blue Archives - The Tile Shop Blog Thu, 30 May 2024 20:21:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 147117943 2020 Tile Trend: 3D Sculptural https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/2020-tile-trend-sculptural/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/2020-tile-trend-sculptural/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=2284 A sculpture is simply defined as a work of art that is three dimensional. Sculptural tiles follow this same idea....

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A sculpture is simply defined as a work of art that is three dimensional. Sculptural tiles follow this same idea. They’re 3-D, adding dimension and life to the walls of your home, and they are interesting and beautiful works of art all on their own. You’ll often find that sculptural tiles are neutral in color. Their unique shapes speak for themselves, and they’re perfect for keeping the look and feel of your space simple yet exciting. Explore how this up-and-coming tile trend can amplify your home’s walls.

Lots of 3D tiles incorporate geometric designs. By mixing and matching the different faces of the Tangram series, you can create an entirely unique patchwork look.

white geometric sculptural tile
Featured: Tangram Branco 3-D, Tangram Asas Branco 3-D and Tangram Rampa Branco 3-D

Sweeping movements make for a soft, serene landscape, perfect for relaxing in the bath after a long day.

sculptural white bathroom tile
Featured: Folhas Quartzo AC

Flora and fauna-inspired motifs bring a natural quality to 3D tiles. We love how this leaf design comes to dramatic life on a black accent wall.

Featured: Exclusive Black BRL-R Ret

A straight-stack pattern modernizes this matte sculptural tile.

A marble look brings a wink of tradition to this otherwise of-the-moment 3D subway tile.

marble-look sculptural tile
Featured: Memphis Bianco Di Elba Ret

Ready for a bold statement?! Just add color! Blue is a serene color that is well-loved in home design.

blue patterned sculptural tile
Featured: Estrela Jeans Matte

If you’re looking for a subtle way to add interest to your space, opt for a beautiful-yet-simple 3D tile, like the Charm Diamond.

Featured: Charm Diamond.

The neutral hues of the Akros Elis Iris create a distinctive, one-of-a-kind shower while still creating that calming, at-home spa experience.

geometric shower tile
Featured: Akros Elis Iris.

Get the look of an intricate mosaic with fewer grout lines when you utilize a large-format tile like this one.

black mosaic-look sculptural tile
Featured: Sensorial Forma DGR Matte

Complete a bold sculptural look with coordinating trims, accents and finishing pieces. Learn how to layer your look with trim pieces and profiles here.

sculptural tile pairings
Featured: Kedon RLV Light and Kedon RLV Pearl

What do you get when you combine geometric, metallic and sculptural effects into one tile? A stunning statement wall that’s sure to wow.

metallic sculptural tile
Featured: Yara Metal Silver Hex

Is there any tile more perfect for an eye-catching cocktail bar?

black bar tile
Featured: Diamante Negro Matte

A natural stone mosaic blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary.

travertine mosaic geometric tile
Featured: Legno Geometric Mosaic

Ready to find a 3D tile that speaks to you? Schedule a design consultation today!

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Sophia Bush’s Hollywood Hills Bungalow https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/sophia-bush-hollywood-bungalow/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/sophia-bush-hollywood-bungalow/#respond Sat, 15 Feb 2020 06:11:30 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=2303 We’ll keep this brief as we know you are only here for two things: Sophia Bush and her beautiful California...

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We’ll keep this brief as we know you are only here for two things: Sophia Bush and her beautiful California dream home. And let us just say, this house is everything you could want—and then some! If you haven’t already heard, Sophia Bush recently completed the renovation of her mid-century bungalow in Los Angeles, California. She spearheaded this incredible undertaking with the help of her talented friends, Orie Prince (contractor) and Jake Alexander Arnold (interior designer).

Photography by Trevor Tondro. All photography courtesy of Elle Decor.

Kitchen & Living Room

The goal for the kitchen was to design a “really beautiful space for community,” Orie Prince said. From entertaining friends and family to day-to-day use, the 13-foot-long island seamlessly achieves the design team’s intention. Detail after detail, this kitchen has it all.

The interior decor’s large variety of texture and color immaculately replicates the warmth of the outdoors.

Master Bedroom & Bath

From acting to activism, Sophia is what we would call a busy bee. Someone as involved and dedicated as her would most likely want the perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation. What better place than a master bedroom and bathroom?

Sophia referred to her new master bathroom as “the dream of dreams.” With a space this impressive, she is absolutely right!

We especially can’t get enough of the open, curved shower. Imperial Blush Mosaic beautifully plays off of the bathroom’s warm color palette. The glossy finish adds the perfect shine to help brighten the space.

Home Office

Fun fact: Orie and his team soundproofed the home office so that Sophia could have a space to record her latest podcasts.

Guest Room & Bath

The warm tones from the master bathroom were repeated in the guest bathroom to create the perfect sense of unity. This shower wall is embellished with a dark-hued Imperial Sienna Gloss Mosaic.

Powder Room

If you couldn’t tell by now, Sophia loves color just as much we do. We are mesmerized by this blue powder room. Love the color blue? Check out our blog post that is dedicated to this confident color!

Read the entire story on Sophia Bush’s collaboration with Elle Decor.

Dive into the world of color with the Imperial Collection. With over 600 pieces in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, you can express your individual style and personality however you imagine.

Having trouble finding a color or design that best fits your home? From inspiration and tile samples to free design services, we’ll partner with you for every step of the way.

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Style Guide: Cement & Cement-Look Tile https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/style-guide-cement-and-cement-look-tile/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/style-guide-cement-and-cement-look-tile/#respond Fri, 26 Jul 2019 20:50:36 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=1534 Trend alert: cement or cement-look tiles are everywhere these days. And they’re not just for modern farmhouses anymore. From geometric...

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Trend alert: cement or cement-look tiles are everywhere these days. And they’re not just for modern farmhouses anymore. From geometric to floral to old-world inspired, there’s a cement tile to fit your style.

What is Cement Tile?

  1. Cement tiles are, of course, made of cement. Cement is similar to stone in that it has to be sealed, and it is very long lasting. Cement tiles are thicker than average and made by hand.
  2. Cement-look tiles are made of ceramic or porcelain. These are a great lower cost option to achieve an authentic look that is still very durable.

Now that we cleared that up, let’s talk about how cement tiles are made.

How Are Cement Tiles Made?

Cement tiles are made from a combination of marble dust, pigment and cement. Similar to natural stone, each tile is made by hand and takes between three and five minutes to make. What sets cement apart from other types of tile is that the pigment is pressed into the surface in a patterned mold instead of just being a thin layer on top. This means the coloration penetrates the surface of the tile, so if it wears down over time, the color will still remain and the pattern will not be impacted. The video below is a great overview of this process.

Care and Installation Tips

Inspired to design a work of art with cement tile? There are a few quirks specific to cement tile installation that are important to know before you begin.

  • Thickness: Cement tiles are thicker than average, so plan ahead! A threshold piece can be used to smoothly transition between cement tile and another flooring surface.
  • Soaking: Cement tiles are absorbent and should be soaked in water before they are installed. This keeps the tiles from pulling moisture out of the mortar which would prevent it from curing properly.
  • Sealing: It’s important to seal your clean and dry cement tiles after they’re installed to ensure they last.
  • More information on installing cement tiles can be found here.

Historically Inspired Designs

Today, cement tiles take many forms and come in various materials. Due to their long and rich history, many designs seen today are based on those from the past. Explore some of our favorite historically inspired designs below.

The fresh, crisp colors below liven up this white kitchen.

The hand-painted look of the tile below adds to its authentic, old-world appeal.

Modern farmhouse encaustic-look porcelain tile
Featured: Decor Daiza White Pav Porcelain and Splendours White Ceramic Subway

Not ready to jump into all-over pattern? A backsplash highlighted with a frame is the perfect accent.

Framed encaustic-look accent
Featured: Art Sysley Porcelain. Design by Michelle Searing.

Modern farmhouse style is a popular look that benefits from the rustic appearance of cement tile.

Encaustic cement bathroom floor tile
Featured: Villandry Azure Encaustic Cement, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Ceramic, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Pencil, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss London Ceramic, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Skirting Ceramic and Amalfi Light Sand Porcelain Mosaic

We love a fun shower space! This accent wall from floor to ceiling livens up this spacious shower.

Star design encaustic-look shower wall
Featured: London Mayfair Porcelain. Tile Design by The Tile Whisperer.

This tile design feels like it’s right out of an old European church. We love how Timber Trails Homes picked a shade of blue from the tile to paint the cabinetry, coordinating this mudroom from top to bottom. Sturdy porcelain is perfect for protecting the floor from laundry spills and tracked-in messes.

Encaustic-look porcelain mudroom floor tile
Featured: London Notting Hill Porcelain. Design by Timber Trails Homes. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.

Think beyond the backsplash and shower. Cement tile takes this fireplace to another level and functions as a stunning focal point in this living room.

“A tiled fireplace is the perfect place to get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of style. A little pattern goes a long way!”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

Star is one of our most popular tiles and for good reason! It’s versatile enough to pair with rustic wood-look tiles as well as contemporary hexagons while maintaining vintage appeal.

Star ceramic encaustic-look tile pairings
Featured: Star Ceramic, Black Hex, Hex Gloss Black and Bora Dark Straight
Modern farmhouse with Star encaustic
Featured: Star and Hampton Niles Marble Mosaic. Design by West Bay Homes.

Contemporary Designs

As manufacturing processes evolve, so do designs. Now, the selection of cement and cement-look tiles is even broader than ever and encompasses many contemporary designs. If bold colors and geometric designs are more your style, explore some of our picks below.

This tile is definitely not one you would have found in 18th century Europe, and that’s one of the things we love about it. This thoroughly contemporary tile incorporates a geometric design and bright, bold colors.

A soft, contemporary grey patterned floor tile is the perfect complement to this preppy and traditional space.

We’re fans of a bold look, and this one fits the bill. This dramatic cement tile with its green leaf pattern creates an unforgettable floor.

Black and green leaf motif tile
Featured: Arwen Encaustic Square Pattern Cement

If you want to dip your toe into cement without using an all-over pattern, mixing solid-color cement tiles with patterned tiles is a great way to get the best of both worlds.

“A checkerboard, random design or tiled rug are all attractive mix-and-match options for solid and patterned tiles.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

There’s something serene and calming about the ocean-blue hues of Blu Widow Hex.

Black-and-white tile is a design staple. Make it uniquely yours with this statement-making diamond pattern.

Combination

Do all cement-style tiles neatly fit into one of these two categories? Of course not! Some of the most interesting designs are a blend of old-world and contemporary styles, patterns and colors. Here are some of our favorites.

A black, white and grey color scheme updates a traditional design, blurring the lines between old world and contemporary.

Encaustic cement bathroom floor tile
Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic Cement, Imperial Bone Gloss Subway, Imperial Bone Gloss London, Imperial Bone Gloss Pencil, Imperial Bone Gloss Skirting and Noir Polished Arabesque

A traditional design in unexpected colors lends a beautiful floral look to this bathroom.

There’s no shortage of interest in this arabesque tile. Soft traditional shapes combine with bold lines and hues to keep design lovers on their toes.

A historically inspired design plus on-trend wood look equal a stunning transitional style.

Wood look and encaustic look tile
Featured: Nouveau Raku Ceramic

Explore more of our cement/cement-look and patterned tile now!

Ready to get started? Let our selection wow you in person—visit your local store today!

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A Color Story: Blue https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-color-story-blue/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-color-story-blue/#respond Fri, 19 Jul 2019 17:15:26 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=1533 Why do we love the color blue? It reminds us of the beautiful summer season, tropical waters, robin eggs, country...

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Why do we love the color blue? It reminds us of the beautiful summer season, tropical waters, robin eggs, country skies, blueberry pie and even the cookie-obsessed character on Sesame Street. It also reminds us of how important it is to incorporate positive feelings into your designs. In this blog post, we’re identifying five different blue tile looks to transform help your home.

“Blue is known for its trust and dependability. It’s reliable, responsible, and mentally soothing. For that reason alone, it’s one of the most-liked colors across the entire world.”—CoSchedule


Pattern Play

The color blue is said to encourage efficiency and confidence. Patterns are a great way to express your personality. Put the two concepts together, and you have the ultimate courageous look!

Featured: Blu Widow Hex. Design by Collected Eclectic.

Liven up your patio with an energetic pattern and color. Blu Widow Hex was made to entertain and set the scene for your summer backyard bash!

Seaside Oasis

Light blue is the best color to design with when it comes to easing stress and promoting tranquility. Which is why it’s the a perfect color for creating a variety of coastal looks.

The Pixel series’ deep sea blue, teal and sea-green colors will add a nautical twist to a bathroom or kitchen. These ocean-inspired tiles are pool rated, making them perfect for adding a refreshing twist outdoor spaces.

Featured: Pixel DEC 2 Lux, Pixel Deep Blue Natural and Pixel Sea Green Natural

Check out our latest signature look, Beach House Bath, in the image below. This eye-catching display features tile from our Color Market series. The light blue was pulled out of the floor and repeated on the wall to complement the bright colors.

“While the floor colors provide vibrancy and fun, the soft blue wall adds a calming effect, tying the beach vibe together beautifully.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager


You can find Beach House Bath and explore more of the Color Market series’ endless colorways in a showroom near you.

You don’t have to dive beneath the ocean’s surface to find this next tile. Patchwood Deep Ocean’s wood look and dark shades of blue and grey replicate wooden planks from sunken ships.

Featured: Patchwood Deep Ocean

Farmhouse Blue

Featured: Imperial Cobalt Subway, Star Blue, Alato Midnight Chevron and Legno White Wood Look

Blue and white have remained a classic country palette throughout the years. The timeless duo adds a welcoming and refreshing look to any design. Our rustic Star Blue tile holds an identical coloration and feeling. Utilize the tile’s vintage charm and appearance to complete a modern farmhouse look.

Featured: Star Blue. Design by The English Room.

The playfully patterned accent backsplash in the image below belongs to our Annie Selke Ikat collection. This bold blue tile adds a bohemian vibe to the artisanal-style subway tiles and country kitchen.

Featured: Annie Selke Shadow Navy, Artisanal White, Artisanal White Moldura and Artisanal Smokey Blue Pencil

Luxurious Blue

Who knew blue stone and stone-look tiles could be so appealing to the eye? We did!

Refine your kitchen backsplash with the soft blue undertones of Victoria Grey marble and refreshing white marble. This chevron mosaic provides a perfect accent of elegance.

Aqua Blu defines the look of luxury and individuality. The polished blue stone look instantly elevates this shower.

Bold and Blue

For our last look, we were inspired by the saying “go big or go home.” Improve the atmosphere of a small space by filling it with shades of blue. While this bathroom’s courageous focal point is the blue tile, the designer brightened up the space with accents of white and gold.

Featured: Dot Indigo and Matte White Mosaic. Design by Paro Home.

Step into the refreshing shower oasis below—the glistening blue Humboldt Glass subway tiles lighten the atmosphere. We love the coordinating niche and floor tiles. The Hampton Carrara marble adds an appealing sophistication to the design.

Ready to refresh your home with the color blue? We have plenty of blue tiles to help with that. Visit your nearest showroom to see the largest selection of tile in U.S.

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Mid-Century Modern Style https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/mid-century-modern-style/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/mid-century-modern-style/#respond Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:51:31 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=1496 Background Unique among design styles, mid-century modern design can be traced back to a specific person. The history begins with...

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Background

Unique among design styles, mid-century modern design can be traced back to a specific person. The history begins with Joseph Eichler, a real estate developer in California during the 1940s through the 1960s, who advocated and built more modern-style housing. Whole suburban neighborhoods of homes (called “Eichlers”) from this movement still exist in California and beyond today. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, Eichlers often feature flat or A-framed roofs, vertical wood siding, clean and geometric lines, few street-facing windows, and large windows or skylights that let in light and nature. Their interiors introduced the country to exposed beams, concrete floors, sliding doors and en suite bathrooms. While we may take many of these design features for granted today, in postwar America, when people were used to mass-produced homes, architecturally pleasing Eichlers were a breath of fresh air. See some examples of this style, and read more about it here.

Blue straight stack kitchen subway tile
Featured: Humboldt Glass Subway. Design by Glickman Design Build. Photography by John Cole Photo.

Why did this new style make such an impact that we’re still talking about it decades later? Many of the hallmarks of mid-century modern design still feel as fresh, clean and current today as they did in the 1950s:

  • Open floor plans
  • Simple, clean lines
  • Neutrals (especially grey) combined with bright colors (especially orange and green)
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Simple furniture (similar to today’s Scandinavian style)
  • Artistic items
Black and white bar tile
Featured: Boardwalk Charcoal Wood Look. Design by Splendor Styling. Photography by Laura Metzler Photo.

There are also some specific things you can look for to determine mid-century tiles:

  • Color, especially rich colors like green and orange
  • Geometrics
  • Fan shapes
  • Organic shapes
  • Metal edging
  • Handcrafted, artisan look
  • Straight stacked subway tile
  • Beveled and framed subway tile
  • Large-format tiles

Let’s look at how some real spaces use these mid-century modern elements. You’ll notice that a lot of the trends overlap from picture to picture which goes to show that these elements are true hallmarks of mid-century modern design!

Color

Who doesn’t love a pop of color?! Whether featured in tile, cabinetry, fabrics or accessories, have fun with your design and include something bold and bright (bonus points for rich colors like orange and green).

Orange geometric floor tile
Featured: Art Gaugin. Design by Morrissey Home Solutions. Photography by Jen Morley Burner.
Penny round kitchen backsplash tile
Featured: Penny Round Gloss White. Design by Jessica Brigham for the One Room Challenge.

Geometrics

Geometrics are another style that often appears in mid-century modern design. There are as many different ways to use geometric tiles as there are geometric tiles available. Use one color, mix and match or stick with neutrals for a more subtle approach to geometry.

Blue and white kitchen
Featured: Nova Hex Graphite, Nova Hex Bianco and Nova Hex Smoke. Design by Pinnacle Interior Design. Photography by Lynsey Tjaden Photography.
White subway and black hexagon bathroom tile
Featured: Black Hex and Imperial Brite White. Design by Gathered Living. Renovation by Miller Team Renovations. Photography by Sarah E. Dunn.

Straight Stack

The most common and classic layout for subway tile is the brick-lay pattern. (Learn all about subway tile patterns on our blog post about the topic.) A more contemporary and mid-century modern way to install rectangular tiles is the straight stack. It features a clean layout and straight, even grout lines.

Straight stack grey shower tile
Featured: Metropolis White Matte Mosaic and Metropolis Dark Grey Matte. Design by Megan Brakefield Interiors. Photography by James Meyer Photography. Renovation by LaBonte Construction.
Straight stack blue subway kitchen tile
Featured: Humboldt Glass Subway. Design by Glickman Design Build. Photography by John Cole Photo.

Organic Shapes

Handmade-look tiles, an artisan feel and organic shapes all work well in mid-century modern style. A subway tile with a soft twist and a hexagon with a handmade-feel beveled edge fit the bill.

Turquoise cabinets and white backsplash tile
Featured: Imperial Bianco Gloss Caption. Design by Black Door Renovation.
Featured: Nova Hex Graphite, Nova Hex Bianco and Nova Hex Smoke. Design by Pinnacle Interior Design. Photography by Lynsey Tjaden Photography.

Explore more design styles on the blog or our website. Loving mid-century modern for your next project? Book a design appointment to get started today!

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6 Bathroom Trends to Try Now https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/6-bathroom-trends-to-try-now/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/6-bathroom-trends-to-try-now/#respond Thu, 21 Mar 2019 18:49:24 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=1103 One question we get asked a lot is what’s new and trending in tile and home design. We encourage everyone...

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One question we get asked a lot is what’s new and trending in tile and home design. We encourage everyone to make their project their own instead of focusing so much on what’s popular. Like Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager, says, “I truly believe that you shouldn’t worry about what’s in fashion because, if you go with what you love, you make the fashion.” (Spoiler: one of our trends is individualizing your space.) But there are always different looks and styles that are in demand. Here, we identify the top six bathroom trends to try now for something a little different.

Colorful cabinets

Neutral is nice, but colorful cabinets add an unmatched wow factor. Painted cabinetry, especially in soothing greens and blues, is perfect for adding pops to a neutral bathroom or bringing out a particular color in your tile. Below, the cobalt-blue paint color of the cabinet makes the same color in the tiles stand out, unifying color the room.

Bathroom with blue vanity cabinet

Featured: Talavera Encaustic. Design by The Divine Living Space. Photography by Spacecrafting.

Remember that using color doesn’t mean it has to be bright or bold. This soft, minty green brings a calming note to an otherwise neutral space.

Pale green bathroom vanity

Featured: Octagon Matte White with Black. Design by Bria Hammel Interiors. Photography by Spacecrafting. Building by SD Custom Homes.

Here’s another example of coordinating tile and cabinet colors. This time, the navy trim piece is the inspiration for the cabinet color.

Framed patterned floral tiles

Featured: Victoria and Albert Morgan Blue Decor, Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Imperial Bianco Barnes, Imperial Bianco Gloss Pencil, Imperial Cobalt Gloss Pencil

The turquoise tone below was pulled from the wood-look tile, making it more prominent.

Moody turquoise cabinet

Featured: Sambu Azul Wood Look. Design by Sublime Homes.

This dusty blue looks like it’s straight from a day spa’s color palette.

Bold Walls

Whether an unexpected color, a dark hue or a lively pattern, a statement wall speaks volumes—and is easier to pull off than you might think. This bold pink-and-black color scheme is lightened by white cabinets and woodwork. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have a little fun, especially in small-scale powder rooms.

Bold takes on a different meaning in this image. Instead of bright, this design is dark and glamorous. The intricate details and luxe gold touches make this room feel opulent from top to bottom.

If this bathroom makes you reconsider both dark walls and oversized florals, you’re not alone. Picking just one wall to cover in a print and coordinating that color with the floor keeps the space chic.

An unexpected color can still create a clean and simple space. Opting for a darker tile mixed with white walls is the best of both worlds.

Bold blue wall tiles

Featured: Dot Indigo and Matte White 1 in Mosaic. Design by Paro Home.

Mixed Metals

Decorating is all about coordinating instead of matching exactly. Gone are the days of using the same finish everywhere in a room. This mix makes spaces look intentionally eclectic and give them more personality. The simple combination of a stainless tile trim, matte black faucet and bronze-look mirror modernizes this farmhouse bathroom below.

The different materials of the lights and faucet are made hardly noticeable because they’re not right next to each other, and they both work with the style of the room.

Neutral bathroom

Featured: Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey Matte, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway. Design by I SPY DIY.

A black faucet that coordinates with the light fixture lets the more glamorous mirror become the focus.

Matte Black

A relatively new finish gaining popularity in the industry, the photos below prove the adage that every room needs a touch of black. Below, the matte black fixtures paired with the black recessed shelves lend the perfect amount of contrast.

The lower half of this space is almost entirely outfitted in matte black, but the white walls and access to natural light fully brighten it up. White subway tiles and contrasting black grout coordinate with the matte black and tie the space together all the way up to the ceiling.

Between grey subway tile walls, a wooden vanity and encaustic tile floors, there are a number of different colors and finishes happening here. Matte black accents, finishings and accessories unify with a cohesive feeling.

Grey shower and encaustic floor

Featured: Imperial Oatmeal Gloss, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Pencil, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Skirting, Liria Negro Encaustic, Noir Polished Arabesque Travertine Mosaic

Sculptural Elements

These dimensional pieces, whether found in tiles, bathtubs or artwork, are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, like a sculpture. They are often simple and minimal with smooth lines and add an artistic component to a space. Below, this unique bathtub serves this purpose with its clean and sweeping lines.

The light fixtures in the space below are works of art.

Statement bathroom chandelier

Featured: Verona Blanco Polished, Camilla with Mirror Glass and Stone. Design by Russo Residential.

The combed, geometric design on this wall mosaic perfectly exhibits this trend in a soft way.

Combed geometric mosaic

Featured: Bianco Puro Combed Hexagons Honed Mosaic, Bianco Puro Honed Somerset, Dural Chrome-Plated Brass Square Edge, Bianco Puro Honed

These wall tiles are a compelling way to make neutral walls stand out.

Dimensional white wall tiles

Featured: Memphis Bianco Di Elba

Below, this sculptural lighting fixture creates subtle, modern interest.

Bathroom with mix of styles

Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway, Black Hex. Design by Timber Trails Homes. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.

The sweeping movements of this tile take white walls from bland to beautiful.

Individuality

More and more we see people wanting their spaces to stand out from the crowd and speak to their own individuality. Something simple and neutral might be less intrusive to the next buyers, but will it make you happy for as long as you live in your home? Do what you love (and it just might be what sells the next homeowner). This gorgeous Milas Lilac marble is refreshingly unique and striking.

Stunning purple marble

Featured: Milas Lilac Polished Chevron, Milas Lilac Polished Skirting, Milas Lilac Polished 8 x 20 in, Milas Lilac Polished Hex, Milas Lilac Polished Somerset

Another way to show your colors is to do just that—design with color. There are more options than ever to personalize with a spectrum of color choices.

Expressing your individuality might also come in the form of a unique design made from different shapes and colors of tiles. Many of our collections are made to be mixed and matched into playful configurations.

If glamorous is your style, go all the way. This stunning mosaic sets the tone—elegant and feminine.

We hope you found inspiration in some of the latest bathroom trends. Still searching for ideas? Visit our bathroom tile idea page for more inspiration.

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Spotlight On: Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop Design Manager https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/spotlight-on-kirsty-froelich/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/spotlight-on-kirsty-froelich/#respond Tue, 23 Oct 2018 15:00:01 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=378 We’re excited to feature one of our own Tile Shop team members, Kirsty Froelich, in our latest spotlight. If you’ve...

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We’re excited to feature one of our own Tile Shop team members, Kirsty Froelich, in our latest spotlight. If you’ve been reading the blog, you’ll remember her fantastic design tips from previous posts. Kirsty is the design manager at our corporate headquarters and designs the stunning vignettes in all our stores. Read on to learn about how she keeps her ideas fresh, what tiles she loves the most and what TV shows she’s streaming right now (prepare for your queue to fill up fast!).

Have you always been interested in interior design?

Absolutely. I always loved babysitting as a kid because I could go into other people’s home and see what they looked like. In 6thgrade, I bought all new furniture for my bedroom on my own because I didn’t like how my mom decorated. I took the bus to Dayton’s, spent my babysitting money on furniture, artwork and bedding and I had it all delivered one day. My mom asked me, “What are you doing?!” And I just said, “I’m redoing my room.” She had no idea! I don’t know what they thought at the store, but it seemed perfectly normal to me.

Tell us about your college experience.

Even then, I was always designing. I went to the University of North Dakota and decorated my dorm room in a Marilyn Monroe theme. It caught the attention of other people on my floor, and, before I knew it, I’d started a small business decorating dorm rooms. Then, I transferred to North Dakota State University where I graduated with a degree in apparel textiles and a minor in art. I wanted to be a textile designer but I ended up not being interested in the science aspect. So I went back to school and got a 2-year degree from NKBA (the National Kitchen and Bath Association) for a kitchen and bath design focused program.

Glamorous gold accented bathroom
“I love the soft brushed golds and greys here. Mixing stone and ceramics into one design is a great example of fusion.” Featured: Tempesta Neve Polished Wheaton, Bulevar White, Tempesta Neve Polished Amalfi

How have you seen kitchen and bath design evolve since the beginning of your career?

Definitely, especially because it’s a relatively new field. Years ago, bathrooms and kitchens were largely utilitarian spaces, not places where the family gathered. Now they’re two of the most important areas in the home. When I started out, it was all beige and cherry wood. Everyone had very similar stuff because every company sold very similar stuff. Then the style became much more contemporary. Now the trend has swung back towards the middle and become a more transitional, warm style.

“I truly believe that you shouldn’t worry about what’s in fashion because if you go with what you love, you make the fashion.”

What have you been most proud of in your career?

When I see a customer photo and realize they’ve taken my design from a store and recreated it in their homes, that’s when I feel most proud. I just want people to love my designs, and it makes me feel good that they want something I created in their homes. I’m also proud of the trim pieces that allow people to customize and elevate their projects and the unique mosaics that I’ve designed for The Tile Shop.

What is your favorite tile?

I love Hall Blanco. It goes with every mosaic and with almost everything. The unique size and cool color add a contemporary feeling to bathrooms. I’m also immediately attracted to anything blue and purple because they’re my favorite colors. Our Beachwalk tiles have all my favorite colors in them.

Calming blues and serene greys
“This is my absolute favorite shade of blue because it reminds me of the color of a stormy sky. The classic white and blue combination is clean and timeless.” Featured: Blanco Waves, Winter Morning, Hampton Polished Stanton, Style Cenezia

Do you have any tips for young designers?

Listen and ask a lot of questions. Your client will clue you into what he or she is looking for. Everyone has a style, and you just have to narrow theirs down. To be a great designer, you have to be a great salesperson, too. If you can’t communicate a vision to your customer, it doesn’t matter how great it is. It won’t go anywhere because the client isn’t going to buy it.

“To be a great designer, you have to be a great listener as well as a great salesperson.”

Where do you find inspiration?

Every morning I look at Pinterest, Houzz and Decor Pad to see what’s new. I read hundreds of blogs so I know what our customers are seeing. And I actually get a lot of inspiration from going to nice stores like Nordstrom, Williams-Sonoma or Pottery Barn. You might not relate them to tile but it’s about the lifestyle that people want to emulate and bettering their lives. If you think about it, your bathroom is the first thing you see every morning. Don’t you want to like what you see? Design is a big part of that.

How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?

It’s very clean and contemporary, and I think that’s because there’s so much going on in my head. I like my house to be clean and uncluttered. I have a lot of contemporary artwork around my home and a lot of blues, tans and whites. The vibe is modern California coastal style mixed with East Coast Hamptons style.

Modern farmhouse vanity
“This look is really fresh and modern to me. I enjoy using classic shapes in different ways, like with this vertical subway tile.” Featured: Bulevar White, Charcoal Blend Gatsby, Noir Engraved

How do you keep ideas fresh when you’re working in the same medium day after day?

Plan, plan, plan! I make sure I am using a wide variety of tiles that will get people excited. I also like to divide and conquer, so I don’t try to do too much at once. Splitting every project into little parts, making each one the best it can be and then going to the next part helps me focus. It’s been really easy this year because our selection has grown so much that I couldn’t possibly use all the new tiles. Sometimes I can’t sleep the night before I am designing a project because I’m so excited.

Who are your biggest design influences and inspirations? 

Kelly Hoppen is my favorite. She has a clean, beautiful, contemporary aesthetic. I respect that she’s branched out into other things and created an entire business based on the thoughts in her head. I also love Dayna Decker, Kristin Cavallari, Reese Witherspoon and Chyka Keebaugh. It’s hard to get your vision out there, so I love those success stories. Contemporary artists, like Kandinsky, Klee and Picasso, and expressionists inspire me. Art has been a big part of my life, and I always try to include nice art in our showrooms. Coco Chanel and Zac Posen are a couple of my icons from the fashion world.

What’s your favorite part of your own home?

Probably my living room. I’ve always wanted a great sectional, and it’s perfect for my dog and I to lay on and watch Netflix. Being able to make choices and buy the furniture I want is really exciting for me. I don’t take it for granted.

What is your dream client or project to work on designing?

It would actually be a project for myself. I would love to buy a mid-century modern home, gut it and make it contemporary.

Marble and glass bathroom
“Everyone wants to feel like a movie star. Can you imagine walking into this bathroom to start your day? It’s so glamorous.” Featured: Firenze Carrara Collection (honed), Camilla w/ Mirror, Antique Mirror Bevel Amalfi, Antique Mirror Bevel

The Fun Five

What is your dream vacation?

I’m a big British TV fan, and one of my favorite shows ever is called Midsummer Murders. I would love to rent a cottage in the Cotswolds where it takes place for a week and take a cooking or painting class there.

What are you streaming right now?

I watch lots of British and Australian TV shows on Acorn TV. I love the Australian show Offspring. It has amazing scenery and quirky design. I also love Killing Eve and Death in Paradise.

What song do you always get stuck in your head?

I’ll get one song in my head and listen to it 20 times in a row when I’m running. Plus, I love 80s music and Sade for listening to while I’m designing and shopping.

Who would play you in a movie?

Either Lisa Whelchel who played Blair in The Facts of Life or Nicole Richie. Those are the celebrities I’ve been compared to the most.

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would your career be?

I would love to be a realtor because I love seeing people’s homes.

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