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.

1. Horizontal Straight Stack

This contemporary layout features neat lines that draw the eye across the width of the wall or floor, making your room appear wider. The simple design can be created with any rectangle tile, including subway tile. Here, bands of Coco White matte and glossy tiles add a stylized touch to the bathroom wall; mixing finishes is an excellent way to elevate a simple layout.

2. Vertical Straight Stack

Just like the guards at Buckingham Palace, these “soldier stacks” stand firm and tall. Installing tile vertically creates the illusion of height in your space. Vertically stacked subway tile will make your space feel contemporary, while rectangular large-format tile makes your space feel both taller and more expansive.

“Horizontal and vertical straight stacks are my favorite tile patterns for bathrooms because they present a clean and fresh look. It’s important to have a polished design in your bathroom.” –Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop Director of Design

Pro Tip: Combine vertical and horizontal stacks for a stunning, custom design.

3. 1/2 Offset Brick Lay

There’s a reason why 1/2 offset is one of the most traditional layouts. The simple enhancement of offsetting stacked tiles by 50% is visually appealing and helps hide any imperfections in the installation. Use subway or rectangle tile to achieve a classic brick-lay look, or square tile for a chic offset design.

4. 1/3 Offset Brick Lay

The stair-step effect in this pattern is created by offsetting each tile by 1/3 of its length. We recommend using a 1/3 offset when designing with tile that is 8 x 16 in. or larger. Shop large-format tile to achieve this stylish design on your floors or walls.

5. Herringbone

Install large or small rectangle tile at a 45-degree angle to create a dynamic herringbone pattern. You can enhance the vertical and horizontal zigzag movements by incorporating different colors, finishes or a contrasting grout color.

6. Double Herringbone

A double herringbone is created by connecting two rectangle tiles. This layout is less common because it can be difficult to perfect. However, when executed correctly, as seen in this contemporary bathroom designed by Friedman General Contracting, the results are stunning!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to consider your grout color! A contrasting grout will accentuate your layout, while a grout that matches the tile results in a subtler design.

7. Chevron

Like herringbone, a chevron pattern creates a dynamic, zigzag design. However, this layout is created by connecting the angled ends of specially cut tiles, rather than installing rectangular tiles diagonally. The result is a fashionable V-shaped silhouette.

8. Grid

A tried-and-true design, this layout is created by simply arranging square tiles in a grid formation. It is ideal for patterned tile, especially when the pattern is enhanced by grouping four squares together, as it is on the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper Florence Lace tile shown here.

9. Diagonal

Similar to the grid pattern, this layout consists of rows of square tile. However, as it is installed at a 45-degree angle, this pattern makes your floor or wall appear wider. We love how Timber Trails used this layout to add a contemporary twist to the classic checkerboard design. You can achieve a similar look using diamond-shaped tile.

10. Versailles

Named after the French Palace of Versailles, this classically elegant pattern consists of rectangles and squares of varying sizes. While the Versailles pattern is commonly used for floor designs, it’s also striking on walls.

11. Hex

The six-sided, honeycomb-shaped hex is a surprisingly versatile tile shape. Available in small mosaic formats and larger field tiles (up to 13 x 14 in.), all hexagon tile adheres to the same layout. However, the uniformity of similarly-sized hex tiles allows for custom patterns. Here, Beginning in the Middle created an elevated polka dot effect by adding Back Marquina hex to their Firenze Carrara hex design.

Ready for a room refresh? The Tile Shop is here to help! 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 Tile Patterns and Layouts appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Mosaic Showcase

The Casablanca tile takes center stage in this dramatic black-and-white bathroom designed by Timber Trails. We love how they used the Black Marquina Barnes tile as a frame for this beautifully intricate mosaic. This design could feel disconnected from the bathtub, but the placement of the faucet integrates the tile into the functionality of the space.

Masterpiece Bath

Haneen’s Haven used their master bath as a place to display their favorite works of art. The many artistic elements in this room, including the star-shaped overhead light and sculpture, showcase their individual style to create a relaxing atmosphere. The Truewood Beige Wood Look tile floor is a simple, yet stately element that blends well with the museum aesthetic of the room.

Tranquil Spa Soaking Tub

By separating the shower into a wet room, I Spy DIY created an amazing tub moment in this beautifully tranquil bathroom. The handmade-look Riad Grey wall tiles have natural shifts in tone, creating interest while maintaining a neutral color palette, adding to the peacefulness of the room.

Reflection Pool

The glossy finish and beautiful color variation on the Tribeca Grey Whisper tile creates a serene space to relax in at the end of a long day. The choice to tile most of the room, including the tub surround, engulfs this bathroom in a restful atmosphere.

Calming Coastal Charm

This soothing seaside space exudes a feeling of peaceful relaxation. The soft blue design of the Summerland by Jeffery Alan Marks in Miramar tile is reminiscent of faded linen fabric, adding to the charm and tranquility of this bathroom.

Prominent Pattern

The geometric-patterned Artisan Tiare tile proves you don’t need neutrals to be relaxing. Relegating the tile to the floor keeps this space from becoming too busy. The bold orange with the white walls and ceiling allows for unique accessories like the black and gold overhead light.

Relaxing Blue Hues

Keeping with a blue and white color palette, this bathroom designed with all Laura Ashley tile, creates a fun and relaxing space to unwind at the end of a long day. We love how the Laura Ashley Sunflower Charcoal with Cloud Blue tile extends onto the tub surround, adding depth to the room, and how the Leaf Cloud Blue mosaic tile creates an unexpected shower niche moment.

Chic Rustic Lounge

If you’re lucky enough to have architectural elements in your home like this exposed brick chimney wall, incorporating them into your bathroom design will add to the character and charm of your space. The Grit and Polish embraces the rustic natural structures in this amazing bathroom, and the Firenze Carrara Honed marble hexagon floor adds to the warmth and natural texture of the space.

We hope you enjoyed these fabulous bathtub designs. You can find even more inspiration on Instagram and our Customer Room Gallery where our tiles are used in a variety of real spaces! Or, if you’re looking for some guidance on an upcoming project, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post 8 Bathtub Design Ideas That Redefine Relaxation appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. 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 our wide assortment of blue tile.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 love this trend as much as we do, take a look at our full assortment of picket tile.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Historic Patterns

Endlessly versatile, white cabinets complement both contemporary and traditional styles. For a classic look that’s experiencing a modern resurgence, consider a historic pattern from our exclusive Morris & Co. collection. The Morris & Co. St. James Wandle River tile, shown here, features an iconic pattern derived from the 1881 wallpaper design commissioned for St. James Palace in London.

17. 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.

18. 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, a uniquely shaped tile will add character and charm to your kitchen backsplash.

19. 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.

20. 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 makes 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.

Pop of Pink

This chic, feminine room designed by At Home with Ashley is a complete dream. A pink pencil trim adds charming detail to the Hampton Carrara polished tile and ties in with the bold floral wallpaper. If you’d like to learn more about incorporating this style in your home, read 6 Tips to Design With Color from At Home with Ashley.

Delightful Pattern

Fresh, clean white walls balance the charming hand-painted look of the Decor Daiza White Pav giving the patterned tile the spotlight. If you’re loving this design by Timber Trails as much as we are, check out our tour of their Varsity Blues home.

Modern Geometry

The lined pattern of the Ragno Blanco tile creates playfulness in this laundry room that’s sure to make folding fun!

Classically Charming

The custom-designed penny round mosaic tile is intricate without being busy. We love how the colors complement the other elements in the room, like the floral wallpaper, blue cabinetry and bench. This is a laundry room we wouldn’t mind lounging in between wash cycles!

Splendid Neutrals

This fresh and contemporary laundry room is an inspiration! The stone mosaic of the Montauk Light Grey tile creates a clean, geometric design that enhances the neutral elements in the room.

Light & Dark

Black and white but definitely not boring, this laundry room uses a simple color scheme to coordinate the Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal tile with the bold-patterned wallpaper. For more tiles from the iconic British brand, shop the Laura Ashley collection.

Fresh-Hued Blue

The Decora Ornament Blue tile adds interest to the fresh and clean aesthetic of this beautiful blue laundry room designed by Kelli Fontana of West Bay Homes. See more inspirational rooms from her Sun Coast Estate on our home tour.

Awash in Luxury

We can’t stop gushing over this gorgeously lush laundry room designed by Nikki Chu! The opulence of the bold gold, grey, brown and ochre veining in the Macchia Vecchia marble-look tile is embellished by the gold accessories, while the Track Stack White Two Tone mosaic tile creates balance with its neat, orderly lines.

Clean and Contemporary

The brownish-grey concrete appearance of the Nord Ris Hex tile coordinates well with the grey cabinetry and delicate floral wallpaper in this bright and airy laundry room.

A New Take on Vintage

This custom hexagon mosaic tile floor creates a look that’s at once modern and traditional. The simple wood cabinetry and black fixtures throughout the room add to the timeless feel.

Feeling inspired to freshen up your laundry room? Schedule a free design consultation to get started.

We love seeing your spaces! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more design inspo there, too)!

The post 10 Rooms That Will Make You Love Laundry Day appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Even with dark cabinets and floors, the natural light and a whimsical wallpaper brighten the mood in this room.

If you’re all about a light-and-airy color scheme, look no further! Charming wood accents bring a soft, earthy feel to the space.

Who wouldn’t want to look at a colorful, pretty floral pattern while sorting darks and lights? (If floral tile is more your style, check out our post on the topic!)

We’re sensing a floral theme. And it makes perfect sense. What better way to add a sense of openness and light than channeling the bounties of the outdoors?

A rainbow of colors, florals and bright, crips white—this laundry room checks all the boxes. Check out more transformations like this one from the spring 2019 One Room Challenge™ .

This more monochromatic color scheme still manages to brim with life and joy due to greenery and a lively mosaic. If you like how these trim pieces flatter the mosaic, learn more about layering on our blog post.

Bold patterns, ample storage and smart design. It’s fair to say we’re experiencing laundry room envy.

A different twist on laundry room design, this space uses rich earth tones and molded cabinetry to define a traditional space.

We love the mix of shapes and patterns in this space! A black-and-white color scheme balances the statement wallpaper effortlessly.

A transitional laundry room is perfect for incorporating contemporary touches with more traditional elements.

Patterned and encaustic tiles add modern farmhouse flair to room.

This space proves once again that black and white are always a classic color combo.

A softly patterned floor is the perfect complement to bold cabinets and fixtures.

Not a fan of wallpaper? Take the bold patterns onto the floor instead!

Rustic style meets modern amenities in this cozy farmhouse laundry room.

With vintage touches like these, we’re not sure we’re seeing a laundry room or an antique store.

Inspired to do some laundry? OK, that’s a stretch. Inspired to design a better laundry room? That’s better. Schedule your one-on-one design consultation today.

The post 16 Tiled Laundry Rooms We Love appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

White walls, minimal decor, subtle colors—you won’t find any of these in a maximalist space! Some people say that less is more, but maximalists believe the opposite. More color, more texture, and more boldness define this style. Simplistic, neutral design has reigned for years, and, inevitably, some people are ready for a change. Say hello to maximalism.

Contrary to what you might think, maximalism is more than just having a lot of stuff. Some of the hallmarks of maximalist design are:

• Patterns and prints
• Bold colors
• Ornateness
• Layering
• Lots of textures
• Artwork (especially different styles and mismatched frames!)
• Mixing design styles, like boho (it shares a common theme of excess), English, vintage, mid-century modern, Victorian and art deco
• Books, books and more books

The style is an updated twist on classically exuberant English interiors updated for the 21st century with bright colors, contemporary patterns and modern accents. The legendary club Annabel’s in London perfectly embodies this blend of classic Britishness and modern maximalism.

So, what do we love about maximalism? It allows you to express every side of your personality at once. If you’ve ever felt torn between styles or couldn’t define yours in one word, maximalism may be for you. (Indecisive friends, unite!) This design style allows you the freedom to fill your home with items that you love, instead of worrying about fitting them into a style box. Loving your decor is key—random items will not bring the same joy as a personalized, curated collection.

Enough talking about maximalism—let’s see some of our favorite looks! As far as maximalist designs go, this one is pretty minimal! (Stay with us.) The bold, patterned tile and dramatic color scheme definitely fit the style, yet the symmetry of the space and overall glam theme reign in it.

This bathroom takes boho-chic to the next level with a bright geometric tiled floor and lots of fabulous decor pieces. Black accents throughout the room (can we talk about that chandelier?!) bring cohesion to the space without dulling it down. This gorgeous transformation took place in just six weeks as part of the Fall 2019 One Room Challenge™.

We couldn’t just share one photo of the home that sparked the idea for this blog post! House Beautiful’s 2019 Kitchen of the Year was a maximalist dream come true with no explanation needed. Read our spotlight on Michelle Nussbaumer’s amazing design for more photos of the space.

This kitchen is a good reminder that each surface is an opportunity to create a work of art.

A much different approach to maximalism, this bathroom establishes a blue-grey color palette and sticks to it while varying the tone and playing with patterns.

This bright and colorful bathroom proves that maximalism doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic.

Back to the drama, an art-inspired tile is perfect for creating an accent wall that makes a statement.

Multiple patterns work hand in hand when they pull from the same warm color palette in this beautiful bathroom that was also featured in the One Room Challenge.

Maximalist spaces don’t need to hit every hallmark on our list. Here, an oversized, bold pattern is enough to stand out.

Another One Room Challenge contender was this glamorous gold-and-black laundry room. The opulence just draws you in (which is good when you’re trying to force yourself to do the laundry!)

Here’s another case of a stand-alone maximalist tile. The vivacious purple veining in this Milas Lilac marble tile collection and the mix of shapes deliver dynamic style.

Dip your toe into maximalism by just choosing one extra-bold feature.

Drama, patterns, metallic finishes and more—as they say with maximalism, more is more.

Feeling inspired to paint your grey walls fuchsia yet? Whatever your design goals are, we’re here to help you achieve them. Schedule a design consultation with an in-store tile expert to get started. And don’t forget—sometimes more is more!

The post Maximalism: More is More 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.

Unique among design styles, mid-century modern design can be traced back to a specific person. The history begins with Joseph Eichler, a real estate developer in California during the 1940s through the 1960s, who advocated and built more modern-style housing. Whole suburban neighborhoods of homes (called “Eichlers”) from this movement still exist in California and beyond today. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, Eichlers often feature flat or A-framed roofs, vertical wood siding, clean and geometric lines, few street-facing windows, and large windows or skylights that let in light and nature. Their interiors introduced the country to exposed beams, concrete floors, sliding doors and en suite bathrooms. While we may take many of these design features for granted today, in postwar America, when people were used to mass-produced homes, architecturally pleasing Eichlers were a breath of fresh air. See some examples of this style, and read more about it here.

Why did this new style make such an impact that we’re still talking about it decades later? Many of the hallmarks of mid-century modern design still feel as fresh, clean and current today as they did in the 1950s:

• Open floor plans
• Simple, clean lines
• Neutrals (especially grey) combined with bright colors (especially orange and green)
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Simple furniture (similar to today’s Scandinavian style)
• Artistic items

There are also some specific things you can look for to determine mid-century tiles:

• Color, especially rich colors like green and orange
• Geometrics
• Fan shapes
• Organic shapes
• Metal edging
• Handcrafted, artisan look
• Straight stacked subway tile
• Beveled and framed subway tile
• Large-format tiles

Let’s look at how some real spaces use these mid-century modern elements. You’ll notice that a lot of the trends overlap from picture to picture which goes to show that these elements are true hallmarks of mid-century modern design!

Color

Who doesn’t love a pop of color?! Whether featured in tile, cabinetry, fabrics or accessories, have fun with your design and include something bold and bright (bonus points for rich colors like orange and green).

Geometrics

Geometrics are another style that often appears in mid-century modern design. There are as many different ways to use geometric tiles as there are geometric tiles available. Use one color, mix and match or stick with neutrals for a more subtle approach to geometry.

Straight Stack

The most common and classic layout for subway tile is the brick-lay pattern. (Learn all about subway tile patterns on our blog post about the topic.) A more contemporary and mid-century modern way to install rectangular tiles is the straight stack. It features a clean layout and straight, even grout lines.

Organic Shapes

Handmade-look tiles, an artisan feel and organic shapes all work well in mid-century modern style. A subway tile with a soft twist and a hexagon with a handmade-feel beveled edge fit the bill.

Explore more design styles on the blog or our website. Loving mid-century modern for your next project? Book a design appointment to get started today!

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