1. Embrace a Marble Collection

Our stone collections include a wealth of tile sizes, shapes and trim pieces so you can get an refined all-over marble look. This elegant bathroom features Calacata Evora marble throughout. The effect is a splendid space that will make your daily bathroom routine feel like a trip to the spa.

2. Mix Marble with Travertine

Mixing marble with other natural stone, such as travertine, is an excellent way to add visual texture to your space. This beautiful bathroom features a combination of Arctic White marble and Claros Silver travertine. The expressive details and veining inherent to the natural stone add to the richness of this space that integrates elements of “traditional” and “contemporary” design. If you love this look, read our comprehensive guide to “transitional design” for more ideas.

3. Add Elegance with a Waterjet Mosaic

High-powered water jets are used to create intricate, curved designs in marble resulting in these gorgeous mosaics. The Havana with White Nacre Stone tile shown here features gorgeous grey marble with mother-of-pearl floral details for a feminine and highly decorative look. Perfect either alone or paired with a matching marble tile, a waterjet mosaic tile will add charm and grace to your space.

4. Add Drama with Rich Veining

The expressive veining of the Macchia Vecchia tile used in this grand bathroom, designed by Nikki Chu, creates dramatic movement throughout this space. Though this tile is marble-look porcelain, the multiple tile faces provide variation, giving it a realistic appearance. The porcelain tile is paired with the Calacata Evora marble floor for a richly opulent space. For more of Nikki Chu’s fashion-forward room designs, check out this home tour.

5. Make it Moody with Grey Marble

Another lavish bathroom designed by Nikki Chu, this space features floor-to-ceiling Ashford Carrara marble. This lush grey-toned stone is available in several sizes and shapes, including hexagon tiles and trim tiles, to achieve this highly designed look.

6. Create an Enviable Space with Green Marble

Marble comes in many colors and can display dramatic or subtle veining. Here the opulent emerald tones of the Gem by Alison Victoria tile create a chic shower space. We love how the green shade of the wall tile is complemented with the green veining in the marble-look tile in the shower niche.

7. Win the Design with a Checkerboard Pattern

Add some whimsy to your luxurious marble design with a checkerboard pattern. This stylish bathroom, designed by Timber Trails, features the Hampton Carrara and Black Marquina tiles. The subtle veining in the black and white squares add depth to this simple design. Find more winning checkerboard tile patterns here.

8. Marble Bathroom Floor Tile Ideas

Marble tile makes for a luxurious and expressive bathroom floor, as evident in this refined space designed by Renovation Husbands. The Firenze Carrara tile features shades of white and light grey with dark grey veining that complements the rich cream of the walls and the black shower floor and accessories.

9. Create an Elegant Tile Wainscoting

This elegant bathroom, designed by Timber Trails, uses a tile wainscoting finished with the Siberian Pearl Cornice tile moulding. The inclusion of the hexagon tile on the floor gives this space both cohesion and distinction.

10. Elevate Your “Modern Farmhouse” Design with a Marble Hex

Love everything modern farmhouse? This comfy, cozy, chic style is even more elevated when you incorporate marble into your design. This bathroom, designed by The Grit and Polish, is a case in point. The Firenze Carrara Hex floor tile adds an air of luxury to this rustic space. For even more ideas on how to incorporate this style into your bathroom, check out these 11 Charming Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas.

11. Create Movement with a Herringbone Pattern

Marble subway tiles offer a wealth of installation options, like this chic herringbone tile floor created with the Victoria Grey Dark tile. The zig-zag pattern enhances the rich movement of this dramatically veined tile for a floor that draws the eye across the room. For more subway tile layout ideas, checkout this helpful guide.

12. Add Traction to Your Shower with a Marble Mosaic Floor

An intricate mosaic not only adds beauty and interest to any space, it can also add traction to your bathroom or shower floors, helping prevent slippage. The Modena tile used on this chic shower features marble cut in diamond-shaped mosaic pieces. The effect is a lovely, unique and practical design.

13. Showcase Your Favorite Marble in a Shower Niche

If all-over marble isn’t your style (or isn’t in your budget), you can showcase a favorite tile in a smaller format by using it in a shower niche. The leaf-shaped Elia Polished by Alison Victoria tile, shown here, creates an elegant moment in this chic shower.

14. Stretch Your Budget by Pairing the Real Thing With Marble-Look

Love marble, but floor-to-ceiling application doesn’t fit in your budget? Pairing marble-look tile with the real thing can give you a luxurious space without breaking the bank. This room, designed by Jaimie Nelson, features the Bianco Puro Hex marble floor tile and the Lombardi White Matte marble-look wall tile. The effect is a gorgeous bathroom that expertly mixes natural and man-made materials.

It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our 32 Bathroom Tile Ideas for 2024 or shop our full selection of marble tile to find more luxurious looks.

The post 14 Marvelous Marble Tile Bathroom Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Unique Bar Backsplash Ideas

A bar is a great place to showcase your personality. For this bar backsplash, HGTV star Alison Victoria used the Skyline Vintage Patina tile to create a distinct space that fits her bold personal aesthetic. If your style leans whimsical or quirky, browse our full selection of unique tile or patterned tile to find your personal style.

2. Glass Tile Backsplash

Stylish and easy to clean, glass tile is an excellent choice for a bar backsplash. Available in a wide array of colors and styles, glass tile will add a touch of shine to your space, perfect for a recessed bar or a corner bar that doesn’t get much lighting.

3. Scalloped Tile Backsplash

If you’re only tiling half the wall, consider using a scalloped tile to add interest to the edge of your tile. This beautiful gold and green bar uses Gem by Alison Victoria tile for a charming bar area. The rounded edges of the deep green marble soften the design, creating a look as classy as it is chic.

4. Tile Behind a Shelf

Want a bar, but don’t have any place to build one? Adding a shelf or two (or repurposing some existing shelves) is an easy way to create a drinks station that fits your existing layout. But just because you’re limited on space, doesn’t mean you need to limit your style, install a chic tile (like the Annie Selke Goldleaf Speckle tile shown here) behind your bar shelves and your personality will really shine through.

5. 3-D Tile Backsplash

Add dimension to your wall with a 3-D or sculptural tile backsplash. Tile that literally pops from the wall like the Diamante Negro tile shown here will add interest through light and shadows, for a cool patterned effect that will change as the light shifts in your space.

6. Basement Bar Backsplash Ideas

If you have the space in your basement to install a full sit-down bar (or have an existing bar that needs a facelift), consider tiling the backsplash to match the bar itself. This fun and glamorous bar repeats the Doree Mosaic tile picture frame behind the bar on the back of the seating area. The effect is a stunning and cohesive space.

7. Textured Bar Backsplash Tile

Add organic texture to your bar backsplash with beautiful natural stone. Travertine and slate tile come in a variety of shapes, textures and colors to fit your space, and since no two pieces of natural stone are alike, you are guaranteed a unique design. We love all the textures at play in the beautiful Harmony Silverleaf travertine mosaic tile shown here.

8. Contrasting Color Blocks

Create a fun, bold space that showcases your favorite color–or two or three. A checkerboard pattern will add a touch of whimsy to your space while a tricolored pattern like the one shown here using encaustic tiles, adds another layer to your bar backsplash.

9. Art Deco-Inspired Backsplash

Create a space that harkens back to The Prohibition Era with the elegant arches and bold graphic shapes of Art Deco-inspired tile. The gold, grey and white motif in the Lalique marble mosaic perfectly mimics the arches of this decorative bar area, adding to the softness of the space.

10. Wet Bar Backsplash Ideas

If you have the space and the plumbing, a sink will add convenience to your bar area, especially if your bar is far from the kitchen. A tile backsplash is essential for a wet bar, as it will protect against spills and splashes. If you’re looking for something simple that will match virtually any decor, like the Retro Perla tile shown here, shop our full assortment of subway tile.

11. Patterned Tile Backsplash

Turn your bar area into a work of art with a beautiful patterned tile backsplash. Colorful, floral or geometric, patterned tile will protect your walls while still making a statement. We love how the Annie Selke Aylin Black tile makes a statement on this classy black and white bar.

12. Terrazzo-Inspired Tile

Traditionally used on Roman terraces, Terrazzo tile is known for its distinct flecked pattern. The Terrazzo Bianco Macro tile shown here combines the easy maintenance of porcelain with the authentic look of real Terrazzo. The warm flecks of brown and tan in the tile work nicely with the hardwood features of this bar and add a fun and unique pattern.

13. White Tile Backsplash

This creamy white bar designed by Timber Trails is the epitome of elegance. The Riad White handmade-look tile features subtle shade and surface variation for a subtle sense of movement. The effect is an almost satiny wall. If your style is bright, fresh and clean, shop our full selection of white tile.

14. Mirrored Tile Backsplash

Choose a tile that adds depth to your bar with mirrored tile. We love the twist on the classic bar mirror that’s created with the Antique Mirror Bevel tile shown here. The reflection is slightly blurred, capturing only the shapes and colors of the room, for an incredibly unique effect.

15. Handmade Tile Backsplash

Authentically unique handmade Zellige tile, like the Zellige Alabaster Gloss tile shown here, are crafted and glazed by hand for a distinct look from tile to tile. The effect is a bar that embraces modern trends toward unique luxury while celebrating ancient techniques. For true one-of-a-kind character, shop our entire Zellige collection.

Ready to tackle your bar backsplash project? Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post Top 15 Bar Backsplash Ideas For 2024 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Porcelain and Ceramic

Porcelain and ceramic tile have excellent heat transfer properties and are generally thin, which will make your floor heat faster. Porcelain tile is less porous than ceramic, making it more water resistant. For areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms, porcelain tile is a perfect choice.

Natural Stone

Natural stone, like travertine and marble, is a great option for a heated tile floor. Natural stone tiles tend to be slightly thicker than porcelain and ceramic, so it might take them longer to heat up. The upside is, that they will retain the heat longer than man-made tiles.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl tile works well with in-floor heat, and it’s easy to install, making this the perfect choice for a DIY project. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to wood or stone, luxury vinyl tile is a great option.

Have a question about installing an in-floor heating system? We’ve put together some in-floor heat FAQs and a comprehensive guide to in-floor heating systems.

Ready to get your feet toasty with in-floor heat? Set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post The Best Tiles for Heated Floors 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.

Country Kitchen

Open-concept floor plans are perfect for creating a warm, welcoming environment. By uniting the living room, kitchen and master bedroom, Annie turned this loft into the perfect guest house!

Notice the stone floors? They’re actually all made out of porcelain! Chester Silver Versailles’s stone look and chiseled edges add stunning, visual interest to every room.

To maintain a cozy look, Annie chose Artisanal White for the kitchen backsplash! The handmade look and crackle finish lend the perfect amount of softness and charm. Take a closer look below.

The Metallic Master

The architectural travertine wall tile behind the head of the bed proves that tile can go beyond the kitchen or bathroom. Harmony Silverleaf Mosaic Travertine adds a perfect wow factor with its three-dimensional design and lustrous silver-leaf finish.

Barn House Bath

Travertine stone’s variety of finishes and styles make is so versatile that Annie coordinated it in both the master bedroom and bathroom!

From the ceramic wall tiles to the travertine floor, neutral colors unite in this master bath.

Claros Silver Tumbled Cobble is an excellent option for this shower floor. Its tumbled finish makes it a natural nonslip textured stone!

What is travertine tile? What makes it so versatile? Check out our resource article for everything travertine.

We can’t be the only ones who are a little jealous of the luxurious tub and bathroom, right? Subtle patterned tiles are a great way to make an appealing and timeless statement. The serene, lattice pattern on the wall is so calming to the eye.

It’s time to take a peek inside the kitchen and master bath of Annie’s home!

What’s Cooking in Annie’s Kitchen?

We can’t resist a bright, airy kitchen! Light tints of white, tan and grey create a perfect color palette for a timeless design.

Love the look of stone but want the durability of porcelain? Well, you’re in luck! Annie utilized Cassettone Grey Mosaic’s distinguished, stone look without sacrificing longevity.

Spectacular Speckled Shower

Sure, you’ve seen bold tile looks before, but no statement compares to the design in this shower! Silverleaf Speckle features mirrored silver splatters on top of a cowhide-look texture. This designer tile truly commands and deserves your attention.

Lavish glamour is matched on the bathroom floor with the rows of DURAL Chrome Gloss Square Edge. The metallic trim pieces light the room for an elevated finish.

Craving more Annie Selke? Explore the entire collection.

Ready to start your tile remodel, but you don’t know where to start? We have all the resources you need for your next remodel. Schedule a free design consultation with one of our tile design experts. 

The post Annie Selke’s Barn House in the Berkshires appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.