1. Horizontal Straight Stack

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

2. Vertical Straight Stack

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

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

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

3. 1/2 Offset Brick Lay

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

4. 1/3 Offset Brick Lay

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

5. Herringbone

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

6. Double Herringbone

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

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

7. Chevron

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

8. Grid

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

9. Diagonal

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

10. Versailles

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

11. Hex

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

Ready for a room refresh? The Tile Shop is here to help! Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post Tile Patterns and Layouts appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

The third and final One Room Challenge™ reveal post is here! It has been so much fun to watch these spaces transform and to have the opportunity to work with such amazing designers. Is anyone else getting a serious itch to renovate their entire house or is that just us? Without further ado… let’s get into the remaining five spaces from the Spring One Room Challenge™!

Renovation Husbands

Starting us off with a bang is Stephen and David of Renovation Husbands! They took on an ambitious project tackling their master bedroom, closet and bathroom spaces. Even more impressive is that they did everything themselves!

What was once a storage space became the master bathroom of their dreams! Their design style flows seamlessly throughout the spaces, making each feel unique yet cohesive all at the same time.

Our shower was to be large, built-in, elegant, and most importantly, intentional. Intentional is [sic] word that we use all of the time when approaching a design – every aspect should look like it was done on purpose. 

– Stephen & David

And intentional it is! Every detail was perfectly executed. Inspired by Sarah of Room for Tuesday, they continued each aspect of the room throughout the shower. Any chair rail, baseboard or crown piece was continued into the shower to create a space space that felt cohesive all the way down to the tile and wood trim pieces.

Stephen and David visited our showroom in Watertown, MA. They were assisted by Leoni, the store’s Assistant Manager: “We had ambitious plans and needed help from someone who was up for the challenge. Thankfully we were paired with Leoni. Leoni knows tile, and she knows what The Tile Shop has to offer. She took all of our questions seriously and provided us with amazing information on the process.”

From the moment they took on this project, Stephen and David knew that marble was the tile they wanted in their shower. They searched for the perfect marble that didn’t have too much yellow, consistent grays and was honed. They ultimately decided on our Firenze Carrara marble which offers beautiful variation making it a highly sought after stone.

They used our Wedi Shower System to easily create their custom shower. Made out of high density foam, the system allows you to easily waterproof your shower and prepare it for tiling!

Its foam is super lightweight and can be cut so much easier than cement board. The entire thing is absolutely brilliant. We will definitely be using the Wedi System again. – Stephen & David

Without a doubt, they achieved the intentional space they set out to create while also creating something pretty beautiful, too! Check out their entire master suite here.

Coco & Jack

Next up is Steve and Alyssa Terpstra, the husband and wife team that is Coco & Jack. Ever since they moved into this house over three years ago, their master bedroom and ensuite has been on their to-do list, but there always seemed to be a room that took higher priority. This ORC seemed like the perfect time to finally cross it off their list.

Before, their bedroom and ensuite were functional but lacked their personality.

I’ve been thinking about how to redo our space for quite a while, and I really wanted it to feel collected and layered, with an over all neutral colour palette that still has a lot of depth to it. – Steve & Alyssa

Even though their ensuite is a small space, they were able to add a lot of different elements and textures throughout the space. They chose to use a mix of finishes that were both rustic and polished to create interest.

They chose finishes for the shower that would make the space feel open and bright since it is relatively small. For their floor tile, they chose our Claros Silver Travertine for its unfinished and rustic qualities. It contrasts the polished finishes that Steve and Alyssa chose for the rest of the space adding a more casual feel.

They chose to lay the Splendours White Subway tile in a vertical straight stack to make the shower feel taller. Our Splendours tile has gorgeous variation in color and an almost handmade look to it, which adds depth and texture.

It’s all in the details! They added a Hampton Carrara Marble Curb and shelf. It continues the neutral tones grounded throughout the space and gives the shower added functionality and a finished look. Arguably the star of the show, Steve built the aged brass frame for the shower door, which has us all wondering if Steve would build us one!

The Hampton Herringbone Marble mosaic tile adds a subtle pattern and continues the neutral tones from the rest of the space. If they thought their space was functional, it now is not only functional but even more so it is beautiful! Read about their entire One Room Challenge here.

Home Made by Carmona

From start to finish, Ursula Carmona executed each and every part of her bathroom and closet transformation making it a true DIY project. While challenging at times, the spaces that Ursula created are timeless and finally fulfill the plans she has had for the space since she moved in!

While the overall bones of the space stayed the same, you would never believe that these were once the same room!

I wanted to elevate the design in this room to be classy and sophisticated. Just because it’s not the biggest master bathroom doesn’t mean it can’t be loaded with modern luxury. – Ursula

To add a luxe look to this bathroom, I went with a honed Marble floor tile from The Tile Shop, in a herringbone pattern in the center, and a border around the edges. – Ursula

After some debate, Ursula decided to lay the floor tile in a herringbone pattern rather than playing it safe with a traditional staggered pattern. We are so happy she decided to go for it! The herringbone pattern complements the luxurious design that Ursula set out to achieve.

Elements from her closet continue across the hallway and into the bathroom. We are so in love with the wallpaper Ursula used in her closet. It adds the perfect amount of statement while still feeling classic.

There is no question that Ursula created a glam, luxurious bathroom and closet that is centered with classic features. Get all the details on the full spaces on her blog.

Beginning in the Middle

What originally seemed like a relatively straightforward project for Catherine and Bryan of Beginning in the Middle, quickly turned into much more, but are we so obsessed with the end result! For this season of the One Room Challenge, they chose to transform the attic master suite of their parents’ new, old cape cottage. When we say we’re ready to move in, we mean it!

I want this space to feel cozy, quaint, and classic with modern accents.  I’m leaning into the modern English cottage aesthetic here.  Think creamy neutrals, florals, modern lighting, and some planked walls/ceilings. – Catherine & Bryan

Initially, their plan was to add a bathroom without adding a dormer, but a few weeks in they began to reconsider. Adding the dormer would increase the bathroom space about 50 square feet of space. After a lot of consideration on whether it was worth it paired with the cost and timeline aspects of the challenge, Catherine and Bryan went for it! Now looking back, it made a huge difference.

They chose to use our Firenze Carrara Honed Marble which brings a classic and traditional feel to the bathroom. The grey veining contrasts beautifully off the white walls balancing the entire design.

The floor will primarily be the Firenze Hex tile, and we’ll use the Black Marquina Hex pieces to create the pattern. […] Having just a bit of black mixed with veiny white marble is going to add a really nice splash of contrast to the bathroom. – Catherine & Bryan

With some last minute changes due to COVID-19 and construction delays, there are a few finishing details left to complete the space. Read all about Catherine and Bryan’s 8-week transformation on Beginning in the Middle.

House of Hipsters

Her first time being a Featured Designer, Kyla, the brain behind House of Hipsters chose to take on her home office and gym. Her office seemed to be a place where furniture gets its chance but never seems to get a permanent spot. Let’s see what Kyla was working with!

It just wasn’t right…again. Being that I spend most of my time in this space, I want it to feel more welcoming and cozy…not cluttered and chaotic. […] More often than not it’s a dumping ground for sourced merchandise waiting to be cleaned, processed, and styled in the shop. – Kyla

A gorgeous space with plenty of natural light, Kyla’s office had great potential. Some fresh floors, new furniture and unique art makes this space truly one of a kind.

It was a last minute idea to add this arch connecting these two spaces and it turns out to be one of Kyla’s favorite details from the space. The Tresana Blanco large-format faux marble tile flows seamlessly in both rooms. It gives the space a glamorous feel without the added care of real marble.

After some thought, Kyla chose to install the Pixel 2 Black Ceramic tile without grout to achieve a cleaner look. We love the contrast between the Pixel 2 Black and the Tresana Blanco floor tile. If only every at-home gym looked this glam!

Here’s a closer look at the black tile. You can see it has a subtle metallic dot pattern that gives the wall some added texture and edginess. – Kyla

View Kyla’s entire One Room Challenge space!

If you’ve made it to the end of our part 3 reveals, congrats! We can’t wait for the next season of the One Room Challenge. In the meantime if you’re inspired to start on your own project, let us take the intimidation out of the equation. Make a free appointment to talk about your project, either in the store or with a remote consultation, anytime. Learn more here.

The post Spring 2020 One Room Challenge™ Reveal Part 3 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

history of subway tile

Created more than a century ago by architects Heins and LaFarge, the original subway tiles were used for, you guessed it, a subway—specifically the New York City subway in 1904. These tiles were perfect for subways because they were simple, clean and economical. They were so efficient that other major cities adapted subway tiles, from London’s Underground to Paris’ Metro. Soon, subway tiles became popular above ground as well, adorning Victorian kitchens and bathrooms because of their sanitary qualities.

Today, subway tiles are much more of a style statement, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still functional and durable. Many people love them for this exact combination. However, there are more choices than ever to consider so knowing what is right for you can be tricky. That brings us to our top three things to consider when you pick out your tile.

Top 3 Things to Consider

Subway Tile Design Tips

Once you know what you want as far as size, finish and shape, it’s time to explore different subway tile designs and what makes them work.

Try using a patterned, wallpaper-look tile above a wainscot and subway tile in a complementary color on the bottom. This will add color and interest to a powder room, and you can still keep the palette neutral.

The vertical straight set pattern in the charming space below adds height to the small shower in a contemporary way. We love how this pattern continues right through the nook and brings mid-century modern style to this soothing room.

With subway tile, pattern is everything. In the frame below, a herringbone pattern defines a focal point without straying from a soft, neutral color palette. There are so many interesting details here to attract the eye.

Subway tile is wonderful as a blank canvas to support other points of interest. A dazzling waterjet mosaic (first photo) or an artistic piece of Laura Ashley art glass (second photo) stand out on a subway tile background. Grout in a complementary color helps the true centerpiece shine. To transition between your subway tile and focal point (and to show it off!), incorporate layering pieces that do double duty.

The character of brick and the versatility of subway tile come together in this beautiful space. An elongated tile in a herringbone pattern gives this cozy nook a unique, textured design.

One of the best things about subway tile is the variety of patterns possible. Here, a mix of vertical and horizontal straight stack on the wall lend a modern appearance and a bold, colorful pattern on the floor is a jolt of energy.

Ask Kirsty

You asked, she answered! Kirsty offers her advice on some of your most common subway tile questions.

How do I decide on a gloss or matte finish for my subway tile? Is gloss more timeless? What’s easier to keep clean?

Glossy finishes typically present a more traditional and elegant look. Their reflective quality can also make your space appear brighter. Matte finishes offer a more casual, relaxed appearance. They don’t reflect as much light and will give the space a softer look. As far as cleaning, both matte and glossy tiles have their benefits. Matte tile does not show smudges or splashes as easily as a glossy tile, but glossy tile is very easy to wipe down and clean.

What color grout should I use with white subway tile?

Grout has an incredible impact on your tile and the space around it. You have three options: matching, complementary or contrasting grout. The best option for you depends on your goals for the final look. Matching grout to the tile color gives a classic, clean, monochromatic and seamless appearance. A neutral and complementary grout color adds subtle contrast without being a focal point. Opt for a color that accents the tile and overall design. Contrasting your grout color to your tile adds character, creates a bold, dramatic look and shows off the tile pattern. The grout becomes a part of the design rather than the backdrop.

How do I match subway tile with my cabinets?

There is no one formula for matching tile and cabinetry. It’s about what appeals to you. One tip I recommend is to look at your closet. What color clothing do you have? To which colors do you tend to gravitate? Just like your clothing style, you want your home to reflect you and your individuality. It’s also important to think about contrasts. Do you want a monochromatic look or do you want your tile and cabinets to contrast one another? Deciding this will also help guide your tile choice.

What subway tile pattern should I use?

(Tip: Refer to our blog post on subway tile patterns and layouts for examples of these looks!)

The most popular layout is a traditional horizontal brick. To make that appear more modern, use a larger size tile. Vertical and horizontal straight stacks are more contemporary layouts. Any vertical pattern will add height to your space—an offset brick pattern is more traditional and a straight stack is more contemporary. More unique layouts, like crosshatch and herringbone, add dynamic patterns, whether in a monochromatic or multicolored palette. The beauty and glamour of a herringbone pattern are unbeatable.

Between all the shapes, sizes, finishes and patterns available for subway tile, there are countless designs to be discovered. However you decide to use subway tile, just make sure to follow The Tile Shop golden rule, and make it your own!

The post Subway Tile Design Ideas & Tips appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.