Even with dark cabinets and floors, the natural light and a whimsical wallpaper brighten the mood in this room.

If you’re all about a light-and-airy color scheme, look no further! Charming wood accents bring a soft, earthy feel to the space.

Who wouldn’t want to look at a colorful, pretty floral pattern while sorting darks and lights? (If floral tile is more your style, check out our post on the topic!)

We’re sensing a floral theme. And it makes perfect sense. What better way to add a sense of openness and light than channeling the bounties of the outdoors?

A rainbow of colors, florals and bright, crips white—this laundry room checks all the boxes. Check out more transformations like this one from the spring 2019 One Room Challenge™ .

This more monochromatic color scheme still manages to brim with life and joy due to greenery and a lively mosaic. If you like how these trim pieces flatter the mosaic, learn more about layering on our blog post.

Bold patterns, ample storage and smart design. It’s fair to say we’re experiencing laundry room envy.

A different twist on laundry room design, this space uses rich earth tones and molded cabinetry to define a traditional space.

We love the mix of shapes and patterns in this space! A black-and-white color scheme balances the statement wallpaper effortlessly.

A transitional laundry room is perfect for incorporating contemporary touches with more traditional elements.

Patterned and encaustic tiles add modern farmhouse flair to room.

This space proves once again that black and white are always a classic color combo.

A softly patterned floor is the perfect complement to bold cabinets and fixtures.

Not a fan of wallpaper? Take the bold patterns onto the floor instead!

Rustic style meets modern amenities in this cozy farmhouse laundry room.

With vintage touches like these, we’re not sure we’re seeing a laundry room or an antique store.

Inspired to do some laundry? OK, that’s a stretch. Inspired to design a better laundry room? That’s better. Schedule your one-on-one design consultation today.

The post 16 Tiled Laundry Rooms We Love appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The post Style Guide: Cement & Cement-Look Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Open Shelving

Open shelving makes this functional necessity an integral part of your design. Decorate them with objects you use every day or with decorative treasures not normally seen in the kitchen. It’s up to you whether you want a more minimal, coordinated feel or a maximalist and mismatched look. Below, the natural wood of the open shelves add warmth to this white space.

A popular way to use floating shelves is to create mini vignettes with kitchen necessities and pretty decor.

Vintage picture frames and pottery can tie the kitchen to the rest of the home and bring character to the walls.

2. Modern Subway Tile

Subway tiles are a classic choice, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. What is trending is rethinking how you use subway tiles. Think of different patterns, colors and materials that breathe new life into this timeless tile. A less-common straight-stack pattern modernizes the tile below.

Placing white subway tile in a less-expected layout, like the herringbone pattern below, is the perfect way to put a personalized spin on your design. Get more subway tile pattern ideas here.

Take your subway tile to a new dimension by using 3-D sculptural tiles. The light catches the tiles’ angles and elevates the kitchen below.

For an extra wow factor, mirrored tiles provide sparkle, shine and elegance.

3. Entertaining

Kitchens of the past were purely functional places to prepare and store food. Now, if you’ve ever thrown a party, you know that people always seem to congregate in the kitchen. These amazing designs make it clear that kitchens have moved beyond simply functional. Treat your kitchen as the entertaining center of the home that it is. What’s more conducive to a party than a kitchen with not one but two islands to congregate around? (We’re just waiting for our invitation to the kitchen below.)

Another space with two islands, there’s ample room to congregate, snack and set up a wet bar in the elegant kitchen below.

One large island takes the place of two and, with the addition of expansive countertops, open shelves, glamorous accents and statement lighting, this space is ready for a cocktail party.

4. Encaustics

Based on traditional, old-world designs, encaustic tiles have been around for years. However, using them in new ways, like this counter-to-ceiling accent wall, keeps the style fresh. Read our blog on creating a wallpaper effect with tile for more ideas like this.

Afraid of going too bold? Muted hues and a small accent area are a great way to dip your toe into pattern and color.

This contemporary design is on the bolder end of the encaustic spectrum.

5. Colorful Cabinets

The popularity of colorful cabinets is likely a reaction to the all-white kitchens that have been ubiquitous in recent years. The below space is bright, despite bold, green cabinetry, because the glossy, white penny round tiles reflect the light.

A mixture of white and turquoise-blue cabinets tie this space together in serene style.

A royal-blue island is a welcome splash of color in between a black floor and white cabinets and tile.

Instead of acting as an accent, your cabinet color can be repeated and tie a kitchen together. This blue cabinet color is reflected in the tiled mosaic, presenting a united appearance.

While (and possibly because) trends will always ebb and flow, we say that if you love it, there aren’t any trends to avoid. However, we don’t recommend incorporating too many trendy elements into one space. Combine trendy elements with classics, like white subway tile, to keep the look feeling timeless and current at the same time.

Get more inspiration at our kitchen tile design idea page. Ready to get started? Make a free design appointment today!

The post Kitchen Trends for 2019 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Brandy Janke, The Tile Shop Product Designer

What was your path to becoming a product designer? Were you always interested in that field?

I never would have guessed I’d end up in product design but, looking back, it makes perfect sense because design has always been a big part of my life. In kindergarten, other kids were drawing pictures of their families and I was drawing floor plans! I got a lot of this from my dad who taught interior design. Because of his influence, I was directly connecting to my surroundings at home. When I got older, I discovered that I was interested in how I could improve someone’s everyday space and their life, so I decided to study interior design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I loved my ceramics class there because it taught me about layering glazes and how different temperatures achieve different effects. After I graduated, I realized tile was the perfect fit for me and my experiences.

You began at The Tile Shop on the sales floor. Can you tell us a little about your journey to where you are now?

After sales, I worked my way up to assistant manager and then store manager. I started noticing and pointing out trends that we were missing or products that I thought would sell well in our stores, and then I was able to move up to the corporate office. In my time at the stores, I learned that tile serves a functional purpose but also plays an important role in design.

“Nouveau Raku was born out of the combination of two trends I saw in the industry. Both wood-look and cement-look tiles are popular so I combined them into one unique design.”

Learning how to work with designers, builders and customers who all have different experiences with tile was an important lesson, too. Regardless of if they’re using tile in their day-to-day work or doing a first-time project, everyone can use some assistance creating their vision and blending function with fashion. What I’m doing now allows me to go a step further and develop products that add a special designer touch to a space. It’s exciting knowing I’m creating something that could be a special part of someone’s home for many years.

“This was such a fun one! I started with the idea of a board game or a maze and spun it on its head. The path doesn’t actually connect which makes this pattern visually disruptive and more interesting to the eye.” Featured: Victoria Grey Meander Marble Mosaic

What are you most proud of in your career at The Tile Shop?

Definitely the amazing designer collaborations I’ve worked on! From the new Annie Selke collection to Laura Ashley and Ted Baker, collaborating with creators, artists and visionaries of great brands has taught me a lot. I’ve learned how I can help guide our partners as they enter a new product category while also appealing to their current customer base and staying true to The Tile Shop’s vision. I love collaborating and bringing the best of two worlds together to create something amazing and new. Knowing that these designs are in homes and a part of people’s lives is a fulfilling feeling.

“I noticed arrow motifs trending in decorating, so I wanted to design a tile based on that inspiration. The Victoria Grey Archer with white marble mosaic makes a traditional chevron design more modern by incorporating this arrow design.”

What are your favorite Tile Shop tiles?

I’ll always have a special connection to the tiles I’ve created, and I love to see the salespeople have fun designing with them. But I’d have to say my favorite is the one I designed that got me this job, the Modern Vineyard listello and mosaic. To see that come to life and to become a part of our product assortment was exciting.

Brandy’s Modern Vineyard stone mosaic come to life. The full wall highlights the inspiration behind the design and the name of the tile—vines.

Brandy’s Top 10 Tiles

What are your biggest inspirations and influences?

I love Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs. Purses and shoes are kind of my thing! And sometimes I even get ideas for tiles from them. How a bag or shoe is structured is a type of product design that makes me wonder how a piece was created. Thinking about the design process for a purse makes me think differently about my tile design process. Some of my favorite interior designers are Dorothy Draper, Elsie de Wolfe, William Haines and Kelly Wearstler. These designers tend to have similar aesthetics to my personal style, which is Hollywood glamour with elements of sparkle. I get a lot of color palette, layering, pattern and finish inspiration from these designers.

“I wanted to design something super feminine with the Monroe Marquina marble mosaic. This play on a fleur-de-lis design along with the sparkly details is very me.”

“For this design, I really wanted the iridescence to come from the back of the tile instead of the surface. Working with the manufacturer, we truly developed a new process to make this happen in Glass Silver Diamond.”

The hint of sparkle and glamour in this tile are Brandy’s signature.

Can you talk about the design process behind the Annie Selke for The Tile Shop collection?

We built a really great relationship with Annie after we saw how inspirational she is as a person. Being big fans of her fabrics and textiles, there was a great opportunity there to bring on a different kind of tile product. The design process was truly a collaboration of two different realms of expertise. (Note: See Brandy in action talking about the collection here or read more about it on our blog post.)

Do you have any advice for aspiring designers?

Product design wasn’t something I set out to do. It came naturally to me but it takes a lot of work so my best advice is to work hard for what you want.

“I love the idea of a wood-look tile that’s even more rustic. Elements of navy blue and dark brown really bring that out in this tile.” Featured: Agrigento

What has been the biggest perk of the job? I hear you get to travel a lot for work.

The Tile Shop has taken me to so many different countries, but Spain was my favorite. The relaxed culture and the history were the highlights. I love being immersed in history, and in Spain, it’s in the air. It’s something you can feel that doesn’t have to be explained.

Brandy’s photo of Casa Milà by Gaudí in Barcelona, Spain.

THE FUN FIVE

What is your dream vacation?

A catamaran in the Mediterranean to hop around to different islands, Italy and Greece.

What are you streaming right now?

I love TV shows that make me think. Right now, I’m watching The Colony. It’s a post-apocalyptic show that explores what would happen if cell phones and electricity went away and asks what we would do if everything changed. (P.S. It’s on Netflix!)

What’s your favorite hobby when you’re not working?

Reading or painting.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Amy Adams.

If you weren’t at The Tile Shop, what do you think your career would be?

I think I would be happy doing anything creative like making jewelry or selling my artwork. As long as I had a creative outlet, the job title wouldn’t matter.

The post Spotlight On: Brandy Janke, Tile Shop Product Designer appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Textile Graphic White

What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?

Modern farmhouse style is all about warmth, simplicity and function. It’s never fussy, and it always feels lived in. A modern farmhouse interior is one where guests feel at home curling up into a comfortable chair. It’s a beautiful and fresh way to combine tradition with trend. Eclectic-minded individuals will easily embrace the modern farmhouse look because antiques, vintage pieces and new items in a variety of design styles all have their place and can work together seamlessly. In the example below, a modern chair, pillow and rug easily coexist with antiques, traditional wood  and classic elements of Americana. The overall look is welcoming, warm and the embodiment of the modern farmhouse trend.

If you think you’ve seen this style before, you probably have. This design aesthetic has gained a lot of traction after being featured prominently on “Fixer Upper” with Chip and Joanna Gaines. It’s also popular because it incorporates aspects of many different styles—modern, country, industrial and rustic, to name a few—which appeals to a wide audience.

Since modern farmhouse style is all about mixing and matching, tiles can easily become an integral design element that incorporate with the other elements in the room seamlessly. Hundreds of tiles embody the modern farmhouse aesthetic, however, we recommend choosing tiles from one (or more) of the following categories that epitomize the style.

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Metallics

Featured: Star, Imperial Pewter Gloss Subway, Brushed Copper Rounds, Etna Concreto Wood Look, Antique Copper Somerset

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Wood and Wood Look

Featured: Cleveland Roble Wood Look, Star, Imperial Pewter Gloss Subway, Imperial Pewter Gloss London

One of our favorite modern farmhouse looks, the bathroom above is a perfect example of warming up a room with wood and wood-look tile. The wood-look tile on the shower wall warms up the entire room and visually ties all of the tiles together as a transitional color between the light and dark shades. The natural wood vanity and mirror complement the shower wall without being a perfect match—another essential ingredient to modern farmhouse design. It’s not about perfectly matching pieces but about coordinating them. Other elements that give this bathroom a modern farmhouse feel are the wire basket, the mixed metallic fixtures, the encaustic-look floor and the apron sink.

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Encaustics and Patterns

Featured: Villandry Azure, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss London, Amalfi Light Sand Mosaic, Waldron Stria

This isn’t the first time you’re seeing patterned tiles in this post. In fact, almost every featured modern farmhouse design incorporates encaustic or patterned tiles for one simple reason—they’re everything to love about modern farmhouse style. Patterned tiles add a handmade, vintage feeling and colors that warm up a space casually, creating that lived-in, functional feeling essential to a modern farmhouse space.

The encaustic cement tile in the bathroom above adds a classic pattern while incorporating warmth through color. The natural wood of the vanity and mirror coordinate with the floor tile and warm up the traditional subway tiles to complete the look.

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Handmade and Handmade Look

Featured: Star, Hampton Tumbled Niles. Photo courtesy of West Bay Homes.

With the look of a well-worn, vintage piece, it’s no surprise that handmade and handmade-look tiles are perfectly suited to modern farmhouse design. They lend an authentic and traditional feeling to a room that is an essential component to the style. Instead of clashing with clean white cabinets and walls, the Star floor tile in the image above serves to soften and enhance the neutral color palette while introducing a weathered feeling to the room. Other elements of modern farmhouse interior design used here are white painted wood, shiplap walls, a woven basket (a motif also reflected in the basketweave mosaic tile), vintage wooden chairs, mixed metallic fixtures and the functional layout and design of the space. Brick and brick-look tile, as well as most “imperfect”-looking tile, will also work well with this style.

Featured: Bricklane White

If you love this look, see more modern farmhouse style done right by one of our inspiring Pro partners who have perfected this design style, West Bay Homes.

Accessorizing the Modern Farmhouse

The rules of accessorizing in modern farmhouse style are much the same as the rules for tiling. Ask yourself if an item makes the room feel comfortable, inviting and authentic. Painted cabinets, farmhouse or apron sinks, shiplap, barn doors, wire shelves, woven baskets, Shaker-style furniture, industrial lighting, big farm tables and rustic pieces that look like they could have been salvaged from a farmhouse (or, better yet, actually were!) are a great start. As you continue to build upon the essentials to create your modern farmhouse, make sure everything you add is something that you’ll love spending time with every day.

Ready to get started? Schedule a design consultation with us today.

Featured: Decor Basma White Pav

The post How to Achieve Modern Farmhouse Design with Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Photo courtesy of West Bay Homes

The phrase “black and white” in and of itself evokes an image, maybe an old movie or a poignant photograph. It conjures a pared down aesthetic, a classic look.

Ever since technology allowed films, television and photographs to be shown in color, a nostalgia for black and white has persisted. Even with the technology that is available at our fingertips, we still savor having the option of filtering our photos into black and white. The black-and-white color palette gives an undeniable air of sophistication to mediums from photography to fashion.

Photo by John Westrock on Unsplash

“Black and white always looks modern, whatever that word means.” – Karl Lagerfeld

Modern, just like a black-and-white color palette, is open to interpretation. Lagerfeld’s go-to look (all black and white, naturally) defined this aesthetic, appearing thoroughly modern and unique and at the same time with a hint of vintage and classic. Because black and white is versatile. That’s why an image of an effortlessly chic fashionista is usually wearing a black-and-white outfit. It’s an easy uniform to build upon and customize.

The same principle applies to interior design. Black-and-white home decor might seem like a modern construct, but this color palette has been utilized for hundreds of years. There’s a black-and-white marble tiled floor at the Palace of Versailles, dating back to the 1680s. Applying this palette to the design of a space allows you to invoke some of the same attributes that have made the black-and-white combination popular for centuries—classic, chic and timeless style.

As it is said in fashion, when in doubt, wear black and white. We say, when in doubt, tile in black and white. A testament to its versatility, you can achieve many different looks and feels with this high-impact color combination. By thoughtfully considering the accessories, furniture, fixtures and art that you add to your black-and-white space, you’ll have the opportunity to create any atmosphere or mood, making your home uniquely yours.

Black and White + Gold

Featured: Icefall White, Black Hex

Regal, rich and glamorous—the triple threat of black, white and gold checks each box. Whether you incorporate it directly into your tile design (with gold tiles or stunning Dural metallic trims) or add a nod to it with gilded fixtures, like the brushed-gold faucet above, the addition of gold to your black-and-white design makes this already impactful color combination come alive. Using a contrasting white grout with a black floor tile adds further interest and highlights pattern and shape.

Black and White + Color

Featured: Bulevar White, Charcoal Blend Gatsby, Noir Engraved Travertine

Color and whimsy do not have to be sacrificed when you opt for a black-and-white tile design. In fact, each curated pop of color you choose will have even more impact when it is contrasted with black and white. Selecting very few bright colors, like in the image above, means that each one will pack a stylistic punch, contrasting with the black-and-white patterned floor tile. One color repeated throughout a room creates a look of bold but simple cohesion. Show off your creative, eclectic and playful side with endless possibilities of combinations that show your true colors.

Black and White + Brown

Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic, Imperial Bone Gloss, Noir Polished Arabesque Travertine

To avoid a look that is overly modern or stark, warm up a black-and-white design with shades of brown and tan. Natural elements, like this woven basket that is also functional, are an easy trick for giving a space warmth and life. Plants, natural fibers, linens and warm wood tones all subtly help foster a cozy, relaxed environment and tone down the austerity. To soften the overall look, incorporate shades of brown into the paint choices or tile design, like the subtle hints of tan in this otherwise black-and-white pattern tile. The floor and space instantly become much more inviting.

Black and White + Grey

Featured: Snow Stria with Glass Stone Mosaic, Hall Blanco, Burma Negro

Grey is a natural addition to a black-and-white color scheme. Already a popular color in interior design, grey-scale tones seamlessly coordinate with both shades and act as a softer neutral, producing a calming effect. Even small hints of grey, such as the veining in this white marble tile or softer tones in a wood-look tile, can beautifully tie the whole design together and facilitate the transition between black and white.

Black and White Only

Featured: White Hex, Black Hex, Hex Matte White w/ Black Flower

An all black-and-white color scheme favors the bold. Yet this simple design is surprising classic at the same time. Despite the high contrast, it’s still as versatile as any other color combination. The juxtaposition is the reason we love black and white—it can toe the line between masculine and feminine, modern and nostalgic, bold and subtle. Graphic patterns and designs tend towards more modern style while a black-and-white minimalistic space is a classic look. In the example above, using black-and-white hexagon tiles to create a large-scale design results in a statement-making wall that is a work of art.

The overall feeling of your black-and-white tiled space is all about the thoughtful touches. Styling a space with an elegant touch of gold, a playful pop of color, a warm hint of tan, a soothing grey element or black and white alone brings life and a unique spin to the space you love. Considering the various patterns, shapes and styles of tiles available, from mosaics to hexagons to wood look, the possibilities are endless. When you begin with a classic color combination that stands the test of time, you can’t go wrong. Schedule your design consultation today to start creating your black-and-white tile design.

4 Ways to Incorporate Black and White Into Your Space

The post Designing with Black and White Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.