Artist and muralist Juliana Lupacchino, known for her bold walls and creative expression, recently took on a personal design project: transforming her outdated kitchen into a cozy, light-filled space. Drawing on her background in interior design and her experience as a creative, Juliana turned to Clay Imports Reverse Terracotta tile to anchor the renovation. The results? A space that’s brighter, warmer, and full of character.
- From Childhood Interiors to Creative Walls
- Why Reverse Terracotta?
- A Thoughtful, Step-by-Step Renovation
- Sealers, Grout, and All the Details
- Real-Life Results
- Final Thoughts
From Childhood Interiors to Creative Walls
Juliana’s design instincts were shaped early. With an interior designer mom, she grew up surrounded by swatches, samples, and home projects.
“As a child, I was always immersed in her work. Watching her choose colors and textures definitely influenced how I think about space today,” she says.
Now a muralist, Juliana blends color and shape into custom wall art—but her eye for composition extends beyond paint. “I’ve always loved designing interiors. My house may not be filled with murals, but every corner is full of color, texture, and personal treasures.”
The sunlight hits the terracotta and reflects a soft pink glow onto the white walls.
Why Reverse Terracotta?
When it came time to redo the kitchen floors, terracotta was already on her radar.
“I’ve always been drawn to the warmth and natural feel of terracotta,” Juliana says. “Reverse Terracotta captured that perfectly.”
The decision wasn’t rushed. She reviewed samples and sealers thoroughly, even changing her initial selection after seeing how the tile looked in her kitchen’s natural light.
“The variation in shade and finish really surprised me. Seeing the tile in my space made all the difference.”
The matte finish of the tiles adds a soft, earthy texture that contrasts beautifully with the clean white cabinetry and wood countertops.
A Thoughtful, Step-by-Step Renovation
Juliana’s kitchen remodel unfolded gradually over two years. The original space was dark, with worn laminate floors and dated cabinetry. She began by updating lighting with mid-century-inspired fixtures, refinishing the counters with stained wood, and repainting with Farrow & Ball Pointing—a soft, bright white.
“Once everything else was updated, I knew it was time to focus on the floors. The Reverse Terracotta brought in the perfect warmth to balance all the white.”
For installation, she trusted her long-time contractor, who had already worked on the rest of the kitchen. Trust and craftsmanship were key.
The penetrating sealer and light-colored grout used in this installation allow the tiles to maintain their natural, warm look.
Sealers, Grout, and All the Details
Juliana opted for Clay Imports’ recommended penetrating sealer, which offered both durability and a low-sheen finish ideal for high-traffic areas with lots of natural light.
“I didn’t want anything too glossy. I wanted it to look as natural as possible.”
When it came to grout, she stuck close to Clay Imports’ recommendations, selecting a tone that brightened the space without overpowering the tile.
“I avoided dark grout. It made the tile feel muddier and took away from the warmth I was after.”
Fun Fact:
Though Reverse Terracotta can be installed with the ribbed side up, Juliana chose the smooth side up for comfort. “If this were a wall, I might’ve done a checkerboard pattern with both textures—but for floors, smooth felt right.”
There’s a natural harmony between the terracotta reverse tiles and the mid-century furnishings.
Real-Life Results
Now that the installation is complete, the impact is clear.
“The kitchen feels so much cozier and cleaner. I didn’t realize how much the old floors dragged the space down until I saw the before photos.”
An unexpected bonus? The way the sunlight hits the terracotta and reflects a soft pink glow onto the white walls. “It was a happy accident—and it really adds to the overall warmth.”
It’s the natural imperfections and tonal variations in the clay that give it soul.
Final Thoughts
Juliana recommends Reverse Terracotta without hesitation.
“It’s beautiful online, but even better in person. The natural imperfections in the clay give it soul.”
Her top advice? Hire a pro.
“Grout cleanup is tricky, and even though terracotta embraces imperfections, you still want someone who can install it well.”
Oh—and if you're installing with the ribbed side down? A quick pro tip from Juliana’s contractor: shave down the ribs slightly to help the tile lay flatter.
Inspired by Juliana’s transformation?
Browse our full Reverse Terracotta collection and bring that natural warmth into your own home.
Got questions about sealers, textures, or installation? Visit our vast resource library for more info and chat with us online for personalized recommendations.
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