Whether you’re designing a bathroom, bar, kitchen or entertaining space, tile can be a beautiful way to create a layered and luxurious effect. With countless styles and colors to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what look you like. The good news is today’s iterations appeal to a broad range of sensibilities, and the trend is towards selecting something that really reflects your own personal style. So, peruse a few of our favorite looks we’ve gathered for you here, but don’t be afraid to be yourself and select something that suits your family’s needs and tastes or style one these differently to make them your own. As American 20th-century architect Louis Kahn once said, “Design is not making beauty. Beauty emerges from selection, affinities, integration, love.”
Large-Format Porcelain
Versatile and durable, porcelain dates back to ancient China. It is easy to clean, water resistant and can be designed in a limitless variety of colors and patterns to mimic wood, concrete and real stone, or take on any color you like. But it’s resistance to heat makes it particularly appealing for fireplaces. It’s one of the first reasons why Interior Designer Emily Fuhrman of Sage and Ginger, based in New Canaan, CT, turned to porcelain when she helped her clients renovate their living room. They wanted a clean modern look that didn’t cost a fortune, so she opted for a sleek large-format porcelain with subtle veins and texture to complete the look. They surrounded the fireplace from hearth to ceiling in a large format 12-inch-by-24-inch tile staggered vertically, and designed white oak built-ins to book-end the fireplace. To add interest, Sage & Ginger selected a complementary marble for the hearth and for the back of the built-in. “It’s simple but stunning,” attests Fuhrman. “The end result looks very luxe, but we didn’t break the bank.”
Cut Glass
Interior Designer Nancy Davilman of ND Interiors, based in Stamford, CT, chose a shimmering dark gray/blue cut glass tile by Akdo for this built-in wet bar when she helped the clients renovate their whole house in Mamaroneck, NY. Colors, styles, finishes and sizes of cut glass are innumerable and their shimmery effect can make a big impact where you want a space to stand out, she advises. “When I showed my clients the tile, they fell in love with it,” she says of her clients. “That blue cut glass tile is just fabulous, so that really became our inspiration to build the rest of the bar around.” The color she selected from Majestic Kitchens and Baths in Mamaroneck, NY, brought out subtle marbling in the kitchen countertops in the open concept house—complementing rather than competing with the waterfall island. It enabled Davilman to create an elevated and chic dining space that was unique but still in congruence with the rest of the living space. Modern, frameless cabinetry, glass shelving, a polished chrome Riff Bar faucet from Kohler and a hammered sink from Nantucket Sinks complete the look. Modern vinyl-clad chairs by Trica are elevated with a custom fabric on the back in blue, white and gold. She sourced the furniture from Schwartz Design Showroom. “My clients were fun, young and very social,” says Davilman, who wanted to give this space a sophisticated lounge-like feeling even though it was open to the kitchen and living room. “The tile is really the thing that elevates the space, making it more glamorous and interesting,” she adds. “At night, when the lights are dimmed and everything shimmers, it looks really beautiful and elegant.”
Green and Gold
We can’t help but notice shades of green tile paired with gold accents are popping up in various iterations throughout design. From earthy sage to jewel-toned emerald and deep forest, we’re seeing green tiles in various formats, and we’re loving each one. “I think green is generally appealing because it is the color of nature and we are accustomed to seeing all shades of green mixed together in a pleasing way,” says Carey Karlan of Last Detail Interior Design in Darien, CT, who teamed with Gianna Santoro at Deane Inc. in Stamford, CT to design this butler’s pantry off her Greenwich, CT, client’s kitchen. Black lacquered cabinetry with gold hardware and screens is paired with a mosaic style tile in shades of green with gold accent. The owner frequently entertains, and this bar leads from the kitchen to the dining room. “The directive here was to give this space all the drama and excitement that the owner had wanted for the kitchen but ultimately decided it would be overwhelming in a large kitchen space, so we transferred the ideas to the bar,” says Karlan. “I think bars, foyers and dining rooms are great spaces to create your wildest design concepts because you don’t live in these spaces, you just pass through and can enjoy an exciting moment without getting tired of the design.” The backsplash goes to the ceiling, which draws attention to the sculptural light fixture. “I love how sophisticated and sexy the space is,” adds Karlan. “I especially love how the owner got her dramatic and bold vision in this little jewel box.”
Striking Slabs
Let’s face it. Grout can be a nuisance. These days, designers are frequently opting out and choosing instead to install large stone or porcelain slabs where tile used to be. Eye-catching veining and contrast makes for a dramatic statement and suits a modern and minimalist sensibility without looking too stark. Paired with a large-format black and white porcelain checkerboard floor turned on the diagonal, the black and white granite surround on this primary bath soaking tub feels luxurious and serene. The Philadelphia-area homeowners wanted soft colors and brass finishes. “The muted, muddy deep lavender tone on the wainscotting creates an anchor point around the room and is a beautiful backdrop for the smokey oak custom vanities,” says Nicole Cole, CEO and principal designer at Vestige Home. Designers chose Benjamin Moore Amethyst Sky for the paneling and Benjamin Moore Dune White for the walls and ceiling. “The brass mirrors and shower enclosure reflect the light and add a warm tone to the space,” says Cole, who chose a slab for the shower as well for a look that is both practical and refined. “The shower slab with brass enclosure required a lot of careful planning and thoughtful detailing,” but the effort was well worth it, she adds. The juxtaposition of the porcelain slab shower and the traditional details enabled the designers to create an overall aesthetic that was modern and fresh but felt connected to the historic feel of the house. Custom vanities with modern radius corners and traditional detailing on the drawers and blend beautifully with the overall look but enable the tub to remain the center of attention. “My favorite aspect of the design is the tub niche, which is such a wonderful focal point with the detailing around the arch and the statement light fixture,” says Cole. “And I love the utility of the niche to add functionality for storing your bath sundries.”
