@duffwny - if you really want to see what Cloe tile looks like, I suggest ordering a box from Lowe’s or Amazon (Walmart might also have it - I bought a different color of Cloe tile through Walmart last year because the return policy allowed me to take it back to a brick and mortar Walmart store - even though it was shipped to me directly from Bedrosian). Both have free shipping and free returns. Also, when I purchased it - and placed a bunch of tiles out on my kitchen island, it looked like it had less color variation - but when I took a photo of it with my phone, the variation looked the same as in other photos I’d seen posted on Houzz and on Bedrosian’s IG page. The price of Cloe tile has dramatically increased since I purchased it for my kitchen + bathroom two years ago - I think it was about $6.99 sf! Lowe’s has a 90 day return policy (can return to actual store and save shipping cost): Amazon has free shipping and free returns for 30 days (fyi - I have seen the price fluctuate quite a bit on Amazon): This says ”Free 30 day returns” - but then has 90 days when clicked. When I purcjased, I called and was told I could return to a Walmart store within 90 days.

Whites are tricky and photos can be deceiving. I would get samples of both and look at them in your kitchen, in your light, with your counters and cabinets. The first choice looks more modern than the second if that has any bearing on your decision.

Well, it occurred to me that I have samples of Makoto at home, so I tested them for cleaning! Here are the results. * Tested tiles: Makoto midori green & kumo gray, which are both matte. Also two glossy tiles for comparison - Cloe and Traditions (Bedrosians' basic subway tile). Test (1) Splashed them with water as they laid flat on my counter. I have hard water (my city is 240ppm if you want to compare). The green Makoto tile showed significant water stains when dried (yikes!), the gray Makoto looked a lot better. The glossy tiles looked fine overall but did have fingerprint smudges and water spots if you looked at from a certain angle. See first photo. Test (2) Soap scum and kid bath paint (the red spot you see on the tile). All the tiles showed those marks and all washed away equally well. The matte did not feel any harder to scrub than the glossy. Test (3) Put them in the shower in vertical position. This simulates the actual position they will dry in, which apparently made a big difference. The green Makoto now came out just fine! See second photo. Based on this, my conclusion is that matte tiles are harder to clean only if (1) you have hard water, (2) tiles are dark and (3) tiles lie horizontally on your floor. Knowing this now I will never use black tiles on floors!

I’m very satisfied with how Avalanche turned out. Very neutral in matching—not bright, not dark. Make sure you have a skilled installer for smooth finish. Apparently, ours wasn’t and our tiles aren’t smooth and it’s a rustic look which is okay but would rather it be smooth. But I couldn’t tell until installer washed grout off and too late. Also if you use Cloe, since the tiles are variegated colors, lay them out ahead in order you want, to avoid areas of same color or other undesirable pattern. Consider stacking tiles for a more non-traditional look. All that being said, I love this Cloe tile.