1. PICK YOUR DREAM TILE FIRST.
Once we start a bathroom remodel or the tile selection process for a new construction project we have one tile that we dream of including in our design. Sometimes it is a unique accent tile and sometimes it is as simple as a 12 x 24 Porcelain tile. Either way, take that dream tile and use it as the starting point for the other tile you will choose for your bathroom design. In the photos below we selected this beautiful porcelain tile by Pro Source that looks like travertine and a small mosaic tile from LaNova Tile
2. KEEP IT TO NO MORE THAN 3 DIFFERENT TILES.
Taking your first (dream tile) choice as a starting point, use this tile to make the decisions for the other tiles you will include in your design. If your must have is a tile that has nice movement or unique colors and is going to be the focal point of your design, pull more subtle colors from it to use in your accent tiles. If your first choice is really plain (like an off white 12 x 24 field tile) you may want to add an element of interest with a colorful accent tile or even a mosaic on a smaller scale tile to change it up and add interest.
In most cases you will choose a floor tile, a wall tile for the shower/ tub surround or possibly an accent wall above the vanity that will be used as a focal point. This is just a guideline. Remember this is just a guideline. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
3. STICK TO ONE SHOW STOPPER.
There are so many beautiful tiles on the market today and a bathroom is the perfect place to show off some of your personality and take a risk with a fun color or pattern. However, if you are going for this look, keep it to one show stopper. This will help you to create a wow factor while also keeping a timeless look. Keep in mind that many of these special tiles that are out today can be quite expensive, but if you are working in a small area like a bathroom, you may take this chance to splurge because you may not need a huge quantity of the material.
Your dream tile can be a small mosaic as shown below or a large field tile.
The bathrooms below were done with a small mosaic. One in an ombre penny round and one in a Carrara marble 1 x 2 mosaic.
4. Always consider maintenance.
Who likes to clean? I know we don't so when selecting tiles for these wet areas you will probably want to go with porcelain or ceramic tile since they are mostly maintenance free. Natural stone tiles require more maintenance and have to be sealed from time to time. Marble or natural stone tiles are more porous so they tend to hold on to dirt and grim more than your porcelains or ceramics. If a textured stone is what you would like to use we suggest you use it on a floor tile or in a less wet area. Lastly, glass tile is so pretty and makes a great wall or accent tile. However, glass can be super slippery and would not work well on the floor. Plus, it could break if you drop a heavy object on the floor.
Below you can see we used a textured porcelain for the bathroom floors but switched to a stone mosaic in the shower.
5. CONSIDER SCALE.
Most people prefer to use a large scale tile like a 12 x 24 on the bathroom floor. If you choose to go that direction, often times the 12 x 24 field tiles come with accent pieces you can use in different areas of the bathroom. For example a 2 x 2 on the shower floor and in the shower niche. We always recommend using a 2 x 2 or a mosaic of some sort on the shower floors to help minimize slipping.
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