Use Square Tiles
Rather than relying on a complicated pattern, Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau, opted for simple square tiles in a light blue shade for this bathroom. The color variation in the tiles adds interest while making the space feel light and serene. Plus, Vroom struck just the right amount of contrast by pairing the square tiles with the white penny tile on the floor and tub.
Switch Up Your Grout Lines
For this bathroom, interior designer Raili Clasen selected a simple white tile, but the result is anything but boring. Why? Take a closer look at those grout lines. The horizontal grout lines are thicker, creating a super modern, playful, and unique effect. Moral of the story? Your grout can totally change the appearance of your space. Try different thicknesses and variations.
Try Color Blocking
Why choose one color when you can choose two (or three or four)? Using more than one tile color can certainly pack a punch, even when the tiles are in neutral shades, like this shower from Robert McKinley Studio. Not only did McKinley use different color tiles, he also used a combination of squares and rectangles in various sizes. It’s an unexpected design, but since the color palette is tonal and earthy, the shower still feels calming and sophisticated.
Go For a Contrasting Grout
Looking for a way to amp-up your simple white tile? Use a darker grout to really make the tiles pop. You’ll end up with a high-contrast, grid-like pattern that looks totally different than if you'd stuck with a traditional light grout color. Lisa Schulner-Fine, co-founder of Quiet Town, leaned into the retro look with vintage-inspired hardware and bright accessories.
Use Large Tiles
If “sleek, clean, and modern” sounds like your vibe, large format tiles should be on your moodboard. Using larger tiles makes your shower feel non-fussy and simple in the best way. Plus, they’ll never go out of style. Design firm Etch Design Group kept things minimal with this gray-and-white shower, and added a little something extra with the subtle, geometric floor tile.
Use Different Tiles on Every Surface
Who said your walls and flooring all have to be the same tile? Not us, and certainly not interior designer Blanche Garcia. This spunky shower uses three different tiles: long and skinny marbled tile on the side walls, a super cool hexagon tile in olive green on the back wall, and large marble tiles on the floor. The result? A seriously stunning shower that makes a real statement.
Have Fun With Color
Small spaces (like bathrooms!) are a chance to go bold, and the duo behind And And And Studio certainly did that with this space. They opted for bright yellow walls and kept the ball rolling with yellow grout—yes, yellow grout! To keep the space from looking too busy, they went with white tiles and black hardware.
Consider a Mosaic
If you want to make an artistic statement, try a mosaic. The subject can be anything and you can choose colors that suit your taste. Here, designer Amy Storm opted for a neutral, floral design. It’s understated, elegant, and unique. To give the mosaic the attention it deserves, Storm tied back the shower curtain and kept the other materials simple and muted.
Make the Shower Niche Pop
Great design is all about making utilitarian things shine. For instance, the shower niche. Yes, it’s super practical, but it can also be super pretty. Designer Monique Wright made this shower niche stand out by using contrasting tiles: black against white, circles against hexagons, small against large. Doing so helps break up the space and add visual interest. She used the same tile on the niche and on the shower floor to tie it all together.