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.

In-floor radiant heat is the perfect way to create a luxurious, spa-like feel in your home that will provide years of comfort in all climates. Our premium selection of SunTouch products offers everything you need to warm up your space without significantly increasing your monthly bill. You can effortlessly run the system through a programmable thermostat ensuring you get the benefit of in-floor heat when you’re home while being able to save money when you’re not. Learn the basics about in-floor heat and what installation method might be right for you!

Why Heated Floors?

• Tile holds ambient temperatures; it is a great conductor for heat, giving the area a warmer feel
• It eliminates the need for rugs or slippers
• It increases the investment value of a home as a premium add-on that provides years of luxury
• It creates a cozier home environment that “softens” tile as a flooring surface

What To Consider

What do you want your in-floor heat to do for you?

The spacing of the heat cable determines the way your in-heat works and feels. Tighter spacing of the heat cable warms the floor up quickly and creates more radiant heat, while wider spacing offers a gentle warmth that can be enjoyed even with the air conditioner running at the height of summer.

What will it be installed over?

Before installing in-floor heat, it is important to understand what type of surface you will be installing it over. This can tell you how much of an affect the temperature will have on the floor and also how long it will take to warm up. In general, more insulated floors allow for a greater increase in floor temperature than floors that are less insulated.

The base can also help you decide the best wire spacing. For example, a concrete slab will hold the cold temperature and because it is so dense, will take a much longer time to heat up. In this case, you might want to lay the wires closer to help shorten the time it takes to heat up.

In above-ground applications, where there is insulated air space on wood floor sheeting, the heat will easily radiate upward. On concrete or steel, it takes a lot of energy just to warm the substrate, so installing special insulating paneling underneath the wire will prevent wasted energy heating the substrate. Thinking about the efficiency of your in-floor heat during the install dramatically increases the enjoyment—and value—of the final result.

Requirements of Installation

Know how much space you want to heat. To figure out the amount of heat wire needed, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by figuring out the square footage of the entire room.
(ie.: 8′ x 12′ = 96 sq. ft.)

2. Subtract unheated areas from the total square footage. Any areas where there is furniture (ie.: vanity) or that are unoccupied should not be heated. (ie.: If the total square footage that will be occupied by furniture is 22 sq. ft, then 96 sq. ft. – 22 sq. ft. = 74 sq. ft.)

3. Multiply the total square footage by 90%.
(ie.: 74 sq. ft. x 0.9 = 66.6 sq. ft.)

4. Round to the nearest heat cable size because you cannot cut the wire.
(ie.: 66.6 sq. ft. = 70 sq. ft.)

Choose the best way to secure the wire. Here are two of the most common methods:

Embed the wire in a membrane:
This works as both a method to secure the wire as well as acting as an uncoupling underlayment that allows you to tile immediately. It can be layered directly over the entire subfloor, making it possible to install electric heating even on tricky substrates like wood and level concrete with hairline cracks present. Once this underlayment and heating wire are in place, you’re all set to start installing your tile on top of it.

Embed the wire in self-leveling underlayment:
The heated wire is strung between and secured by straps running the length of the room. This method does not provide an underlayment for the project. This means that prior to tiling, you must cover it with at least 3/8″ of self-leveling underlayment to embed the wire and ensure that it is not damaged during the tiling process.

A thermostat to control the system.

Depending on your desired point and the capabilities you would like, there are different thermostat options. Programmable and non-programmable options are available to fit any of your needs.

Electrical considerations.

When running the heat wire, you can assume that the wire will draw 1 Amp for every 10 square feet.  So, for 120-volt circuits only up to 150 square feet is recommended to be installed per circuit. For spaces from 150-300 square feet, a single 240-volt circuit can be used, but anything larger than 300 square feet will require multiple circuits. Also, it is recommended to have a dedicated circuit for your in-floor heat due to the amount of power that it will draw. This ensures that there is no need to sacrifice warm floors for being able to use a hair dryer! As always, we recommend referring to a licensed electrician for specific questions or concerns.

Installation

Disclaimer: This is not a step-by-step guide to install in-floor heat. For specific installation recommendations, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with a professional before installing. The following is what you can expect during installation.

Measure and Plan

The spacing for the heat wire will depend on many factors including the subfloor, location, and installation method. General guidance is provided assuming there is a 3″ spacing. Areas with exterior walls or those with a greater desire for warmth may be spaced 2.5″ – 3″. Areas such as hallways, entryways, and areas with low heat loss may be spaced 3″ – 3.5″.

Always plan out the wire to ensure than there is no crossover of the wires and that there is enough wire for your project without cutting. Remember, you should never cut a wire as it will result in a system failure. Also, ensure that you mark where built-in furniture, cabinets, fixtures, or baseboards will be so you plan to install around those items.

Prepare the Area

Prepare the floor by sweeping and vacuuming to remove all dust or debris while ensuring that the subfloor meets TCNA requirements. Always test the heat wire with an Ohms Meter prior to installation to ensure that it is working properly.

Lay the Wire

When installing the wire, use a float to press it in to place, keeping it tight but not forcibly stretching it.

If using the membrane method, apply thinset with 1/4″ square trowel to apply the underlayment to the floor and place the wire in the grooves of the cups in the membrane.

If using the self-leveling underlayment method, secure strapping every 2′ – 3′ to the subfloor with adhesive, staples, or nails and place wiring in strapping.

Using the layout that was created during the initial planning, lay the wire to specifications. Be sure to not cut, shorten, or cross the wire. During placement, always use a current metering device. It emits an audible alarm if the wire is damaged during the installation process, and ensures a worry-free installation.

Install the Sensor

Install the included floor sensor at least 11″ from the wall. This must be centered in the cable loop between two heating wires.

It is recommended to install a second back-up sensor, leaving the wires where they can be easily swapped with the first sensor. Though sensors rarely fail, placing a sensor in an alternative location can help overcome environmental factors that might go unnoticed until after installation, like where the sun comes through the window at certain times of the year or a dryer vent that creates heat near where the sensor is placed.

Install the Tile

If using the membrane method, after you place the wire and the sensor, place a layer of thinset as you install tile directly on top of the wire. No self-leveler is needed.

If using the self-leveling underlayment method, after placing the wire, pour at least 3/8″ of self-leveling underlayment to embed the wire. Allow the self-leveling underlayment to fully cure before proceeding with the tile installation. This ensures that the wire will not be damaged when the tile is installed.

Next, connect the power supply and thermostat. Be aware that state or local codes may require electrical components be installed and/or connected by an electrician.

After connecting, conduct a final resistance test to ensure that all electrical components were installed correctly.

Turning on Your In-Floor Heat

You should wait at least 30 days after installing before turning on the in-floor heat. This allows the thinset, grout, or self-leveler to properly cure.

Explore our full collection of SunTouch radiant heated flooring products here.

Things to Remember

Securing the wire:

Once the wire is placed, use a high quality polymer-modified thinset when installing Pro-heat products. Make sure the thinset fully covers the wire when laying the tile.

The wire must be spaced properly and mechanically secured before installing tile; either in an underlayment designed for heat wire or a fully cured self-leveling underlayment bed.

Installing the wire:

The wire cannot be cut shorter to fit any area. It is better to have a smaller amount of heating wire and adjust as needed rather than having it run long. Do not cross or overlap the wire. Any modification or misuse of the heating cable will lead to system failure and ruin the investment in the heating system.

Resistance testing:

If resistance readings do not measure within guidelines at any time, do not proceed with the installation. Contact the manufacturer of your heating cables for help.

For more information on in-floor heat, your local store representative can help you every step of the way. As always, refer to the TCNA requirements and consult with a professional before installing.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to In-Floor Heat appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

We sat down with Miranda McGovern, one of our Senior Design Associates, to learn more about her process when designing with clients. She gives us a glimpse of some of her latest projects with one of her long-time clients, Kris.

Miranda has been with The Tile Shop for just under three years. Throughout her tenure, Miranda has forged meaningful relationships with local designers and installers. Specifically, she has worked one-on-one with Kris on tile selections on a series of home flips. The relationship she has built with Kris allows her to have creative freedom when presenting selections.

Tell us about your design relationship with Kris.

“Each house with Kris is different. The first project she and I worked on together was her personal bathroom. We wanted it to be timeless elegance with a 1920’s flare — it’s gorgeous. The most recent house we are working on now is what I call a ‘refined farmhouse.’ We used a lot of farmhouse aspects that take on a refined flair through polished marble and patterning.”

I want the people purchasing or staying in the home to do a few things:
1. Love the house for its character.
2. Make it an actual home full of love.
3.  Be proud of it because A LOT of work went into creating it.  – Miranda

How do you approach a project when working with a client?

“I start my process by asking the client what overall style they want the house to portray. I then narrow down color and maintenance by asking a few more questions. Lastly, I design two different scenarios for them and make small changes in the design center for the client.”

When working on a project, Miranda approaches the house as a whole. This allows her to include complimentary elements throughout to ensure there is a cohesive design.

The homes that Miranda designs with Kris are typically older homes, since they primarily are partnering on home flips. Working with historic homes often come with a unique set of challenges.

Did designing this space present any challenges?

“Designing a historic home always has a few challenges. I try to incorporate time appropriate items to add to the authenticity of the house. Since it is in an historic neighborhood, it just adds to the charm.”

The creativity of the Tile Shop is what I love most. I get to come to work and create beautiful spaces that bring people genuine joy and excitement.  – Miranda

Get to Know Miranda

How would you describe your design style?

“My personal style is southwestern mixed with a little boho. I love the bright colors and layering that boho brings to the table and the prints and textures that a southwestern style does.”

In your opinion, what should every home have?

“In my opinion, every home should have a pet. I’m an animal lover and have two fur babies myself.”  

What are your go-to design tips?

“Listen and trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to be bold.”

Where do you go for inspiration?

“My team here at the tile shop and my social media followers. I will put a design together and get opinions on what I should change before I present it to Kris.”

What is your favorite tile?

“My favorite tile is probably the Glass Light Blu or the Mr. Jones Charcoal. I love how it can go with almost anything. If I had to pick a favorite stone, it would be the Africa Tempesta Marble.”  

Looking to get started on a project of your own? We offer free design services that allow you to work directly with a Design Associate to help make your dreams a reality! Whether it’s remote or in-store, we partner with you every step of the way to take the intimidation out of the equation. Learn more about our free design services here.

The post Meet The Designer: Miranda McGovern, Senior Design Associate appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Coined the Cream Puff house because of its creamy exterior color, this home has a facade nothing short of spectacular.

When designing this home, Rosie was inspired by an ultra-glam black and gold color palette, synonymous with The Great Gatsby. However, she wanted to add a contemporary and fresh feel to it.

When establishing a design I always ask my clients how they want to ‘feel’ in their house; what type of vibe they want. – Rosie

“Almost all of the tile in this home was either black or white. It gave a very clean look to the space.”

A Grand Entrance

Soaring ceilings and gorgeous windows create an open-concept living space full of natural light.

When working on a project do you go room by room or do you approach the house as a whole?

“I always start with the owner’s bathroom and then go from there. At the end, I circle back to the owner’s bathroom because after walking all the aisles of tile, we end up changing tile because there is so many to choose from. Typically, we choose the backsplash last because it is usually a pretty simple choice.”

I find inspiration everywhere. Often it is a specific piece like a unique tile or furniture piece that the design is created around. – Rosie

Powder Bath

Sticking with the black and white color palette but adding in a gorgeous neutral shade of green, this powder bathroom lets the details shine.

I felt like it was all simple enough that other things could be featured like lighting, while still having its own hidden beauty. Most of the tiles have this gorgeous texture that you can’t always see until you’re looking at it up-close. I liked that its beauty isn’t in your face. – Rosie

This Color Market tile in Army features a matte finish and subtle texture in a deep green hue. Laying it in a horizontal straight stack adds a contemporary feel to the classic subway tile shape.

Laundry Room

This home features gorgeous contrast. Black and white details play off of natural wood accents throughout each space.

What is your go-to design tip?

“With our clients, because we’re building from the ground up, I always tell them to try not to get ahead of themselves in the design process. Focus on what’s in front of you and what you’ve done. Build on the design from there.”

Kitchen

Following the theme of the rest of the house, this kitchen is as grand as it gets. Complete with cabinetry and backsplash all the way to the ceiling (11 feet to be exact!) and art-deco pendant lighting, this space achieves the glam factor Rosie set out to create.

Every last detail was perfectly executed. We’re swooning over the oversized cabinet hardware and stunning black and gold La Cornue range.

Owner’s Bath

When asked which tile was Rosie’s favorite, she immediately said the oversized tile in the owner’s bathroom without hesitation. Originally her plan was to do large slabs of marble behind the vanity, but after realizing the cost of doing that, decided to go with a large-format marble look tile.

“We were really happy with the oversized look of the tile and how seamless it came out behind the vanity.”

Large-format tiles create an expensive look while being budget-friendly. Learn more about how to maximize your space with large-format tiles here.

Get a similar look with these marble look tiles!

Full Baths

The tiled spaces in this home never end! There are two, equally beautiful bathrooms that continue the theme of contrast seen throughout the rest of the home.

When choosing tile it depends on how you are using it. It might be the focal point of the space or it might be more simple to let something else stand out. – Rosie

Following elements seen throughout the house, this bathroom features a marble-look large format tile and a 3-D statement tile. This space is nothing if not bold and glam… Can we talk about that oversized mirror?

Fireplaces

This home features three contemporary fireplaces that instantly demand attention with their bold and dimensional design features. Each one has a very simple design but the design is what makes these fireplaces true focal points.

Tiling the fireplaces to the ceiling adds drama while also emphasizing the height of the space. The 3-D texture of the tile emphasizes shadows and lights creating a sleek, contemporary look.

The 3-D texture of the Mar Quartzo and Diamante tiles add a sculptural design element that plays off of shadows and light to bring depth and dimension to the space.

Basement Bar

To Rosie, every home should have a space for entertaining and hosting. This basement bar is the perfect spot!

What is your favorite space in this home?

“My favorite space is probably the basement bar area because of the tile — the tile is what really made it. There are small details on the tile, but we were able to mix and match the tiles to create the design exactly how we wanted it and I love how it turned out.”

Rosie created a one-of-a-kind design with the Tear Collection. Available in four different patterns featuring intersecting silver metallic lines that emulate woven fabric, mix and match to add a touch of glam to any space.

Stay up-to-date with Russo Residential’s upcoming projects over on their Instagram.

Are you a home developer or interior designer? Let’s partner on your next project. Join our Pro Network program and receive exclusive benefits just for Pros. Learn more about Pro rewards here.

All photography by Spacekraft Media.

The post Russo Residential’s Modern-Day Gatsby Home appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Laundry rooms are some of our favorite spots to feature a patterned tile because let’s face it, laundry has never been a fun task. With a space this fun, it might not be such a chore!

Check out 16 more gorgeous laundry rooms here.

The old-world pattern of the Decora Vetrate Porcelain paired with the hints of pale green, ivory, taupe, white and black make it the perfect addition to this laundry room.

Patterned tiles are some of our most popular and it’s for good reason! The versatility of the tiles allow it to elevate designs of any style.

Another perfect home to feature patterned tiles are shower niches. Doubling as a functional and beautiful design element, using a patterned tile in a shower niche adds a pop of color.

Patterned tiles can make a big statement or be a smaller accent to spice up a space. Adding a picture frame detail adds interest to this simple backsplash design.

Let the pattern speak for itself! The color, style, and interest these tiles bring to a design is endless.

Or you can go for it! The fresh, crisp colors in this backsplash liven up this all-white kitchen.

Whether they’re indoors or outdoors, patterned tiles are sure to add an element of design to any space. This outdoor kitchen is such a unique way to feature a patterned tile!

We love this patio fireplace situation. Did someone say fireplace season?

The hand-painted look to the Decor Gales Ivory featured below adds warm and rustic appeal to this fireplace.

The glitz and the glam of the Patch Art Gold tile makes this the hottest bar lounge in town! Create a one-of-a-kind work of art creating a patchwork effect.

We’ve seen patterned tiles pretty much everywhere and we mean everywhere. We love seeing all the unique places customers feature patterned tile like the Star Ceramic on the front of this kitchen island.

Available in colorful patterns or classic neutrals, there is a patterned tile that fits every aesthetic.

Who else is drooling over this floor accent? Adding a patterned tile area rug is a great way to achieve a really custom design.

The bohemian vibe of the Annie Selke Ikat tile grounds this classic and functional design to create a relaxing at-home spa bathroom.

See more of our favorite Annie Selke tile looks here.

Porcelain and ceramic patterned tiles are an especially great option for an entryway or a mudroom. Get the gorgeous high-design look with added durability for any tracked-in messes!

Design Tip: Pull out colors within the tiles by featuring them in other elements of the space. The Divine Living Space did this perfectly by matching the cabinetry to the detail colors in the Decora Redondo tile making the pastel blue hues pop!

Here are a few others that caught our eye!

Submitted by: @insperiors, @heartofthehome_, @beckallencabinetry, @refreshinglychic, and @rajchelconstruction.

Tiles featured: Decora Calypso, Ancient Cordoba and Splendours White Subway, Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey, Britannia Camden, and Annie Selke Shadow Navy.

So, what’s the verdict? Are you as pattern obsessed as we are? Shop our entire selection of patterned tiles online today!

Want to see your space featured? Tag us @TheTileShop in your photo or upload your project to our website directly! Let real customer projects inspire your next one with our Customer Room Gallery.

The post Patterned Tile Spaces We Love From Customers appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Hi! My name is Ashley. I’m the author of At Home with Ashley, a DIY and home decor blog that I started in 2015. I am a trained Interior Designer turned visual merchandiser turned blogger. My work has been published in HGTV Magazine, Flea Market Decor, and Country Living. I currently live in Logan, Utah in the summers and Hollywood, Florida in the winter with my son, husband, and two dogs. 

From Neutrals to Rainbows!

5 years ago I lived in a house with every wall painted grey. All of the art was black and white. There wasn’t an ounce of color in sight. I slowly have changed course and now my home is filled with color. And I love it!

Why did I go from a boring grey home to a colorful one?

Well, lots of reasons. I was in the process of finding my style and not worrying so much what everyone else thought. Also, the recession of 2008 was ending and I finally had a little extra money in the budget to experiment with decor. My son was newly born and with that came an itch to express myself creatively. Those all cumulated together to be the perfect season to find my unique style which happens to center around lots of color!

But I do have some rules to make all that color work for me and steps I took to happily live in a rainbow hued home.

1. Start Small

If you’re wondering if adding color to your house is right for you, start small. Choose something that’s easy to switch out – flowers, a vase, a pillow cover, or art. Anything that isn’t a big investment. Try one of these and slowly add more if you like it. 

It should feel fun to try out a new color. You might just be finding your signature look! This is how I started adding pink to my home. A pillow cover and some pink roses and I was hooked! 

2. Look in Your Closet

If you’re not sure what color to start with, open your closet and see what colors you gravitate to in clothing. These are what you’re comfortable with and will be a great place to start!

I wear pastel dresses all the time with soft floral patterns. So when I have an accent wall with floral wallpaper and a pink painted door, it feels familiar and true to my style.

3. Have a Neutral Base

Though I love decorating with color, 90% of the walls in my home are painted white. For me, white walls ground the space while making the room bright. Layering on color doesn’t feel too much when most of the room is white or another neutral color.

Some people love having brightly colorful walls, which is great! I like an accent wall with lots of color, but for me, I love living in mostly white rooms.

4. Experiment

I know that trying new things may feel scary, but the only way to find out how much color you like is to experiment. I mentioned above how much I love white walls, but I only learned that after I added too much color. I have a room where I wallpapered with dark pink everywhere. I hated it. Now I know that my wallpaper has to have a white base or a very light pastel color for me to be happy in it. 

Try things out! Paint is so affordable it’s a great way to see what you’re comfortable in. Your home should make you happy. It’s worth the time and effort to figure out how much or little color your can live with.

5. Implement

Once you feel like you know the colors you like and how much you want to use them, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and create a home you love.
After trying a little pink, I eventually got to the point where I’m comfortable with a pink rug and a blush sofa.

Once I painted my stairs with rainbows, I knew how happy they made me and painted art, then a floor, and now have a rainbow tiled wall!

6. Follow a Formula

When I decorate, I follow the 60-35-5 formula.
60% of the room should be a neutral, like white painted or tiled walls and a wood floor. 35% of the room should be fun pops of color or pattern like a pretty wallpapered accent wall or a colorful Persian rug and fun art. 5% of the room should be a metallic. For example brass accents in the hardware, accessories, and lighting.

By following this formula, it’s easy for me to have a good proportion of my favorite things – a neutral to ground the space, color to add personality and fun, and metallic to add some sparkle and a consistent element through the space.

My Latest Project

I recently redid my small bathroom. It was a pretty boring space, but I had bigger plans for it! On 3 of the walls I used the Mallorca White Ceramic Wall Tile. This, with a white painted ceiling, helped neutralize the room. On the wall with the vanity, I created an accent wall with Color Market Subway Tile in 12 different colors to create a rainbow tiled wall. The floors are the Laura Ashley Dove Floor Tile which work as both a neutral and a subtle pattern.

It was so fun to use tile to implement my signature look! A wood vanity, white shower curtains, and brass accents kept the space feeling balanced even with the colorful rainbow wall.

Read about the full project on At Home with Ashley!

Being in my home feels so happy and peaceful to me. It’s light and bright and feels like it matches my personality and style. My “look” is always evolving, but I feel like I have a signature style that creates an atmosphere I want to live in. I hope you can find the same thing!

-Ashley

Follow Ashley on Instagram and catch up with all her color-filled DIYs here!

The post 6 Tips to Design with Color from At Home with Ashley appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

While we wished we could be hosting an in-person event on our new products, we are thrilled that we were able to share it with our customers virtually! For those who were unable to make it to the presentation live, we wanted to share it again. Product Expert Luke Crownover shares inspirational photos of new collections like wallpaper-thin tiles, dramatic marble looks and artisanal decoratives while discussing their unique features and benefits. Stay tuned for more virtual product presentations in the upcoming months!

Want to get a closer look? Shop these collections and more online and in-store. Get started on making your design dreams a reality with our free design services.

The post A Virtual New Product Presentation – Summer 2020 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Our customers tackled projects both big and small. From a kitchen backsplash…

…to a complete overhaul, these projects completely transformed the space.

One of our favorite spaces, especially in preparation for the fall and winter, are mudrooms. Both beautiful and functional, mudrooms end up being one of the most used spaces in a home.

Deeper jewel tones are our latest favorite trend! A fun refresh from classic all white designs, we love seeing projects using bold colors.

Creating new unique tile patterns gave their space a one-of-a-kind look. Whether using subway tile or hexagon tile, the possibilities are endless.

More than ever before, people were looking to find comfort and retreat in their own homes. A relaxing spa-like bathroom oasis quickly became a must!

From a Modern Farmhouse kitchen to a Transitional bathroom, these projects mixed and matched design elements to create a true reflection of the customer’s personal style.

Learn how to achieve Modern Farmhouse and Transitional style in your home!

A gorgeous space might not be able to do their laundry for them, but it does make it a whole lot more exciting! Here are sixteen other stunning laundry rooms to get inspiration from.

A quick fireplace refresh is a great project that can make a huge impact! From traditional stone to a contemporary 3-D tile, we have tile for any project.

Get more fireplace inspiration here.

We can’t forget about the Spring One Room Challenge! We worked with fourteen designers who each spent eight long weeks tackling their projects. There is no doubt that the end result was stunning!

Get caught up on the Spring One Room Challenge!

Even pets got some extra love this summer! It was the perfect time to finally take on that dog shower like this one for Murphy.

Get your home ready for your furry family member with our guide here.

Whether it was a DIY project or there was a little extra help, these projects inspire us every single day.

We have been blown away with all the inspiration we took from these projects. Now, excuse us while we’re re-doing our entire homes…

Want to see your space featured? Tag us @TheTileShop in your photo or upload your project to our website directly! Let real customer projects inspire your next one with our Customer Room Gallery.

The post Our Favorite Customer Projects This Summer appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

We recently got to sit down with two of our favorite designer friends, Morgan Molitor of Construction2Style and Stephanie Goldfarb of The Divine Living Space. They answered their most frequently asked tile and design questions from homeowners and fellow designers. From their favorite tiles to whether you should make a statement or keep it timeless, we got the scoop!

Q&A

Q: Do you have an exact plan for each design or do you let things fall into place?

Morgan: We have a process that we always follow that creates the plan. And we always have a design plan before we move into any construction and/or give any bids. Once we get to know our clients, their lifestyle, needs, wants, things that are important to them… this becomes the base for what creates our design plan. Once we know that, it’s simple for the elements to come together into place. 

Stephanie: A plan.. ALWAYS a plan! If you don’t have a plan you will waste money on selections that don’t go together and don’t feel cohesive.

Q: What backsplash would you recommend for a HUGE wall above our range with no uppers?

Morgan: I love statement walls and am drawn to patterns and colors. Recently actually, I just did a statement wall for a project using the Skyline with Gold Stone Mosaic.

Stephanie: There are different ways to approach it. If you want a classic look I would go with longer subway (4″ x 12″ or 4″ x 16″). There are a lot of options and colors in the Imperial collection. I would pair this tile with some chunky open shelves for a beautiful, timeless look.

Check out our guide to subway tile here.

Q: Thoughts on painting interior doors black when you have grey walls and white trim?

Morgan: Love that look and that’s actually exactly what we have in our home! Black interior doors with black casing and white door trim, white baseboards and black window trim all complimented with gray walls. Black window trim was a non-negotiable for my husband Jamie. And gray walls for me. However, we both knew we didn’t want black base trim and we both were on the same page for interior black doors. We loved how the black window trim and interior doors tied the spaces together, but were able to brighten things up with the white base trim and light gray walls.

Stephanie: We did black stained oak doors in our last home and they were gorgeous. Go for it!

Q: What are your favorite bathroom tiles right now?

Morgan: Too many to say just one! That’s what I’m loving about the time we’re living in right now. Brands, manufacturers, designers and homeowners are all wanting and willing to mix styles, patterns, and textures and incorporate different styles and elements into their home. When it comes to a bathroom, I love a good black hexagon tile, big or small, and think that will forever be in style and that subway [tile] will forever be timeless.

Stephanie: The Laura Ashley Charcoal is one of my FAVORITE choices for a laundry room, The 10” black hex for a bathroom paired with a wood vanity, the Bulevar Ceramic for a kitchen backsplash, and a 2” Carrara honed marble tile for a master bathroom floor are my current “go to’s.”  

Q: Best tile for a small bathroom floor?

Morgan: Large or small black hex is what we are drawn time and time again. Subtle and clean, yet makes a statement.

Stephanie: I always recommend using a larger tile for a smaller bathroom. I know it’s counterintuitive, but larger tiles means less grout lines so it looks less busy. I adore the Versatile Light Gray Matte for a classic look. 

Q: How do you decide which pieces to splurge vs. save on?

Morgan: It really depends on your story, your lifestyle. What space is most important to you? Where do you spend the most time within? What do you use the most? Once you’ve dialed in on how you use your home then I’d recommend splurging on those elements. If you love and cook a lot, I’d recommend splurging on your appliances. If you work from your island (like me), have a creative job, and need to continuously be inspired by your surroundings to get your creative juices flowing, a statement yet timeless backsplash is something you might want to invest in. Maybe retreating away to a little oasis and within your home every night is a must to unwind, then I’d recommend investing in your bathroom to create that spa-like feel. 

Stephanie: I tell my clients to find unique pieces for rooms you spend the most time in and then splurge on some pieces that you LOVE for those rooms. Sometimes it’s a rug, other times a light fixture, or maybe it’s a killer backsplash that will really make a statement. 

Q: Make a statement or keep it timeless?

Morgan: Both! I’m all about making a statement, however, I think you can make that timeless as well. Regardless of whether or not to make a statement or to keep it timeless in your home make sure you DO YOU. For us within our home… family, heritage, and pieces that tell a story are all important aspects to me. Both of which can make a statement and remain timeless. When it comes to colors, tiles and styles, I don’t think anything will forever remain timeless. It all evolves and comes back around in one shade, shape, form or another.

Stephanie: I’m all about the statement in my home, but I always say that as long as you stay true to yourself, it will always be in style.

Q: Grey hex tile… white or black grout?

Morgan: Depends on how dark or light it is. If it’s darker gray I’d say white grout. I love a good contrast. If you were to ask Jamie, the contractor and installer, he always says to match it. Remember, imperfections easily show when the tile pops. 

Stephanie: White for sure. I think that’s clean and classic. 

Q: Are large format-tile bathroom walls and floors the new classic or just a trend?

Morgan: I don’t think they are a new classic; I think they’ve been around but you’re just seeing more and more homeowners jump on the bandwagon, and I think it will forever be on trend.

Here, we did a large oversized black tile to give it the illusion of a black slab for half the cost. Paired it with light and bright oversized floor tile to keep it clean, simple and timeless. 

Stephanie: If they are neutral in color, I don’t think they will ever go out of style. The larger tiles that are specific colors may date themselves ten years down the road.

Learn more about how to use large-format tiles in your space here.

Q: How do you find your style?

Morgan: We found our design style when we stopped caring about what anyone else thought. Which is exactly how we’ve been remodeling our current house. I usually say my style is Eclectic Bohemian and Jamie says his design style is Craftsman. I like to make sure every single piece that comes into our home has a meaning, purpose or a story to tell, and Jamie likes to put his carpentry skills to the test. ⁠And best of all, it’s always evolving. Our style might be totally different come this time next year. And all of those elements are reflections you see within our home.⁠ If you looked at our last two homes, they’re nothing like what we’re living in now.

‘Create a space you love & your life will launch off of that.’ Everyday we get to wake up in a home, our home, that inspires, gives us energy, sends daily motivational & sentimental reminders, pushes and breathes life into us. – Morgan

Stephanie: Ha! Great question. I still don’t know what my “style” is, but I know what I love! 

Q: What is a tile you are drawn to and would love to use but haven’t had the opportunity to yet?

Morgan: I have loved the Annie Selke collection, and all the pink tiles, since I laid my eyes on them. And I’ve only gotten one client to add a subtle touch of pink tile in their twin girl jack and jill bath. I would love to have the opportunity to design out a bathroom space with the Annie Selke 3 x 12 subway in a stacked vertical layout within a shower. 2021, goals!

Read more about pink design trends here.

Stephanie: You guys have a floral tile that I have been DYING to use! Flowers are my signature; they are part of my branding and I will never tire of them. Now I just need to find a client who loves florals as much as I do.

A big thank you to Morgan and Stephanie for sharing their expertise on all things design! Follow along with their latest designs on the Construction2Style Instagram and The Divine Living Space Instagram.

The post Designer Q&A – Construction2Style & The Divine Living Space appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.