For the mountain house, I want the bathrooms to feel minimal but still editorial. I want to do something interesting and new and not just create a “Basic B” bathroom. So I’ve been peeling back the layers of Pinterest, looking for bathroom tile ideas that catch my eye for what we can do with really simple shapes (subway, square, etc.) to make it feel special and new, but not so risky that it will make the bathrooms feel instantly dated. I have a few ideas in my mind, but a thought does not create an inspiration image to validate my thoughts. There have been a few trends I’ve noticed creep into my feed and magazines lately that I want to talk about because I’m intrigued by them and curious what your thoughts are on them.
First up is the color-block trend (i.e. the same tile in two different colors that run into each other). We are officially into it. The above photo is the best example I could find of what’s in my head—it’s not only two different colors but, bonus points, different scales (I think?) and orientations. Of course, that tile is STUNNING all its own so that surely doesn’t hurt, but even mixing a simple affordable white subway, rectangle or small square would create a nice texture and be slightly unexpected. Let’s dive into a few examples we found on the ‘net while doing design research:
Colorblock Tile
When done right, it feels simple, but intentional and gives a big dose of drama. The bevel edge of the tile catches the light really nicely and adds something a little extra to a classic black-and-white look.
This one is more like an ombre which is definitely more of a risk than I’d take and isn’t totally appropriate for the house.
Now, I agree that some of these will be more dated—the penny tile version above is so cute but is definitely A LOOK. I would likely mix white with blue (duh) of the same tile or at least from the same manufacturer so the finish is the same but maybe the scale would be different.
I also like the idea of doing the bottom half of the wall one color and the top another, but you could do something like the above where the walls alternate, too. Also with that version, you win a puppy, which certainly adds interest to your bathroom.
For the above, I might have done a large-scale floor tile, but the stacking green square with the staggered vertical rectangular white is an unexpected combo and gets my wheels turning.
Or you just change the shade of the tile and it can help create some separation or give it a visual break. The overall vibe of this shot is really contemporary, but I think it could also work in something less…Euro.
You can go even bolder with the above and below, but we wouldn’t for this house…I promise. This is awesome for a hotel or a new build, but I am far more likely to do a vertical stack of one color, then switch to another, almost like a wainscot but in tile.
This might make you go WOWZA, and yes, it’s OTT, but it’s a good example of creating something totally out of the box with something as simple as colored square tiles.
Again, another idea that might look cool in a photo, but I’m not necessarily considering. Something with this many colors isn’t right for the mountain house, but in a more commercial setting (hotel, restaurant), it’d definitely get me to stop and stare.
Change of Tile Direction & Scale
We are also thinking of sticking with the same tile, but switching the scale or the direction of them to do something unexpected.
I love how they mixed the scales on the tub and the direction on the wall, but I can’t help but wonder why the lines aren’t lined up. And yay, for blue grout.
We have toyed with doing the exact same color and finish, but mixing up the scales and orientations, like so:
I think that it’s too contemporary for this house, but I love looking at it and trying to figure it out like a puzzle.
When done more simply, like the below, it’s hard not to like it.
The key to this working in this house is to use handmade tiles (to ensure warmth) and keep it simple with just two different tiles. The first photo by Magnolia Home is by far my favorite and the one that references what I’d do the closest.
So what do you think? I don’t think that when done simply, it’s a super obvious 2018 trend. Some of those are obviously too contemporary for this particular project (what with the rustic fireplace and ceiling) but imagine handmade white tile stacked vertically then horizontally…I think it will absolutely work.
Similar to the alternating pattern here:
Thoughts? Feelings? Suggestions? Yes to this trend or NO?
Update: Check out all of The Mountain House REVEALS here: The Kids’ Bedroom | The Kitchen | The Kitchen Organization | The Kitchen Appliances | The Powder Bath | The Living Room | The Downstairs Guest Suite | The Loft | The Hall Bath | The Upstairs Guest Bath | The Dining Room | The Family Room
