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!

The post 2020 Tile Trend: 3D Sculptural 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.

What inspired the overall look and design for Refined Rustic?

“Tile is always my starting point. It’s the first item I select for a home, and it sets the tone,” Julie said. “The Annie Selke tile used in the basement bath and the laundry room were just introduced by The Tile Shop, and I loved them. They are what set the tone.”

Eye-Catching Entrance

The entrance of your home should set the tone, and Timber Trails did exactly that. The black features, warm wood flooring and courageous wallpaper greet you with open arms.

Dining Room

Behold, the grand dining room. This stunning space is Julie’s favorite room in the entire house. “It is the first thing you see when you walk in. I love that the white paneled walls are offset by the black ceiling,” Julie said.

“When people see a design and say, ‘I never would have done that, but I love it.’ That’s when you know you’ve done your job as a designer.”—Julie Howard, designer for Timber Trails DC

The hallways in this home stretch as far as the eye can see, connecting you to countless uniquely designed rooms that stimulate and inspire.

Laundry Room

“We used Annie Selke Ikat Black in the laundry room because, to me, a laundry room should be fun. It doesn’t need to match the rest of the house because half of the time the door is closed,” Julie said. “Plus, who enjoys laundry? It’s nice to design a laundry room that makes you smile when you enter.”

“I’ve never been scared of black. I painted my first adult bedroom black 20 years ago, and it is still my favorite room I’ve ever designed,” Julie said. “It’s certainly caught on over the years as I’m seeing it on more walls and in more kitchens and baths. Black doesn’t date, and you don’t tire of it.”

Victoria Grey Bath

Victoria Grey marble defines luxury. Its versatility and stunning appeal makes it perfect for numerous styles. We especially love the eye-catching stone mosaic rug look framed by Victoria Grey stone.

Kitchen

While the tumbled marble softens the space for a traditional feel, the accents of white oak warm up the kitchen for rustic, farmhouse appeal. The sleek counter tops and appliances are incorporated for a flair of contemporary style. What do you get when you unite these amazing designs? The always trendy transitional style.

If the space wasn’t already perfect enough, the added elements of hygge, like greenery and wood features, add in the perfect sense of comfort. Read our blog post on what makes Scandinavian looks so chic!

Living Room

As a member of our Pro Network, Timber Trails DC has maintained a strong and meaningful partnership with the Lombard, IL location and store manager, Kevin. Together, Timber Trails DC and Kevin have completed over 40 homes!

“We have a great push and pull. He keeps me in check when I tend to go too far, and he’s on top of everything down to each tile I need,” Julie said. “Kevin makes me feel like I’m his only client, which is great when you call in a bind, which I often do!

Master Bath

Siberian Pearl marble accompanied by deep black and gold features—dramatic elegance at its finest!

“The marble in the master is so pretty because it is a white marble, but it has a lot of warm tones in it and is different than a white and grey Carrara marble,” Julie said.

Master Bedroom

Jack & Jill Vanity

How charming is this beach-inspired Jack and Jill bath? The repetition of the wood-look tiles on the wall and floor create such a pleasing, cohesive look.

Basement Bath

We end this home tour with one of our favorite spaces in the house: the basement bathroom. This space encompasses the three colors that are used throughout the house: black, white and brown.

We love the juxtaposition between the black and white features in this bathroom. While the patterned floor tile proudly catches your eye, the shower tiles contrast the bohemian pattern with a classic, solid-white subway. Notice the black grout lines in the shower—darker colored grouts create more character and add a more pronounced look to the grout joints.

Stay up-to-date with Timber Trails DC and all of their stunning builds by following them on Instagram.

Are you a home developer or interior designer? Let’s partner on your next project. Join our Pro Network program and receive specialized pricing and services.

All photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors

The post Timber Trails’ Refined Rustic appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Photo courtesy of West Bay Homes

The phrase “black and white” in and of itself evokes an image, maybe an old movie or a poignant photograph. It conjures a pared down aesthetic, a classic look.

Ever since technology allowed films, television and photographs to be shown in color, a nostalgia for black and white has persisted. Even with the technology that is available at our fingertips, we still savor having the option of filtering our photos into black and white. The black-and-white color palette gives an undeniable air of sophistication to mediums from photography to fashion.

Photo by John Westrock on Unsplash

“Black and white always looks modern, whatever that word means.” – Karl Lagerfeld

Modern, just like a black-and-white color palette, is open to interpretation. Lagerfeld’s go-to look (all black and white, naturally) defined this aesthetic, appearing thoroughly modern and unique and at the same time with a hint of vintage and classic. Because black and white is versatile. That’s why an image of an effortlessly chic fashionista is usually wearing a black-and-white outfit. It’s an easy uniform to build upon and customize.

The same principle applies to interior design. Black-and-white home decor might seem like a modern construct, but this color palette has been utilized for hundreds of years. There’s a black-and-white marble tiled floor at the Palace of Versailles, dating back to the 1680s. Applying this palette to the design of a space allows you to invoke some of the same attributes that have made the black-and-white combination popular for centuries—classic, chic and timeless style.

As it is said in fashion, when in doubt, wear black and white. We say, when in doubt, tile in black and white. A testament to its versatility, you can achieve many different looks and feels with this high-impact color combination. By thoughtfully considering the accessories, furniture, fixtures and art that you add to your black-and-white space, you’ll have the opportunity to create any atmosphere or mood, making your home uniquely yours.

Black and White + Gold

Featured: Icefall White, Black Hex

Regal, rich and glamorous—the triple threat of black, white and gold checks each box. Whether you incorporate it directly into your tile design (with gold tiles or stunning Dural metallic trims) or add a nod to it with gilded fixtures, like the brushed-gold faucet above, the addition of gold to your black-and-white design makes this already impactful color combination come alive. Using a contrasting white grout with a black floor tile adds further interest and highlights pattern and shape.

Black and White + Color

Featured: Bulevar White, Charcoal Blend Gatsby, Noir Engraved Travertine

Color and whimsy do not have to be sacrificed when you opt for a black-and-white tile design. In fact, each curated pop of color you choose will have even more impact when it is contrasted with black and white. Selecting very few bright colors, like in the image above, means that each one will pack a stylistic punch, contrasting with the black-and-white patterned floor tile. One color repeated throughout a room creates a look of bold but simple cohesion. Show off your creative, eclectic and playful side with endless possibilities of combinations that show your true colors.

Black and White + Brown

Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic, Imperial Bone Gloss, Noir Polished Arabesque Travertine

To avoid a look that is overly modern or stark, warm up a black-and-white design with shades of brown and tan. Natural elements, like this woven basket that is also functional, are an easy trick for giving a space warmth and life. Plants, natural fibers, linens and warm wood tones all subtly help foster a cozy, relaxed environment and tone down the austerity. To soften the overall look, incorporate shades of brown into the paint choices or tile design, like the subtle hints of tan in this otherwise black-and-white pattern tile. The floor and space instantly become much more inviting.

Black and White + Grey

Featured: Snow Stria with Glass Stone Mosaic, Hall Blanco, Burma Negro

Grey is a natural addition to a black-and-white color scheme. Already a popular color in interior design, grey-scale tones seamlessly coordinate with both shades and act as a softer neutral, producing a calming effect. Even small hints of grey, such as the veining in this white marble tile or softer tones in a wood-look tile, can beautifully tie the whole design together and facilitate the transition between black and white.

Black and White Only

Featured: White Hex, Black Hex, Hex Matte White w/ Black Flower

An all black-and-white color scheme favors the bold. Yet this simple design is surprising classic at the same time. Despite the high contrast, it’s still as versatile as any other color combination. The juxtaposition is the reason we love black and white—it can toe the line between masculine and feminine, modern and nostalgic, bold and subtle. Graphic patterns and designs tend towards more modern style while a black-and-white minimalistic space is a classic look. In the example above, using black-and-white hexagon tiles to create a large-scale design results in a statement-making wall that is a work of art.

The overall feeling of your black-and-white tiled space is all about the thoughtful touches. Styling a space with an elegant touch of gold, a playful pop of color, a warm hint of tan, a soothing grey element or black and white alone brings life and a unique spin to the space you love. Considering the various patterns, shapes and styles of tiles available, from mosaics to hexagons to wood look, the possibilities are endless. When you begin with a classic color combination that stands the test of time, you can’t go wrong. Schedule your design consultation today to start creating your black-and-white tile design.

4 Ways to Incorporate Black and White Into Your Space

The post Designing with Black and White Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.