Design
Guest Cottage Weird Tile Ideas…The Fun Continues
You know what I 100% should not be doing? Thinking about fun tile ideas. The electrical and plumbing plans are due, and without that getting done, we can’t do any insulation, add wall paneling, floors, install our Quilt mini-splits, or alllll the other things that have to happen before tile. And in order to have a full plan, I want to finalize the design, then go back into the exact execution plan. As a reminder, we aren’t in a hurry, and this 1850s house is my personal design laboratory (not a house that needs to function for a bunch of family needs). I’m not usually so risk-oriented with hard finishes (which is something I want to actually flex and fix in myself).
The jumping-off point of the whole bathroom is dividing up the space (the bathroom is 12×16) with these adorable water closets that are reminiscent of cute little painted outhouses, with custom vintage stained glass doors on the front (of course). See below:
Despite the pushback, we are still planning on one with a urinal and one with a toilet. This is more to delight the men in my life than anything else (I like to be popular, ok?). On the wall to the right, you’ll have the bathtub and shower, like so:
So today, what we need to talk about is what the tile inside the shower will be. Since we have these statement stained glass doors, in a wood-clad room with these cute little navy blue houses, how far do we take the design of the tile??? At first, I was going to handmake them all. I reached out to Pigeon Toe Ceramics, and she was going to coach me through it at her studio. But after walking me through the highly laborious process, I realized that if we were going to make our own tile, we needed to design something that doesn’t exist. Just making a rectangle or square tile in a color that Fireclay sells felt like a missed opportunity to do something more fun.
So here is where we are at right now. The shower will be an enclosed space (42×48) with the plumbing on the side since the ceiling in the back slants down and would be too low. I am actively obsessed with this tub, so what is in question is the tile inside the shower. Now, I could keep it simple (and who knows, I still might), but I wanted to run a few ideas past you first.
The problem is that I can’t unsee these antique Kensington tiles that I bought from Aurora Mills. They were just bought for inspiration ($40 each tile, lol), but I want them so bad. So…
Option 1: Reproducing Antique Relief Tiles
Ok, here’s what I’d do: work with Pratt + Larson (they happen to be in Portland) to create the mold and the perfect glaze to reproduce them. I’m not sure if it would just be an accent line dividing up two different field tiles or if we would create allll of the tiles. Study the above board (that we made really easily through the Spoak program) and see what you think. Now remember, these are design directions, not literal yet. I love the idea of a 3D texture in a Victorian motif that I actually think works really beautifully with the more linear stained glass doors.
Also, Gretchen reminded me that we have this relief motif already in the house in our upstairs vintage fireplace (which I love and will keep as a sculpture if nothing else). Most craftsman tile relief patterns (what Pratt + Larson does so well) are more handpainted different colors (think lilies and bears), but I would want something more subtle in the same color, but have the glazing pool and be uneven (like in the inspiration).
Option 2: Painted Tile Mural
I’ve been so in awe of the Jessica Helgerson-designed mural kitchen backsplash for years. The work, care, talent, and hours that went into executing that are uncountable (well, I hope Jessica’s team counted it, lol). I think you have to take the bisque tile and draw the whole thing, over all the tiles, then paint the base coat, fire, paint the mural, fire, glaze (I don’t know the jargon or process). The point is, it’s not like you install the tile and then paint over it. It’s a huge process. But I am open to exploring this for me, but in my own version. Maybe it’s a Scandinavian folk art motif? Maybe it’s something more Victorian and Deco? Maybe it’s something more organic and handmade? Point is, I love this idea, and I’m happy to roll with it.
Option 3: A Unique Pattern With Colorful Readymade Tiles
Part of me always loves taking a readymade tile (or tiles) and doing something creative with it. Now this would only really work if I worked with one company that sold many colors in many sizes and shapes, i.e., you can’t really just buy from random sources and try to cobble them together. Their thicknesses and edges might be off (I’m sure it’s doable). But companies like Fireclay, Pratt + Larseon, and Tempest Tile could do something like this. I would do less of a symmetrical pattern, instead something that feels random. Of course, the challenge is to make sure that it doesn’t compete with the stained glass doors and instead complements them. So this idea is actually the trickiest for me to execute, even though it only requires me to shop and curate, not actually customizing anything.
I have a favorite for sure. But I’d love to see what you’d love to see me pursue.
I’m enjoying the hell out of this process. We used the Spoak moodboarding tool this time (we’ve been using it for all our elevations and floor plans as well; the AI powered editing options are incredible). Which one is your favorite!!!????
*Photos by Kaitlin Green
I think maybe the renderings are making this hard to visualize. I’m going to be honest, currently it looks like bits of a bathroom in an old shed. It’s very hard to get a read on how it all relates to the wood. Is it possible to use Photoshop or chat gpt to give a better sense of how the walls will look when this is finished? Will there be any tiles on the walls or just on floor? I’m struggling to see how it will look cohesive when done but once again that might just be the renderings throwing me off.
Yah that makes sense. we don’t want to spend too much time rendering out each ideas so we are honing in on ideas now and we’ll render those out. its definitely a ‘sausage making’ post for those who want inside the process!
Not the Scandinavian mural, I feel like that is too precious and fights the stained glass doors. My favorite it the third option, first one on the top left. It would pull in the green from the tub and the blues from the water closets but not fight with them and the colors read as very soothing.
we agree – we love the folk art vibe, but not so much with the stained glass. But then art neuveau motifs work so well with stained glass so its like figuring out (if we went this way) how to marry the ideas together.
To me, the folk art vibe would look lovely in the cottage, its naivety and lightness would suit the space far better than an Art Nouveau theme…
Did I miss the post about the foundation repair? Sounds like that’s all finished?
Yep! its all finished. it took like 4 days. there is nothing to shoot or show you (since it was just a repair it happened where we can’t really see it).
Could you do a post/tutorial on spoak?
We are! stay tuned. They have a ton of tutorials on their site, actually. We’ll be doing a blog and youtube, reels, etc. but for tutorials they have soooo much on their site. its truly incredible.
I LOVE the relief on the old stove. I’d love to see that recreated! However, I don’t like the idea of raised edges in a shower – feels like a place for grime to collect. Maybe you use that as inspiration for the painted tiles?
ah i’d imagine you are right 🙂
I agree 100%! Love the relief on the old stove but the idea of raised edges in a shower sounds like a cleaning nightmare.
Yes, and overall I gravitated towards the lighter colored tiles since being in a small toilet shower or urinal room needs a lighter color to not feel claustrophobic. I assume that these little houses are going to have vents or fans to circulate air?
For the urinal, I am thinking of backsplash ! I like the idea of vintage-y subway tiles for the bottom 4 feet, paint above with a drain in the bottom so you can literally hose down the walls! An even sightly stinky urinal hut is a no for me!
If this is the final floor plan, it seems like the space isn’t maximized in the best way possible. There is a lot of room to play with, yet the elements are squished together awkwardly.
Agree, looks like this room is over 180 sf but the layout makes it feel like a tiny bathroom squished under the stairs. Is there too much wasted space? I’m not good at floorplans so don’t have suggestions to improve the layout.
it’s true, but I think it’s pretty charming. kinda wabi sabi, folk architecture-ish. I’m-too-busy-writing-my-history-of-the-19th-century-french-novel-to-care-much kind of decorating 🙂
Totally agree
I totally agree with you on paper – we talk about that a lot here. But when you are in the space it feels like the best layout. we are also thinking a ton about sightlines, shots, focal points, allowing breathing space for bigger moments and honestly the importance of quirk and charm. If we put the tub or the vanity in front of the window then it would absolutely crowd you immediately when walking inside. of course we could move all the doors, etc, but we don’t really want to do that. But i hear you – we JUST talked about this. I was like ‘there is so much empty space!’ and then we went in and we all agree that when in the room it feels the best. only time will tell!
Are the openings to each “stall” really only 24” wide? This would definitely be very inaccessible to any child or adult using a wheelchair or walker. Maybe you could make one larger?
Also uncomfortable for any average adult-sized adult!
I’m going to disagree. A tub is low, so it visually will not crowd you when walking inside. In drafting the layout with the tub in front of the window, you have 3′-9″ from the door to the tub, which is plenty of room. Your layout will definitely crowd you between the tub and outhouse, when entering through the inside door.
Moving a door, especially the interior door is extremely easy, and would allow for a much better use of space.
Part of this challenge should be exploring minor plan tweaks that open up for major improvements in the plan (like moving the interior door). Working with an architect to lay out the space would have been of great benefit.
But, it’s your house! If you like awkward and weird, that’s totally cool!
Ok this is probably not possible due to the laborious process you outlined, but that Jessica Helgerson backsplash tile is SO COOL for a bathroom. The leafy botanicals work so well on a farm but more than that, the design looks like cephalopod arms reaching up in a sea. So cool in a shower!! I can’t unsee it.
I think I missed the urinal post … I’m confused why you’d opt for a more limited option in one stall. Two toilets serve everyone — for all *functions.* A urinal only serves one function for people with penises (unless a whole lot of us are more flexible than I think?). If you have to do anything in a bathroom other than urinate with a penis (not to mention if the fixture in the toilet stall breaks ) you are … literally SOL?
I don’t know many people with penises who would be super excited about a urinal (they wouldn’t really care one way or the other as long as they can … use it?) but I know many who would be sad to not be able to use 1/2 the facilities because one didn’t have a penis or was sick, etc. Maybe this is my awful GI system talking?
That said, this is your home! If this decision makes you happy, urinal it up! I just am surprised from an accessibility/equity/convenience standpoint to see a whole stall just for … penises.
She’s talked before about how Brian (and I think Charlie) are very excited about the unrinal!
urinal*
I hear you! you aren’t alone. I’ve written about it so many times in older blog posts but the gist of it is that its something that every single man in my life is so excited about having (brothers, husbands of friends, my son and his friends). its totally unconventional. its absolutely controversial. but its whats happening 🙂 It doesn’t take away from having a toilet, its just a bonus.
Funny enough years and years ago when my husband and I were talking about designing our dream cottage, his number one request was for a urinal 🤣 We have 2 boys (well, they’re men now) and they were fully on board!
I guess I’d argue that not everything that is exciting needs to actually happen, especially when it comes to permanent, hard-to-change fixtures that could prove seriously inconvenient for the exact reasons L mentioned.
I think every dude I know would also love a urinal. I remember discussing how much I like all gendered bathrooms with a bunch of people and every man agreed they’d miss urinals though. They realized the benefits out weighed that one minus though.
Option 3, for sure! Simple, but playful. Speaks more to an outhouse sort of vibe than the other, fancy options.
I think the readymade tiles would be too repetitive with the doors but I love the side of the green oven already original to the house. A copy of these square tiles put together in a circle or more organic shape on all 3 walls with solid tiles around them in the background. Such a beautiful design on the stove.
I like all the options, but the ones with relief/3D worry me. I wonder how easy they are to clean, what you would do about mineral/soap build up. Life isn’t going to get simpler, so how much time do you want to devote to maintenance?
I wonder if anyone has experience with a relief in a shower? let us know! I’d hate for it to be a burden for sure,
Hands down #3!!!!! ❤️
I’m honestly not very interested in these choices. I am confused about why the sink area won’t be bigger given the size of the room. For many of the possible future uses having a larger sink area for getting ready, etc would be important. A tiny sink squished between all these other things seems silly. It feels like you are trying to force whimsy which is in turn taking away functionality and actual interesting quirkiness/whimsy.
I totally agree! There is a big (beautiful) tub plus a shower, two toilet options and then… a tiny sink!? The sink and toilet options will be the most used elements in this space, both by daytime only guests or overnight guest.
Why not forgo the tub? Not sure who are you picturing soaking in this bathtub anyway? I am still confused about the purpose of this “multi use” bathroom space….
If you take out the tub, you have space for a nicely sized double vanity or other designs with two sinks! More people will probably use those vs the tub (And I like soaking in a tub! Don’t get me wrong!). Maybe even increase the shower size to make that feel more comfortable/generous!
I hear you! for any future vanity space we can add that in front of the window (sans plumbing). I don’t think there will be much getting ready in here until then. i’m not really forcing anything, i’m having so much fun and feeling out the space while inside of it. but sounds like you aren’t into it and I get that. this one might not be for everyone. Keep following and maybe i can change your mind when its done. xx
I agree. There’s no place to put toiletries, a purse, etc. Plus the space for the sink will feel small and narrow, and awkward and tight if you need to help a child wash up. I don’t mind having a separate “getting ready” vanity away from the sink, but really there should be more space around this sink for usefulness.
Yes, 100% it is an issue not having a place to put things around the sink. Also, I feel that it would be socially awkward and feel a bit disgusting to be washing your hands in the sink while people are using the toilet/urinal huts. Gives a ” public bathroom at Coney Island” vibe, which seems less desirable.
The relief design is gorgeous but cleaning soap scum off it would make me want to tear my hair out.
You should also check out Syzygy Tile. They have relief tiles and do custom random color mixes with handmade tile. They have many colors and sizes/shapes.
ooh never heard of them. thank you!
You must look at Garrow Kedigan’s guest bathroom and shower in his Paris apartment, Chateau Garrow 2.0. Homeworthy filmed his reno and it is on YouTube. It’s the most stunning bathroom tile work I’ve ever seen! The rest of the apartment is beautiful as well.
oh i’ll look it up now! i love homeworthy 🙂
Option 3 by far! The best, most cohesive choice in my opinion!
Option 3 ~ it is right on with the stained glass
The ready made tile in a bunch of colors is too matchy matchy with the stained glass IMO, I love the idea of a thematic tile with relief, it just feels luxe and quirky.
This space has so much room, but it is chopped up in an inefficient manner, in my opinion. If you are so hell bent on a urinal for the men in your life, put up a half wall, place the urinal behind it so there privacy and have one stall for the regular toilet. That way both men and women can use the restroom at the same time without interfering in each others business. Move the sink away from that akward cave and put in an old trough sink with two faucets so more people can utilize the sink at one time. I would also just put a shower in this space rather than a tub and a shower.
Ok, what about option 3 but not so many colors? I like the idea of echoing the shapes of the stained glass but in a tighter color scheme so that it echoes/doesn’t compete. A tonal mix of blues in various shapes/sizes would be really cool!
I urge you to take another look at the floor plan of this. I really think it can be something better and more accessible for all. The sink is way too tiny and is quite deep in there. It will feel like being in a cave to wash your hands! Better make sure you’re tiny too to fit in that cave! It doesn’t look like there’s counter to put your stuff on and lighting will be very tricky. Perhaps the exterior door can go where the window is and the two outhouses can go on that longer wall creating more space for a bigger sink and counter. I still have no idea why a bathtub is needed here but even if so, I really think you’re capable of configuring a plan that is a more logical and efficient use of space, urinal and all!
If it were me- and I know it’s not, I wouldn’t do a shower OR a tub in here. I’d put in a huge sink/work table, and make it the cutest potting-shed-bathroom. Having some indoor-outdoor function helps the “outhouse” make sense, and no one is going to use this bathroom for actual bathing (right? anyone staying here as a guest house would use the upstairs bathroom off the sleeping room(s). Make it a space to style planting and flower arranging with slate floors (and a few skylights!) and I think the room will make sense.
But for sure put that bathtub upstairs, because I get why you love it- but it’s competing with your confessional/outhouse stalls.
Yes, love that you picked up on the confessional vibe (I don’t think it’s a good thing)!
Love the idea of potting shed/ potty shed.
If not public bathroom stalls, I agree the vibe is reaching multiple-church-confessional-stalls status. Adding a boxed-in shower, as seen in an inspo photo, puts yet another large rectangular wood box into this room. Maybe the finished product will be whimsical and very cool, but I am imagining completing bathroom functions in here, and well, it seems like it might be uncomfortable and strange…
GREAT point!
I like your original inspiration of the antique relief tiles from Aurora Mills. And placing them as an accent to separate two different field tiles. I totally agree that the softer curves of a embossed tile will be a nice compliment to all the linear lines going on in the room. Pratt and Larson tile is stunning and the fact they are so close to you and you can work with them to do a custom design is an incredible opportunity!
As they would just be used as an accent they could be placed higher on the wall where soap scum is minimal. Also, there are tile sealers that would help keep them lower maintenance.
That green tub is gorgeous and has lovely curves too.
I agree with Debbie’s comments. The connection between the Victorian style relief tiles and the decoration on the stove upstairs brings a sense of authenticity to the design. I also like that there’s curves in those relief motifs and the pairing with simpler tiles above and below helps the tile to be it’s own moment but won’t compete with or overpower the stained glass doors.
Options 2 & 3 are too busy and too contrasting in a relatively small space, especially on top of the wood paneling on the walls.
Emily! Have you been to the outlet (back room) at Pratt and Larson? If you are going with option 3, you can find all sizes/shapes/colors for very little money. Some of the stock is first quality but honestly the second quality (which costs even less) is totally fine. I’ve done my kitchen, bathroom, and fireplace with tile from the outlet. I’ve been able to find quantities I needed by just checking back frequently (new stock comes weekly, I believe), but many people use the outlet tile to do very cool things in different sizes/colors. That place is so fun!
I’m also waiting to see this all come together; the purpose of this space is still elusive for me 😂 BUT – the question is tile and opinions are free, so here we go! I love each of your options. Relief tile feels fun, but give that this is an infrequently used space I’m not sure that having custom molds fits the goal you’ve stated in the past of keeping the budget tight and the creativity high. Selfishly, this is also the least universal option. Most of your readers can’t relate or aspire to “I’ll have this amazing tile company custom fabricate a tile mold and glaze just for my guest cottage shower.” I’m a potter; that is not a small task and will not be “affordable.” I love option three for this reason – everyone can play with field tile in creative ways! In many ways it’s the biggest creative challenge, which feels fun to me. As for option two, it isn’t as complicated as you think, and hits a middle ground in terms of accessible design. It won’t be cheap, it won’t adapt to any budget, but it’s definitely a DIY project that many can tackle. Bisqued tiles… Read more »
I so appreciate this!! I agree on relatability for sure. I think i’d want to see a designer do something really interesting and laborious (not to copy, but just to see a new creative process and a result we haven’t seen before) but if thats not what people want to see I totally get it! I’m willing to spend on the stuff I care about visually (while trying hard to not renovate too much, not move walls, not add unnecessary appliances, etc). All three options seem fun in different ways for sure and I get excited when other people are excited so if #3 is it then LFG!
I chose the painted tile if only because I cannot imagine scrubbing relief tile in a shower… (but we have well water so things get verrrrry scummy very quickly)
I think the color block would be too matchy-matchy with the stained glass, although I do love it. maybe it could be on a floor somewhere in the house to echo the doors?
We have the same thought/fear. I’d have to do it in a really subtle way and in a tonal color not to compete with the stained glass and yes we had the same thought about just doing it on the floor instead. In the past I couldn’t find ceramic tiles bigger than 8×8 (there are marble tiles and big stone tiles and some porcelain but it seems like much bigger than that they don’t exist in colors. Anyway, we are also thinking about it on the floor so stay tuned and good thinking. xx
ooh, stone or marble could be really good… a way to echo the form but in different scale and materials. I think another thing that is so charming about the house is the patchworky, handmade-ness of it. that’s, for me, the key to this type of naive or folk architecture and decoration. like it’s cobbled together over time, ad hoc.
You aggressively design in a ‘hey look at this awesome thing I found’ way, which is muddled by ‘hey look at this product a brand wants me to promote’. Pretend like money is real. We are being asked to pretend like your plan to ‘rent’ it out as an event space is real. You are just making mud castles when you can make magic.
I’d worry about trying to clean around the relief tile – I suppose if the shower isn’t used often you wouldn’t have to worry about too much build up in the nooks and crannies
I am torn between 1 and 3 both are good. Honestly, (Portland native here) #3 is VERY 1970’s Portland – that’s a plus in my book. #1 speaks to the style of the guesthouse and while I agree maintenance might be a pain ‘d be less worried about that given it would used less.
Really enjoying the journey. O! for the record, I think the urinal is super …..is fun the right word?
I think option 2 or 1 would compliment the stained glass the best! I do wish that you would skip all uses of AI. AI is killing the planet! Please, please, please do not become one of the AI consumers! It’s going to kill you own creativity while killing the planet!
What if you played off the outdoor barn mural for the tile?
I feel strongly that you should plumb for the tub you want but not install it. There’s a “when” and “if” your plans for someone really living here will come to pass, and it’s not a good use of space now. A cute extra table/vanity space over where the plumbing is to hide it for now. Then if you get there in the future, it may be at a time when you’re less worried about sight lines and other people using this.
Option 3 reminds me of an install in Cincinnati with Rookwood tile…
With the stained glass, option #1 reproducing antique reliefs in a color that complements the stained glass, with maybe one accent color. Or use your own antique-inspired design for reliefs.
Hi Emily, I may have missed some contex somewhere, but is there any particular reason you need two doors in the bathroom? Closing one off would be cheap and easy, and you could massively improve the awkward layout. Love your ideas for this bathroom!