Choosing the perfect tiles for your bathroom remodel can be both exciting and overwhelming. From selecting the right materials to coordinating colors and finishes, there’s a lot to consider. Fortunately, with guidance from a design expert like Hannah Wirtz your remodeling project can transform your bathroom into a stylish sanctuary that exudes luxury and functionality. In this article, we’ll explore valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the tile selection process.
1. Start with the Layout … then Begin Tile Selection
Before diving into tile options, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation for your overall bathroom design. Consider the style and aesthetic you want to achieve, whether it’s sleek and contemporary or timeless and traditional. The Custom Contracting team will work with you to take into account factors such as the size and layout of the space and existing fixtures, while getting a sense of your design style. This initial planning phase will serve as a roadmap for selecting tile that complements your design vision and meets your practical needs.
“Once the overall layout of the bathroom has been decided, and we know the amount of space we have to work with, we can start narrowing down tile selections,” says Hannah. “There are many decisions to be made at this stage – floor tile, shower wall and floor tile, backsplash tile – it’s hard to know where to start. I’m here to guide the process so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming.”
“I work with our clients to narrow down their design style and it is then time to start exploring the tile possibilities and what they’re drawn to,” she continues. “We work with several tile showrooms in the area including Roma Tile, Tile International and Tile Showcase and will send our clients to start looking at selections.”
White subway tiles are classic and will never go out of style. Check out the full project.
2. Consider Going “Curbless”
Curbless showers have emerged as a popular trend in modern bathroom design as well as for accessibility, offering a seamless and luxurious shower experience. By eliminating the traditional curb or step-up, curbless showers create a sleek and uninterrupted transition from the bathroom floor on to the shower area. Not only do they enhance accessibility and safety, but they also visually expand the space, making smaller bathrooms feel more open and spacious.
Of course, to accommodate a curbless shower and keep the water from running everywhere, a linear drain will need to be installed. A slight slope is created the shower floor which directs the water to a drain installed flush along one wall of the shower. This design not only enhances accessibility but also creates a sleek and contemporary look.
“When choosing tiles for a curbless shower, opt for non-slip materials with a cohesive look that complements the rest of the bathroom design,” adds Hannah.
These clients chose earth tones and a curbless shower with linear drain. The tile floor of the shower features smaller tiles which, in turn, means more grout and a better non-slip surface.
It’s important to note that a curbless shower is sometimes challenging in older homes depending on how the floor was originally built and the plumbing laid out. We can work with you to determine if “curbless” is an option.
3. Harmonize Colors and Textures
When selecting tile for your bathroom, consider the importance of color, texture, and pattern in creating a cohesive and visually appealing space. Choose a color palette that complements the overall style of your bathroom, whether it’s soft and soothing neutrals, bold and dramatic hues, or nature-inspired tones.
4. Playing with Layout and Texture
Layout can have a big impact on how modern or traditional the bathroom looks. For example, “stacked” tile, where all the grout lines are continuous, create a more modern aesthetic. The bathroom below utilizes larger tiles in a stacked configuration to add to its modern flair.
This bathroom is modern and monochromatic with larger tiles that transition from the floor and straight up the wall.
Hannah says “sometimes it’s fun to experiment with different tile textures, such as matte, glossy, or textured finishes, in order to add depth and visual interest to the space. Incorporate patterned tiles as accents or focal points to infuse personality and character into your design.”
Here, our clients chose a traditional tile format – hexagon – but the bold, varying shades of blue with a glossy finish add an element of whimsy and fun.
5. The Little Details: Choosing an Edge Treatment
Attention to detail can make all the difference in the overall look and feel of your bathroom so it’s important to consider the different edge treatments. Bullnose tiles, which feature rounded edges, are a popular choice for finishing exposed tile edges, however not all tile comes with a bullnose option. Bullnose tiles provide a clean and polished look while minimizing sharp edges and corners.
The next option is the Schluter System which is usually an L-shaped trim piece that sits along the ends of the tile to finish it and is often used around the shower niche or edge of the shower. It comes in a variety of finishes that can enhance the traditional or modern look clients’ are trying to achieve. For example, white Schluter edging blends in, while choosing chrome (which may match your fixtures) can look more sleek and modern.
We used Schluter edging for this bathroom niche.
.Another option for tile edging on a shower in particular is to simply choose a stone slab such as the marble used in the bathroom above. This “curb stock” is often made of marble or quartz and looks great when matched with the vanity top.
Marble curb stock that matches the vanity top was used along the edge of this shower. “Many of our clients are gravitating toward Carrera marble,” says Hannah. “We used several different formats of Carrera to create this bathroom. The overall style is warm, inviting and timeless.”
6. Prioritize Quality and Durability
Above all, prioritize quality and durability when choosing bathroom tiles. Opt for high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone that are resistant to water, stains, and wear. Consider the specific requirements of each area in your bathroom, such as the shower walls, floors, and backsplashes, and select tiles that are suitable for their intended use. Investing in premium tiles will ensure that your bathroom not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time.
7. Work with Our Team of Experts
It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you simply walk into a tile showroom which is why we offer in-house design services. It’s a key piece of the design-build remodeling process. In addition to helping you with the selections, we will also know how much tile, how many different kinds of tile (bathroom floor, shower walls and floor, backsplash etc.), and exactly WHEN to order the tile to keep your remodeling project moving at a brisk pace. We know you’ll want to start enjoying your new space as soon as possible and will work with you to remodel your space efficiently but with careful attention to detail.