1. Embrace Parisian Elegance

Inspired by the fabulous designs that adorn the City of Light, the Alison Victoria La Petite Le Marais tile (also available in blue-hued Montmartre) features a faded scrollwork pattern on a winter-white background. Embodying Alison’s signature “city chic” style, this tile adds an air of sophisticated antiquity to this stately home bar. Shop our exclusive Alison Victoria designer collection for more looks inspired by the HGTV star’s favorite places.

2. Polish Your Look With Copper Penny Tile

If your bar or drink station is tucked away or has a small footprint, it’s the perfect opportunity to go bold with your decor. Here, the Brushed Copper penny round tile makes a striking statement. The mix of matte and shiny “pennies” in this mosaic adds a sense of movement to walls, providing a spirited, yet suave, effect. If you like this look, shop our selection of metal tile.

3. Make a Sophisticated Play With a Checkerboard

A checkerboard pattern is perfect for striking a balance between playfulness and sophistication. This elevated checkerboard backsplash, designed by @creatiffdiy, features Zellige Alabaster and White gloss tiles. The pinkish-beige tones of the alabaster tile pair exquisitely with the bright white, creating a stunning neutral palette with just the right amount of contrast. The result is a contemporary design that uses traditional elements to craft a truly timeless space.

4. Raise the Bar With Diamond-Shaped Tile

Like a glass of champagne, classy diamond-shaped tile pairs well with everything. This elegant drink station features the Modena marble mosaic tile for a refined look. A mix of beige, white, and grey marble gives it a contemporary color palette that pairs beautifully with the sage green cabinetry and wooden shelves. Shop our selection of diamond-shaped tile for more looks that sparkle.

5. Display Your Personality With Patterned Tile

If the coffee doesn’t wake you up, this cheerful, eclectic space—designed by @thesandykraken30a—will. The Calabasis tile’s starburst pattern is both graphic and playful. By keeping the wall black and white, the designer has created a backdrop against which many bright-colored accessories really pop. Floral or geometric, simple or ornate—shop patterned tile to find a style that captures your unique personality.

6. Choose Tried-and-True Subway Tile

White subway tile is a staple for a reason. A symbol of modernity and cleanliness for over a century, it remains decidedly contemporary. This corner drink station, designed by Barriere Construction, shows why the classic look endures. The glossy finish of the Color Mind Light BR tile reflects light to brighten the space, while the traditional brick-lay layout maintains a clean, orderly appearance. For more ideas on how to use this ever-popular style, read our guide to subway tile layouts.

7. Elevate Your Space With Marble Subway Tile

If ceramic and porcelain subway tile is the white tee of tile, marble subway tile is a silk blouse—a pairs-with-everything, elevated basic basic that brings class to any space. This elegant drink station, designed by Our Home On Colonial, features Meram Blanc Carrara marble tile. Tumbled to give it a slightly rugged texture, this tile adds an antique farmhouse feel, complemented by wooden shelving and ceramic and black metal accessories. If this rustic-chic aesthetic is your (homemade) jam, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

8. Create a Boho Look With Scalloped Tile

Drink in this fabulous boho-chic space featuring the Alison Victoria Gem tile. This gorgeous green marble tile features subtle white and beige veining that, along with its curved, scalloped edge, creates a gentle sense of movement. Paired with textured gold wallpaper and glass shelving, the result is an elevated take on eclectic style. Discover how to embrace this avant-garde aesthetic with our guide to boho-chic tile design.

9. Create a Crafted Space for Your Cocktails

If you’ve perfected your own Old Fashioned recipe, you’re someone who appreciates true craftsmanship. Reflect your artisanal spirit with authentic Zellige tile—crafted, painted and glazed by hand using ancient Moroccan techniques. Here, the Zellige Black gloss tile creates a space that, like a good whiskey, is full of smooth, full-bodied character. And because each tile is individually made, you can be sure your bar is as unique as your signature cocktail.

10. Add a Spoonful of Whimsy With British Patterns

We’ve teamed up with the British textile brand Laura Ashley to bring you patterns that have delighted the world for decades—in the form of durable porcelain wall and floor tile. Inspired by their iconic prints, these tiles add charm to any space. We love how West Bay Homes used the Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal tile to create this playfully posh drink station backsplash. Shop our exclusive Laura Ashley collection for more English country cottage patterns.

11. Create Subtle Visual Texture

This stylish drink station, designed by @sperryhome, uses two techniques to create delicate visual texture. The wall features Penny Round Matte White mosaic tile installed with matching white grout. The small mosaic tiles add shape and texture—you can just barely make out the individual tiles in the play of light and shadow across the space. The floor showcases Latta Hex Wood Look tile; the wood-grain detailing on the porcelain, installed multi-directionally, gives the floor visual texture. The result is a serene space rich with exquisite complexity.

12. Set Neat Lines With a KitKat-Shaped Tile

Whether or not you take your drinks neat, you can appreciate the fine, straight lines created by the KitKat White tile (also available in Grey). This mosaic tile’s long, skinny pieces stack to create soothing symmetry and a sense of order. We love how this Timber Trails–designed space uses beige grout, offering subtle contrast between the tiles for a balanced, organic aesthetic. If you love this harmonious style, check out our guide to Japandi design.

13. Add Dimension With Beveled Subway Tile

With its recessed edges, beveled subway tile creates a gently pillowed effect, adding dimension to your backsplash or wall. This bar, designed by Cabinet Store, features the Signature Bianco Gloss Bevel tile. Its glossy finish reflects light, highlighting the tile’s facets and creating visual interest. Shop our exclusive Signature collection for bevel, framed and standard subway tiles in a variety of popular colors and sizes.

14. Create a Space That Reflects Your Personality

This exquisite bar, designed by West Bay Homes, offers a contemporary take on the classic mirrored bar backsplash. The antique-style patina finish and beveled shape of the Antique Mirror Bevel tile create a slightly obscured reflection of the room, capturing shape, movement and color in an ever-changing tableau. We love how the designer chose to extend the tile to the backs of the glass-door cabinets for a continuous look, which makes this space feel open and expansive. Shop glass tile for more beautifully reflective designs.

Ready to toast your own bar, drink station or coffee nook? The Tile Shop is here to help bring your dream space to life. Visit your local showroom to find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 15 Bar & Drink Station Tile Ideas That Deserve a Toast appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Customizing Your Space

We’re sharing our best practices for layering tile to show you how you can take your space to the next level. The look below incorporates a combination of trim pieces and mosaics to transform a simple picture frame into an exquisite focal point.

Since this bathroom uses the Firenze Carrara marble collection throughout, the untrained eye may see it as quite simple. Look carefully at the transitions, and see if you can identify how many trim pieces are actually used to accomplish this sophisticated design.

Incorporating different shapes and sizes from the same tile collection can carry this elevated look through to other areas of the room, such as the backsplash, half wall and shower (photo top left). By sourcing all of the pieces of a collection from the same stone quarry, each piece complements the others for stunning variation that isn’t overbearing. If you have a focal point, repeat the same design element in other areas, like a shower niche (photo top right).

Thoughtful Transitioning

It’s important to think about how each part of your space will work together to form a unified environment. Utilizing trim pieces between different materials, sizes, shapes and textures of tile can create the perfect transition.

Dimensional tile can create dramatic depth and texture, but it can also leave an uneven edge when paired with other selections (top left photo). Incorporating transitional trim pieces will offer a seamless solution from one style to the next. Similarly, they can be used on the floor to separate different areas within a space – the top right photo displays a subtle transition, while the photo below incorporates durable curb pieces for a more prominent separation from shower to floor.

For tiles that vary in size, double up somersets and run them vertically for the greatest impact.

Using transitions is also the perfect way to emphasize an accent tile in your design. In the photo below, layered trim pieces instantly elevate the Brushed Bronze with Glass Metal Mosaic backsplash, while coordinating beautifully with the surrounding ceramic subway tile.

Each trim piece has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for specific uses.

Coordinating Finishes

Pictured below is an example of how trim and profile pieces can provide an opportunity to coordinate with fixtures. In cases where there’s no need for a transition or storage solution, metal profiles can be used in between tiles as a unique accent that can coordinate with other design elements, such as faucets or lighting.

Layering trim and profile pieces can make every tile design better by adding dimension and interest. It shows that the design has been thoughtfully curated and has the finishing touches that elevate the space from basic to beautiful.

When And Where To Layer Tile

4 Design Plans With Layered Tile

Need ideas for your next remodel? Here are a few examples of design plans that incorporate tile trim and profile pieces. Bring them into your local store or schedule a design consultation to discuss dimensions, quantity, styles and more.

Learn more about layering in our comprehensive guide to trim and accessories. Ready for the next step? Schedule a design consultation with a tile design expert today!

The post Guide To Layering Tile Trim And Profiles appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

This coffee-to-cocktail bar from the 2019 Fall One Room Challenge™ is a sight to behold! Nicole from Nicole White Designs opted for a bold, art deco tile and it paid off in a big, statement-making way.

This classic, simple bar can be dressed up or down for whatever purpose you want it to serve.

This welcoming rustic bar is the perfect place for a hot cup of coffee.

A crisp white backsplash is the perfect contrast to bold cabinetry.

A mirrored bar ups the glamour factor—perfect for entertaining and hosting!

A tiled bar is the perfect place to take a risk. Adding bold hues or patterns is one easy way to make your bar stand out. It’s meant to be a fun spot, right?

Shiplap walls, sea-green cabinets and a mosaic in a mix of soft neutrals combine to form a relaxed, beachy bar.

Want to achieve glamour without going too bold or dramatic? This gold mosaic adds just the perfect amount of glitter to make it special.

This Annie Selke tile featuring flecks of metallic gold create a soothing visual break from dark shelves and cabinets.

What to do with this in-between-rooms nook? Make it into a functional and beautiful bar, of course!

Reclaimed wood tiles are the perfect backdrop to this natural wood bar in a cozy basement.

On that note, we’re feeling a little thirsty. Don’t forget to share your Tile Shop tiled bar on our social media channels with #thetileshop. Ready to start your own project? Get started with a remote design consultation today!

The post Our Favorite Tiled Bars appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Lots of 3D tiles incorporate geometric designs. By mixing and matching the different faces of the Tangram series, you can create an entirely unique patchwork look.

Sweeping movements make for a soft, serene landscape, perfect for relaxing in the bath after a long day.

Flora and fauna-inspired motifs bring a natural quality to 3D tiles. We love how this leaf design comes to dramatic life on a black accent wall.

A straight-stack pattern modernizes this matte sculptural tile.

A marble look brings a wink of tradition to this otherwise of-the-moment 3D subway tile.

Ready for a bold statement?! Just add color! Blue is a serene color that is well-loved in home design.

If you’re looking for a subtle way to add interest to your space, opt for a beautiful-yet-simple 3D tile, like the Charm Diamond.

The neutral hues of the Akros Elis Iris create a distinctive, one-of-a-kind shower while still creating that calming, at-home spa experience.

Get the look of an intricate mosaic with fewer grout lines when you utilize a large-format tile like this one.

Complete a bold sculptural look with coordinating trims, accents and finishing pieces. Learn how to layer your look with trim pieces and profiles here.

What do you get when you combine geometric, metallic and sculptural effects into one tile? A stunning statement wall that’s sure to wow.

Is there any tile more perfect for an eye-catching cocktail bar?

A natural stone mosaic blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary.

Ready to find a 3D tile that speaks to you? Schedule a design consultation today!

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

Hallmarks

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

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

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

Tile Style

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

Some characteristics of contemporary tiles are:

• Large format
• Sculptural
• Straight stack vs. brick layout
• Stainless steel (like in a mixed-materials mosaic)
• Simple profiles with clean edges
• Art-inspired elements
• Geometric shapes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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