Transforming your bathroom tile designs from dull squares to stunning masterpieces is a piece of cake! All it takes is a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of imagination. Luckily, I’ve got a treasure trove of seven incredible techniques to make your design go from “meh” to “wow” without emptying your wallet.
Add Color Bands or Panels
I recommend adding vibrant color bands or panels to enhance the visual appeal of your wall or shower surround. Instead of using a single-color tile throughout, you can introduce a captivating element by incorporating one or more different tile colors of the same type and size. The strategic arrangement of these colors will determine the resulting pattern and influence the atmosphere of the space.
For instance, a checkerboard pattern with high-contrast colors can invigorate and energize your surroundings, making them feel lively and dynamic. On the other hand, a subtle stripe created with similar shades will induce a more soothing ambiance. By experimenting with color combinations and patterns, you can transform your wall or shower into a visually captivating focal point that aligns with your desired mood and style.
Add A Liner Stripe
I recommend incorporating a liner stripe into your tile design to add a stylish touch. Liner tiles are slender and elongated, allowing you to create a distinct stripe or border when combined with field tiles. Although liners may be slightly more expensive, you won’t need a large quantity to achieve the desired effect.
There are various ways to utilize liners effectively, such as creating a bordered panel, encircling the perimeter of your tiled area with a stripe, or including a single stripe at either waist or eye level for a visually appealing focal point. Additionally, liners can be excellently employed as borders around windows, doors, or fixtures, enhancing their prominence and adding a touch of elegance.
Another trendy option to achieve a narrow stripe is utilizing long and slender glass tiles, often called “matchstick” tiles. These tiles are currently in fashion and typically come on a mesh backing, similar to mosaic tiles, and can be purchased by the square foot. With just a few square feet, you can easily cut the tiles off the mesh backing and use them as exquisite stripes in your tile design.
Use A Different Layout
I recommend exploring different tile layouts to enhance the visual impact of your design. The standard horizontal column or vertical row arrangement may be the most common, but numerous layout options can instantly intrigue your tiled surfaces. Even without altering the tile colors, you can create visual interest by changing the layout.
For example, consider a brick-style “running bond” layout, which involves staggering the tiles in a pattern reminiscent of a brick wall. This layout works well with square and subway tiles, giving your space a timeless and classic look. Another option is to set a panel of tiles “on point,” where the tiles are placed at a 45-degree angle, creating a dynamic and visually appealing effect.
If you’re looking for a more intricate design, you can delve into the world of quilt block-inspired layouts. Countless quilt block designs can be adapted to tile layouts, allowing you to infuse your space with a unique and artistic touch. However, it’s important to note that with more complex designs, it’s often best to feature the intricate pattern as a panel surrounded by a simpler layout. This way, the complexity of the design becomes the focal point, while the surrounding tiles provide a harmonious backdrop.
Use Different Grout
When it comes to tile installation, the choice of grout color can greatly influence the overall appearance of your design. Using grout that matches the color of your tiles will result in less noticeable joint lines, allowing the tiles and their colors to become the main focal point of the design. This creates a cohesive and seamless look, where the tiles take center stage as the primary design element.
On the other hand, opting for contrasting grout lines can make your tile layout stand out and “pop.” This is particularly beneficial when utilizing special or complex layouts for your design. By selecting a grout color that contrasts with the tiles, you can accentuate the intricacies of the layout, making it visually prominent and adding depth to the overall design scheme.
Choosing a grout color that strikes the right balance is crucial when working with a particularly intricate layout. Opting for a mild contrast can be a wise decision as it allows the layout to be visually discernible without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. This way, the layout reads clearly, showcasing its unique pattern and adding visual interest to the space.
In addition to grout color, the width of the grout lines can also be adjusted to achieve different effects. Narrow grout lines create a seamless and contemporary look, focusing primarily on the tiles. On the other hand, wider grout lines can create a more pronounced and defined appearance, adding a sense of texture and dimension to the overall design.
Use Different Shaped Tile
It is recommended to use various tile shapes to add visual interest and uniqueness to your design. It’s important to know that tiles don’t have to be limited to square shapes alone. A wide range of rectangular tiles is available in different proportions, such as the ever-popular subway tiles or the sleek and elongated glass tiles known as matchsticks.
Numerous other tile shapes, including octagons, hexagons, circles, triangles, petals, flowers, leaves, pebbles, ogees, and even hearts, can elevate your design to new heights. These non-square shapes offer endless possibilities for creativity and can make a statement in your space.
Mosaics, in particular, have gained significant popularity, and they open up a world of possibilities for incorporating various tile shapes beyond squares. Mosaics allow you to combine different shapes, colors, and textures to create intricate and eye-catching patterns that reflect your style.
Add A Feature Panel
You probably need to consider the addition of a captivating feature panel to enhance the visual appeal of your tiled space. While painted tiles can sometimes come with a hefty price tag, there are affordable ways to incorporate them without straining your budget. One fantastic approach is to create a painted panel or set of painted tiles encircled by one or more borders. This feature can be strategically placed on the back of a shower or tub surround or in any area with a significant tile expanse.
By incorporating a feature panel, you can introduce a focal point that draws attention and adds a touch of artistry to the overall design. This panel can showcase intricate hand-painted designs, vibrant patterns, or even personalized artwork, allowing you to infuse your style and personality into the space. The bordered configuration surrounding the panel creates a visually appealing frame, emphasizing its significance and making it visually striking.
Alternatively, individually painted tiles can be scattered throughout plain tiles, adding bursts of color and visual interest to the overall design. These scattered tiles can act as unique accents, creating a sense of playfulness and breaking the monotony of a plain tile layout. You can arrange these painted tiles in a random pattern or intentionally place them to create a cohesive and deliberate look.
Use Patterned Tile
Using patterned tiles to infuse your space with unique charm and style is also a good choice. While it’s true that tiles with printed patterns can evoke memories of decorative periods we may want to forget, it’s important to note that these patterns also reflect specific styles from various regions worldwide. Embracing patterned tiles allows you to explore diverse design influences and add a touch of cultural richness to your space.
While covering an entire bathroom in Moorish patterned tiles may seem overwhelming to some, it’s essential to recognize that design preferences vary. What may feel excessive to one person could be delightful and captivating to another. However, if you prefer a more balanced approach, you can always feature patterned tiles in a designated panel or limited area of your space. By doing so, you create a focal point that showcases the intricate beauty of the pattern while surrounding it with borders and plain tiles to maintain visual balance and harmony.
The strategic use of patterned tiles allows you to embrace the historical significance and artistic allure they bring while still achieving a design that suits your taste and preferences. Whether you opt for a vibrant Moroccan-inspired pattern, an elegant Victorian motif, or a chic and contemporary geometric design, patterned tiles can elevate the overall aesthetic of your space and serve as a conversation starter.
As you can see, there are many ways to customize and personalize your tilework with different bathroom tile designs. Don’t settle for something boring when you can have “The Unusual” so easily.
