…this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

While the warm yellow shade of Illuminating communicates joy and hope, the classic neutrality of Ultimate Gray offers a sense of dependability.

In common gathering areas like the kitchen, you can’t go wrong with grey tile. Both classic and versatile, it provides the perfect backdrop for any room, allowing you to continuously update the space with new decor over time.

A backsplash featuring bold shapes is a fun way to add dimension to your space, building a focal point for the rest of the room. The geometric pattern in the photo below is eye-catching and breathes energy into the design, while the two-dimensional checked pattern on the right creates an elegant setting for the fun kitchen accessories and artwork to shine.

Click here to get more geometric tile inspiration!

We often see grey featured in the master bathroom due to the calming atmosphere it provides. Using a variety of shapes and materials within a monochromatic color scheme allows the space to feel tranquil while maintaining visual interest.

Incorporating subtle pops of yellow here and there, through things like tile, linens, or flowers, is an easy way to make the room feel both serene and cheerful.

Choosing a tile with unique textured detail brings movement and excitement to the space. This unique mosaic travertine features a three-dimensional design with a striking silver metallic finish.

Learn more about tile patterns and layouts here!

All Things Yellow

While grey is a timeless color we often turn to when designing, yellow can sometimes be a bit trickier to navigate.

If you’re hesitant about committing to yellow tile in your home, test the waters with something a little less permanent – paint. Depending on the shade and tone, yellow can fill a room with a variety of emotions, from comfort and coziness to energy and joy.

It’s easy to feel the warm and inviting atmosphere the yellow walls create in this beautiful entryway. Pairing that warmth with a more neutral color scheme on the floor, like the checkered polished marble, helps ground the space and adds an elegant touch.

The yellow door in this minimalist bathroom energizes the design with a bright pop of color, emboldening the light-and-airy atmosphere.

Mustard is the perfect shade of yellow to consider when going for a statement furniture piece. The way this dresser contrasts against the floral wallpaper makes this space look like something straight out of a magazine!

Adding splashes of color throughout a neutral room liven it up and make it feel more unique to you. These golden-yellow barstools are the perfect pair to bring out the warmer hues in the surrounding curtains and artwork.

Make a Statement

If you’re ready to dive into the world of color, the bathroom is always a great place to try something a little more adventurous! Playing with different color combinations allows you to create something truly unique and personalized. For a more youthful design, try incorporating a variety of lighter pastel colors alongside yellow for a playful feel that isn’t too overwhelming.

Love this rainbow wall? At Home with Ashley shares her best tips to incorporate color into your home here!

Who says you can’t have a bathroom filled with butterflies?! At the end of the day, it’s all about giving yourself the freedom to have fun and create something that’s going to bring you joy every time you see it.

We hope these two colors of Illuminating and Ultimate Gray encourage you to go bold and design spaces that truly embody your personal style in 2021. It is, after all, more important than ever to feel comfortable and inspired in your home.

Curious about other color options? Explore our extensive color collections here to find the perfect tile for your next project.

If you’re ready to make a change, we’re here to help every step of the way. Schedule a free design consultation or find even more style inspiration here. Here’s to a brighter year ahead!

The post Get Inspired in 2021 with Pantone’s Colors of the Year appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

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

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.”

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.”

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

“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?

“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.”

The Trillium Project

House Stats

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

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

“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?

“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.”

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!

“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?”

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.

history of subway tile

Created more than a century ago by architects Heins and LaFarge, the original subway tiles were used for, you guessed it, a subway—specifically the New York City subway in 1904. These tiles were perfect for subways because they were simple, clean and economical. They were so efficient that other major cities adapted subway tiles, from London’s Underground to Paris’ Metro. Soon, subway tiles became popular above ground as well, adorning Victorian kitchens and bathrooms because of their sanitary qualities.

Today, subway tiles are much more of a style statement, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still functional and durable. Many people love them for this exact combination. However, there are more choices than ever to consider so knowing what is right for you can be tricky. That brings us to our top three things to consider when you pick out your tile.

Top 3 Things to Consider

Subway Tile Design Tips

Once you know what you want as far as size, finish and shape, it’s time to explore different subway tile designs and what makes them work.

Try using a patterned, wallpaper-look tile above a wainscot and subway tile in a complementary color on the bottom. This will add color and interest to a powder room, and you can still keep the palette neutral.

The vertical straight set pattern in the charming space below adds height to the small shower in a contemporary way. We love how this pattern continues right through the nook and brings mid-century modern style to this soothing room.

With subway tile, pattern is everything. In the frame below, a herringbone pattern defines a focal point without straying from a soft, neutral color palette. There are so many interesting details here to attract the eye.

Subway tile is wonderful as a blank canvas to support other points of interest. A dazzling waterjet mosaic (first photo) or an artistic piece of Laura Ashley art glass (second photo) stand out on a subway tile background. Grout in a complementary color helps the true centerpiece shine. To transition between your subway tile and focal point (and to show it off!), incorporate layering pieces that do double duty.

The character of brick and the versatility of subway tile come together in this beautiful space. An elongated tile in a herringbone pattern gives this cozy nook a unique, textured design.

One of the best things about subway tile is the variety of patterns possible. Here, a mix of vertical and horizontal straight stack on the wall lend a modern appearance and a bold, colorful pattern on the floor is a jolt of energy.

Ask Kirsty

You asked, she answered! Kirsty offers her advice on some of your most common subway tile questions.

How do I decide on a gloss or matte finish for my subway tile? Is gloss more timeless? What’s easier to keep clean?

Glossy finishes typically present a more traditional and elegant look. Their reflective quality can also make your space appear brighter. Matte finishes offer a more casual, relaxed appearance. They don’t reflect as much light and will give the space a softer look. As far as cleaning, both matte and glossy tiles have their benefits. Matte tile does not show smudges or splashes as easily as a glossy tile, but glossy tile is very easy to wipe down and clean.

What color grout should I use with white subway tile?

Grout has an incredible impact on your tile and the space around it. You have three options: matching, complementary or contrasting grout. The best option for you depends on your goals for the final look. Matching grout to the tile color gives a classic, clean, monochromatic and seamless appearance. A neutral and complementary grout color adds subtle contrast without being a focal point. Opt for a color that accents the tile and overall design. Contrasting your grout color to your tile adds character, creates a bold, dramatic look and shows off the tile pattern. The grout becomes a part of the design rather than the backdrop.

How do I match subway tile with my cabinets?

There is no one formula for matching tile and cabinetry. It’s about what appeals to you. One tip I recommend is to look at your closet. What color clothing do you have? To which colors do you tend to gravitate? Just like your clothing style, you want your home to reflect you and your individuality. It’s also important to think about contrasts. Do you want a monochromatic look or do you want your tile and cabinets to contrast one another? Deciding this will also help guide your tile choice.

What subway tile pattern should I use?

(Tip: Refer to our blog post on subway tile patterns and layouts for examples of these looks!)

The most popular layout is a traditional horizontal brick. To make that appear more modern, use a larger size tile. Vertical and horizontal straight stacks are more contemporary layouts. Any vertical pattern will add height to your space—an offset brick pattern is more traditional and a straight stack is more contemporary. More unique layouts, like crosshatch and herringbone, add dynamic patterns, whether in a monochromatic or multicolored palette. The beauty and glamour of a herringbone pattern are unbeatable.

Between all the shapes, sizes, finishes and patterns available for subway tile, there are countless designs to be discovered. However you decide to use subway tile, just make sure to follow The Tile Shop golden rule, and make it your own!

The post Subway Tile Design Ideas & Tips 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.

We are excited to bring a designer spotlight to you. Bria Hammel of Bria Hammel Interiors is another designer local to The Tile Shop’s Minnesota home base, but she’s been making big waves all over the country. From her dreams of going global to staying true to her traditional Southern style, read on to learn about the woman behind Bria Hammel Interiors.

What is your educational background and work experience?

I went to college at the University of Kansas where I started out studying business and then switched majors to interior design. During that time, I had an internship working for a residential and commercial interior design firm. The designer had a showroom where she sold furniture and accessories, so I was able to see the retail side of things, too. It was great because I got a lot of experience trying out all different areas of interior design and it helped me hone in on what I was passionate about.

I worked there for a few years until my family convinced me to move back to Minnesota where I took a job as an interior designer at Ethan Allen. Retail was a great way to meet a lot of vendors, like fabric reps, manufacturers and other designers. The experience exposed me to a lot of different parts of the business. After about a year, I got promoted to design team manager at the Edina location. Being a manager gave me a lot of training for running a business and what the financial side of that involves but it was also completely related to the design industry.

Once I got married, I didn’t want to work crazy retail hours anymore, and I went to work for a high-end interior designer who was just starting her business. She brought me on as a design assistant to help her launch the business. It was amazing to be along for the journey of watching a business grow. It also helped sealed the deal on the relationships I didn’t have when I originally moved back. Once I had my son, I knew I wanted to stay home with him and start my own business, and I started Bria Hammel Interiors in 2012.

Did you always have an eye for design? You said you started school majoring in business and made the switch to interior design. Did you just realize that’s what you wanted to do or how did you decide to make that change?

My mom was a serial house flipper when I was growing up. She’s a physician, but she loved to buy houses in her spare time. We probably lived in ten different homes when I was growing up. I always refer to her as a closet designer! I grew up furniture shopping and hanging out in wallpaper stores with her, but I never thought being a designer was an option. When I went to college, everyone started calling me a young Martha Stewart because my room was the nicest out of everyone’s in the house. At one point, someone asked me why I wasn’t planning on doing that for my career. And I thought, “That’s a good idea, I think I will.” And I changed my major that semester.

What do you see as the Bria Hammel Interiors vision?

We want to become the go-to design firm in the country. I hate to limit us to just being local because our biggest projects are out of state. We really are passionate about residential interiors from the ground up. Our favorite projects are when we can help the client design the home and then decorate the home. We want to be that brand that everyone knows.

We started a new product line called Brooke & Lou in August. That’s the company I’d love to scale and build into a bigger business. I think there’s a larger need in the market to have places where people can get a designer look without having to hire one. That’s a big part of why we launched Brooke & Lou—so we can offer our look and style to anyone who wants it. We wanted to fill a need in the market for fashionable designs that were durable and family friendly, too. A lot of these products are what we’ve trademarked as “life friendly.” I feel confident saying someone can put them in a home with a 3-year-old and they’re going to withstand wear and tear without sacrificing style and beauty.

“Our travels. Your home. Each piece in this collection was handpicked during one of our many travels around the world. They’re ever changing, one of a kind and uniquely perfect for your home.”—Bria Hammel on Brooke & Lou “Collected”

Do you have a signature style, something that makes someone say, “That’s a Bria house”?

I would say we’ve kind of skimmed by this mid-century modern trend and stayed true to our roots of a fresh, young take on traditional style with a little southern mixed in. Our style is color, preppy and fresh but classic enough that it doesn’t scream 2019. We don’t design to trends. We design to our style and our clients’ styles. It’s a similar aesthetic but it also varies a lot.

“We don’t design to trends. We design to our style and our clients’ styles.”

That makes sense. That’s what your clients discover you for, your style, so that’s what they want.

Right, it wouldn’t make sense to change it completely. They come to us because they love what they’ve seen.

 Bria Hammel Interiors does new construction, remodels and decorating projects? 

Yes, and we’re starting to get into some boutique commercial design, too. We’re willing to take on these projects as long as the vision is high design. We’re not working with cubicles but with a livable, more residential feeling space.

Do you prefer starting from scratch or is it refreshing to simply decorate?

We love to start from scratch because that’s when we can be the most creative and we can push our clients to think outside the box the most. But there’s nothing like a really good decorating project where we have a really beautiful palette and we make it feel livable, functional and usable.

If you have a turnkey project, what is that process like? Where do you start, find inspiration and decide what that vision is going to be for that specific home?

It’s so important for me that what you see from the outside is a reflection of what you see on the inside. I don’t like walking into a home and thinking, “Whoa, I was not expecting these paint colors or this furniture.” That is always the number one indicator of what we’re going to do—the architectural details and the exterior elevation. From there, travel is probably the number one place I seek inspiration. I’m always picking up things for a project or finding amazing things I have to have. So, as far as what we include in our designs, that’s a big piece of it. On Brooke & Lou, we have a collected section that’s all one-of-a-kind antiques and pieces we find on our travels. People don’t have to travel the world to find these pieces—we find and curate them on our website.

Collected Objects from Brooke & Lou

As far as our process goes, it’s always really important to have our clients share inspiration with us. There are a lot of different things we can do within our style, so it’s so important to incorporate the look they want—whether it’s formal or casual, high contrast, more neutral, more colorful and anything in between. We lean heavily on client onboarding meetings to bring in their inspiration like magazine clippings, Pinterest boards, Houzz pages, blogs or even a piece of fabric they’ve always loved—whatever inspires them.

Is there a favorite part you have about designing a home, like a certain room or using a certain material? Anything that’s a highlight from house to house?

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite room to design. We just did this under-the-stairs bookcase nook and, in an 8,000 square foot home, it’s one of my favorite spaces. To me, it’s about finding these spaces where we can make a big impact, those moments where people aren’t expecting to see so much beauty. It makes the space feel really special.

“To me, it’s about finding these spaces where we can make a big impact, those moments where people aren’t expecting to see so much beauty.”

What’s your dream client or project?

I have two. As far as location, I would love to do a large home in Europe and get more into international design. And I’d also love to design Reese Witherspoon’s house. She’s very on brand with us.

I was going to say, your style definitely has Draper James vibes. (Draper James is Reese Witherspoon’s clothing and lifestyle brand and store.)

For sure, I have the same wallpaper in my dining room as their fitting rooms. (See the wallpaper and take a virtual tour of their store here!)

Was that a coincidence or planned?

It was definitely planned!

Do you have any favorite Tile Shop tiles you find yourself coming back to and using over and over?

The one we used time and time again is the Hampton Carrara marble collection. It’s so classic and we can have a lot of fun playing with the installation. I also love the Annie Selke collection. At the New York City launch event, I got to speak with Annie. I love how color is infused in the collection. It’s not over the top, and it’s usable in a lot of different styles of homes. You don’t need a lot of it to make a big impact. The line allows us to play with design and get creative. I was really impressed with that collection.

Do you have any tips or anything you’ve learned throughout your years working with tile? A lot of people don’t know how to pick tile out or whether to choose things like cabinets first or tile first. What have you learned?

We like to start with tile, especially in those spaces like a bathroom or on a fireplace where we use a lot of it. One thing we’re always telling our clients is to push the envelope with their tile installation and think outside the box. With subway tile, people often default to a classic brick pattern. But if we install it in a unique pattern, we can get so much more impact. Just thinking of different ways to use the tile makes the space feel so much more special.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

If you’re thinking about going to school for interior design, make sure to try everything out. There are so many different avenues. You can work for a brand manufacturer or a commercial or residential designer, but use your schooling and internships to test the waters. Then when you graduate, you can start out where your passion is. The more you can expose yourself to the parts of the business, the better you’ll be when you’re out of school.

The Fun Five

What’s your dream vacation?

Lake Como, Italy.

What are you streaming right now?

I love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I love the fashion and interior design in that show.

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

Hm, do I have a hobby? I feel like work is my hobby! I guess I’d say traveling. But work really does feel like my hobby because I love it so much.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Probably Reese Witherspoon! (We had a hunch she’d pick her!) She just feels so grounded and down to earth. I feel like I’m her best friend, and I’ve never met her before. I love that she’s an entrepreneur, too, and she’s found ways to share her passion and make money. She just has a very approachable style.

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

Oh my goodness. I would probably be in some kind of business management role. I love the business side of this job, crunching numbers, figuring out how we can grow, what’s working, what’s not working and putting new systems in place to make us better.

Thanks for chatting with us, Bria! Keep up with her adventures in design on her Instagram, Houzz and blog.

The post Spotlight On: Bria Hammel Interiors 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:Aqua Blu 24 x 47 in, Glass Silver Diamond, Dural Bronze Satin Brushed

What Is Large-Format Tile?

In recent years, we have seen a surge in LFTs as the tile industry continues to experiment and grow through new technologies. Just ten years ago, a mere 12” tile would have been considered large format. Today, the technical definition of a large-format tile is anything with one side that exceeds 16”, but the largest tiles we’ve seen were presented at the 2018 Cersaie Tile Show and they were over 10 feet long!

A versatile design option, these large tiles come in square and rectangular shapes in both ceramic, porcelain and stone options and can be used on walls or floors.

Looking for an LFT that is large enough to make the room appear larger than it is but won’t overwhelm your space? Our most popular size, 12″ x 24″, is a gratifying middle ground for most spaces. 

Aesthetics & Advantages

Increase functionality in your designs by incorporating large-format tiles. One of the best things that large-format tiles do is minimize grout joints, creating a crisp and elegant design. Not only does this create a seamless look, it is also easier to clean and requires less maintenance.

Simply due to the size of large-format tiles, you have the ability to create the illusion of a bigger space with neat, sharp grout lines. Observe below how the large-format floor tiles naturally create a more open, transitional space in this impressive fireplace setting.

Featured: Frisco Grey 24 x 48 in, Claros Silver Split Face

Designing With LFTs

A big, expansive tile is exactly what you need to make any space appear even more fabulous. Large-format tiles reduce visual interruption by requiring fewer grout joints. Consider using LFTs to maximize a large floor plan while creating a visually cohesive look. The design process is actually quite straightforward. Using large-format tiles horizontally will create the illusion of a wider space, and to make your walls feel taller and exaggerated, use LFTs vertically.

“Large-format tiles give you the opportunity to enhance the size of any living space and create a very elegant feel.”—Brandy Janke, The Tile Shop product designer

The gorgeous shower below displays a horizontal large-format wall tile that creates a bold statement and visually broadens the sophisticated space to appear wider.

Featured: Aqua Blu 24 x 47 in, Aqua Blu Mosaic, Glass Silver Diamond

Use large-format tile on your fireplace to create a clean, harmonious look catered to your personal style. We love the marble patterned Invisible Grey series because it fosters a modern yet warm feel featured below.

Because large-format tiles appreciate the size of spaces, they are a spectacular option for kitchens, entryways, mudrooms or any large, open areas. 

Large format achieves a grand perception as an entire space appears unified, on trend with a sleek wallpaper effect. The Metalica Cell tile creates a dramatic effect through a uniquely textured pattern while the neat, minuscule grout joints almost completely disappear from this modern space.

Featured: Metalica Cell Silver 18 x 35 in

An appealing characteristic of many large-format tiles is the multifired process that brings a unique dimension to their surfaces, creating rich textures and adding an elevated flair as seen in the photo below.

Featured: Decor Space Pearl 12 x 47 in

LFTs can be used to create a spa-like feel when used in bathrooms, as pictured in the luxurious space below featuring Lombaria in the shower and Parallelo Nero on the floor. It elevates the space, making it feel extra special for an at-home experience.

Photo by Spacecrafting Photography

To create a truly dynamic and eye-catching room, pair large-format tiles with mosaics to see the opposite sizes play off each other.

Featured: Snow Glass Stria 12 x 12 in, Hall Blanco 8 x 20 in

Design a captivating accent wall using Decor Impact’s dazzling 3-D starburst pattern.

Featured: Decor Impact 12 x 47 in

Wondering if LFTs are for you? First, consider that to enlarge any space you must pick the size of tile that supports your desired feel. Large format is excellent for complementing a larger room, but these innovative tiles can truly be used in any space. Additionally, if you want to intensify the size of a small room, a large-format tile might be just what you need to reflect a more spacious feel.  Schedule an appointment with our design associates to create your dream space and get expert advice on using large-format tiles.

Want more? Think bigger! Loving LFTs as much as us? Check out our impressive collection of large-format tile options here.

The post Maximize Your Space With Large-Format Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

This past September, The Tile Shop sent a team to Cersaie including Brandy Janke, product designer, and Rob Grosskopf, manager of product management. They brought back their observations, stories, pictures and upcoming tile trends to share with the rest of the team.

Cersaie by the Numbers

It’s hard to comprehend just how vast Cersaie is, but the numbers speak for themselves.

• 100,000+ visitors over 5 days
• 1.7 million square feet of show spaces
• 800+ vendors
• 40+ countries represented
• 18 halls

A small portion of the many Cersaie attendees.

Welcome to Cersaie!

Attempting to tackle Cersaie without a plan would be too overwhelming, so the team made 30 brief appointments each day to meet with vendors they were interested in. Before the show, Brandy worked on developing a Tile Shop lookbook to show vendors what we’re interested in seeing and the trends we’re expecting to be big in the next year to act as a visual shopping list.

“The look book is a progression of where tile design is heading based on trends in interior and product design, art and fashion. After seeing what vendors have to offer, our team decides what the market is missing and we work to develop new and exciting products to meet design demands.”—Brandy Janke

A Day at Cersaie

Appointments with vendors took place all day and were spread out over 12 massive buildings. (The team clocked six miles of walking a day!) Each vendor has a booth that acts as a mini showroom, as seen in the amount of detail and design in the image below.

An artistic and aesthetically pleasing vendor display.

In these brief meetings, the team challenged vendors to show their newest and most original products. The companies design and develop lines of tile specifically for the show, anticipating new trends and putting their best foot forward. Trusted vendors get a peek at The Tile Shop’s lookbook to see if they can fill in any of the product or trend gaps that have been identified. A close vendor partner may even offer to develop a new product based on the inspiration in the lookbook, creating an original tile.

Vendor meetings taking place.

Foliage makes this display stand out from a crowd.

Top Trends

We can’t talk about Cersaie without talking tile trends. This year, ceramic tiles mimicking the look of tin ceilings, white marble, 3-D tile and new advancements in technology were the big stories.

“We noticed a lot of experimentation with the incredible advancements this year. The whole team can’t wait to see what is presented at next year’s show.”—Brandy Janke

Deep ink technology, which gives a realistic marble veining effect to man-made porcelain tile, and nanopolish, a process that creates a high-definition glass glazed look, are two of the newest advancements on display this year. And large-format tile? It just keeps getting larger. A 10-foot tile was even presented by one vendor.

Bold and colorful tiles display a patchwork trend.

Beyond Cersaie

Another year, another successful scouting mission. Attending shows like Cersaie is important for The Tile Shop team. It’s an investment in our customers that allows us to have the most robust selection around.

“Cersaie is a scouting experience. It allows us to see what is out in the market and stay ahead of trends to ensure we bring the most unique new products to our stores. After this year, I feel very confident that The Tile Shop is ahead of the trends. We have a lot of exciting things our customers are going to love coming out over the next year.”—Brandy Janke

Cersaie has made us even more excited about what 2019 has to bring. Check back over the coming months to see what new arrivals we have in store.

The post The 2018 Cersaie Tile Show appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

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 6^thgrade, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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