The post 2020 Tile Trend: 3D Sculptural appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.
]]>Lots of 3D tiles incorporate geometric designs. By mixing and matching the different faces of the Tangram series, you can create an entirely unique patchwork look.
Sweeping movements make for a soft, serene landscape, perfect for relaxing in the bath after a long day.
Flora and fauna-inspired motifs bring a natural quality to 3D tiles. We love how this leaf design comes to dramatic life on a black accent wall.
A straight-stack pattern modernizes this matte sculptural tile.
A marble look brings a wink of tradition to this otherwise of-the-moment 3D subway tile.
Ready for a bold statement?! Just add color! Blue is a serene color that is well-loved in home design.
If you’re looking for a subtle way to add interest to your space, opt for a beautiful-yet-simple 3D tile, like the Charm Diamond.
The neutral hues of the Akros Elis Iris create a distinctive, one-of-a-kind shower while still creating that calming, at-home spa experience.
Get the look of an intricate mosaic with fewer grout lines when you utilize a large-format tile like this one.
Complete a bold sculptural look with coordinating trims, accents and finishing pieces. Learn how to layer your look with trim pieces and profiles here.
What do you get when you combine geometric, metallic and sculptural effects into one tile? A stunning statement wall that’s sure to wow.
Is there any tile more perfect for an eye-catching cocktail bar?
A natural stone mosaic blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary.
Ready to find a 3D tile that speaks to you? Schedule a design consultation today!
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]]>The post Sophia Bush’s Hollywood Hills Bungalow appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.
]]>The goal for the kitchen was to design a “really beautiful space for community,” Orie Prince said. From entertaining friends and family to day-to-day use, the 13-foot-long island seamlessly achieves the design team’s intention. Detail after detail, this kitchen has it all.
The interior decor’s large variety of texture and color immaculately replicates the warmth of the outdoors.
From acting to activism, Sophia is what we would call a busy bee. Someone as involved and dedicated as her would most likely want the perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation. What better place than a master bedroom and bathroom?
Sophia referred to her new master bathroom as “the dream of dreams.” With a space this impressive, she is absolutely right!
We especially can’t get enough of the open, curved shower. Imperial Blush Mosaic beautifully plays off of the bathroom’s warm color palette. The glossy finish adds the perfect shine to help brighten the space.
Fun fact: Orie and his team soundproofed the home office so that Sophia could have a space to record her latest podcasts.
The warm tones from the master bathroom were repeated in the guest bathroom to create the perfect sense of unity. This shower wall is embellished with a dark-hued Imperial Sienna Gloss Mosaic.
If you couldn’t tell by now, Sophia loves color just as much we do. We are mesmerized by this blue powder room. Love the color blue? Check out our blog post that is dedicated to this confident color!
Read the entire story on Sophia Bush’s collaboration with Elle Decor.
Dive into the world of color with the Imperial Collection. With over 600 pieces in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, you can express your individual style and personality however you imagine.
Having trouble finding a color or design that best fits your home? From inspiration and tile samples to free design services, we’ll partner with you for every step of the way.
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]]>The post Style Guide: Cement & Cement-Look Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.
]]>Now that we cleared that up, let’s talk about how cement tiles are made.
Cement tiles are made from a combination of marble dust, pigment and cement. Similar to natural stone, each tile is made by hand and takes between three and five minutes to make. What sets cement apart from other types of tile is that the pigment is pressed into the surface in a patterned mold instead of just being a thin layer on top. This means the coloration penetrates the surface of the tile, so if it wears down over time, the color will still remain and the pattern will not be impacted. The video below is a great overview of this process.
Inspired to design a work of art with cement tile? There are a few quirks specific to cement tile installation that
Today, cement tiles take many forms and come in various materials. Due to their long and rich history, many designs seen today are based on those from the past. Explore some of our favorite historically inspired designs below.
The fresh, crisp colors below liven up this white kitchen.
The hand-painted look of the tile below adds to its authentic, old-world appeal.
Not ready to jump into all-over pattern? A backsplash highlighted with a frame is the perfect accent.
Modern farmhouse style is a popular look that benefits from the rustic appearance of cement tile.
We love a fun shower space! This accent wall from floor to ceiling livens up this spacious shower.
This tile design feels like it’s right out of an old European church. We love how Timber Trails Homes picked a shade of blue from the tile to paint the cabinetry, coordinating this mudroom from top to bottom. Sturdy porcelain is perfect for protecting the floor from laundry spills and tracked-in messes.
Think beyond the backsplash and shower. Cement tile takes this fireplace to another level and functions as a stunning focal point in this living room.
“A tiled fireplace is the perfect place to get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of style. A little pattern goes a long way!”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager
Star is one of our most popular tiles and for good reason! It’s versatile enough to pair with rustic wood-look tiles as well as contemporary hexagons while maintaining vintage appeal.
As manufacturing processes evolve, so do designs. Now, the selection of cement and cement-look tiles is even broader than ever and encompasses many contemporary designs. If bold colors and geometric designs are more your style, explore some of our picks below.
This tile is definitely not one you would have found in 18th century Europe, and that’s one of the things we love about it. This thoroughly contemporary tile incorporates a geometric design and bright, bold colors.
A soft, contemporary grey patterned floor tile is the perfect complement to this preppy and traditional space.
We’re fans of a bold look, and this one fits the bill. This dramatic cement tile with its green leaf pattern creates an unforgettable floor.
If you want to dip your toe into cement without using an all-over pattern, mixing solid-color cement tiles with patterned tiles is a great way to get the best of both worlds.
“A checkerboard, random design or tiled rug are all attractive mix-and-match options for solid and patterned tiles.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager
There’s something serene and calming about the ocean-blue hues of Blu Widow Hex.
Black-and-white tile is a design staple. Make it uniquely yours with this statement-making diamond pattern.
Do all cement-style tiles neatly fit into one of these two categories? Of course not! Some of the most interesting designs are a blend of old-world and contemporary styles, patterns and colors. Here are some of our favorites.
A black, white and grey color scheme updates a traditional design, blurring the lines between old world and contemporary.
A traditional design in unexpected colors lends a beautiful floral look to this bathroom.
There’s no shortage of interest in this arabesque tile. Soft traditional shapes combine with bold lines and hues to keep design lovers on their toes.
A historically inspired design plus on-trend wood look equal a stunning transitional style.
Explore more of our cement/cement-look and patterned tile now!
Ready to get started? Let our selection wow you in person—visit your local store today!
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]]>The post A Color Story: Blue appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.
]]>“Blue is known for its trust and dependability. It’s reliable, responsible, and mentally soothing. For that reason alone, it’s one of the most-liked colors across the entire world.”—CoSchedule
The color blue is said to encourage efficiency and confidence. Patterns are a great way to express your personality. Put the two concepts together, and you have the ultimate courageous look!
Liven up your patio with an energetic pattern and color. Blu Widow Hex was made to entertain and set the scene for your summer backyard bash!
Light blue is the best color to design with when it comes to easing stress and promoting tranquility. Which is why it’s the a perfect color for creating a variety of coastal looks.
The Pixel series’ deep sea blue, teal and sea-green colors will add a nautical twist to a bathroom or kitchen. These ocean-inspired tiles are pool rated, making them perfect for adding a refreshing twist outdoor spaces.
Check out our latest signature look, Beach House Bath, in the image below. This eye-catching display features tile from our Color Market series. The light blue was pulled out of the floor and repeated on the wall to complement the bright colors.
“While the floor colors provide vibrancy and fun, the soft blue wall adds a calming effect, tying the beach vibe together beautifully.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager
You can find Beach House Bath and explore more of the Color Market series’ endless colorways in a showroom near you.
You don’t have to dive beneath the ocean’s surface to find this next tile. Patchwood Deep Ocean’s wood look and dark shades of blue and grey replicate wooden planks from sunken ships.
Blue and white have remained a classic country palette throughout the years. The timeless duo adds a welcoming and refreshing look to any design. Our rustic Star Blue tile holds an identical coloration and feeling. Utilize the tile’s vintage charm and appearance to complete a modern farmhouse look.
The playfully patterned accent backsplash in the image below belongs to our Annie Selke Ikat collection. This bold blue tile adds a bohemian vibe to the artisanal-style subway tiles and country kitchen.
Who knew blue stone and stone-look tiles could be so appealing to the eye? We did!
Refine your kitchen backsplash with the soft blue undertones of Victoria Grey marble and refreshing white marble. This chevron mosaic provides a perfect accent of elegance.
Aqua Blu defines the look of luxury and individuality. The polished blue stone look instantly elevates this shower.
For our last look, we were inspired by the saying “go big or go home.” Improve the atmosphere of a small space by filling it with shades of blue. While this bathroom’s courageous focal point is the blue tile, the designer brightened up the space with accents of white and gold.
Step into the refreshing shower oasis below—the glistening blue Humboldt Glass subway tiles lighten the atmosphere. We love the coordinating niche and floor tiles. The Hampton Carrara marble adds an appealing sophistication to the design.
Ready to refresh your home with the color blue? We have plenty of blue tiles to help with that. Visit your nearest showroom to see the largest selection of tile in U.S.
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]]>The post Mid-Century Modern Style 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:
There are also some specific things you can look for to determine mid-century 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!
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 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.
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.
Handmade-look tiles, an artisan feel
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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]]>The post 6 Bathroom Trends to Try Now appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.
]]>Neutral is nice, but colorful cabinets add an unmatched wow factor. Painted cabinetry, especially in soothing greens and blues, is perfect for adding pops to a neutral bathroom or bringing out a particular color in your tile. Below, the cobalt-blue paint color of the cabinet makes the same color in the tiles stand out, unifying color the room.
Featured: Talavera Encaustic. Design by The Divine Living Space. Photography by Spacecrafting.
Remember that using color doesn’t mean it has to be bright or bold. This soft, minty green brings a calming note to an otherwise neutral space.
Featured: Octagon Matte White with Black. Design by Bria Hammel Interiors. Photography by Spacecrafting. Building by SD Custom Homes.
Here’s another example of coordinating tile and cabinet colors. This time, the navy trim piece is the inspiration for the cabinet color.
Featured: Victoria and Albert Morgan Blue Decor, Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Imperial Bianco Barnes, Imperial Bianco Gloss Pencil, Imperial Cobalt Gloss Pencil
The turquoise tone below was pulled from the wood-look tile, making it more prominent.
Featured: Sambu Azul Wood Look. Design by Sublime Homes.
This dusty blue looks like it’s straight from a day spa’s color palette.
Featured: Firenze Calacatta Honed 4 x 12,Firenze Calacatta Honed 8 x 20, Firenze Calacatta Honed 12 x 24, Firenze Calacatta Honed Barnes, Firenze Calacatta Honed Bullnose, Firenze Calacatta Honed Somerset, Alato Beachwalk Chevron Mosaic
Whether an unexpected color, a dark hue or a lively pattern, a statement wall speaks volumes—and is easier to pull off than you might think. This bold pink-and-black color scheme is lightened by white cabinets and woodwork. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have a little fun, especially in small-scale powder rooms.
Featured: Tempesta Neve Polished Wheaton with Black. Design by Timber Trails. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.
Bold takes on a different meaning in this image. Instead of bright, this design is dark and glamorous. The intricate details and luxe gold touches make this room feel opulent from top to bottom.
Featured: Effect Dark AC, Camilla with Gold Antique Mirror Mosaic, Hampton Carrara Polished Chevron, Noir Polished Somerset, Glass Gold Liner, Dot Negro
If this bathroom makes you reconsider both dark walls and oversized florals, you’re not alone. Picking just one wall to cover in a print and coordinating that color with the floor keeps the space chic.
Featured: Hex Matte Black Mosaic. Design by Construction 2 Style.
An unexpected color can still create a clean and simple space. Opting for a darker tile mixed with white walls is the best of both worlds.
Featured: Dot Indigo and Matte White 1 in Mosaic. Design by Paro Home.
Decorating is all about coordinating instead of matching exactly. Gone are the days of using the same finish everywhere in a room. This mix makes spaces look intentionally eclectic and give them more personality. The simple combination of a stainless tile trim, matte black faucet and bronze-look mirror modernizes this farmhouse bathroom below.
The different materials of the lights and faucet are made hardly noticeable because they’re not right next to each other, and they both work with the style of the room.
Featured: Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey Matte, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway. Design by I SPY DIY.
A black faucet that coordinates with the light fixture lets the more glamorous mirror become the focus.
Featured: Adoni Black Slate Hexagon. Design by Morrissey Home Solutions. Photography by Jen Morley Burner.
A relatively new finish gaining popularity in the industry, the photos below prove the adage that every room needs a touch of black. Below, the matte black fixtures paired with the black recessed shelves lend the perfect amount of contrast.
Featured: White Hex, Hex Matte Black, Premium Antrasit
The lower half of this space is almost entirely outfitted in matte black, but the white walls and access to natural light fully brighten it up. White subway tiles and contrasting black grout coordinate with the matte black and tie the space together all the way up to the ceiling.
Featured: Imperial Bianco Matte, Hex Matte Black. Design by I SPY DIY.
Between grey subway tile walls, a wooden vanity and encaustic tile floors, there are a number of different colors and finishes happening here. Matte black accents, finishings and accessories unify with a cohesive feeling.
Featured: Imperial Oatmeal Gloss, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Pencil, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Skirting, Liria Negro Encaustic, Noir Polished Arabesque Travertine Mosaic
These dimensional pieces, whether found in tiles, bathtubs or artwork, are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, like a sculpture. They are often simple and minimal with smooth lines and add an artistic component to a space. Below, this unique bathtub serves this purpose with its clean and sweeping lines.
The light fixtures in the space below are works of art.
Featured: Verona Blanco Polished, Camilla with Mirror Glass and Stone. Design by Russo Residential.
The combed, geometric design on this wall mosaic perfectly exhibits this trend in a soft way.
Featured: Bianco Puro Combed Hexagons Honed Mosaic, Bianco Puro Honed Somerset, Dural Chrome-Plated Brass Square Edge, Bianco Puro Honed
These wall tiles are a compelling way to make neutral walls stand out.
Featured: Memphis Bianco Di Elba
Below, this sculptural lighting fixture creates subtle, modern interest.
Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway, Black Hex. Design by Timber Trails Homes. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.
The sweeping movements of this tile take white walls from bland to beautiful.
Featured: Folhas Quartzo AC
More and more we see people wanting their spaces to stand out from the crowd and speak to their own individuality. Something simple and neutral might be less intrusive to the next buyers, but will it make you happy for as long as you live in your home? Do what you love (and it just might be what sells the next homeowner). This gorgeous Milas Lilac marble is refreshingly unique and striking.
Featured: Milas Lilac Polished Chevron, Milas Lilac Polished Skirting, Milas Lilac Polished 8 x 20 in, Milas Lilac Polished Hex, Milas Lilac Polished Somerset
Another way to show your colors is to do just that—design with color. There are more options than ever to personalize with a spectrum of color choices.
Featured: Color Market Series
Expressing your individuality might also come in the form of a unique design made from different shapes and colors of tiles. Many of our collections are made to be mixed and matched into playful configurations.
If glamorous is your style, go all the way. This stunning mosaic sets the tone—elegant and feminine.
Featured: Monroe Marquina Mosaic, Black Marquina Polished Barnes, Black Marquina Polished 8 x 20, Black Marquina Polished Somerset, Firenze Carrara Polished Somerset
We hope you found inspiration in some of the latest bathroom trends. Still searching for ideas? Visit our bathroom tile idea page for more inspiration.
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]]>The post Spotlight On: Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop Design Manager appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.
]]>Have you always been interested in interior design?
Absolutely. I always loved babysitting as a kid because I could go into other people’s home and see what they looked like. In 6thgrade, I bought all new furniture for my bedroom on my own because I didn’t like how my mom decorated. I took the bus to Dayton’s, spent my babysitting money on furniture, artwork and bedding and I had it all delivered one day. My mom asked me, “What are you doing?!” And I just said, “I’m redoing my room.” She had no idea! I don’t know what they thought at the store, but it seemed perfectly normal to me.
Tell us about your college experience.
Even then, I was always designing. I went to the University of North Dakota and decorated my dorm room in a Marilyn Monroe theme. It caught the attention of other people on my floor, and, before I knew it, I’d started a small business decorating dorm rooms. Then, I transferred to North Dakota State University where I graduated with a degree in apparel textiles and a minor in art. I wanted to be a textile designer but I ended up not being interested in the science aspect. So I went back to school and got a 2-year degree from NKBA (the National Kitchen and Bath Association) for a kitchen and bath design focused program.
How have you seen kitchen and bath design evolve since the beginning of your career?
Definitely, especially because it’s a relatively new field. Years ago, bathrooms and kitchens were largely utilitarian spaces, not places where the family gathered. Now they’re two of the most important areas in the home. When I started out, it was all beige and cherry wood. Everyone had very similar stuff because every company sold very similar stuff. Then the style became much more contemporary. Now the trend has swung back towards the middle and become a more transitional, warm style.
“I truly believe that you shouldn’t worry about what’s in fashion because if you go with what you love, you make the fashion.”
What have you been most proud of in your career?
When I see a customer photo and realize they’ve taken my design from a store and recreated it in their homes, that’s when I feel most proud. I just want people to love my designs, and it makes me feel good that they want something I created in their homes. I’m also proud of the trim pieces that allow people to customize and elevate their projects and the unique mosaics that I’ve designed for The Tile Shop.
What is your favorite tile?
I love Hall Blanco. It goes with every mosaic and with almost everything. The unique size and cool color add a contemporary feeling to bathrooms. I’m also immediately attracted to anything blue and purple because they’re my favorite colors. Our Beachwalk tiles have all my favorite colors in them.
Do you have any tips for young designers?
Listen and ask a lot of questions. Your client will clue you into what he or she is looking for. Everyone has a style, and you just have to narrow theirs down. To be a great designer, you have to be a great salesperson, too. If you can’t communicate a vision to your customer, it doesn’t matter how great it is. It won’t go anywhere because the client isn’t going to buy it.
“To be a great designer, you have to be a great listener as well as a great salesperson.”
Where do you find inspiration?
Every morning I look at Pinterest, Houzz and Decor Pad to see what’s new. I read hundreds of blogs so I know what our customers are seeing. And I actually get a lot of inspiration from going to nice stores like Nordstrom, Williams-Sonoma or Pottery Barn. You might not relate them to tile but it’s about the lifestyle that people want to emulate and bettering their lives. If you think about it, your bathroom is the first thing you see every morning. Don’t you want to like what you see? Design is a big part of that.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
It’s very clean and contemporary, and I think that’s because there’s so much going on in my head. I like my house to be clean and uncluttered. I have a lot of contemporary artwork around my home and a lot of blues, tans and whites. The vibe is modern California coastal style mixed with East Coast Hamptons style.
How do you keep ideas fresh when you’re working in the same medium day after day?
Plan, plan, plan! I make sure I am using a wide variety of tiles that will get people excited. I also like to divide and conquer, so I don’t try to do too much at once. Splitting every project into little parts, making each one the best it can be and then going to the next part helps me focus. It’s been really easy this year because our selection has grown so much that I couldn’t possibly use all the new tiles. Sometimes I can’t sleep the night before I am designing a project because I’m so excited.
Who are your biggest design influences and inspirations?
Kelly Hoppen is my favorite. She has a clean, beautiful, contemporary aesthetic. I respect that she’s branched out into other things and created an entire business based on the thoughts in her head. I also love Dayna Decker, Kristin Cavallari, Reese Witherspoon and Chyka Keebaugh. It’s hard to get your vision out there, so I love those success stories. Contemporary artists, like Kandinsky, Klee and Picasso, and expressionists inspire me. Art has been a big part of my life, and I always try to include nice art in our showrooms. Coco Chanel and Zac Posen are a couple of my icons from the fashion world.
What’s your favorite part of your own home?
Probably my living room. I’ve always wanted a great sectional, and it’s perfect for my dog and I to lay on and watch Netflix. Being able to make choices and buy the furniture I want is really exciting for me. I don’t take it for granted.
What is your dream client or project to work on designing?
It would actually be a project for myself. I would love to buy a mid-century modern home, gut it and make it contemporary.
What is your dream vacation?
I’m a big British TV fan, and one of my favorite shows ever is called Midsummer Murders. I would love to rent a cottage in the Cotswolds where it takes place for a week and take a cooking or painting class there.
What are you streaming right now?
I watch lots of British and Australian TV shows on Acorn TV. I love the Australian show Offspring. It has amazing scenery and quirky design. I also love Killing Eve and Death in Paradise.
What song do you always get stuck in your head?
I’ll get one song in my head and listen to it 20 times in a row when I’m running. Plus, I love 80s music and Sade for listening to while I’m designing and shopping.
Who would play you in a movie?
Either Lisa Whelchel who played Blair in The Facts of Life or Nicole Richie. Those are the celebrities I’ve been compared to the most.
If you weren’t doing what you do, what would your career be?
I would love to be a realtor because I love seeing people’s homes.
The post Spotlight On: Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop Design Manager appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.
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