Nikki Chu Archives - The Tile Shop Blog Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:24:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 147117943 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/20-counter-to-ceiling-kitchen-backsplash-tile-ideas/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/20-counter-to-ceiling-kitchen-backsplash-tile-ideas/#respond Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:24:07 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=11957 The latest trend in kitchens extends the backsplash from the counter (or floor) to the ceiling to create beautiful and...

The post 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
The latest trend in kitchens extends the backsplash from the counter (or floor) to the ceiling to create beautiful and expressive spaces that protect the whole wall. Read on for 20 spectacular tile ideas to achieve the ultimate kitchen glow-up!

1. Keep it Simple…and Chic!

A backsplash staple, white subway tile is a timeless classic with endless versatility. This modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features an Imperial Bianco Gloss tile backsplash behind open wood shelves. The simple brick-lay tile provides a neutral background, allowing the dark green range hood and brass swing-arm sconce light fixtures to stand out. If you love this cozy-chic style, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

A modern farmhouse kitchen featuring a white subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Imperial Bianco Gloss. Design and photography by Esslinger Design Co.

2. Create a Stylish Slab Look

A backsplash crafted from a large block of stone is a popular feature of high-end design, but you can achieve this look on a more modest budget with large-format tile. These supersized tiles (up to 48″ x 48″) mimic the appearance of a single piece of stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic or porcelain. As demonstrated in this contemporary kitchen, a counter-to-ceiling backsplash featuring extra-large marble-look tile makes your space feel expansive as well as elevated.

3. Show Off Your Style with a Graphic Pattern

Patterned tile offers the ornamentation of wallpaper with the superior protection of ceramic or porcelain. Perfect for adding design to a mess-prone backsplash, patterned tile can easily be stretched to the height of your wall to further celebrate your style. This fashionable kitchen features the graphic-patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. The eclectic hand-drawn print is bold in its simplicity, adding definition to the space while allowing flexibility to swap out accessories and change paint colors for easy updates. Discover more unique, fashion-forward designs in our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

Schedule a free design consultation.

4. Display Your Taste with Diamond-Shaped Tile

When your tile covers a large area, choosing a design that creates a sense of movement and rich visual texture not only makes your space feel more expansive but also adds interest. This can be achieved through pattern, shape or material. This beautiful kitchen features the Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton tile, a diamond- and chevron-shaped mosaic made from vividly veined marble. The zigzag pattern, combined with the grey and beige veining, draws the eye up the wall, creating the illusion of height and adding a touch of luxury. Shop diamond-shaped tile for more brilliant designs.

This elegant kitchen features a grey-veined white marble in a diamond-shaped mosaic.
Featuring: Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton. Design and photography by @lizbrannick_.

5. Tile the Range Hood

When you have a tile as elegant and expressive as the Firenze Calacatta marble subway tile, you’ll want to display it without interruption. That’s exactly what Christie Juncaj did in her magnificent contemporary kitchen. By using the tile to disguise the range hood, the kitchen maintains a cohesive appearance from the counter to the ceiling and across the wall.

This large and luxurious kitchen features a marble subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Firenze Calacatta. Design and Photography by Christie Juncaj.

6. Showcase Mid-Century Modern Design

Even if you don’t have an A-frame house, you can embrace the simple sophistication of mid-century modern style with The Tile Shop’s new Stoneware collection from Fired Earth. Featuring a sleek elongated subway format in five retro-inspired colorways, these tiles celebrate the best of 20th-century design. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed tile runs along the expanse from the counter to the tip of the angled ceiling, creating a vibrant statement wall that feels contemporary while evoking a vintage appeal.

7. Marvel with a Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, a small-format mosaic tile can have the same space-widening effect as a large-format tile. The petite pieces provide visual texture that draws the eye across a space, adding depth and a sense of movement. This charming kitchen, designed by @dwellwithmichelle, features the Hex Matte White with Black Flowers mosaic. The repeated retro floral pattern guides the eye up the wall, while the open shelving makes the space feel light and airy.

This charming kitchen features a black-and-white hex mosaic in a floral pattern.
Featuring: Hex Matte White With Black Flower. Design and photography by @dwellwithmichelle

8. Create a Work of Art

A tall backsplash allows for creative use of the space behind your stove or kitchen sink. Take advantage of the expanse by showcasing a beautiful patterned or mosaic tile within a tiled picture frame. Using trim to “frame” the decorative tile, this design technique elevates your space while providing a pleasing focal point you can admire while cooking and cleaning. This elegant transitional kitchen features the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey tile, framed by a double layer of Firenze Carrara Somerset trim.

9. Achieve Artisanal Excellence

Zellige tile is handcrafted using ancient techniques, ensuring that each tile is authentically unique. Showcasing this singular tile from counter to ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind backsplash that celebrates artistry. This chic kitchen, designed by Fox Homes, features the Zellige White Gloss tile. The square format aligns with contemporary design, while the traditional craftsmanship connects it to the past.

This bright and charming kitchen features white Zellige tile backsplash and open white shelves.
Featuring: Zellige White Gloss. Design by Fox Homes.

10. Embrace English Cottage Style

Put the kettle on and take in this charming kitchen backsplash featuring the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile. With a whimsical floral motif inspired by historic prints from the iconic British brand’s archive, this patterned tile is made to be displayed. We love how it pairs with white cabinets, but a bold blue or sunny yellow would look equally delightful. As enamored with this style as Mr. Darcy is with Elizabeth? Click here to discover how to bring English cottage design into your home.

Order $3 samples.

11. Showcase Your Stove

If your kitchen cabinets cover most of your counter-to-ceiling space, the area behind the stove might be the only place to showcase this design trend. However, even this limited space can deliver big results, as is evident in this stylish kitchen designed by Georgia Pepperberry Interior Design. The Liria Negro tile adds a pattern that helps to highlight the stove and the dark copper range hood. The use of white subway tile below the white cabinets prevents the room from feeling too busy and ensures the stove remains the star of the show.

12. Make “Hex-Cellent” Choices

The six-sided hexagon is a classic tile shape that’s surprisingly versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials, hex tile offers a wealth of possibilities and timeless design. This contemporary kitchen features the Royal White polished marble hex tile. The stone’s natural tonal variation, combined with the tile’s shape, gives the backsplash a sense of movement that draws the eye up the wall.

13. Tile Above the Cabinets

Your wall cabinets don’t have to define your backsplash. This elegant kitchen takes the Cheverny Blanc patterned encaustic tile to the ceiling by tiling the space above the cabinets. The result is a stunning statement wall that maintains a sense of continuity.

14. Go Retro

An expanded backsplash offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style. This groovy kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, embraces flower-power ideals with the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. The bold, bright geometric floral pattern exudes 70s vibes, while the modern stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets ground this space firmly in this century.

This groovy retro kitchen features a bright green geometric floral patterned tile.
Featuring: Star Olive/Grey Encaustic. Design and photography by Total 360 Interiors.

15. Create Contrast

Contrasting colors–whether they be classic black-and-white or contemporary neutral-and-bright–add depth to your space. This chic kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features Noir Amalfi limestone tile installed with contrasting white grout. In addition to complementing the white cabinetry and window frame, the white grout lines highlight the tile’s classic brick-lay pattern. By extending the tile to the ceiling, the designer enhances the dramatic effect of the stark contrast.

Find your local Tile Shop showroom.

16. Find Historic Inspiration

Popular in the Victorian era, tin tiles were embossed with decorative patterns, adding both texture and visual interest. The 19th-century-inspired Victoria Gris Fonce tile (also available in Blanco) features the characteristic raised pattern in a durable ceramic format. Here, You Neek Designs updates Victorian aesthetics for a contemporary kitchen. The tin-look tiles behind the stove are flanked by white subway tile, another popular style of the era. However, the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile’s handmade look and the horizontal straight-stack layout add a modern twist. Extending the subway tile behind the open wooden shelving makes this design feel fresh.

This contemporary kitchen features Victorian-inspired tile with a raised pattern and white handmade-look subway tile.
Featuring: Victoria Gris Fonce and Annie Selke Artisanal White. Design and photography by You Neek Designs.

17. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

If you love the sleek, chic silhouette of subway tile but want a more dynamic design, consider installing your favorite tile in a herringbone layout. The zigzag pattern of this classic format evokes a sense of movement by drawing the eye both up and across the space. We love how this backsplash, designed by Twigg + Lu Design Company, uses the Look Oliva subway tile as both a backsplash and window frames.

A chic contemporary kitchen featuring a green handmade-look subway tile backsplash.
Featuring: Look Oliva. Design and photography by Twigg + Lu Design Company.

18. Choose Classically Chic Chevron Tile

Another classic tile pattern that adds dynamic interest, chevron tile offers the same zigzag as herringbone, but with tiles specially cut to form the characteristic V-shape. This elegant kitchen, designed by Accent on Cabinets, features the Bianco Puro Honed Chevron tile. The luxurious white marble enhances the sophistication of this gold-accented white kitchen.

A luxurious contemporary kitchen featuring a white marble chevron-patterned mosaic backsplash.
Featuring: Bianco Puro Honed Chevron. Design and photography by Accent on Cabinets.

19. Add Rustic Details

You probably wouldn’t put real wood behind your stovetop, but wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers the contemporary rustic aesthetic of a cabin in an easy-to-clean, flame-retardant material. Available in a range of realistic designs–like the distressed Colonial Wood White Brillo tile shown here–wood-look tile makes your kitchen feel rugged without sacrificing modern conveniences.

A contemporary rustic kitchen featuring a distressed wood-look tile stove backsplash.
Featuring: Colonial Wood White Brillo. Design and photography by @joe_zah_bell.

20. Reflect Your Style

Glass tile’s naturally reflective surface adds brightness and depth to your space. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, features the Winter Morning glass tile. The light playing across the surface makes the small backsplash feel more expansive. While it looks amazing in this bright and open kitchen, glass tile would also help illuminate a space that doesn’t receive much natural light.

A contemporary kitchen featuring a light blue glass subway tile backsplash and white cabinets.
Featuring: Winter Morning. Design and photography by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style. If you’re up to tackling a DIY project, check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

Sign up for emails from The Tile Shop.

The post 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/20-counter-to-ceiling-kitchen-backsplash-tile-ideas/feed/ 0 11957
Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tried-and-true-wall-and-floor-tile-combinations/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tried-and-true-wall-and-floor-tile-combinations/#respond Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:58:30 +0000 https://blog.tileshop.com/?p=1749 If you’re starting a new reno project, you know there are countless decisions to make when designing your space. With...

The post Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
If you’re starting a new reno project, you know there are countless decisions to make when designing your space. With literally thousands of tiles to choose from, it can be challenging to pick one, let alone the multiple tiles that might be required for a whole-room redo. Should your wall and floor coordinate or contrast? Should you feature all the same materials or mix things up? While your design will ultimately be determined by your personal taste, we have six tried-and-true tile combos that always deliver beautiful results.

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.

Order $3 samples.

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.

This contemporary bathroom features a handmade-look white subway wall tile and a white with grey veining marble-look floor tile.
Featuring: Calacata Brilliante and Regent Bianco. Design and photography by @lifewithmadisonm.

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.

Sign up for emails.

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.

This contemporary bathroom features a black-and-white patterned floor tile and royal blue glass subway wall tile.
Featuring: Glass Royal Blue Amalfi and Cloth Black and White. Design and photography by Brightwood.

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.

Schedule a free design consultation.

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.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/tried-and-true-wall-and-floor-tile-combinations/feed/ 0 1749
A Q & A with Celebrity Designer Nikki Chu https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-q-a-with-celebrity-designer-nikki-chu/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-q-a-with-celebrity-designer-nikki-chu/#respond Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=9757 In this exclusive Q&A, celebrity designer Nikki Chu talks her design philosophy, the inspiration behind her stunning new tile collection,...

The post A Q & A with Celebrity Designer Nikki Chu appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
In this exclusive Q&A, celebrity designer Nikki Chu talks her design philosophy, the inspiration behind her stunning new tile collection, and her #1 tip for finding your unique home style.

You have collaborated with other brands to develop a variety of home decor items—furniture, rugs, wallpaper. What made you decide to expand your signature “global modern” style to tile?  

As a designer, I’m always noticing products that are missing from the market. That’s been my success with my other lines; I want to design the items–oversized patterns on wallpaper and pillows, and neutral area rugs–that I’m not finding as I shop. So, when The Tile Shop came to me and said ‘we’d love to do a collaboration,’ it was a natural choice because tile is essentially a wallpaper that can be used where wallpaper isn’t ideal, like wet spaces. I like that versatility–I can bring my designs to spaces where you wouldn’t traditionally find something so bold and graphic.

We love the bold graphic designs featured in your new collection! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Zulu and Tangier patterned tiles? 

Both the Zulu and Tangier are derived from other products in my home collections. The Zulu tile is based on a top-selling wallpaper I designed for York Wallcoverings. The Tangier tile originated from a rug that’s been in my line for 10 years. My clientele love this pattern, so I’m excited to offer it in tile form.

The impetus for my designs comes from textiles–prints and patterns I found in India, Indonesia and Africa. I take that inspiration and I create my signature bold, graphic and simple hand-drawn designs.

This bold modern kitchen features a white with black hand-drawn diamond pattern.
Featuring: Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite.

You kept to a neutral color palette for these designs. What about these tones appeals to you?

My personal design style is very monochromatic. I like using a neutral color palette and infusing it with global patterns and textures. I gravitate towards neutrals for the main elements then add color in ways that aren’t so permanent, creating this subtle and soft palette. That’s why Zulu and Tangier really work. They’re giving that neutral color palette with that great pattern, which can be challenging to find on the market.

What’s your top tip for choosing a color palette when designing a room?

When I’m working with a client who is unsure about what color to use, I advise them to to look in their closet–the clothes you buy will often reveal the colors you gravitate towards. When designing a space that has three bathrooms–a powder bath and two main baths–I say to the client, ‘if you want to have fun, let’s have fun in the powder bath.’ That way you don’t have to commit to seeing it every day, and it will be a nice surprise for your guests. Take risks there, and play it safe and neutral in the main bathrooms. So if there’s a tile that stands out to you but you’re having second thoughts because it may be too bold or too colorful, a powder bath is the perfect place to experiment.

This modern bathroom features a black and white hand-drawn arch design.
Featuring: Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite.

You have said before that mixing tile is an art. Can you describe your approach to designing with tile?  

The advice I give is to pick a main tile to pull your colors from. So, if you’re using a large-format marble with a lot of movement and a few different colors, you start by breaking those colors out, and pairing them with a subway or penny tile in a coordinating color. I usually stick to three tiles–a main tile, a backsplash tile and a mosaic floor tile.

You’ve mentioned bathrooms–would you say that’s your favorite room to design or do you have another space that’s also a favorite?

I love designing kitchens! When people think of kitchens, they usually imagine the traditional look of upper and lower cabinets and maybe an island, but I’m all for the design trend that reduces the amount of cabinetry to create a beautiful space that can be used for entertaining, cooking and working.

I’m renovating my kitchen in Florida and I’m removing half the cabinetry and installing glass shelves with a brass bar back, but I’m still creating storage space. It’s an alternative that allows for a lot of flexibility–you can tile from the counter all the way to the ceiling for a luxe look.

An extended Nikki Chu Tile collection is already in the works. What designs, colors or shapes can customers look forward to?

In phase two of my collection, I plan to introduce a carefully veined marble-look tile that coordinates with the other colorways in the collection. I’d also like to design a mosaic that can be used for smaller budget bathroom renovations.

This dinning space features a white handmade-look subway tile.
Featuring: Nikki Chu Luxor Winter White.

What is your favorite aspect of your collaboration with The Tile Shop? 

My favorite part of the process is working with The Tile Shop team! They’re fun, clever and so knowledgeable! I love the social team, the photography team. I’ve been blown away with the assets they created. I spent a year and a half developing this product, and it’s been super exciting to see how the marketing team put it all together.


And of course, I love working with Kirsty [Froelich, Director of Design] because she’s so knowledgeable about the company and the customer. She was pivotal in ensuring we had a product that fit with my and The Tile Shop’s brands.

The post A Q & A with Celebrity Designer Nikki Chu appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-q-a-with-celebrity-designer-nikki-chu/feed/ 0 9757
A Step Inside: Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total-Home Reno https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-step-inside-nikki-chus-neutral-luxe-total-home-reno/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-step-inside-nikki-chus-neutral-luxe-total-home-reno/#respond Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:35:38 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=6163 Join renowned interior designer Nikki Chu, host of Aspire TV’s Unboxed with Nikki Chu, as she takes you on a tour of...

The post A Step Inside: Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total-Home Reno appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
Join renowned interior designer Nikki Chu, host of Aspire TV’s Unboxed with Nikki Chu, as she takes you on a tour of her super-inviting hotel-esque remodel. Featuring lush, glamorous marble and marble-look tile, this art- and design-focused house exudes quiet luxury.

The Peaceful Primary Bath

The neutral color palette is the key to maintaining a peaceful vibe in this super-luxurious bathroom. The Calacata Evora marble tile with its subtle honey gold and grey veining creates a warm opulence that balances the wonderful movement of the dramatic gold, grey, brown and ochre veins on the Macchia Vecchia porcelain tile. The large-format wall tiles have fewer grout lines, making this bathroom appear even bigger than it is.

Large bathroom with white marble floors and white with dramatic ochre and gold veining large-format marble-look porcelain tile walls.
Featuring: Macchia Vecchia, Calacata Evora Honed and Shapes Elongated Hex Off White. Design by Nikki Chu

The Shapes Elongated Hex mosaic adds interest as well as traction to the shower floor. The off-white coloring of this porcelain tile ties in with the room’s neutral tones, while the unique shape adds an extra sense of movement.

Shower with white with dramatic ochre and gold veining large-format porcelain tile walls and white elongated hex porcelain floor.
Featuring: Macchia Vecchia and Shapes Elongated Hex. Design by Nikki Chu

The Luxe Guest Bath

Floor-to-ceiling Ashford Carrara marble tile from Rush River Stone creates balance in this beautifully-luxe bathroom. Featuring a stark white background with vivid grey and silver veining, this sumptuous natural stone tile is as chic as it is inviting. The mix of shapes, large rectangular blocks for the walls and smaller hexagons for the floor, create distinction while maintaining cohesion.

Bathroom with stark-white with grey veining marble walls and grey and white hexagon marble tile floor.
Featuring: Ashford Carrara Polished, Ashford Carrara Polished Hex and Ashford Carrara Polished Skirting. Design by Nikki Chu

The Ashford Carrara polished skirting elevates the shower threshold and makes the space look finished and polished.

Shower floor with grey and white hexagon marble floor.
Featuring: Ashford Carrara Polished, Ashford Carrara Polished Hex and Ashford Carrara Polished Skirting. Design by Nikki Chu

The Fabulous Laundry Room

This room takes laundry from chore to delight! The handmade look of the Track Stack White Two Tone mosaic tile adds an artisanal feel to this grand room, while the dramatic gold veining in the Macchia Vecchia porcelain tile is complemented by the gold fixtures. View more inspirational rooms on our 10 Rooms That Will Make You Love Laundry Day blog post.

Laundry room with white handmade-look mosaic tile wall and white with dramatic ochre and gold veining marble-look porcelain tile floor.
Featuring: Track Stack White Two Tone Mosaic and Macchia Vecchia. Design by Nikki Chu

The Spa-Hotel Bath

The highly polished surface of the Savannah Antique porcelain tile reflects the natural light in this room, making this shower look bright and inviting. The tile’s white and cream base is accentuated with soft blue, grey and taupe veining which provide a lush neutral backdrop for the brass features.

Shower with cream-colored marble tiled walls and white and taupe mosaic tile floor.
Featuring: Savannah Antique and Modena Marble Mosaic. Design by Nikki Chu

The Modena marble mosaic tile brings geometric glamor to the shower floor. For more bathroom design inspiration, read our 16 Luxurious Bathroom Designs blog post.

White and taupe diamond-shaped mosaic tile floor.
Featuring: Modena Mosaic. Design by Nikki Chu

That concludes our tour of Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total-Home Reno. We hope you enjoyed this step inside and found some inspiration for designing luxurious spaces in your home.

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 A Step Inside: Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total-Home Reno appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

]]>
https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-step-inside-nikki-chus-neutral-luxe-total-home-reno/feed/ 0 6163