hands trace the textured surfaces of the displays before samples are lifted, tilted, and returned in a leisurely manner. A truly welcoming and thoughtfully curated space for essential project design decisions.
Founded in 2014 by Justin and Kerry Mulry, the business operated much like any other retailer before it became apparent the brand’s strength lay in curation, not just distribution.
Rather than chasing every product, Tiento chose to listen closely to local designers, shifting interior trends, and the Australian market itself. A market often known for our conservative palette, the challenge was to source differentiation through tile quality, texture and surface nuance.
What makes a Tiento tile so desirable?
So what earns a tile its place in their Melbourne-based showrooms? Well, a Tiento tile must express restraint, depth and relevance. It must answer a need designers are actively seeking, something which elevates a space without overwhelming it. Where bold tones can feel risky, Tiento leans into surface complexity and tactility to create interest that feels enduring rather than trend-driven.
Every tile the brand stocks carries an interesting narrative of maker, material and origin. For instance, Italy offers the pinnacle of technological advancement, where manufacturers build the machines, define the processes and enjoy first access to innovation. Italy excels at scale, with practical large-format tiles, cutting-edge printing and flawless consistency.
Japan, by contrast, is where Tiento can sharpen its creative edge. There, tiles are slower, smaller, and more intimate, produced in small family-operated factories, with limited runs and deep craft traditions. Tiento travels, sources and often custom-makes tiles in Japan, developing exclusive ranges for specifier projects.
“In Japan, production is slower, more traditional, with the product handled more rather than automated,” says Justin Mulry. “Italy gives you technology. Japan gives you artisanship. They’re not competing with each other; they simply serve different purposes.”
Justin adds, “There’s definitely a closer relationship when you work with these small family-run Japanese factories. They honour the relationship far more than anything else. It creates a different dynamic”
However, it’s important to note that not every tile makes the cut. Even technically perfect products can be rejected if they won’t perform in the way designers need them too.
High taste without the intimidation
Despite its impressive following, Tiento has never chased exclusivity.
“Our showrooms have a high-end feel, but everyone is welcome,” says Kerry.
When working with Tiento, creative authorship always remains firmly with designers. Where the team steps in is on technical translation, understanding how a material will behave, what it will tolerate, and where its limits lie.
The Tiento showrooms themselves strike a careful balance presenting luxury without the intimidating price point. With so many decisions confronting specifiers and their clients, Tiento guides one’s design vision into material reality, avoiding overwhelm.
Tiles at scale
Tiento’s tiles, while often admired within Australian residences, extend their quality and scale beyond residential projects. Among their commercial designs, a five-year project at Melbourne Airport was an important lesson in endurance, collaboration and high material performance for the brand. Extensive durability testing led to the use of 900mm x 2.7-metre panels, with entire bathrooms built to suit the product, rather than forcing the product to adapt.
The result? Tiento tiles are now specified in nearly every bathroom within the Melbourne Airport, delivering longevity and visual clarity in one of Australia’s most demanding public environments.
Commercial projects like the Luxury Escapes superstores at Chadstone and Bondi Junction further demonstrate this balance, where durability must coexist with strong design intent. These projects are built on long-standing relationships with interior designers, and their confidence the material will perform as beautifully as it looks.
At a smaller scale, character-driven spaces offer their own reward. Seeing the Valencía patterned tile come alive at DISUKO’s rooftop bar, integrated into a space near brimming with personality, reinforces why curation matters. These are moments where design choices become part of the atmosphere.
No compromises in South Melbourne
Founder Justin’s 33 years in the tile industry brings deep technical knowledge, bridging the often-fractured gap between builder and designer. While Co-founder Kerry’s background as a buyer and planner adds commercial clarity, foresight and organisational strength.
As the business has grown, the duo’s personal tastes have further sharpened. Clarity of vision is protected through restraint, by saying no as often as yes, and staying deeply involved in sourcing and specification.
The new South Melbourne showroom is a pinnacle for the brand. Filled with skylights and elevated displays, it’s the space Justin and Kerry always wanted. After the success of the Fitzroy showroom at 270 Nicholson Street and three previous fit-outs over 12 years, this new Tiento showroom marks a freedom from previous compromises. It’s an environment to reflect where the brand is and plot where it’s heading: content yet quietly ambitious.
Visit the new showroom at 423 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, Victoria, or contact Tiento on ArchiPro today.