1. Contrasting Colors

Dark and light or neutral and bright, contrasting colors add drama and dimension to a space. Drastic color contrasts allow each tile to stand out in relation to the other, resulting in a space that both stimulates and soothes the senses. Here are a few of our favorite spaces that use contrasting colors to stunning effect.

Black and White With Charm All Over

This modern colonial bathroom, designed by Chris Loves Julia, demonstrates just how elevated a simple black-and-white color scheme can be. The floor features a custom design using Hex Matte Black and Hampton Carrara Tumbled Hex tiles. The uniform shapes of similarly sized hexagon and penny round tiles allow for creative designs and borders, which are even more striking when using contrasting colors. The dark floor is juxtaposed with the subtly grey-veined white marble wall tile, and the addition of the slim black pencil trim provides a visual throughline that ties the design together.

Bold and Neutral

A bright, bold color will make your wall or floor pop, and that color becomes even more vibrant when contrasted with a neutral element. This kitchen features the Zellige Turquoise Gloss subway tile paired with the Arbour Lowlands Summer Oak luxury vinyl plank. The beige wood-look tones of the floor complement the brilliant jewel tones of the wall tile, and the mix of warm and cool colors gives the space a contemporary feel. For more durable, easy-to-install flooring options, shop our newly expanded wood and vinyl offerings.

Color Blocking

Add interest to your tile design by color-blocking two contrasting colors. This chic shower features one black wall and one white wall, creating the illusion of depth, which helps the small space appear larger. The black-and-white patterned Jeffery Alan Marks Summerland Toro floor tile keeps the space feeling cohesive.

2. Monochromatic Mix

Contrast naturally adds depth to your design, but if you prefer the clean look of a monochromatic space, you can create interest by incorporating different finishes, sizes, shapes and materials. Here are three tile designs that prove a limited color palette can still be lively.

White on White

Crisp and clean, white is an invigorating shade that works in virtually any space. This beautiful bathroom, designed by @lifewithmadisonm, showcases white tile in two distinct styles. The shower walls feature the Regent Bianco handmade-look subway tile, while the floor is adorned with Calacata Brilliante marble-look tile. The slight variations inherent to handmade and handmade-look tiles add subtle visual texture, while the striking grey veining on the marble-look tile lends depth to the space. If you love the look of an all-white room, shop our wide selection of white tile.

Color Drenched

Embrace a bold hue to create a vivid tableau. A gorgeous green, beautiful blue or radiant red adds personality to your space. This lush shower pairs the Alison Victoria Gem marble mosaic tile with the Marradi Calacata Emerald marble-look tile. Though both tiles feature expressive veining, they are distinct in shape and tone, creating visual interest while maintaining color harmony.

Neutral Territory

A neutral color palette is the perfect recipe for tranquility. If you like an all-over creamy look, like this serene beige-on-beige shower, use texture and shape to keep your calming neutrals stimulating. The subtle mix of travertine and marble stone tiles adds just enough variation in tone and texture to create interest, while the framed Arctic White Large Herringbone tile wall detail and the Claros Silver square mosaic floor tile provide a sense of movement.

3. Coordinated Collections

One of the easiest ways to guarantee your design flows together is by using tile from the same collection or series on both walls and floors. A main benefit of a Tile Shop stone collection is its variety of shapes, sizes and trim offerings. All the tiles within a Tile Shop stone collection are sourced from a single quarry, so while natural variation ensures no two pieces are ever the same, your overall design will remain cohesive.

Marvelous Marble

Nothing symbolizes luxury quite like marble. This exquisite stone comes in a wide range of colors, from black and white to beige, grey and even red. Here, Calacata Evora marble tile is used to create a sumptuous bathroom featuring eight different field, mosaic and trim tiles–all crafted from the same stone. The use of varying sizes and shapes elevates the design by creating a sense of movement and refinement. The mix of grey and beige veining in the classic white marble makes it a popular choice for both contemporary and traditional styles.

Lush Limestone

Limestone is a naturally occurring stone formed from calcified coral and shells. Our limestone collections feature several stunning colors, including brown, tan, black, and the shimmering grey tones of the Silver Mist collection showcased here. With the use of subway and hex mosaic tiles in the shower, along with large-format tile for the main floor, this elegant bathroom, designed by Chris Loves Julia, demonstrates how to utilize different sizes and shapes within a single collection to create distinct yet cohesive spaces.

Timeless Travertine

Travertine, a type of limestone formed in mineral springs, is a rich stone distinguished by its naturally earthy tones. Shades of brown, grey, beige and silver (both alone and in combination) can be found in our travertine tile collections. Here, Legno travertine, with its soft beige tones and smooth veining, creates a relaxing atmosphere. Notice how the Wheaton mosaic, used as a focal point on the wall, maintains symmetry with the Double Chevron mosaic floor tile.

4. Patterns That Pop

One of our most popular wall and floor tile combinations is patterned and non-patterned tile. For the bold at heart, there’s nothing better than an accent wall or floor brimming with striking shapes. Delicate, floral, abstract or geometric–shop our wide assortment of patterned tile to find a style to suit your taste.

Botanical Beauty

A nature-inspired pattern will fill your space with serotonin-boosting outdoor vibes (bonus points if it includes colors found outside, like the Annie Selke Flora Vapor Blue tile shown here). This charming bathroom demonstrates how to feature a patterned tile without overwhelming the space. The colors in the floor tile are reflected in the blue sink vanity and the Annie Selke Artisanal White subway wall tile. By maintaining a simple color palette, the space feels elegant yet full of personality.

For more ideas on infusing your home with nature-loving vibes, check out our guide to biophilic design.

Pattern and Color

Pulling a color or two from your patterned tile will ensure your design coordinates. However, if you choose a black-and-white patterned tile, like the Cloth Black and White tile shown here, you can pair it with virtually any hue. We love how the Glass Royal Blue Amalfi tile pops against the black-and-white design, and how the black hardware and white grout lines create a visual throughline between the shower walls and the bathroom floor.

Wallpaper Effect

A patterned wall tile provides the look of wallpaper with all the durability and easy-to-clean properties of ceramic or porcelain–perfect for mess-prone spaces like kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms or entryways. This fashionable kitchen features the Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. Bold enough on its own, this patterned tile is paired with the black Iconic Steel floor tile and the Nikki Chu Luxor Winter White subway tile (on the kitchen island). If you love this global, eclectic style, shop our exclusive Nikki Chu Collection.

5. Tone on Tone

One way to ensure a cohesive look between your floors and walls is to coordinate the tones of your tiles. This involves choosing a color from one tile and carrying it through to another. The result is floors and walls that complement each other without exactly matching. Here are a few spaces that exemplify this concept.

Beige on Beige

Tiles that offer shade variation are perfect for the tone-on-tone concept. This elegant bathroom, designed by @jessicasmithhomedesign, pairs the Coco Canvas Glossy wall tile with a marble checkerboard floor featuring Royal Satin White and Avorio Fiorito tiles. The undulating surface of the handmade-look subway tile spans creamy whites to light tan tones, which are reflected in the white and beige floor.

Rust on Rust

Here, the crisp white background and expressive rust-colored veins of the Pisa Oro Matte tile are echoed in the Kasbah Cross Terracotta and Star Bone floor tiles. While a single white, beige or grey tile would capture the tones of the unique marble-look wall tile, selecting the most vibrant shade creates an invigorating space. While nothing beats the singular luxury of real marble, some ceramic and porcelain marble-look tiles offer colors and designs you won’t find in nature, such as blue, green and gold.

Warm and Cool

Sometimes, multiple tones can be carried through from one tile to another. This welcoming entryway pairs the Organic Clay Taupe wall tile with the Jerica Ceniza floor tile. While one is dark and the other light, both of these handmade-look subway tiles feature a mix of warm brown and cool grey tones. The combination of the two creates a subtle visual texture that makes the space feel fresh and contemporary.

6. Eclectic

Even tile rules are meant to be broken! While tried-and-true combos make for beautiful and unique spaces, good design can be found in the least expected pairings. Here are a few of our favorite eclectic tile arrangements.

Singular Looks

The Alison Victoria Brick x Brick Petal tile and the Terrazzo Nero Macro tile are an unconventional couple that forms natural harmony in this sweetly chic bathroom, designed by Yellow Brick Home. The brick-like texture of the wall tile and the terrazzo-inspired floor tile, with its pattern of glass- and marble-look fragments, each contribute their own visual appeal. While the colors and textures are neither matching nor dramatically contrasting, their warm tones and singular styles make an interesting complement.

A Reflection on Texture and Pattern

This opulent space, showcasing tile from our exclusive Kelli Fontana Collection, is a wealth of texture and pattern. The Patina Siren Mirror wall tile provides a smooth, reflective surface with striking aged details, while the Tommas Carrara fluted marble-look wall tile lends texture to the space. Paired with the Inlay Proper Naples Beach floor tile, with its elegant leaf pattern, these tiles come together to create a rich, romantic tableau. Though each piece in her collection is distinct, celebrated designer Kelli Fontana conceived of all her tiles to work together for a classic, bold and whimsical aesthetic. Explore all of our exclusive designer collections for complementing tiles that form eclectic designs.

Shape and Movement

There are many ways to add a sense of movement to your tile design, as evidenced in this exceptional space. Though the three prominent tiles are aesthetically distinct, each brings its own visual flow. The center tile stripe features the Trois Bandes tile, with its black-and-white diamond pattern forming a horizontal zigzag. This movement is directionally mirrored by the organic woodgrain detail in the Amazon Amendoa tile, while the half-hexagon shape of the Tory Black mosaic floor tile reflects the diagonals in the patterned tile. The result is a space that could feel random but has enough visual throughlines to maintain cohesion.

Whether you seek a dramatic contrast, a soothing monochromatic space or a distinct ecelctic pairing, there are as many wall and floor combinations as there are tiles at The Tile Shop (literally thousands!). We hope these classic designs have inspired your next project, and if you need a little more guidance, be sure to schedule a free design consultation or visit your local showroom–our tile experts are excited to help you create a space you’ll love.

The post Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations 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.

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.

What is Cement Tile?

1. Cement tiles are, of course, made of cement. Cement is similar to stone in that it has to be sealed, and it is very long lasting. Cement tiles are thicker than average and made by hand.
2. Cement-look tiles are made of ceramic or porcelain. These are a great lower cost option to achieve an authentic look that is still very durable.

Now that we cleared that up, let’s talk about how cement tiles are made.

How Are Cement Tiles Made?

Cement tiles are made from a combination of marble dust, pigment and cement. Similar to natural stone, each tile is made by hand and takes between three and five minutes to make. What sets cement apart from other types of tile is that the pigment is pressed into the surface in a patterned mold instead of just being a thin layer on top. This means the coloration penetrates the surface of the tile, so if it wears down over time, the color will still remain and the pattern will not be impacted. The video below is a great overview of this process.

Care and Installation Tips

Inspired to design a work of art with cement tile? There are a few quirks specific to cement tile installation that are important to know before you begin.

• Thickness: Cement tiles are thicker than average, so plan ahead! A threshold piece can be used to smoothly transition between cement tile and another flooring surface.
• Soaking: Cement tiles are absorbent and should be soaked in water before they are installed. This keeps the tiles from pulling moisture out of the mortar which would prevent it from curing properly.
• Sealing: It’s important to seal your clean and dry cement tiles after they’re installed to ensure they last.
• More information on installing cement tiles can be found here.

Historically Inspired Designs

Today, cement tiles take many forms and come in various materials. Due to their long and rich history, many designs seen today are based on those from the past. Explore some of our favorite historically inspired designs below.

The fresh, crisp colors below liven up this white kitchen.

The hand-painted look of the tile below adds to its authentic, old-world appeal.

Not ready to jump into all-over pattern? A backsplash highlighted with a frame is the perfect accent.

Modern farmhouse style is a popular look that benefits from the rustic appearance of cement tile.

We love a fun shower space! This accent wall from floor to ceiling livens up this spacious shower.

This tile design feels like it’s right out of an old European church. We love how Timber Trails Homes picked a shade of blue from the tile to paint the cabinetry, coordinating this mudroom from top to bottom. Sturdy porcelain is perfect for protecting the floor from laundry spills and tracked-in messes.

Think beyond the backsplash and shower. Cement tile takes this fireplace to another level and functions as a stunning focal point in this living room.

“A tiled fireplace is the perfect place to get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of style. A little pattern goes a long way!”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

Star is one of our most popular tiles and for good reason! It’s versatile enough to pair with rustic wood-look tiles as well as contemporary hexagons while maintaining vintage appeal.

Contemporary Designs

As manufacturing processes evolve, so do designs. Now, the selection of cement and cement-look tiles is even broader than ever and encompasses many contemporary designs. If bold colors and geometric designs are more your style, explore some of our picks below.

This tile is definitely not one you would have found in 18th century Europe, and that’s one of the things we love about it. This thoroughly contemporary tile incorporates a geometric design and bright, bold colors.

A soft, contemporary grey patterned floor tile is the perfect complement to this preppy and traditional space.

We’re fans of a bold look, and this one fits the bill. This dramatic cement tile with its green leaf pattern creates an unforgettable floor.

If you want to dip your toe into cement without using an all-over pattern, mixing solid-color cement tiles with patterned tiles is a great way to get the best of both worlds.

“A checkerboard, random design or tiled rug are all attractive mix-and-match options for solid and patterned tiles.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

There’s something serene and calming about the ocean-blue hues of Blu Widow Hex.

Black-and-white tile is a design staple. Make it uniquely yours with this statement-making diamond pattern.

Combination

Do all cement-style tiles neatly fit into one of these two categories? Of course not! Some of the most interesting designs are a blend of old-world and contemporary styles, patterns and colors. Here are some of our favorites.

A black, white and grey color scheme updates a traditional design, blurring the lines between old world and contemporary.

A traditional design in unexpected colors lends a beautiful floral look to this bathroom.

There’s no shortage of interest in this arabesque tile. Soft traditional shapes combine with bold lines and hues to keep design lovers on their toes.

A historically inspired design plus on-trend wood look equal a stunning transitional style.

Explore more of our cement/cement-look and patterned tile now!

Ready to get started? Let our selection wow you in person—visit your local store today!

The post Style Guide: Cement & Cement-Look Tile 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.

Gepetto Series

The eight tiles in the Gepetto series feature unique arrangements of cut natural wood pieces that allow you to design with original and contemporary patterns.

Installation

This series has a unique (and easy) installation process that is worth noting. Gepetto tiles come with a peel-and-stick adhesive backing. That means no thinset and no grout are required! All you have to do is prepare the wall by cleaning it with soapy water. And, since wood is a natural material, make sure to let the tiles acclimatize to your space for 7–10 days before installation. Tile Shop Design Manager Kirsty Froelich recommends laying out your design on the floor first and using a level so you only stick the tiles once. If you follow these simple tips, anyone can install this beautiful wood tile.

Featured: Arco Acustico

How to Use

Because of the adhesive backing, Gepetto can’t be used in wet areas. However, the easy installation makes them more versatile than your average tile. Think outside the box and create the look of a headboard behind a bed like in the image below. Warm up the space behind a TV with a textured accent wall. Make any nook or wall a statement with wood tiles. Transform a backsplash that isn’t exposed to lots of water into a textured, eye-catching area. You can even frame wood tiles as a work of art and let them speak for themselves. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate them into your space, the Gepetto series affordably dresses up walls with warmth and comfort.

Featured: Arco Acustico

Reclaimed Wood

The most unique aspect of our reclaimed wood tiles is their history and the journey they have made to our stores. Decommissioned antique ships are pulled from harbors in Southeast Asia and the wood is removed from the boats by hand before being sorted and cured for 60 days. Finally, pieces are cut, finished and assembled into the mosaics and trim pieces you see today.

Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural

Installation

Just like the Gepetto series, reclaimed wood should be allowed 7–10 days in your space to adjust to the temperature and humidity before installation. Unlike Gepetto, this collection does not come with an adhesive backing. Instead, use a Taylor wood adhesive to attach the tiles to the wall—no thinset required. Adding finishing nails afterwards will ensure that the tiles are fully adhered. For larger installations, consider placing plywood behind the tiles. A store associate at The Tile Shop can help you choose the best installation method for your project. It’s also important to check your local codes to be sure your project is far enough from sources of heat.

Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural. Design by Sublime Homes.

How to Use

Feature walls, commercial spaces, bars, kitchen islands and even ceilings are all perfect places to feature reclaimed wood. Powder rooms also work but avoid using these tiles in a full bathroom where conditions are too wet. The rich, authentic colors of natural wood add uncompromised depth and texture to a space.

Featured: Reclaimed Wood Architectural and Hartland Blend Mosaic

A Variety of Styles

Covering your walls with natural wood might give you visions of rustic cabins in the woods, and that is certainly one achievable style that adds lots of hygge vibes to your space. But wood does not limit itself to rustic decor. In fact, any number of styles are possible depending on the rest of your space and what other tiles you decide to use. For example, pairing reclaimed wood with brick-look tile gives an industrial look and pairing a chevron wood mosaic with a subway tile delivers a contemporary feel.

In these examples, it’s easy to see how natural wood tiles can work into different design styles from industrial to contemporary.

Reclaimed wood is the perfect addition to an industrial loft space. Featured: Reclaimed Wood Chevron Mosaic, Reclaimed Wood Geometric Mosaic, Provenzal Alhama Cotto, Antique Copper Metal Somerset and Imperial Gunmetal Gloss

The tile pairings and soft coloring give this inspiration a thouroughly contemporary vibe. Featured: Freccia Bianca Wood Mosaic, Quadrati Bianchi Wood Mosaic, K Wood Light and Bianco Puro Honed Marble Somerset

Ready to get started? Shop all architectural wood tiles at The Tile Shop or schedule a design consultation to meet with a store associate today.

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