Tile First: The Key to a Brilliant Bathroom Design

Tile First

The Key to a Brilliant Bathroom Design

Although renovating or designing a bathroom can appear to be a smaller project in scale, the details and options are vast. Some of our favorite bathrooms are those with unique and eye-catching tile. In fact, the importance of the materials used and the design of the space go hand in hand, especially in a bathroom. Only once those two details are set can the job begin.

Knowing all of your options before beginning the project is a great first step. You may see inspiration with tile in every space of the bathroom - the floors, walls of the bathtub, shower, and even behind the sink. This much tile is always incredibly beautiful, but can also quickly eat away the budget. But, if you have a step-by-step plan in place, you can maximize design while staying on budget. 

Create a Roadmap

The materials and functionality of the bathroom should inform the layout, not the other way around. If possible, select your materials before starting any building work with your contractor. If you’ve already begun demolition and rebuilding, you could miss out on unique and custom design options within the space. 

When you start the process with an interior designer, the materials and functionality are their top priority. They can select floor plans that not only maximize square footage but also allow for moments of interest. Yes, even your bathroom deserves a moment of interest! The designer and the contractor are then able to work together to create a bathroom space that not only looks the way you hope it will, but functions properly.

Select the Right Material

Did you know, not all tile belongs in a bathroom? Some tiles are more porous, while others can be more slippery. Safety and longevity should always be considered in your tile selections. A tile may be beautiful but also harbor bacteria or may become brittle and crack with repeated exposure to moisture and drying. While your tile installer has ways of sealing and protecting most tile, it’s best to start with an application-appropriate material.

Choose the Right Patterns

Once material selections have been made, discussing the patterns of your tile is a really exciting next step! This is where you truly get to personalize your space and use the materials to create visual interest. Take a look at how we brought a few of these tile patterns to life in past projects:

Herringbone Honeycomb Grid

We love to imagine basic materials in out-of-the-box scenarios to differentiate one bathroom from another and allow our customers to create little experiences throughout the space mainstreaming functionality while popping character. Herringbone creates visual interest. Straight vertical stack draws the eye up and makes the bathroom feel taller. Subway patterns are classic, while grid patterns are modern. The options are endless, and what you choose should be a reflection of your home’s style. Your designer can help you achieve the look you want and make suggestions you may not have considered.

Consider Alternative Tile Styles

Natural and earthy textures are both trendy and timeless. They create a calming and soothing effect in a bathroom and can be installed in simple patterns but with a big impact. 

Thanks to the size of this shower, we were able to install this wood-look porcelain tile in a plank pattern with few cuts. The beauty is in the simplicty and the sense of tranquility you get when stepping into it. A drop-in pan not only allowed for a cost savings but also didn’t detract from the feel that was created. 

If a bathroom design is on the horizon for you, we’d love to team up with you to create a beautifully styled, yet functional space. Schedule a consultation with one of our designers on our website today!