Spotlights
Project Spotlight: A Timeless Bathroom With Coastal Flair
STEP INSIDE
This exquisite bathroom from our Plymouth showroom was designed by Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop Director of Design. A masterclass in layering trim and color, this space infuses timeless architecture with a soothing coastal palette. From the picture-frame shower accent to the molded trim and skirting, every surface is shaped by thoughtful tile details.
Read on for a closer look at the design choices that brought this beautiful bathroom together and for expert tips to help you confidently approach your own tile projects.
Traditional Elegance With Contemporary Appeal
What do we mean when we call a space “timeless”? It combines traditional and contemporary elements, also known as transitional design. This universally appealing style blurs the line between past and present by celebrating the best of both.
Here, you can see how these seemingly disparate styles effortlessly complement each other. Traditional elements in this space include the wainscot-height tile, topped with trim to resemble chair rail molding, and the elegantly carved legs of the wooden vanity. While subway tile may feel contemporary, it actually rose to popularity in the early 1900s—Victorians loved it for how it symbolized cleanliness and modernity.
Decidedly contemporary elements include the sleek lines and a mix of cool and warm neutrals—note the wooden vanity, Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone mosaic accents, and the beige detail in the patterned floor tile. The black shower fixtures, minimalist light fixture and mirror further enhance the contemporary feel of the space, while the color palette evokes the sea and sand of coastal chic design.
This space proves that you don’t need to strictly adhere to a single style. By blending designs, you can create a look that defies trends and is uniquely your own.
A Signature Design
Featuring a suite of pieces from the Tile Shop–exclusive Signature collection, this space exemplifies how to mix these elevated basics to create a design that delivers color, depth and dimension.
Signature Denim gloss subway tile serves as the base of the layout, with layered molding details in coordinating trim. Denim London trim finishes the top of the shower divider, with a band of Denim pencil trim below that is carried across the tiled half wall, creating a traditional chair-rail design. Along the floor, a layer of Denim skirting trim finishes the edge with a subtle decorative flourish.
Designed to coordinate, the Signature collection features a range of subway field tile and matching trim in 16 versatile colors, available in both glossy and matte finishes.
MORE TO EXPLORE | Introducing the Signature Collection
Picture Perfect
A tile “picture frame” detail serves as the focal point of the shower area, creating visual interest by punctuating the design and introducing new colors and shapes to the installation. The Shapes Hex Elongated Off White Two Tone mosaic tile adds a wonderful sense of movement, with vertical and diagonal lines that contrast with the long horizontal lines of the subway tile, installed in a brick-lay pattern.
A successful tile focal point is proportional to the space. Here, the shower fixtures are positioned along the center line of the framed area, while the upper and lower borders allow for a comfortable amount of space around the fixtures, trim edges, and surrounding wall, ceiling and floor.
Off-white grout lines throughout the space provide an element of visual continuity between the mosaic detail and surrounding walls, while subtly accentuating the precise alignment of the frame’s top and bottom borders with the adjacent rows of subway tile.
“You need a trim piece to finish off transitions (where two different finishes come together), so I like to layer in pieces that will work with the overall design.
“If you want your transition to stand out, select a different material or color from your main tile. For a seamless transition, choose a trim piece that matches your main tile.”
–Kirsty Froelich, Director of Design
Layered in Detail
The decorative Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone mosaic tile is framed by three layers of trim. The Signature Denim London and pencil trim pieces are bisected by a line of Signature Gris square pencil trim. Building dimension around the decorative mosaic, these distinct profiles transform the space with crafted architectural detail.
MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Elevate Your Space with Trim
Parisian Pattern
Featuring an ornate motif reminiscent of French scrollwork, the Alison Victoria French Connection Le Marais tile (also available in Saint Germain [dark green] and Montmartre [blue]) introduces subtle pattern to the space. A faded beige brick design draws the eye across the room, making the floor appear wider. Notice how the tile is installed on a diagonal, perpendicular to the tiled shower seat. This placement helps visually open the space, as the design expands outward from the shortest wall.
Bold geometry, delicate florals and HGTV Star Alison Victoria’s signature city-chic motifs—you’ll find a design to suit your space in our extensive selection of patterned tile. 👉
Pro Tip: A built-in shower seat and curbless entry make this space easier to navigate for people with mobility issues—essential elements of universal design.
MORE TO EXPLORE | Ideas to Equip Your Bathroom for Aging In Place
Form Meets Function
The best design elements are both decorative and functional. By providing a stylish space to store toiletries, a niche is an excellent addition to any shower. Here, the niche features the Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone mosaic tile, echoing the decorative picture frame. A band of Signature Denim gloss pencil trim outlines the niche, easing the transition between the recessed shelf and the surrounding tile.
Discover Endless Inspiration
Experience our inspiring vignettes firsthand when you visit your local Tile Shop showroom. There, you’ll find the materials, tools and expert advice to take your project from concept to completion. Can’t make it to a store? Schedule a free virtual design consultation (in-person consultations are also available), or use our tile visualizer to help envision tile in your space.
MORE TO EXPLORE | Bold & Beautiful Bathroom Tile Ideas
We 💖 Your Spaces
We want to see your design expertise! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more inspo there, too)!
Shop The Look
- Signature Denim Gloss4 x 12 in. | Ceramic | 484760
- Signature Denim Gloss SkirtingCeramic | 484768
- Signature Denim Gloss London Ceramic | 484766
- Signature Denim Gloss PencilCeramic | 484767
- Signature Gris Gloss Square PencilCeramic | 484670
- Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone3 in. | Porcelain | 681431
- Alison Victorian French Connection Le Marais13 in. | Porcelain | 683651
