Customizing Your Space

We’re sharing our best practices for layering tile to show you how you can take your space to the next level. The look below incorporates a combination of trim pieces and mosaics to transform a simple picture frame into an exquisite focal point.

Since this bathroom uses the Firenze Carrara marble collection throughout, the untrained eye may see it as quite simple. Look carefully at the transitions, and see if you can identify how many trim pieces are actually used to accomplish this sophisticated design.

Incorporating different shapes and sizes from the same tile collection can carry this elevated look through to other areas of the room, such as the backsplash, half wall and shower (photo top left). By sourcing all of the pieces of a collection from the same stone quarry, each piece complements the others for stunning variation that isn’t overbearing. If you have a focal point, repeat the same design element in other areas, like a shower niche (photo top right).

Thoughtful Transitioning

It’s important to think about how each part of your space will work together to form a unified environment. Utilizing trim pieces between different materials, sizes, shapes and textures of tile can create the perfect transition.

Dimensional tile can create dramatic depth and texture, but it can also leave an uneven edge when paired with other selections (top left photo). Incorporating transitional trim pieces will offer a seamless solution from one style to the next. Similarly, they can be used on the floor to separate different areas within a space – the top right photo displays a subtle transition, while the photo below incorporates durable curb pieces for a more prominent separation from shower to floor.

For tiles that vary in size, double up somersets and run them vertically for the greatest impact.

Using transitions is also the perfect way to emphasize an accent tile in your design. In the photo below, layered trim pieces instantly elevate the Brushed Bronze with Glass Metal Mosaic backsplash, while coordinating beautifully with the surrounding ceramic subway tile.

Each trim piece has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for specific uses.

Coordinating Finishes

Pictured below is an example of how trim and profile pieces can provide an opportunity to coordinate with fixtures. In cases where there’s no need for a transition or storage solution, metal profiles can be used in between tiles as a unique accent that can coordinate with other design elements, such as faucets or lighting.

Layering trim and profile pieces can make every tile design better by adding dimension and interest. It shows that the design has been thoughtfully curated and has the finishing touches that elevate the space from basic to beautiful.

When And Where To Layer Tile

4 Design Plans With Layered Tile

Need ideas for your next remodel? Here are a few examples of design plans that incorporate tile trim and profile pieces. Bring them into your local store or schedule a design consultation to discuss dimensions, quantity, styles and more.

Learn more about layering in our comprehensive guide to trim and accessories. Ready for the next step? Schedule a design consultation with a tile design expert today!

The post Guide To Layering Tile Trim And Profiles appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Contrasting Colors

Boldly contrasting colors are a sure way to make a big impact. Dark and light tones play off of each other, making each stand out even more. Below, the dark backdrop also serves to highlight the sleek lines of the contemporary tub.

Contrast goes glam with this dramatic display that plays up sumptuous style.

Contrast can be created with color combinations beyond black and white. In a warmer take on the style, a wood-look floor balances grey and white walls with tons of welcoming textures.

Monochromatic Mix

If you’re dreaming of a clean monochromatic color palette, try incorporating different finishes, sizes, shapes or materials on the walls and floors. This adds dimension, texture and interest to a design while keeping it clean. You can also include functional and safety features this way. Here, a glossy ceramic wall tile is an easy-to-clean option that protects the backsplash from spills. The coordinating porcelain floor tile is durable and transitions between the surfaces smoothly in the same soft grey color palette.

“People always ask me, ‘If I use ceramic on the floor, don’t I have to use it on the walls?’ The answer is no! Mixing it up creates a more interesting space.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

This space demonstrates a perfect example of using mixed materials (also known as “fusion.”) With ceramic wall tile, porcelain shower wall tile, porcelain floor tile and marble trim pieces, all of these different materials unite in a cohesive way and in a monochromatic color palette to portray a serene spa bathroom.

We love how these floor and wall tiles are so different from one another in finish, shape, size and material yet coordinate flawlessly. The space works because the color palette is soft and neutral and hints of organic materials add warmth and interest.

Here, the similar polished finish of the ceramic subway wall tile and the marble shower pan tile unifies the shower’s style. A framed marble mosaic is an added touch of elegance—fusion at its finest!

Varying the shape of your wall and floor tiles is another way to add interest in a monochromatic design. From the mix of porcelain and ceramic to the distinct shapes, there is so much to entice the eye in this cream laundry room!

This is a great example of fusion. The materials on the walls and floor could not be more different, consisting of real wood, wood-look porcelain and a slate and porcelain mosaic, but they all have a similar rich hue that ties them together.

Coordinated Collections

One of the easiest ways to ensure your design flows together is using the same collection or series on walls and floors. One of the great things about The Tile Shop’s stone collections is the sheer number of different shape, size and trim options. Collections are also sourced from the same quarry, so, while no two pieces are ever the same due to natural variation, you never have to worry about different tiles coordinating.

This space uses the same stone, Milas Lilac, on every surface, so there’s no fear about the tiles not coordinating. By using many different shapes (we’re not even sure we can count them all!), distinct zones are established, subtly distinguishing the shower from the vanity area.

To make designing a coordinated space even easier, we’ve extended it beyond stone. Our proprietary Fired Earth ceramic and porcelain collections, like the Carrara Gris floor tile below, coordinate with our marble collections, too. This makes adding a special designer touch even easier. Handmade Weekly elevates her fusion design beautifully here, with a marble-look ceramic tile and a unique statement marble mosaic. Marble trims polish the look to perfection.

Patterns That Pop

One of our most popular wall and floor tile combinations is patterned and non-patterned tile. For the bold at heart, there’s nothing better than an accent wall or floor brimming with striking shapes. Paired with a neutral color, the overall effect is delightful. This hexagon shape, duplicated in the floor tile, garners just enough attention to set this shower apart.

Here, a boldly patterned floor is softened with a coordinating, neutral wall tile.

White subway tile plus a bold, old-world style encaustic is always a good idea.

Tone on Tone

One sure way to demonstrate a cohesive look between floors and walls is to pick a neutral or color from one surface and use it on the other. The soft grey wall tiles below perfectly reflect the same mottled grey in the pattered floor.

The unique ombre effect on this Annie Selke floor tile presents the opportunity to pull two different colors onto the wall design.

This concept does not have to be all or nothing. A hint of color, like the beachy brown in the floor tile that’s also found in the chevron stripe on the wall and shower, goes a long way towards tying this room together.

This kitchen plays with a number of different colors, but choosing the backsplash subway tile in hue plucked from the floor tile ensures that the space feels cohesive.

Multiple patterns can get tricky but this space strikes a perfect balance. Surrounding this floral art glass splashback with a neutral frame and a subway tile in a color that is duplicated in the floor tile, the patterns do not compete.

Eclectic

Rules are made to be broken, right? Sometimes a design that doesn’t follow any of these rules or even breaks them just works. Here are some of our favorite eclectic combinations that don’t follow the guidelines. Here, pattern, wood look and a bold subway tile create the perfect modern farmhouse nook.

Bold geometric shapes on the walls and floors and exaggerated contrast?! This look is bold, but the black-and-white palette keeps it clean.

Here’s another example of a bold pattern paired with multiple colors. The grey color is reflected in the patterned tile, and the wood-look floor acts as a neutral that balances the space.

There are dozens of different wall and floor tile combinations. It just depends on your desired overall effect—whether it’s eye-catching contrast, calm coordination or eclectic patterns. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a design consultation or stop into a store to talk to a tile expert and get started!

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