…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.

The Victorian Farmhouse

The Victorian Farmhouse

Enter the Victorian Farmhouse, a unique over-100-years-old blend of a city-style Victorian and a country farmhouse near Milwaukee, WI. Stephanie and Travis certainly had their work cut out for them. All 13 rooms in the home needed to be completely redone. So, what convinced them that it’d be worth the work? Stephanie’s ability to see past the mess to the hidden original elements showed her that beneath all the musty layers was their forever home. And, four and a half years later, taking that leap of faith has paid off.

Tile was an integral part of this remodel because Stephanie’s choices, especially marble and hexagons, allowed her to honor the age and style of the home with new materials and create the modern farmhouse of her family’s dreams.

House Stats

Year built: 1892

Owned for: 4.5 years

Square feet: 3,000

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 2

History

Stephanie has put almost as much work into the researching the history of the Victorian Farmhouse as she has designing it. Through Ancestry.com, the historical society and the library, she learned that the original owners were successful dairy farmers William and Elenora Foster (pictured with the home below). The family’s success in farming allowed them to build this Victorian-style home out on their country farm. The house was originally built as a wedding gift by William’s parents, who lived next door, and the family stayed in the home until the 1940s. Stephanie and her husband are only the fourth owners in 127 years. At one point in its history, the house was used as a guesthouse for travelers passing through.

Stephanie found this amazing photo of her house with its original owners.

Historical Details

The intact historical details of the home were a big selling point for the couple. From the grand staircase down to the intricate doorknobs, there are hidden treasures everywhere. The front parlor is one of their favorite places because of the cozy atmosphere the fireplace and the stained-glass windows create. In the dining room, the original woodwork of the two-toned floor is the standout feature. To complement this original detailing, lots of antique and thrifted items were used. This bench in the entryway, originally used as church or theater seating in the 1920s, was salvaged from a dumpster and perfectly suites the home’s style.

Grand staircase

Entryway

Front parlor

Dining room

Kitchen

The kitchen shines as an authentic-yet-functional space with its mix of modern conveniences and historical details. Maintaining the character of an 1890s home while bringing a fresh take was the ultimate design goal. Rustic and vintage pieces, like the colorful Depression glass from the 1920s that Stephanie has been collecting for years, add character and a farmhouse feeling. Modern materials, like this marble-look tile and updated appliances, have an updated look that coordinates with the rest of the space.

Featured: Carrara Gris Gloss Subway

Extending the tile all the way to the ceiling gives the room height.

Old meets new

Laundry Room

Like much of the house, the laundry room also has amazing wooden features. The vintage bench and hexagonal tiles, which Stephanie loves and repeated throughout the house, flatter these features and combine function with style.

Wood ceiling details in the laundry room

Featured: Hex Matte Black

The hexagonal motif is repeated in this bathroom. Featured: Carrara Gris Gloss Subway and Firenze Carrara Honed 2 in Hex. Stephanie used Wedi Fundo Primo Shower Kit to build the shower.

Stephanie found this bed (that retails for around $1,000) at Habitat for Humanity Restore for only $65! The style fits perfectly in the master bedroom, which was the servants’ quarters in the original home.

The claw-foot bathtub is another Craigslist find. It was in terrible shape so Stephanie restored it and painted it black. Now, it’s one of her favorite places to relax in the house. Featured: Firenze Carrara Honed 2 in Hex

Read more about the Victorian Farmhouse journey on their blog.

All photography except third photo by Stephanie Kreger. All contract work by The Kreger Company of New Berlin, WI.

The post A Tour of the Victorian Farmhouse 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.

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.

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.

The post Spotlight On: Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop Design Manager appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Whether it’s a small upgrade or a large remodel, knowing how to start a tile project can be daunting. Is it best to match your tile to your cabinets or vice versa? Should you pick out a paint color first or last? Read our expert advice on how to start a project for an overview of first steps.

Project Inspiration

The first step of starting a project is finding your inspiration. Create a Pinterest board, follow Instagram accounts of your favorite designers, search for hashtags that feature a style you love, explore thousands of photos of projects on Houzz and check out The Tile Shop’s customer inspiration gallery. Even a work of art, a fashion designer or a piece of fabric can serve as your inspiration.

What commonalities do you see in the things you love? Is it a color palette? Does a common design style emerge? Just knowing what style you relate to the most can help a lot because they vary so widely, as you can see below. Whatever you choose as your inspiration, now you have a starting point that allows you to move to the next step.

Assessing Your Space

Take an objective look at your space and your motivations. Think about why you are tackling the project. Is it a necessary upgrade or is it about the aesthetic change? Think about how you use the space and how it is a part of your life. Is appearance or function a bigger priority for you? Consider how much time you have for upkeep and maintenance.

Then consider the physical aspects of your space. Are you remodeling everything from scratch or utilizing existing cabinets or floors? If your cabinets and floors are remaining, take pictures or bring samples into The Tile Shop since you will want to coordinate with them. Be aware of other things that cannot change, like the layout, plumbing and windows. Knowing what elements are not negotiable in your new space will help you understand your options.

In the two photos below, similarly colored white subway tiles are used on the walls. However, the look changes entirely depending on whether light- or dark-colored cabinets are used. This goes to show that every element of your design is important because it affects all of the others.

Featured: Bulevar White and Hampton Carrara Polished Barnes

Featured: Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Camilla with Glass Stone Mosaic, Meram Blanc Polished Barnes, Meram Blanc Polished Somerset

Consider how your space will work with the rest of your home. Does the room flow right into another or is it separated from the rest of the house?

“You want to create a flow so the transition from one room to the next feels smooth and not chopped up,” says Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop’s design manager. “Color and material are two important design elements to pay attention to. Using similar or complementary colors and materials in your design helps create flow from one space to another.”

Selecting Tile

Now onto our favorite step—choosing tile! Using what you’ve learned from exploring your inspiration and assessing your space, you’re ready for the fun part.

Size

Consider both the size of your space and the size of your tile. Large-format tiles can open up a space and make it feel more modern because of fewer grout joints. Conversely, a small tile, like a mosaic, will work perfectly in a small area because of the scale. As long as you bring in measurements, a store associate at The Tile Shop can help recommend a tile that is suited to the size of your space. In the two pictures below, it’s easy to see how a large tile with fewer grout lines creates a much different look than a mosaic with many small pieces.

Featured: Ionic Copper

Featured: Hampton Carrara Polished Delray w/ Cinderella Grey

Color and Style

The color and style of your tile are two of the most important considerations. The style should fit into the design style you’ve established and coordinate with the rest of the space, including counter tops, fixtures and existing walls and floors. The way you play with light and dark and color will affect the look of your room, too.

Texture

Textured tiles can add unique 3-D appeal to a statement wall and even become a work of art. Textured floor tiles can also be functional, creating a non-slip effect on high-traffic floors.

Lighting

Whether you opt for dark or light tiles, the type and amount of lighting in the space will affect the overall look and feel. Look at the tiles you’re considering under different types of light at The Tile Shop so you’re not surprised when you take them home.

Material

There is nothing like the elegant look of natural stone in your home. However, these materials require more upkeep than easier-to-care-for porcelain and ceramic that can replicate a similar look. Know how much time and effort you are able to commit to maintaining your tile before you choose a material.

Finishing Touches

Your beautiful project is almost done, but it’s important not to forget about the finishing touches that complete your look. For example, is your tile floor up against another type of flooring? Transition pieces, like thresholds, curbs and wainscoting created with trim tiles, help smoothly and beautifully go from one material to another, whether from a floor to a floor, a floor to a wall or tile to paint.

These trim pieces elegantly transition from both the shower to the floor tile and between the floor and wall tiles, tying all the greys and whites together in harmony.

Similarly, your entire look will be elevated when you layer trim pieces into your design. It’s the finishing touch that takes the design to another level. Read our post on layering to learn more about how to use trim, accessories and other finishing pieces.

Tip: Select your desired tile collection, then add trim and profile pieces to your design for a customized look.

The single most important part of your project is making it your own. You can do this with paint (there are thousands of colors of paint, so we always save this for after you’ve chosen tile), accessories and adding your own personal decorative and creative touches to your room. After all, if it feels like you, it’ll feel like home.

The post How to Start A New Project appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.