contemporary 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 A Design Q&A with Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-design-qa-with-kelli-fontana-vogelgesang-of-west-bay-homes/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-design-qa-with-kelli-fontana-vogelgesang-of-west-bay-homes/#respond Thu, 11 Feb 2021 00:07:00 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=3166 We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, the creative director and designer at WEST BAY HOMES....

The post A Design Q&A with Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, the creative director and designer at WEST BAY HOMES. Kelli, along with her husband Richard, run the real estate development company in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. You might recognize Kelli from the spotlight we featured her in from 2018.

Photo: Sophia Primozich

Beyond being our neighbor and an incredible partner, Kelli’s designs continue to blow us away. The level of detail and intentionality put into each design showcases her true artistry. In this Q&A, we’re chatting with Kelli on her recent Trillium and Heritage projects.

The Heritage Project

House Stats

Two-story
7,706 sq. ft.
5 bedrooms
6 bathrooms

Featured: Meram Blanc Marble Hex, Meram Blanc Skirting, and Retro Lino Subway.

Can you tell me about the Heritage house? Is there any story behind it and the project that you want to share?

“For our original Heritage project, I was over the moon inspired by two trips that we had taken to California. I was inspired by restaurant designs like that of The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice where I could have spent the day sipping on my rosemary latte with hemp milk in this vibrant bohemian daydream for people watching. From the minimalist oceanfront beach homes of Malibu to the idealistic, almost unreal splendor of Hotel Bel-Air in LA. It was one charge of creative energy to another.”

“It’s funny, my assistant brought this to my attention the other day. When I’m dreaming up a new project, I’ll often start compiling different inspiration images, textiles, colors, and material samples to convey the home story I have in my head, to bring my ideas to light. There are many pieces and parts.”

The exterior of the Heritage Project. All photography by Spacecrafting.

My job as a creative in this industry is to bring forth a feeling for our custom WEST BAY HOMES. As we know, feelings change and stories need to be told. It’s a story I want to tell using the home as my canvas.

Walk us through your design process.

“In my process, my mood board pictures won’t really have any connection to an onlooker but for me, the pieces and parts click rather quickly and effortlessly. To you, it may look like an image of a gothic revival home and an abalone shell belt and you may scratch your head, but to me, it’s the wide steps on the front elevation of the Victorian porch that I’m zeroed in on and the shell belt represents the finish I’ll try to achieve for the shower tile in the basement bathroom.”

Featured: Retro Lino Subway.

Tell us about this show-stopping wet room. Walk me through your design process.

Featured: Atlanta White Porcelain, Claros Silver Travertine Hex, Claros Silver Travertine Skirting.

“In my career, I have had the great fortune to design well over 100 bathrooms and I think that as you gain confidence in your career, you desire to challenge yourself – at least I do. A lot of thought and planning had to go on behind the scenes to create an epic yet approachable personal spa bathroom experience such as this. I wanted it to feel warm, although expansive. I wanted the space to feel connected to nature — a shower in the treetops is a splendid way to start or end your day. I wanted this environment to make you want very badly to interact with it. I am so pleased with the way it turned out. The kids get the sports court but the adults get this, you know!”

“We loved the buttery white-oak tone of the wood. When I looked at the space and saw the sheer size and knew how much tile would be there, I wanted to counteract all of the tile with wood. Travertine is a beautiful option that is classic. Paired with the hardwood floors, it made the floors look like one body of warmth. We chose to pair it with large format porcelain to make the space feel super luxurious.”

I want to make it beautiful. I want to make it highly functional, and I definitely want to make it fun.

What are your tips when mixing materials in a space?

“Don’t worry about what’s cool at the time. Go with what is best suited for the space and don’t get too caught up on it. Make your selections personal and go with your gut!”

How about the prep space in the Heritage project. What were you inspired by?

Featured: Retro Lino Subway.

“You enter the house, you wash your hands. I’ve been creating homes with hand washing in mind long before COVID. The concept is an easy-to-access sink, upon transitioning into the home. The prep space is also wonderful for specific daily tasks or morning rituals like making coffee or morning smoothies. The prep kitchen is a workhorse that keeps the main kitchen clutter to a minimum. At WEST BAY HOMES, we are all about the ease and elegance of living.”

Featured: Adobe Silver Versailles.

The Trillium Project

House Stats

Rambler
7,030 sq. ft.
5 bedrooms
6 bathrooms  

Featured: Stencil Dark AC, Annie Selke Ikat Black, Bianco Puro Marble Hex, Carvalho HD Decor Act, and Ashlar Glazed Brick Luminous Chevron.

Since the Trillium project was a remodel, how does your design process change compare to new builds?

The before and after of the Trillium kitchen remodel. Featured: Ashlar Glazed Brick Luminous Chevron.

“With remodels, you are forced to work within the parameters of the existing home in some capacity, and you’re hired to bring forth innovative design ideas and solutions to support the homeowners in living a lifestyle that will bring ease to their daily lives.”

What were the client‘s requests for the Trillium project?

“Originally they came to us after already having a conversation with an architect who had proposed a significant addition. After I walked through the house, many of my ideas actually ended up saving them a lot of money. We cleaned the whole house up and added tons of tile, millwork, lighting, doors, everything.”

Tell me about the hidden kids’ bathroom. What was your inspiration behind that?


Drag the arrows to reveal the hidden bathroom!

“With the kids sharing a room, we created a custom bunk bed, 2 closets, and a large toy storage space where the fireplace once sat. The homeowners also requested a lot of storage for books, so we had to be clever. This is how the bookcase ledge wall that opened to the children’s new bathroom came to be. It was a way to delight the children while providing the family with all the elements they wanted to incorporate into the newly designed nursery space.”

Featured: Splendours White, Annie Selke Shadow Black, and Penny Round Gloss White.

How does tile play a role in your designs?

“I use tile to make statements. It really is a huge supporting role in my designs and helps me create a strong story for the house. Whether it’s something traditional or earthy, tile is a great way to reflect the identity of what we want to say through the design. It is an awesome material for putting an exclamation point on the aesthetics of a space.”

Share a little bit about how functionality plays into your designs. The swinging door leading from the laundry room to the kitchen is ingenious!


Drag the arrows to reveal the hidden pantry and laundry room! Featured: Ashlar Glazed Brick Luminous Chevron.

“Prior to the WEST BAY HOMES remodel, the laundry space was dark, cramped, and a place you would not like to spend much time in. It had a wall within it that made no sense. The only thing it had going for it was 2 access points and a window. Regarding the access point from the kitchen: wouldn’t you rather have a seamless cabinetry door as opposed to an awkward door within your kitchen space. The cabinetry door opens, and surprise…your Pinterest-worthy pantry and sleek, functional laundry space is revealed. Who wouldn’t want a surprise like that?”

Featured: Industrial Roxy Acero.

For me, it happens really quickly. I see a space and I know exactly what I would do to improve it.

In the half bath, you mix a few patterns of tile as well as with the wallpaper, any tips or best practices when mixing patterns?

“The clients have roots in England and Africa and also wanted a contemporary, yet timeless feel to their home. I swooned over the uniqueness of their style request and this powder bath has it all! The Zebras Wallpaper by Scalamandré was the perfect backdrop for this bold mix of textures and finish. In my mind, the powder bath is a concentrated environment where you can be a little more indulgent in your design choices than the main living areas of your home.”

My pro tip: if you’re too afraid to do something in your kitchen or great room, try it out in your powder bath. Another tip: if it doesn’t scare you a little, you’re not quite there yet. Take risks and choose materials that make your heart skip a beat.

The Fun Five

What has been your quarantine obsession?

“After being diagnosed with stage 0, grade 2, DCIS breast cancer in December 2019, my incredible family went from cancer straight into COVID and some days were really difficult. For all the challenges 2020 brought there were so many blessings and clarity for what I’ll value a whole lot more moving forward.

Health. Real whole foods and nourishment became my thing. I’ve always loved to cook, but something shifted really naturally for me during the quarantine. I craved whole, delicious, colorful, beautiful food more than ever. So I was cooking morning, noon, and night in the thick of quarantine.”

What are you streaming right now?

“I am currently not streaming any TV shows or movies. I just stumble upon something on Netflix–I am not necessarily obsessed with any specific show. I do love listening to many different genres of music. Often, I tell Alexa to play “chill electronic” music when we are working in the studio. I also enjoy listening to music on my record player. Some of my personal favorites are artists like Drake, Lana del Ray, Etta James, and Led Zeppelin.”

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

“I like thrifting – a day perusing consignment shops for furniture or unique secondhand clothes is always enjoyable. I also love going on little getaways with my husband. It’s kind of strange the thing about not working because in some ways I kind of always am. Even when I’m on vacation, I’m taking pictures and drawing an idea for a floor plan on a cocktail napkin from the hotel lobby. I’m blessed in the way that my life is the beauty in my work and my work is the beauty of my life and it’s all blurred together and I am so grateful to make a living creating what I love.”

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

“Amy Adams. I love all of her work. I have read that she is gracious, hardworking, and an engaging professional and those are qualities I admire. She creates a backstory for her characters and I can relate to a creative approach like this. Her roles run the gamut from comedy to high drama and I really respect the range of characters she can portray. I could never subscribe to just one aesthetic. I am always evolving and trying new things. It’s one of the things I love most about my profession.”

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

“I fantasize about being a restaurateur sometimes. A florist? A party planner perhaps. I do believe I am doing exactly what I was meant to do and I think all roads would have led me to be a designer no matter what.”

Thanks again to Kelli for sitting down with us and for constantly inspiring us with her spaces. Keep up with the latest from Kelli and West Bay Homes on their website and Instagram.

The post A Design Q&A with Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-design-qa-with-kelli-fontana-vogelgesang-of-west-bay-homes/feed/ 0 3166
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....

The post 2020 Tile Trend: 3D Sculptural appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
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!

The post 2020 Tile Trend: 3D Sculptural appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/2020-tile-trend-sculptural/feed/ 0 2284
Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tried-and-true-wall-and-floor-tile-combinations/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tried-and-true-wall-and-floor-tile-combinations/#respond Thu, 05 Sep 2019 20:21:56 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=1749 Starting a remodel can be overwhelming. (We even wrote a handy guide about starting your tile project!) When it comes...

The post Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
Starting a remodel can be overwhelming. (We even wrote a handy guide about starting your tile project!) When it comes to choosing tile, a common question is how to decide on wall and floor tile combinations. Should they coordinate or contrast, be the same shape or different, and feature all the same materials or a mixture? Of course, your design really depends on your personal preferences and your space. But, we have a few reliable formulas for wall and floor tile combinations that always seem to deliver beautiful results.

Contrasting Colors

Boldly contrasting colors are a sure way to make a big impact. Dark and light tones play off of each other, making each stand out even more. Below, the dark backdrop also serves to highlight the sleek lines of the contemporary tub.

Contrasting floor and wall bathroom
Featured: Ionic White and Ionic Steel. Design by Aponte Development.

Contrast goes glam with this dramatic display that plays up sumptuous style.

Contrast can be created with color combinations beyond black and white. In a warmer take on the style, a wood-look floor balances grey and white walls with tons of welcoming textures.

Monochromatic Mix

If you’re dreaming of a clean monochromatic color palette, try incorporating different finishes, sizes, shapes or materials on the walls and floors. This adds dimension, texture and interest to a design while keeping it clean. You can also include functional and safety features this way. Here, a glossy ceramic wall tile is an easy-to-clean option that protects the backsplash from spills. The coordinating porcelain floor tile is durable and transitions between the surfaces smoothly in the same soft grey color palette.

Glossy and matte grey subway tiles
Featured: Splendours White and Bricklane White. Design by I SPY DIY.

“People always ask me, ‘If I use ceramic on the floor, don’t I have to use it on the walls?’ The answer is no! Mixing it up creates a more interesting space.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

This space demonstrates a perfect example of using mixed materials (also known as “fusion.”) With ceramic wall tile, porcelain shower wall tile, porcelain floor tile and marble trim pieces, all of these different materials unite in a cohesive way and in a monochromatic color palette to portray a serene spa bathroom.

We love how these floor and wall tiles are so different from one another in finish, shape, size and material yet coordinate flawlessly. The space works because the color palette is soft and neutral and hints of organic materials add warmth and interest.

Light grey bathroom tile
Featured: Hampton Carrara Hex and Foggy Morning Glass. Design by Timber Trails DC. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.

Here, the similar polished finish of the ceramic subway wall tile and the marble shower pan tile unifies the shower’s style. A framed marble mosaic is an added touch of elegance—fusion at its finest!

Varying the shape of your wall and floor tiles is another way to add interest in a monochromatic design. From the mix of porcelain and ceramic to the distinct shapes, there is so much to entice the eye in this cream laundry room!

Cream laundry room tile
Featured: Provenzal Alhama Grey and Splendours Royal White Decor. Design by West Bay Homes. Installation by Exell Ceramic Tile.

This is a great example of fusion. The materials on the walls and floor could not be more different, consisting of real wood, wood-look porcelain and a slate and porcelain mosaic, but they all have a similar rich hue that ties them together.

Wood and rich brown tiles
Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural, Kingswood Magma and Hartland Blend Mosaic

Coordinated Collections

One of the easiest ways to ensure your design flows together is using the same collection or series on walls and floors. One of the great things about The Tile Shop’s stone collections is the sheer number of different shape, size and trim options. Collections are also sourced from the same quarry, so, while no two pieces are ever the same due to natural variation, you never have to worry about different tiles coordinating.

This space uses the same stone, Milas Lilac, on every surface, so there’s no fear about the tiles not coordinating. By using many different shapes (we’re not even sure we can count them all!), distinct zones are established, subtly distinguishing the shower from the vanity area.

To make designing a coordinated space even easier, we’ve extended it beyond stone. Our proprietary Fired Earth ceramic and porcelain collections, like the Carrara Gris floor tile below, coordinate with our marble collections, too. This makes adding a special designer touch even easier. Handmade Weekly elevates her fusion design beautifully here, with a marble-look ceramic tile and a unique statement marble mosaic. Marble trims polish the look to perfection.

Patterns That Pop

One of our most popular wall and floor tile combinations is patterned and non-patterned tile. For the bold at heart, there’s nothing better than an accent wall or floor brimming with striking shapes. Paired with a neutral color, the overall effect is delightful. This hexagon shape, duplicated in the floor tile, garners just enough attention to set this shower apart.

Hexagon shower wall and floor tile
Featured: Akros Elis Iris Matte and Hex Gloss White

Here, a boldly patterned floor is softened with a coordinating, neutral wall tile.

Square patterned floor tile
Featured: Montauk Dark Grey Stone Mosaic and Carrara Gris. Customer submission.

White subway tile plus a bold, old-world style encaustic is always a good idea.

Encaustic patterned floor tile
Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic and Bulevar White. Customer submission.

Tone on Tone

One sure way to demonstrate a cohesive look between floors and walls is to pick a neutral or color from one surface and use it on the other. The soft grey wall tiles below perfectly reflect the same mottled grey in the pattered floor.

Laura Ashley floor tile
Featured: Laura Ashley Mr Jones Charcoal Matte and Splendours White. Design by I SPY DIY.

The unique ombre effect on this Annie Selke floor tile presents the opportunity to pull two different colors onto the wall design.

Blue and white bathroom tile
Featured: Annie Selke Moon Sky, Annie Selke Gwendolyn White, Annie Selke Sketch Sky, Bianco Puro Honed Skirting and Dural Chrome Plated Brass Square Edge

This concept does not have to be all or nothing. A hint of color, like the beachy brown in the floor tile that’s also found in the chevron stripe on the wall and shower, goes a long way towards tying this room together.

Cream and brown bathroom tile
Featured: Jupiter Grey, Blanco Waves and Alato Beachwalk Chevron

This kitchen plays with a number of different colors, but choosing the backsplash subway tile in hue plucked from the floor tile ensures that the space feels cohesive.

Kitchen backsplash and floor tile
Featured: Jupiter Grey and Imperial Latte Gloss. Design by Paisley Designs.

Multiple patterns can get tricky but this space strikes a perfect balance. Surrounding this floral art glass splashback with a neutral frame and a subway tile in a color that is duplicated in the floor tile, the patterns do not compete.

Eclectic

Rules are made to be broken, right? Sometimes a design that doesn’t follow any of these rules or even breaks them just works. Here are some of our favorite eclectic combinations that don’t follow the guidelines. Here, pattern, wood look and a bold subway tile create the perfect modern farmhouse nook.

Modern farmhouse tile design
Featured: Star, Imperial Pewter Gloss, Imperial Pewter Gloss Pencil, Brushed Copper Rounds Metal, Antique Copper Metal and Etna Concreto Wood Look

Bold geometric shapes on the walls and floors and exaggerated contrast?! This look is bold, but the black-and-white palette keeps it clean.

Here’s another example of a bold pattern paired with multiple colors. The grey color is reflected in the patterned tile, and the wood-look floor acts as a neutral that balances the space.

There are dozens of different wall and floor tile combinations. It just depends on your desired overall effect—whether it’s eye-catching contrast, calm coordination or eclectic patterns. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a design consultation or stop into a store to talk to a tile expert and get started!

The post Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tried-and-true-wall-and-floor-tile-combinations/feed/ 0 1749
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...

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

]]>
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!

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

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/style-guide-cement-and-cement-look-tile/feed/ 0 1534
Stay Up-to-Date With This Current Style https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/stay-up-to-date-with-this-current-style/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/stay-up-to-date-with-this-current-style/#respond Wed, 01 May 2019 14:30:06 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=1223 Minimal. Sleek. Neutral. These are a few of the words that come to mind when you think of contemporary style....

The post Stay Up-to-Date With This Current Style appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
Minimal. Sleek. Neutral. These are a few of the words that come to mind when you think of contemporary style. It is all of these things—and much more! Contemporary design and style are sometimes confused with modern style, but the two are actually quite different. Modern style refers to design from a specific time period from the early to mid-twentieth century. On the contrary, contemporary does not refer to any specific era or time period. Rather, it is the changing styles that define design that is popular now. This can make it a little more difficult to pin down the specifics of contemporary style. However, there are some hallmarks that help distinguish it.

Hallmarks

A few of the clues that you might be looking at contemporary design are:

  • A minimalistic feel
  • Clean colors, often neutrals
  • Hidden or integrated appliances and features
  • An emphasis on natural light
  • Flat-panel cabinetry
  • European cabinet pulls or no hardware
  • Stainless steel
  • Recessed and pendant lighting
  • Artistic elements

Accessories can go a long way towards establishing a contemporary theme in your space. The furniture, decor and accessories above are composed of contemporary finishes, materials and lines. We especially love how the funky chandelier sets the scene and distinguishes this dining space. Check out some more of our favorite contemporary lighting below. You’ll see that most of these fixtures display multiple qualities from the list above.

Tile Style

This design style is somewhat unique in that not only can tiles be worked into your contemporary design, but tiles can display contemporary style in and of themselves.

Some characteristics of contemporary tiles are:

Myriad different tiles can facilitate contemporary style, and this is just a short list. Scroll to the bottom of this blog post to view some of our favorite contemporary tiles.

Along with a sleek, contemporary chandelier and tub, these wall tiles are perfect examples of this style. They are sculptural, artistic and bold.

There are a few contemporary elements to note in this space: the artwork, sleek furniture, an unadorned fireplace and a geometric patterned rug.

Contemporary living room with grey fireplace
Featured: Neo Grey. Design by Maple.

Just like tile and lighting, furniture can display contemporary characteristics all on its own. If you are thinking of decorating in this style, consider items like the below.

The shower above is an embellished and glamorous take on contemporary. The large-format tiles, squared-off trim pieces and sleek hardware are all indicators that it is contemporary. In the close-up below, the square and straight edges of the trim pieces are more visible. As opposed to an ornate or rounded piece of trim, these finish the installation without adding any extra adornment, keeping the look minimal and sleek.

Close-up of shower niche

Here are a few more contemporary trim pieces with squared-off edges and clean lines that work well in this design style. Read more about layering and trims on our blog post.

Below, neutrals and unadorned cabinetry make this space contemporary. A honed finish on the marble-look tiles and bright wood vanity warm the room up.

Grey marble-look bathroom tiles
Featured: Eternal Convex Antiqued and Black Hex. Design by Sima Spaces.

From the minimal, artistic decor to the sculptural, monochromatic wall tiles, this fireplace is thoroughly contemporary from top to bottom.

White sculptural fireplace tile
Featured: Arpege Blanc

Sculptural tiles are not only perfect for contemporary design, but they’re also a big trend right now. Explore some of our favorites below.

Below, tones of tan and beige running through the veins of the floor tile add warmth to an all-white bathroom.

Spacious white tiled bathroom
Featured: White Hex and Eternal. Design by Boulevard Homes.

The painterly effect created by gold brush strokes turns your walls into a work of art.

Over the all-white kitchen trend? This one features crisp white tile but is also injected with lots of warm tones, balancing the best of both worlds and making this space cozy and welcoming. The flat-front cabinets, minimal (almost hidden!) hardware and sleek, clean lines are all very contemporary.

Warm wood and white tile backsplash kitchen
Featured: Glass Snow Napier Mosaic. Design by Morrissey Home Solutions. Photography by Jen Morley Burner.

While contemporary style can be warm and inviting like in the kitchen above, it can also be dramatic and moody, as seen with the 3-D geometric tile below. That’s one thing we love about this style—it’s so versatile!

Black geometric bar wall tile
Featured: Diamante Negro

Contemporary style lends itself to self-expression. The amazing installation below is a custom mosaic created from tile and metal trim. We have a feeling the homeowners love this as much as we do.

Coziness and warmth are the words that come to mind when we see the bathroom below. While maintaining contemporary style, the designers have seamlessly combined multiple different shades of warm tans and browns.

Ready to give contemporary a try? Browse the style on our website and start dreaming.

The post Stay Up-to-Date With This Current Style appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/stay-up-to-date-with-this-current-style/feed/ 0 1223
The Versatility of Real Wood Tiles https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/wood-tiles/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/wood-tiles/#respond Thu, 14 Feb 2019 15:26:36 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=986 Natural wood has been an integral part of home design for centuries. The warmth and style wood lends a space...

The post The Versatility of Real Wood Tiles appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
Natural wood has been an integral part of home design for centuries. The warmth and style wood lends a space used to be incomparable until the advent of realistic wood-look tiles. However, there is an authenticity to real wood that is unique. Structured, architectural tiles made from wood add the same natural warmth to your space in a manageable and easy-to-install material. The Tile Shop carries two different varieties of wood tiles that offer different looks and installation processes.

Gepetto Series

The eight tiles in the Gepetto series feature unique arrangements of cut natural wood pieces that allow you to design with original and contemporary patterns.

Installation

This series has a unique (and easy) installation process that is worth noting. Gepetto tiles come with a peel-and-stick adhesive backing. That means no thinset and no grout are required! All you have to do is prepare the wall by cleaning it with soapy water. And, since wood is a natural material, make sure to let the tiles acclimatize to your space for 7–10 days before installation. Tile Shop Design Manager Kirsty Froelich recommends laying out your design on the floor first and using a level so you only stick the tiles once. If you follow these simple tips, anyone can install this beautiful wood tile.

Close up of wood tile

Featured: Arco Acustico

How to Use

Because of the adhesive backing, Gepetto can’t be used in wet areas. However, the easy installation makes them more versatile than your average tile. Think outside the box and create the look of a headboard behind a bed like in the image below. Warm up the space behind a TV with a textured accent wall. Make any nook or wall a statement with wood tiles. Transform a backsplash that isn’t exposed to lots of water into a textured, eye-catching area. You can even frame wood tiles as a work of art and let them speak for themselves. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate them into your space, the Gepetto series affordably dresses up walls with warmth and comfort.

Wood accent wall

Featured: Arco Acustico

Reclaimed Wood

The most unique aspect of our reclaimed wood tiles is their history and the journey they have made to our stores. Decommissioned antique ships are pulled from harbors in Southeast Asia and the wood is removed from the boats by hand before being sorted and cured for 60 days. Finally, pieces are cut, finished and assembled into the mosaics and trim pieces you see today.

Installation

Just like the Gepetto series, reclaimed wood should be allowed 7–10 days in your space to adjust to the temperature and humidity before installation. Unlike Gepetto, this collection does not come with an adhesive backing. Instead, use a Taylor wood adhesive to attach the tiles to the wall—no thinset required. Adding finishing nails afterwards will ensure that the tiles are fully adhered. For larger installations, consider placing plywood behind the tiles. A store associate at The Tile Shop can help you choose the best installation method for your project. It’s also important to check your local codes to be sure your project is far enough from sources of heat.

How to Use

Feature walls, commercial spaces, bars, kitchen islands and even ceilings are all perfect places to feature reclaimed wood. Powder rooms also work but avoid using these tiles in a full bathroom where conditions are too wet. The rich, authentic colors of natural wood add uncompromised depth and texture to a space.

Bar detail shot

Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural and Hartland Blend Mosaic

A Variety of Styles

Covering your walls with natural wood might give you visions of rustic cabins in the woods, and that is certainly one achievable style that adds lots of hygge vibes to your space. But wood does not limit itself to rustic decor. In fact, any number of styles are possible depending on the rest of your space and what other tiles you decide to use. For example, pairing reclaimed wood with brick-look tile gives an industrial look and pairing a chevron wood mosaic with a subway tile delivers a contemporary feel.

In these examples, it’s easy to see how natural wood tiles can work into different design styles from industrial to contemporary.

Industrial wood

Reclaimed wood is the perfect addition to an industrial loft space. Featured: Reclaimed Wood Chevron Mosaic, Reclaimed Wood Geometric Mosaic, Provenzal Alhama Cotto, Antique Copper Metal Somerset and Imperial Gunmetal Gloss

Contemporary wood

The tile pairings and soft coloring give this inspiration a thouroughly contemporary vibe. Featured: Freccia Bianca Wood Mosaic, Quadrati Bianchi Wood Mosaic, K Wood Light and Bianco Puro Honed Marble Somerset

Ready to get started? Shop all architectural wood tiles at The Tile Shop or schedule a design consultation to meet with a store associate today.

The post The Versatility of Real Wood Tiles appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/wood-tiles/feed/ 0 986