Cool-Blue Backsplash

Blue is a charming and versatile hue that pairs well with white. The uneven surface texture and color variations in the Marrakesh Blue tile complement the white cabinets and window frame in this kitchen with beautiful texture and movement. If you like this color pairing, explore more of our blue tile assortment.

White Subway

White subway tile is a classic and timeless choice. If you’re worried white on white will make your kitchen feel like the middle of a snowstorm, try pairing it with colorful accessories. We love how At Home with Ashley uses color in this charming kitchen, but even small accessories like a red bowl or green tea kettle will pop against white subway tile, and can easily be switched out to fit the seasons or your mood.

Make Waves

Curved lines bring a softness and an elegant sense of movement to this kitchen. The Wave Old Cream tile features a warm sand-colored neutral for a contemporary look that pairs well with the handleless white cabinetry. If you like this flowing design, shop the Wave tile in all four colorways: Blue Reef, Grey Owl, White and Old Cream.

Geometric Black & White Pattern

Want a modern backsplash for your white cabinets? A geometric black and white patterned tile is a great way to add interest without overwhelming with color. This graphic diamond-patterned tile is a bold statement and will look stunning with bright-colored accessories.

Mirrored Tile

The Patina Siren Mirror tile brings brightness and depth to this elegant contemporary backsplash, designed by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. We love how the tile helps to highlight the dinner and serving ware behind the open shelving, but this tile would also look great as a stove backsplash. Shop our exclusive Kelli Fontana collection for more classic, bold and whimsical tile ideas.

Bold Pattern

The simplicity of white cabinets allows for a pronounced approach to your tile, if that’s your style. A striking, graphic pattern like the Nara Arabesque shown here, will showcase your fun and bold aesthetic.

Nature-Inspired Beauty

Colors found in nature–think warm neutrals, vibrant greens and cool blues–are the hallmark of one of our favorite style trends: biophilic design. The Zellige Dirty Blue tile features undulating blue and green tones for a unique and expressive look that pairs well with the more muted white cabinets. For more ideas that will infuse your space with serotonin-inducing vibes, check out our guide to biophilic design.

Charming Handmade-Look Tile

Perfectly imperfect handmade-look tile will add charm and character to your kitchen. The variations in color and surface texture in the Marrakesh Off-White tile shown here create beautiful movement that gives this backsplash a customized, designed appearance.

Chic Chevron

Create gorgeous movement with a neat, geometric chevron tile. These elongated V-shaped tiles naturally move the eye through the room. We love how the grey veining on this marble tile adds visual texture, but a solid color chevron will create an interesting graphic element–for an even more dramatic effect, try pairing it with a contrasting grout.

White Picket Tile

Subway tile with a twist, picket tile is a new design trend that is here to stay. The elongated hexagon shape creates unique visual interest while providing the orderliness of stacked subway tile. If you’re loving this trend as much as we are, take a look at our full assortment of picket tile.

Add a Tile “Picture Frame”

Created by “framing” a patterned or mosaic tile with trim pieces, a picture frame is an excellent way to display a favorite tile, while maintaining a more neutral overall theme. Here, the Siberian Pearl Somerset and Stainless Steel Metal Somerset tiles are layered around the edge of the Cybele Grey patterned tile.

Stand Out with 3-D Tile

3-D tile juts out of the wall creating natural shadows and a wonderful sense of dimension. You can use color, but if you decide to keep your kitchen monochromatic, like the one shown here using the Tangram Asas Bronco 3-D tile, the multi-dimensional shapes will make your backsplash really pop.

White Marble Subway

Subway is popular for its versatility–it comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors and materials. White subway tile is one of our most popular tile styles, but if your style is elevated traditional, marble subway tile like the Firenze Calacatta Honed Amalfi shown here is at once luxurious, elegant and timeless. The dark veining creates an especially striking backsplash for black granite countertops and white cabinets.

Marvelous Mosaics

Mosaic tile combines shapes, colors and sometimes even materials to create a beautiful tableau that will make your kitchen a masterpiece. The Sampson Mosaic tile with its basketweave pattern gives this backsplash an elevated traditional look that’s at once intricate and simple.

Gorgeous Grey

Grey and white are a naturally elegant combination. We love how the Retro Perla tile creates a soft, understated moment in this kitchen designed by Timber Trails. If you love how this grey backsplash looks with white cabinets, explore our full assortment of grey tiles, to achieve this beautiful aesthetic.

Glossy Pastel Hues

White pairs well with virtually any color, but something about the way the Glass Sky Blue reflects the light, creating a soft glow in this kitchen is especially captivating. If you want to incorporate color into your kitchen but still maintain a calming color palette, a glossy pastel tile is the way to go.

Classic & Chic Hexagons

Hexagons are a classic shape that’s very much on trend. The Royal White Hex tile shown here is both stylish and playful with the grey and sable brown veining that creates a wonderful sense of movement.

Captivating Shapes

Unique shapes are a fun way to add a little personality to your kitchen backsplash. From scalloped fan shapes to cross and star shapes to elegant leaf shapes, like the Laura Ashley Leaf Dove Grey shown here, an unexpected tile will add character and charm to your kitchen backsplash.

Stone Slab

Create a slab look with a large-format stone or stone-look tile like this gorgeous 12″ x 24″ Calacata Evora honed marble tile. Large-format tiles require fewer grout lines so you can achieve the popular slab look–the effect of a single piece of stone like marble or granite–at a fraction of the cost. Large-format marble tiles will infuse your backsplash with a look of luxury, but for an affordable option that’s also durable and easy to maintain, try a porcelain or ceramic marble-look tile.

Dramatic Contrast

Create a definite mood in your kitchen by installing a black backsplash with your white cabinets. The Noir honed limestone amalfi tile used in this kitchen designed by Timber Trails is as refined as it is striking. This tile has the ability to make the room appear too dark but the white cabinets make this space feel light and airy just as the dark tile creates the illusion of extra depth.

We hope we gave you some ideas for pairing tile with your white kitchen cabinets. For even more inpso, check out these 13 Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Ideas.

Ready to install or renovate your kitchen backsplash? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more whimsical patterns in real spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

The post 20 Creative Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair with White Cabinets appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Types of finishes

Finishes, or different effects on the surface of a tile that alter its appearance, are generally divided into ceramic, porcelain and other man-made tiles vs. stone categories because of the different ways the materials can be treated. First, we’ll explore the processes that define stone finishes and then look at man-made tiles.

Stone

Stone tile with a polished finish has been passed under a series of polishing wheels with increasingly finer pads using water and polishing compound to assist in the process. This results in a smooth and shiny tile, perfect for adding a touch of luxury and glamour to formal and traditional spaces. Marble is a one type of stone that is often polished.

Satin finishes are produced through the same process as polished but using fewer polishing wheels. This lends a softer and less shiny appearance to the tile, the perfect balance between polished and honed.

Honed tiles go through the same process as polished and satin but with even fewer wheels that result in a smooth matte finish. This is the most casual finish of the three, reflecting very little light and contemporizing a design.

For a brushed finish, stone is run under wheels with metal bristles to achieve an orange peel-like finish. Benefits of a brushed tile are that its texture provides softness, it handles wear and tear and has a relaxed character.

To obtain a tumbled finish, tiles are put into large drums filled with aggregate and shaken. The aggregate wears down the surface of the stone, giving it a rough surface and more rounded edges. Tumbled stones offer increased traction, hide imperfections and flawlessly coordinate with rustic décor.

We’re going au naturel with this one. With natural finish stone tile, what you see is what you get. Nothing is done to the surface of these tiles, and, besides being cut to size, they’re just like they looked when they were quarried. Natural tiles give an authentic and outdoorsy look to your space. Slate is a common example of a natural finish stone.

Filled and unfilled are not exactly finishes, but they alter the surface of a tile so they’re worth mentioning and defining here. Filled stone has its natural crevices and holes filled with an epoxy resin mixed with stone dust in a color that closely resembles the stone’s natural color. This makes the tile easier to clean and install. Unfilled stone is left in its natural state, voids and all. This allows you to choose to fill it with the grout color of your choice or leave it in its rustic, raw state for a unique look.

Here, you can see the difference in appearance of an unfilled travertine compared to a filled travertine. Bucak Silver Honed Unfilled Travertine, on the left, has visible holes and crevices on its surface, whereas Bucak Light Walnut Honed Filled Travertine, on the right, has a lighter colored compound filling in these areas.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Polished tiles are double fired, first with the desired pattern or color and then with a clear coat. Afterwards, they go through the same polishing process as stone, passing under polishing wheels with water and polishing compound. Lastly, the tiles are sealed to retain their appearance. Stone-look porcelain or ceramic tiles are often in polished finishes to mimic the look of natural stone.

A glossy finish is different from polished in that it is created with a glossy glaze instead of a polishing wheel process. Depending on the texture of the tile, gloss glazes can pool in areas, creating thicker and thinner areas of glaze and variations in coloring.

Matte tiles are covered in a non-shiny glaze that is applied with an ink jet machine or in a waterfall stream glazing method. This process yields tiles with a flat finish that do not reflect light and offer a contemporary look.

Multifired tiles are one of the most exciting technological advancements in the industry in recent years. They’re so interesting, we devoted a whole blog post to them! These are tiles that go through more than two firings in a kiln, usually to give them 3-D texture, metallic finish or another interesting effect that is not possible with just one or two firings.

An anti-slip surface is perfect for tiling in wet areas like bathrooms, entryways or mudrooms. They’re also great if aging in place is a consideration in your home. A fine grit or sand is added to a matte glaze to create a rough, gripping texture on the tile.

Textured tile is made by pressing materials into a mold that give a textured effect, such as that of natural stone or wood. Then it’s glazed and fired to achieve the desired look. The below tile is actually a porcelain that has been textured to look like a tumbled stone.

Congratulations! You’ve just completed a crash course in natural stone and man-made tile finishes. If your head is spinning, don’t worry. Our tile experts are waiting in your local store to help you design your next project and choose your perfect tile. Schedule a design consultation or stop in today.

The post Guide to Tile Finishes appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

If you thought the transformations we featured in our first One Room Challenge reveal blog post couldn’t be matched, just wait until you see the second half!

First, we’ve got to give a huge shoutout to all ORC participants who took on this crazy challenge–you inspire us! The ambition to pull off a project of this magnitude in such a tight timeframe and the talent to make each design something special are nothing short of superpowers.

It’s been a blast following along throughout each designer’s six-week journey from ideation to execution, rooting for them and crossing our fingers that everything would fall into place just in time for the big reveal!

Without further ado…

THE LEARNER OBSERVER

First up is Thalita from The Learner Observer. This designer took on the transformation of not just one space but two! She gave her master bedroom a facelift and transformed the unfinished adjoining bathroom, creating a dual space that is not only uniquely beautiful, but fabulously functional.

“Somehow this room feels equal parts soft and feminine and moody and masculine – and, depending on the day, those words can easily all represent ME!”—Thalita

“When I was choosing tile for this space, I wanted something that felt classic, but I also wanted a bit of a punch. Because we have blue going on the wallpaper above the vanity, I thought a dark blue tile would be great here as well to tie the two spaces together as one.”—Thalita

We love the contrast between the white shower pan and the bold pop of color on the walls!

DESIGN ADDICT MOM

Stacey of Design Addict Mom was another designer that took on more than one space during the course of the challenge. In addition to completely gutting and transforming the master bathroom, she redid the small adjoining closet and gave a mini refresh to the master bedroom. Talk about a big endeavor!

Her overall goal was to transform the “dark and dated” feel of the bathroom to one that feels “bright, airy and spa-like.” We think she succeeded in a big way!

Stacey chose coordinating tile for the bathroom flooring and the shower pan, bringing cohesion to the space. “They are so pretty, and the subtle designs in the tiles add depth and interest to the space.”

As for the shower walls, she had a little fun.

“My color-loving self couldn’t resist these subway tiles from The Tile Shop, and I thought the rose color was a great opportunity to continue the coral pink color story from the master bedroom.”

I SPY DIY

This next one is GOOD. Jenni of I SPY DIY completed one of the most dramatic bathroom transformations we’ve seen! She turned the old, outdated bathroom in the 1980-built duplex she’s renovating with her husband into an absolutely dreamy space that we would never want to leave.

“It feels more like an old library than a bathroom, a place where I would want to dim the lights, soak in the bath, listening to classical music and read for hours. Nothing makes me happier than giving rooms that have been abandoned in these old houses a new life and a new storyline.”—Jenni

“I’d been eyeing up this Siberian Pearl Chevron Marble tile for a while now but never had the right space for it until this bathroom. This tile is stunning! The marble is so classic and the variation in color is so beautiful. After Mr. Yolo installed it, I could not stop staring. We used London Fog grout and then sealed everything, and I have been so impressed with how resilient it’s been to footprints.”

This is only one of many amazing projects that Jenni has completed! Check out our spotlight post on Jenni here.

JEWELED INTERIORS

We can’t stop comparing the before and after pictures of this project! Jewel of Jeweled Interiors started with a kitchen full of warm-toned wooden cabinets and a living room with carpet installed in the ’90s and transformed them into a living space you’d never guess could be the same.

“I love the way the 12″ x 24″ San Dona tile brightens my entire room. The San Dona line is so pretty! There is a subtle tonal difference from piece to piece, and if you look closely, you can see small crystalline flecks.”—Jewel

“For the backsplash, we had the fun idea to use the same Tile Shop floor tile but cut it into 3-inch vertical strips. It helps my cabinets feel taller and countertops feel brighter.”

NICOLE WHITE INTERIORS

You’ve probably seen plenty of man caves…but have you ever seen a mom cave?! Nicole of Nicole White Designs turned her office and living area into a combined office and dining area with more space and a mom cave added on the side. Brilliant, right?

What’s better than a cup of coffee? A cup of coffee served at one of the most chic coffee bars we’ve ever seen!

“The Tile Shop’s Streamline Stone Mosaic tile made us all swoon!”—Nicole

“While the challenge was for one space, our old office needed a new spin, and so it was time to make it my official mom cave, a place where I can now close the doors at the end of the day and just chill!”

Do you have the same design taste and ambition as one of these extraordinary designers, but lack the design expertise? Have no fear! Let us take the intimidation out of the equation. Schedule a free design consultation with one of our tile design experts.

The post FALL ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ REVEAL–PART 2 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Where to use fireplace tile

Tile can be used on fireplace hearths and surrounds. The hearth, which can be level with the floor or raised above it, is the floor in front of the fireplace. The fire itself is contained to the firebox, and the fireplace surround is the area around the firebox. The surround may go all the way to the ceiling or just around the firebox and may or may not include a mantle. This is the place you are most likely to see tile used. Tile cannot be used inside a wood-burning fireplace, only approved brick and other materials. Altogether, the fireplace is an opportunity to make a statement or define a focal point in the room.

6 styles to consider

One of the hardest parts of tiling is deciding on your perfect style from endless options. We may be guilty of offering too much inspiration, but we’ve rounded up our favorite fireplaces into six themes to help simplify your search.

1. Small-Scale Patterns

A tile with a small pattern or a small-scale mosaic is ideal for making a small fireplace into a focal point. Don’t forget to consider the material and finish. Matte tile is casual and soft, glossy tile reflects the light and glass tile glamorizes a space with even more sparkle.

The crisp, white fireplace tile combined with the white walls and molding are a simple and clean backdrop for fun decor pieces to take center stage.

This fireplace stands apart stylishly with white marble subway tile that creates striking contrast against the dark navy walls.

This rustic fireplace serves double duty, not only separating the kitchen from the living space but also serving as a decorative focus in both rooms.

2. Cement & Cement-Look

Whether contemporary, old world, geometric or romantic, cement and cement-look tiles certainly liven up a fireplace. Pick a pattern you love, and enjoy an eye-catching and unique centerpiece.

This transitional fireplace is a delightful combination of traditional cement-look tile and a clean, contemporary mantle that satisfies all tastes.

A lively cement-look tile from the London series sets the modern farmhouse scene in this quaint home.

3. Floor to Ceiling

Impact is the ultimate goal with a floor-to-ceiling tiled fireplace. These jaw-dropping installations speak volumes.

This stunning fireplace is perfect parts rustic, contemporary and chic.

One way to make your fireplace unforgettable is to situate it in an unexpected place. This one gets bonus points for being enjoyed from the tub and the bedroom on the other side of the wall.

File this fireplace under “statement maker.” A soft, neutral grey tile becomes a focal point when it’s installed to the second-floor ceiling of this grand room.

4. 3-D

Taking your fireplace tile to the next dimension delivers a tactile, textural quality. Use a dimensional geometric tile for the ultimate contemporary statement.

A metallic fireplace tile is always a good idea—just imagine how the dimension and texture of this multifired tile shine when the fire is lit.

Elegant and refined, these soft flowing lines create dimension replicating that of calming coastal waves.

5. Trim Firebox

For a smoother transition between your fireplace surround and firebox, use trims and layering pieces to dress up the design and soften the hard edges.

A Somerset trim tile artfully frames this firebox while adding architectural detail.

The addition of trim to this stunning fireplace instantly elevates the whole look.

6. Architectural

Textured, dimensional architectural tiles are not just for rustic designs! For spaces from traditional to contemporary, these natural stones retain a neutral color scheme while adding touchable dimension.

It’s easy to see why our best-selling architectural tile, Claros Silver, is such a hit—classic grey shades and warm tans are universally appealing.

This centerpiece fireplace displays one of the perks of our architectural tile collections. We carry out corner pieces so your design can truly be three dimensional.

Excited to try something new? Visit our fireplace tile ideas page or our fireplace tile Pinterest board for more inspiration or find a store to get started today!

The post Our Favorite Fireplace Design Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Michelle’s interior design career has reigned for 30 years. When Michelle is not designing projects around the world and leading her renowned showroom, Ceylon et Cie, she’s searching for her next source of inspiration.

“I’m a curious person, I always have been,” Michelle said. “I love traveling, nature and visiting forgotten properties. Before the iPhone, I used to sketch details that caught my eye. Wherever I go in the world, I take pictures, whether it be museums or a trim on someone’s dress sitting next to me. The world is full of inspiration. Yo­­­­u just have to look for it.”

The Main Kitchen: Bold, Patterned & Unique

From a stunning Mayan-inspired mural to dramatic accents of our Rosso Marquina trim tile around the window, Michelle left no detail forgotten.

Why did you choose to incorporate Rosso Marquina?

“It’s stunning, bold and dramatic. From all of The Tile Shop’s beautiful marbles, I felt this one stood out, and I knew that I could create something special with it,” Michelle explained. “I also love the variety of profiles and trim. There are so many fantastic ways to use it.”

Michelle beautifully executed the colorful cabinetry kitchen trend. On one end of the kitchen stands daring blue and soft pink cabinets to lighten the mood of the kitchen. The opposite side of the space displays dominate, black cabinetry with a unique sculptural design. The strong contrast between the opposing cabinets completes the kitchen’s dramatic presentation.

How did you create the black sculptural cabinets?

“I had in my inspiration folders for many years—a Louise Nevelson sculpture that I had taken a picture of in New York,” Michelle said. “I have been thinking for years of a way to create cabinetry based off this. I literally glued all of the pieces on with the carpenter and it took forever!” 

The Cocktail Bar: Opulent, Provocative & Bespoke

Tell us about the iconic mural! What inspired you to pick this piece and recreate it on wallpaper?

“I was looking for an art deco bar that felt like we were somewhere else in time and yet still current. I had taken the photo of the mural years ago and saved it. With the help of Paul Montgomery studios, we brought to life the spectacular image. It’s based on the story written by Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book,” Michelle said.

Michelle continued designing with the opulent theme with Marmi Classico Nero Venato Silk Porcelain tile flooring. The white and gold veining, satin-black marble look and soft finish make this selection as smooth as it is sleek.

The Art Kitchen: Private, Psychedelic & Emblematic 

Behold, the art of maximalism. Maximalists strive to design bolder, brighter, busier and bigger. With “more is more” in mind, Michelle designed her kitchen with personality, worldly wallpapers and bohemian decor.

What does maximalism in design mean to you?

“Minimalism has reigned for many years. However, I have always been a maximalist. While others were doing less, I have been holding the course for more,” Michelle explained. “It’s just simply what I’ve always been drawn to and loved since the beginning of my career. I guess the rest of the world finally caught up.”

“People should live in what makes them happy.”—Michelle Nussbaumer, founder of Ceylon et Cie.

What is your response to people who are afraid of designing boldly?

“Beige and white are not colors. I live and design in Technicolor. I personally don’t ever want to live in a sterile, white-box type of laboratory. I think that people should live in what makes them happy. For me, that’s pattern. There are so many ways to incorporate color and pattern, and I think sometimes people forget about the floors, which are an easy place to start,” Michelle said.

What is your favorite kitchen out of all of the Kitchen of the Year spaces?

“That would be really hard to choose,” Michelle replied. “But I would say that I feel most at home in the Art Kitchen. It is my own private space, so I created a room that is very personal to me. It’s comfortable, cozy and inviting. And quite a few of my favorite things are in this room.”

The Speakeasy: Whimsical, Creative & Amusing

Eye-catching looks of stone and glamorous gold features create an ambiance of grandeur and charm. Stone-look tiles perfectly elevate this space with their rich stone appearance and the durability of porcelain.

What do you like most about working with tile?

“I love tile, and I love any material that create new patterns and backdrops for my design. The Tile Shop has such a huge array, and there are so many ways to combine your products and create something so completely individual and different. I mixed faux-marble porcelain tiles with real marble to create a very luxurious and sumptuous space,” Michelle said.

Do you have the same design taste and ambition as Michelle, but lack the design expertise? Have no fear! Let us take the intimidation out of the equation. Schedule a free design consultation with one of our tile design experts.

Find more interior design inspiration at House Beautiful.

Follow Michelle Nussbaumer, Ceylon et Cie and House Beautiful on Instagram.

All photography by Douglas Friedman.

The post Spotlight on: Michelle Nussbaumer appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Havana w/ White Mother-of-Pearl, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Barnes, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Skirting, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Essex, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Somerset, Dural Plus Gold 24k

A unique manufacturing process is required as it is not possible get these interesting, unique and curved shapes from traditional cutting methods. A computerized machine that has multiple heads uses a high pressured stream of water mixed with fine sand particles to cut through the stone. The cutting technique uses as much of each piece of stone as possible, which is another reason we absolutely love these exquisite mosaics. After the cuts are made, the individual pieces are collected, cleaned off and set aside to dry before being assembled by hand into the final mosaic pattern. To get a glimpse into this unique process, check out the video below!

These versatile mosaics can be used on the floor or wall and are typically made of stone. Unlike the majority of mosaics, however, the waterjet cutting process gives the option of curved or softer lines while promoting sustainability by using the most of each material. The photo below featuring Monroe Marquina displays the intricate details of these beautiful mosaics.

Featured: Monroe Marquina , Hampton Engraved, Noir Honed Travertine

Choose from various options with Waterjet Mosaics that mix materials such as glass, metal and natural stone as well as rare, highly sought after materials such as mother-of-pearl, moonstone and more. From dainty flowers to geometric shapes, colorful patterns to monochromatic designs, the possibilities are endless with our growing selection of Waterjet Mosaics. Read on for our favorite distinct ways to design with these game-changing tiles.

Exquisite Accent

Cover your walls from floor to ceiling with these one-of-a-kind mosaics to replicate the look of wallpaper. Unlike wallpaper, tile provides a durable option for wet areas while allowing you to be bold in your design.

Featured: Ava w/ Marquina

Display seamless, feminine florals using Waterjet Mosaics as an accent wall in a powder room, as seen below featuring Havana w/ White Mother-of-Pearl. The curved lines and dainty details are a staple style for waterjet mosaics.

Featured: Havana w/ White Mother-Of-Pearl

Take notes from this transitional kitchen by Morrissey Home Solutions to create a breathtaking backsplash that perfectly compliments the rest of this stunning space.

Featured:Marseille White w/ Moonstone. Design by: Morrissey Home Solutions. Photo by: Jen M Burner

Waterjet Mosaics can take on all types of shapes and forms. Discover a more masculine take on a kitchen accent wall with Victoria Grey Meander displaying straight lines and a strict structure similar to a hypnotic maze.

Featured: Victoria Grey Meander

Detailed Floors

Opt to give your bathroom a stunning pop with a detailed Waterjet Mosaic fit to your individual flair. Clean and simple, you’ll be sure to love the detailed design patterns of these captivating tiles displayed on your floor.

Featured: Bogart w/ Vintage Patina

Waterjet Mosaics are a dazzling option for the entire floor of a bathroom. Fill the whole space with unique patterns or choose to frame the mosaic with coordinating stones to create a rug look, drawing all eyes to your desired mosaic.

Featured: Fontaine Grey

Give any room a distinct personality with an exceptional Waterjet Mosaic pattern guaranteed to bring that wow factor to an artfully detailed floor.

Featured: Vivien Grey Stone

Wainscot Wallpaper Effect

Wainscoting is typically referred to as the covering of the lower half of a wall using wooden paneling. Integrate a modern take on wainscoting by using an accent tile on the top half of your wall and a coordinating tile on the bottom half for style and warmth.

The photo below features a softly curved chevron waterjet mosaic achieving a wallpaper effect on the upper half of the wall, and subway tile wainscot on the bottom half. These universal tiles are highly mixable, so don’t be afraid to mix and match with materials other than stone, such as glass or porcelain. Layer in the details and watch your living space come to life.

Featured: Bardot Vintage Rose, Retro Perla Ceramic Subway, Hampton Carrara Polished Barnes, Q-Seal Greige High Pencil Liner, Vivien Grey

This Monroe Marquina vanity splash is a style we love: beautiful and bold! Transition from one tile to the next with our custom trim pieces, using profiles with black and white to give an accentuated pop of color. Explore more Waterjet Mosaic ideas by using these distinct tiles either above or below a wainscot.

Featured: Monroe Marquina, Black Marquina Polished, Bianco Puro Honed Somerset, Black Marquina Polished Somerset, Black Marquina Polished Marble Barnes

Featured Frame

Use Waterjet Mosaics inside of a picture frame design to add detail and create a focal point in your custom space. Not sure which one to choose? Work with one of our design associates for a free consultation.

Featured: Marseille White w/ Moonstone, Barbados Glass, Africa Tempesta, Tempesta Neve Polished Hex

Experiment with Waterjet Mosaics in the form of a recessed shelf for a smaller custom feature that still packs a glamorous punch. The Moderne Deco mosaic featured below is a nod to the art deco look with touches of brushed gold and cool-grey marble.

Featured: Moderne Deco, Verona Blanco

“Complement the details of your tile mosaic design by using a coordinating finish in your cabinet hardware and faucetry.” – Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

Featured: Havana w/ White Mother-of-Pearl, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Barnes, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Skirting, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Essex, Firenze Carrara Polished Marble Somerset, Dural Plus Gold 24k, Etna Cimento Porcelain Wood Look

Whatever design style speaks to you the most, it is essential to thoughtfully consider how to best feature these unique, intricate statement tiles. From subtle to a standout pattern, these elaborately custom tiles can bring beauty into any space of your home. Amazed with the options and various design styles of Waterjet Mosaics? Find more unique Waterjet Mosaic shapes and patterns at your local Tile Shop or explore the custom selection online.

The post Distinct Designs with Waterjet Mosaics 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.

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.

Featured: Textile Graphic White

What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?

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

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

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

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Metallics

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

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Wood and Wood Look

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

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

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Encaustics and Patterns

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

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

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

Modern Farmhouse Tile: Handmade and Handmade Look

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

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

Featured: Bricklane White

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

Accessorizing the Modern Farmhouse

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

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

Featured: Decor Basma White Pav

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