Comparing her process to an artist compiling an album, Kelli Fontana ensures that each unique space remains in conversation with the home as a whole. Featuring exquisite tile throughout, The Eden Project is a masterclass in home design. Read on to tour these picture-perfect spaces and discover the curated choices that brought the dream home to life.

All images: Design by West Bay Homes.

A Pantry Prepped for Perfection

Off the main kitchen (shown in the above photo), the pantry offers a private space that works as hard in the style department as it does for food prep. Continuing the warm, neutral palette of its culinary counterpart—notably the white-beige marble backsplash and blonde wood cabinets—the pantry features cream-colored shelving and Nuovo Riad Bianco and Nuovo Riad Creme wall tile in a freestyle checkerboard-inspired design.

While the tile arrangement feels delightfully spontaneous, this sense of ease required careful planning. The installer meticulously mapped out a 60/40 mix of Bianco (white) and Creme (beige), numbering each shade variation in the handmade-look tile to ensure a precise distribution of color. The thoughtful execution achieves tonal harmony within an ostensibly random layout.

This chic design extends past the upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling, amplifying the height of the hardworking space. The soft tones and glossy finish reflect natural light, filling the room with warmth. It’s almost a shame to hide such a stunning space behind its cleverly concealed pocket door!

Featuring: Nuovo Riad Bianco and Nuovo Riad Creme.

MORE TO EXPLORE: KITCHENS

Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas

Small Kitchen Floor Tile Ideas

Small Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas

Elegant & Enchanting: The Twin Stars Bath

On the upper level, the Jack-and-Jill bathroom connects the guest bedroom and playroom and is designed specifically for visiting nieces and nephews. Bursting with personality, this space makes it hard to pinpoint a single “star.” Is it the whimsical, woodsy wallpaper or the charming Kit-Kat Forest tile showcased on the sink backsplash? Perhaps, as they complement each other so wonderfully, they are twin stars—the Jack and Jill, if you will—of this delightful room, providing the perfect balance of playfulness and sophistication.

Through the glass-walled shower, we can see that the gorgeous, undulating green tones of the handmade-look mosaic tile are carried across the room. Creating a sense of organic movement, the tile’s rich shade variation evokes hand-drawn lines—reminiscent of a neatly colored page in a sketchbook, but with precision alignment that lends stylish finesse. A fine DURAL Plus Gold 24K pencil liner outlines the shower niche and the edge of the bench—a refined detail that elevates the space, while maintaining its playful nature.

On the floor, the USA-made Moonstone Off White tile, in 12″ x 24″ large format (main bathroom) and Picket (shower), grounds the space in muted off-white tones. This stone-look porcelain features subtle movement through delicate white veining, while the white grout highlights the shower mosaic’s elongated hex shape and provides essential traction.

Featuring: DURAL Plus Gold 24K, Moonstone Off White, Moonstone Off-White Picket and Home Kit-Kat Forest.

A Laundry Room Awash In Luxury

Lovely enough to make you look forward to laundry, the Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Matador tile (also available in Pointe Dume [blue] and Pescador [white]) transforms this utilitarian space into a standout design moment. The marble mosaic’s vibrant veining and vivid tones continue the upper level’s organic green-and-wood theme, though its distinct, rounded shape offers a beautiful contrast to the linear tiles showcased in the previous room.

When she originally fell in love with this tile in the showroom, Janelle saw it oriented with the wider portion at the bottom. While Kelli confirmed that the tile would look beautiful either way, they ultimately decided to install it wide-end-up to draw the eye toward the ceiling and create a sense of upward movement. The choice of a dark grout enhances the sense of drama and highlights the stone’s natural features (though, if you want to emphasise the unique shape, you could use a white grout).

Let this be a reminder not to overlook these “workhorse” spaces. Though they aren’t always guest-facing, bringing beauty into the rooms where you spend time on everyday tasks makes every day a little more joyful.

Featuring: Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Matador.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Charming & Cheery Laundry Room Tile Ideas

Only the Best for the Guests

It is a testament to Janelle’s hospitality that she chose her favorite tile for her guest bathroom. Showcasing our best-selling Coco Canvas glossy tile (also available in matte), this sumptuously tranquil space proves that you can create an exquisitely invigorating tableau with a limited neutral palette.

The handmade-look subway tile features lush shade variation, with undulating beige tones that infuse the walls with an exhilarating sense of movement. Installed in a vertical offset, the layout enhances the shower’s height and the tile’s tonal shifts. While Janelle and Kelli originally considered tiling the entire wall, they ultimately decided on a half-wall in the main area to add visual variety. This resulting horizontal line makes the space feel wider, while the solid cream-painted wall above provides a visual reprieve, allowing the tile to remain the true focal point.

White groutlines pull out the tile’s crispest tones and create a visual throughline to the tub and white countertop. To ground the room, neutral medium-brown wood cabinets and accessories echo the beige variations in the stone. Finally, gold fixtures introduce a warm metallic note that—much like the glossy tile—reflects the light to brighten the space. This mix of warm and cool neutrals results in a chic, contemporary design with timeless appeal.

On the floor, Arctic White Large Herringbone mosaic tile zigzags across the room. The creamy white marble features minimal shade variation, though its nuanced veining adds subtle movement. The small-format mosaic provides plenty of grout lines for essential traction, making it as safe as it is beautiful. While the main floor uses the larger herringbone, the shower floor utilizes the Arctic White Small Herringbone, creating a minute visual distinction between the two spaces. Installed with a complementary grout, the floor is elegantly unassuming, yet abundant in natural detail.

Featuring: Coco Canvas Glossy, Arctic White Large Herringbone and Arctic White Small Herringbone.

SHOP TILE BY TYPE

Perfectly imperfect handmade look

Marvelous marble

Beautifully intricate mosaic

The Primary Suite: Universal Design, Effortless Style

For her primary bath, Janelle wanted a peaceful retreat to start her mornings with intention and unwind after a long day. This bathroom is a masterclass in universal design—full of smart choices that ensure the space remains as functional as it is beautiful for years to come.

Large format, marble-look porcelain tile paves the walls and bathroom floor, offering a luxurious aesthetic that is easy to maintain. Minimal grout lines make the large space feel even more expansive. The polished Simona White wall tile offers a smooth, slightly reflective surface that brightens the shower, while the matte Livingstone Bianco floor tile provides necessary slip resistance. Inside the shower, the coordinating Livingstone Bianco mosaic (also matte) adds even more grip through a dense web of grout lines. The curbless, walk-in shower is wide enough to accommodate mobility aids if needed, and adjustable showerheads make the bathing experience effortless.

These clever features don’t sacrifice an ounce of style. The crisp white stone-look tiles, with their cool grey and warm taupe veining, create a pleasing, contemporary palette. Gold fixtures pop against the creamy white walls, and a band of Hampton Carrara Somerset trim punctuates the design, caping the half-wall and carrying through to the shower. Using trim is an excellent way to incorporate natural stone details, helping any space feel more finished and elevated.

Featuring: Livingstone Bianco, Livingstone Bianco Mosaic, Hampton Carrara Polished Somerset and Simona White.

MORE TO EXPLORE: BATHROOMS

Bold & Beautiful Bathroom Tile Ideas

Ideas to Equip Your Bathroom for Aging in Place

Ultra-Stylish Neutral Shower Tile Ideas

Powder Room Haute Couture

Fashion-forward and naturally appealing, the main-floor powder room is brimming with lush, natural details. The Kelli Fontana Chain Reaction Black on Black wall tile features interlocking pieces of polished marble against a matte marble background. These polished marble “chains” catch the overhead light, creating a sense of depth within the small space. Inspired by luxury fashion, the tile evokes high-end, tailored elegance. Installed vertically, the floor-to-ceiling tile pairs with an oversized arched mirror and vertical woodgrain to emphasize the home’s soaring ceilings.

The marble countertop adds another layer of visual texture, its dramatic veining offering a fluid contrast to the linear grain of the wood walls. Together, these elements create a unique twist on biophilic design—a style that celebrates the colors and forms of the natural world. Even without traditional botanicals, this space “blooms” through its masterful use of organic materials, textures and shapes.

Featuring: Kelli Fontana Chain Reaction Black on Black.

I think of myself as an artist, and every home as an album—a new version of my design. —Kelli Fontana

Tonally In Tune: A Moody Basement Escape

Drenched in warm brown tones, the basement provides a cozy escape—perfect for unwinding after a long day or for a lively gathering with friends. The focal point of this chic space is the central fireplace, featuring fluted wood-look Violin Decor tile. The tile’s vertical grooves draw the eye upward, emphasizing the room’s height, while the wrap-around installation unifies the space, echoing the light brown tones of the sofa and built-in wooden bar. A sleek line of DURAL Black Matte metal pencil trim outlines the firebox–a subtle detail that adds a layer of elevated sophistication.

Though this space is considerably darker than the airy spaces on the upper floors, the rich neutral tones and natural textures keep it in conversation with the rest of the home. Chocolate brown walls envelop the room in comforting serenity, making the expansive space feel intimate. The honeyed wood and wood-look tile recall the organic details sprinkled throughout the home, while the cream-colored chairs, illuminated by a gorgeous glass chandelier, echo the ivory and cream tones of the bathrooms and pantry.

Featuring: Violin Decor and DURAL Black Matte.

DISCOVER TILE FOR EVERY STYLE

Biophilic Design

Quiet Luxury

Transitional Design

The Wellness Hall: A Restorative Final Note

Located off the basement lounge, you’ll find one of the most-used spaces in the house. The wellness hall was designed to accommodate a request from Janelle’s husband for an in-home sauna. Providing the couple a place to relax and reconnect after a long day, the sauna and adjoining changing area feature lavish details that both stimulate and soothe the senses.

Mimicking the look of cut agate, the Riyadh Jade wall tile* fills the space with dramatic movement in warm brown, cool grey, and ivory tones. On the floor, the Queen Beige Cobble marble mosaic tile enhances the spa-like experience with organic natural stone details in a smooth cobblestone design. The intricate web of grout lines provides essential traction, while in-floor heat installed beneath the tile keeps the room warm and toes toasty during frigid Minnesota winters.

*This tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Lafaenza Oro Oceano tile.

Rejuvenating and restorative, the in-home spa continues the warm neutrals and natural details that make this home feel cohesive, even as each space remains distinct. If this house is an album, this is the perfect note on which to end. We hope you have enjoyed our tour of The Eden Project and found inspiration to help envision your own dream space.

Featuring: Queen Biege Cobble. The Riyadh Jade wall tile is no longer available. Achieve a similar look with Lafaenza Oro Oceano or select from our expansive selection of marble look tile.

MORE TO EXPORE: HOME TOURS

West Bay Homes’ Sun Coast Estate

Julie Howard’s “Storybook” Estate

Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total-Home Reno

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Every space deserves good design. Schedule a free in-person or virtual design consultation, and let our friendly experts help bring your vision to life.

The post A Step Inside: The Eden Project by West Bay Homes appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Go All Out With Marble

Nothing exudes opulence like marble. If your space and budget allow, drenching your bathroom in a single stone tile creates a vibrant yet cohesive look that envelops you in luxury. Designed by Nikki Chu, this lush space features Ashford Carrara marble throughout. Rich veining keeps the design visually engaging, even as the marble extends across every surface.

Discover more expressive opulence in our wide selection of marble tile.

2. Pair Grey With White

Featuring purposeful variations in tone and texture, the handmade-look Coco tiles—shown here in glossy White and Amber Grey—lend softness to this simply sleek design. Warm white and grey tones complement each other, while subtle undulation, paired with a stylish herringbone pattern, gives the space a serene sense of movement.

Discover more perfectly imperfect designs in our wide selection of handmade-look tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Classic Subway Tile Layouts

3. Make a Point With Picket Tile

A contemporary twist on subway tile, picket tile resembles its namesake fence style. Neatly stacked, the elongated hexagons create a dynamic mix of straight and diagonal lines. This stunning shower, designed by @yellowstoneinteriordesign, features Splendor Grigio Picket tile. Its beautiful, undulating grey tones enhance the sense of flow and movement, drawing the eye up and across the space.

Make a point with your design—shop our extensive selection of picket tile.

4. Use a Stone Look

Luxuriously expressive, stone offers rich visual movement and timeless style. However, this natural material requires regular upkeep. If you love the look but not the maintenance, consider a porcelain or ceramic alternative.

This fashionable contemporary space features Moonstone Grey stone-look tile. The large format tile displays lush movement that mimics the appearance of oversized stone slabs, all in durable, easy-to-maintain porcelain.

Create bold and expansive spaces with large format tile.

5. Add Black Polka Dots

This beautiful shower, designed by Beginning in the Middle, pairs Firenze Carrara hex marble with dots of Black Marquina. By interspersing grey marble hex tiles with the same-size black marble hex tiles, the design achieves a whimsically chic look full of depth and visual interest.

Recreate this playful design using any two (or more) same-size hexagon tiles.

6. Choose a Marble Mosaic

Featuring natural veining and small, intricate pieces, a marble mosaic offers gorgeous movement and a unique design. This stylish shower, designed by Two Chicks & a Hammer, showcases the Altarae Stone with Glass tile. Richly textured grey-veined marble is complemented by sleek glass framing, creating small rectangular pieces that echo the black-framed “windows” in the glass shower walls. The result is a space full of exquisite contrast and striking symmetry.

Explore mosaic tile for more beautifully intricate designs.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Stunning Shower Tile Design Ideas

7. Set the Mood With Dark Grey

So dark we also included this space in our black shower ideas, Imperial Pewter Matte subway tile sets a restful mood with its stately silhouette and rich charcoal coloring. We love how @hutchdesignbuild paired black fixtures with white grout, creating a stunning tonal contrast that’s softened by the midtones of dark grey tile.

Explore our wide selection of subway tile–one of our most popular styles!

MORE TO EXPLORE | Brilliant Black Shower Tile Ideas

8. Achieve Stately Elegance with a Stone Slab Kit

Virtually seamless and wonderfully luxurious, oversized porcelain slab shower and tub surround kits bring high-end design to your space. Featuring four floor-to-ceiling “slabs,” each kit is designed to line your shower with durable, easy-to-clean porcelain that showcases hyper-real stone details.

Here, Masterstone White fills the shower with stunning grey and beige marble-look veining. Matching Masterstone White mosaic and large format tiles cover the shower and bathroom floor, creating a unified, contemporary look throughout the space.

Shop shower kits in this and three other distinct styles: Calacatta White, Statuario Nuovo and Max Rapolano.

9. Make It Sleek and Chic With Glass Subway Tile

Sleek, reflective and easy to clean, glass tile is an excellent choice for your shower. This stylish space, designed by @hethout__, features the Glass Stoney Grey subway tile–pairing a fashionable silhouette with a depth-enhancing glass surface for timeless elegance and striking shine.

✨ Reflect ✨ your style with our wide selection of glass tile.

10. Go for a Contemporary Blend of Grey and Beige

Mix warm and cool neutrals for a space that feels balanced and contemporary. Here, @jenkrenzhome pairs Umbria White marble-look tile with Star patterned floor tile. The expressively veined stone-look tile features grey and beige tones on a crisp white background, while the patterned tile showcases a black star motif on an aged, off-white base. Together, the warm and cool, dark and light tones create a visually complex space that remains firmly neutral.

Explore our vast selection of patterned tile for more neutrally compatible designs.

11. Choose Movement-Rich Marble

Robust natural grey veining creates a striking tableau full of lush movement in this simple yet luxurious shower designed by Alison Victoria. A crisp white background lends depth to the Volakas marble, allowing warm grey details to stand out. Brass fixtures add a brilliant finishing touch to the understated opulence.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Stunning White Bathroom Tile Designs

12. Accent Stone With Matching Trim

One benefit of choosing a Tile Shop-exclusive stone collection is that it includes matching trim pieces. Trim provides seamless transitions between surfaces while adding stylish accents, elevating and completing your design. This serene space, designed by @kelly_brasch_interiors, features Hampton Carrara marble tile throughout, with polished Barnes trim finishing the tile edges.

If you love this elegant, cohesive look, shop our exclusive grey stone collections: Bianco Colorato, Volakas, Siberian Pearl and Victoria Grey.

13. Add Warmth With a Taupe Tile

Tonally adjacent to grey, taupe—a distinct greyish-brown color—adds warmth to what can otherwise be a cold color scheme. Featuring Weave Taupe Hex, this @ljinteriorsmn-designed shower mixes warm and cool neutrals for subtle contrast. Paired with Signature Bianco Matte subway tile and Hampton Carrara marble hex tile in the shower niche, this serene space demonstrates how to combine shapes, colors and textures to create interest within a limited palette.

Explore our selection of taupe tile for more warm-grey looks.

14. Mix Stone With Stone-Look Tile

Stretch your design—and your budget—by pairing vibrant stone-look tile with natural stone. Bold and dramatic or subtly veined—like the Atlanta White wall tile shown here—marble-look tile comes in a wide range of styles to complement any aesthetic. Paired with Claros Silver travertine, the porcelain tile offers superior durability and easy maintenance, making this expansive wet room easier to care for and clean. We love how the thin grey veining and crisp white background beautifully complement the natural beige and grey tones in the stone floor tile.

Discover a wide selection of stylish and durable stone alternatives when you shop marble-look tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Wonderfully Luxurious Wet Room Tile Ideas

15. Choose an Abstract Pattern

Neutral but far from basic, the hand-drawn patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Cement tile—also available in Graphite (black-and-white) and Pumice (beige)—adds a graphic element to this simple grey-and-white bathroom. Paired with complementary Nikki Chu Mrembo Honed marble-look tile, the patterned tile is simultaneously muted and vibrantly expressive.

If you love this globally inspired, fashion-forward style, explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

16. Use a Unique Subway Layout

Every element in this stylish shower, designed by @design_w_mary, contributes to a vibrant, neutral tableau. The rich grey veining in Africa Tempesta—featured in 8 x 20 in. and 3 x 6 in. subway tiles—complements the dramatic cloudy tones of the Foggy Morning glass subway tile on the back wall. The dynamic double-herringbone layout adds a chic sense of movement that is both playful and cohesive within the overall design.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Timeless Subway Tile Bathroom Design Ideas

17. Mix Your Stones

Travertine, marble and slate come in a wide range of naturally occurring neutral palettes. To add interest to your space, try mixing different stone or stone-look tiles, or choose a tile that combines multiple stone faces—like the Mondrian marble and travertine mosaic showcased in this Timber Trails-designed space. Featuring beige travertine and large blocks of grey and white marble arranged in an abstract pattern, this artistic tile is both invigorating and tonally soothing.

To mix your own design, explore our wide selection of travertine, slate and marble tiles.

18. Create Soothingly Expressive Movement

Featuring bold, dramatic veining, Alvarado Matte tile combines the beauty of marble with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. With tones ranging from light to dark grey and subtle beige shading, this lively tile fills the West Bay Homes-designed shower with movement and a contemporary color palette.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Modern Bathroom Tile Ideas

19. Pick a Dynamic Herringbone Pattern

The zig-zag design of the herringbone pattern, combined with the vibrant grey veining in this Hampton Carrara mosaic tile, creates a dramatic sense of movement that draws the eye across the space. The result is a shower design that feels expansive and dynamic, yet orderly and cohesive. We love how @tilewithstyleokc extends the mosaic tile into the shower niche and along the floor, though you could also introduce another Hampton Carrara tile to add subtle visual interest.

Shop our wide selection of herringbone tile for more dynamic looks.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Super-Chic Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas

20. Embrace Industrial Style With a Chic Cement Look

Rich in visual texture, this space pairs the cement-look Nikki Chu Fusi Stone tile with the Nikki Chu Luxor Cement handmade-look subway tile. Featuring undulating grey tones, the subway tile—installed on the upper half of the shower—offers a subtle contrast to the smooth finish of the large format tile on the lower half. The two tiles, with their contemporary mix of warm and cool grey shades, are tonally complementary yet provide distinct textures and shapes, enriching the space with the soothing visual complexity of high-end industrial design.

Bring Your Dream Space to Life!

Gorgeously serene, grey tile comes in a wide variety of styles and shades. Discover even more looks in our wide selection of shower tile and use the Tile Visualizer to see how they look in your space. Ready for a reno? Schedule a free in-person or virtual design consultation—our friendly tile experts are here to help you create a space you’ll love!

The post 20 Gorgeous Grey Shower Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Add Perfectly Imperfect Details With Handmade-Look Tile

Featuring intentional variations in surface texture and color, handmade-look subway tile blends rough, unfinished rustic design with a sleek, contemporary silhouette. Choose a neutral color and pair it with natural textures for a true modern rustic look—like the Tribeca Gypsum White tile (also available in Oatmeal and Basalt) showcased on this elegant kitchen backsplash.

For a wealth of perfectly imperfect designs, explore our wide selection of handmade-look tile.

2. Choose Sustainable Hardwood

Natural, sustainable materials are essential to modern rustic design. Exposed wood beams and hardwood floors bring warmth and a rugged aesthetic to any space. Made with a eucalyptus core and an oak veneer, engineered hardwood combines the beauty of solid wood with exceptional durability and sustainability. Featuring our exclusive Corlee Heritage Oak flooring, this bright, open space shows how you can extend this modern rustic element from your kitchen to the rest of your home.

Shop our naturally beautiful selection of engineered hardwood for more sustainable styles.

3. Pair White With White

Bright, elegant and endlessly versatile, white tile always feels chic and clean. If you love the airy look of an all-white kitchen, pair your white cabinetry and countertops with white marble—natural materials like stone bring the organic details that define modern rustic design.

This beautiful kitchen, designed by @reems_design, features Hampton Carrara subway tile installed in a herringbone pattern along the backsplash. The subtle grey and beige veining adds rich visual texture, creating a subtle tonal contrast that adds depth to this monochromatic space.

Shop our exclusive white marble collections: Hampton Carrara, Calacata Evora, Volakas, Bianco Puro and Arctic White.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Creative Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair With White Cabinets

4. Choose Stone & Wood Looks

If you appreciate the beauty of natural stone but want to skip the upkeep, stone-look porcelain offers an exceptionally durable and easy-to-care-for alternative. Available in sizes up to 48″ x 48″, large format porcelain tiles pair the beautiful appearance of an expansive stone slab with the scratch-, water- and stain-resistant properties of porcelain. (And unlike natural stone, man-made porcelain will never require sealing.)

Here, Navona Bianco porcelain 24″ x 48″ backsplash tile is paired with Arbour Midlands Hickory Tavern wood-look luxury vinyl flooring. Together, these materials deliver the natural look of wood and stone but are easier to maintain, easier to install and easier on the budget.

Shop our wide selection of marble-look tile and luxury vinyl flooring to find a durable look that suits your space.

MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

5. Pair White Subway Tile With Wood Details

If you’re updating your kitchen, you might already have a white subway tile backsplash. This classic staple is incredibly versatile and, since it first came into popularity in the early 1900s, has continued to feel contemporary. To transition into a more modern rustic look, add natural accents to complement your white subway tile—like the chic wood-patterned range hood featured in this modern kitchen, designed by @almahomes.

Pro Tip: One of our most popular styles, subway tile works with a wide range of contemporary and traditional designs, making it an excellent choice if you like to update your space regularly.

6. Use Natural Stone for a Refined Rustic Look

While today’s marble-look tiles are more convincing than ever before, no man-made material can truly capture the uniqueness and luxury of real stone. No two pieces of slate, travertine or marble are ever the same, and it’s this authenticity that makes them perfect for modern rustic design. Expressive or subtly veined, marble tile adds a refined rustic aesthetic to your kitchen backsplash—as seen in this stunning space featuring grey- and beige-veined Siberian Pearl.

Shop our most popular natural stone materials: marble, slate and travertine.

7. Match a Mosaic With Wooden Cabinets

Like natural stone, natural wood is beloved for its organic beauty and authentic feel, making it an ideal fit for modern rustic design. If your kitchen features wood with a distinctive or prominent grain, try highlighting that detail by pairing it with a geometric tile pattern—like the Imperial Moss Gloss Rhombus tile in this contemporary kitchen, designed by @cassandra_brand_interiors. The uniform grout lines running through this backsplash wonderfully contrast with the fluid, organic movement of the woodgrain in the cabinetry and range hood.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas to Pair With Wood Cabinets

8. Choose Matte Tile for a Contemporary Finish

Beautifully textured with a non-reflective surface, matte tile creates a stunning, modern backsplash. This elegant kitchen, designed by @kindwelldesignco, features Coco White Matte tile. The handmade-look tile showcases subtle color and surface variations that add refined visual texture. We love how it’s paired with white cabinets, a sleek wood range hood and chic black light fixtures for a polished modern rustic design.

9. …Or Shine With a Glossy Finish

Going in another direction, @kjbhomesmpls chose Coco White Glossy for the backsplash in this fashionable kitchen. The sleek finish reflects light, brightening the space and providing contrast to the dark wood cabinets and black countertop.

Shop this best-selling white subway tile in matte and glossy finishes, plus three other neutral colorways: Canvas Matte, Canvas Glossy and Amber Grey Glossy.

10. Feature a Dark Natural Stone

Richly textured and authentically unique, natural stone embodies the essence of modern rustic design. While white marble complements a contemporary color palette, a dark stone—such as the Silver Grey quartzite shown here—adds drama to modern spaces, especially when paired with white cabinets and sleek black fixtures.

11. Pair Stone With Steel

To integrate stainless steel appliances into a modern rustic kitchen, balance them with natural materials elsewhere in your design. A natural stone backsplash—like the Royal White Hex marble featured in this stunning space—adds rustic charm while contrasting with the sleek modern appliances. We love how the crisp geometric hexagon tile brings a dynamic, organic sense of movement to this counter-to-ceiling backsplash.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas

12. Tile to Open Shelving

We love the look of tile extending from counter to ceiling in the previous space, but if your modern rustic kitchen needs added storage, consider reducing the height of your backsplash and using open shelving as a natural stopping point.

In this farmhouse-chic kitchen from I SPY DIY, customer-favorite Nuovo Riad Bianco tile is installed in a brick-lay pattern from the counter up to an extended wood floating shelf, which serves double duty as both a practical storage feature and a place to display a collection of rustic decor.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Small Kitchen Backsplash Ideas With Maximum Style

13. Create a Stylish Sense of Movement With Chevron Tile

The zigzag pattern of chevron tile naturally draws the eye across a space. When paired with the organic veining of marble, it creates a dynamic sense of movement that brings the room to life. In this gorgeous kitchen, designed by Nikki Chu, Meram Blanc Carrara Chevron tile adds soothing visual texture through its soft white and grey tones. The wicker light fixture introduces an extra layer of rustic warmth that balances the stone beautifully.

If you love the fluid movement of this backsplash, shop our wide selection of chevron tile.

14. Incorporate Organic Designs

If you think pattern has no place in modern rustic design, think again! Nature-inspired motifs can add unexpected delight to your space while staying true to the style. This charming kitchen features Morris & Co. Hawkdale Willow Olive tile; the lovely leaf pattern—drawn from historic William Morris wallpaper—adds a touch of greenery that feels both organic and modern.

Shop our wide selection of patterned tile to discover more nature-inspired designs.

15. Pair Dark Tile With Blonde Wood

Modern rustic design favors natural colors and textures, but there’s still plenty of room to express yourself while maintaining a neutral palette. Here, @thedivinelivingspace designed a space that is both soothing and tonally complex. By pairing Glass Stoney Grey tile with blonde wood and white cabinets, the room achieves a tranquil balance of contrasting elements.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Creative Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair With White Cabinets

16. Fill a Large Space With Mosaic Tile

The small pieces that make up mosaic tile create a complex tableau that can make any space feel larger and more dynamic. In this beautiful kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, Hampton Carrara Tumbled Large Herringbone mosaic tile covers the expansive backsplash, providing stunning texture that stands out against the white cabinets, walls and ceiling. In a space this open, a limited palette of colors and textures maintains a sense of tranquility, while the exposed wood beams and wide stone backsplash add subtle contrast and interest.

If you love this richly textured look, explore our wide selection of mosaic tile.

17. Weave a Beautiful Backdrop

Crisp white and warm beige marble are woven together in the Sampson mosaic tile featured on this elegant kitchen backsplash. The intersecting lines of the basketweave design give the space a sense of movement that feels both orderly and organic. Gold hardware elevates the look with sleek, contemporary style, while wooden accessories enhance the tile’s subtly rugged aesthetic.

18. Infuse Your Space With the Textured Detail of Tumbled Stone

Created by quite literally tumbling raw stone with rocks, tumbled marble is at once smooth yet subtly textured. This timeworn look enhances the warmth and character that define modern rustic interiors. Here, Meram Blanc Carrara tumbled marble adds depth and personality to the counter-to-ceiling backsplash while maintaining the soft, neutral color scheme that highlights the wood accents found throughout the space.

19. Add Natural Color

Crisp white stone walls are emblematic of modern rustic design, but there’s still room for color in this contemporary style. To add vibrancy, choose hues that echo the palette found in nature. Green and blue—especially in darker or muted tones—create a calming contrast to warm-toned woods and textured stone. To further enhance the rugged, organic feel of your space, opt for handcrafted Zellige or handmade-look tile, such as the Zellige Dirty Blue Gloss tile shown here.

20. Combine With Coastal Design

There are as many design styles as there are homes—and the people who live in them—because every space, like every person, is unique. If your home already reflects a particular style, or you’re drawn to more than one aesthetic, consider blending them to create a space that truly expresses your individuality.

This kitchen, featuring subtly textured Jeffrey Alan Marks Natural Zen Birchwood White tile, white cabinetry, and a wooden countertop, embodies many characteristics of modern rustic design, while also expressing the breezy elegance of coastal chic style. By blending refined and raw elements, modern rustic design works beautifully with a wide range of contemporary looks.

If you love this relaxed, beachy vibe, explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collaboration.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

21. Go Dark

While modern rustic style often favors a light color palette, incorporating darker elements adds weight and depth to your space. When choosing a dusky tile, select a material that stays true to the style. Black stone and handmade Zellige tile—like the Zellige Dark Grey Gloss tile shown here—embody the rugged, natural aesthetic characteristic of rustic design.

Love the authentically unique character of this handcrafted tile? Shop our wide selection of Zellige tile.

22. Combine Modern Rustic With Industrial Design

The modern side of this versatile style makes it especially compatible with industrial design. Whether you live in an urban loft or a suburban ranch, you can incorporate metals and cement—or cement-look large format tile—into your modern rustic space to create a chic industrial vibe. This stylish kitchen, designed by Angelia Guthrie, features a Calcata Evora Honed tile backsplash; the subtly veined white marble softens the stark industrial elements in this cool, open space.

Let’s Bring Your Dream Space to Life!

No matter your style, we have the materials, tools and expert advice you need to create a space that is uniquely you. Explore our wide selection of kitchen tile—and even more inspiring kitchen tile ideas—to find a design you’ll love. Ready for your reno? Schedule a free design consultation or stop by your local Tile Shop showroom—we’re here to help every step of the way.

The post 22 Ruggedly Chic Modern Rustic Kitchen Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

We recently got to sit down with two of our favorite designer friends, Morgan Molitor of Construction2Style and Stephanie Goldfarb of The Divine Living Space. They answered their most frequently asked tile and design questions from homeowners and fellow designers. From their favorite tiles to whether you should make a statement or keep it timeless, we got the scoop!

Q&A

Q: Do you have an exact plan for each design or do you let things fall into place?

Morgan: We have a process that we always follow that creates the plan. And we always have a design plan before we move into any construction and/or give any bids. Once we get to know our clients, their lifestyle, needs, wants, things that are important to them… this becomes the base for what creates our design plan. Once we know that, it’s simple for the elements to come together into place. 

Stephanie: A plan.. ALWAYS a plan! If you don’t have a plan you will waste money on selections that don’t go together and don’t feel cohesive.

Q: What backsplash would you recommend for a HUGE wall above our range with no uppers?

Morgan: I love statement walls and am drawn to patterns and colors. Recently actually, I just did a statement wall for a project using the Skyline with Gold Stone Mosaic.

Stephanie: There are different ways to approach it. If you want a classic look I would go with longer subway (4″ x 12″ or 4″ x 16″). There are a lot of options and colors in the Imperial collection. I would pair this tile with some chunky open shelves for a beautiful, timeless look.

Check out our guide to subway tile here.

Q: Thoughts on painting interior doors black when you have grey walls and white trim?

Morgan: Love that look and that’s actually exactly what we have in our home! Black interior doors with black casing and white door trim, white baseboards and black window trim all complimented with gray walls. Black window trim was a non-negotiable for my husband Jamie. And gray walls for me. However, we both knew we didn’t want black base trim and we both were on the same page for interior black doors. We loved how the black window trim and interior doors tied the spaces together, but were able to brighten things up with the white base trim and light gray walls.

Stephanie: We did black stained oak doors in our last home and they were gorgeous. Go for it!

Q: What are your favorite bathroom tiles right now?

Morgan: Too many to say just one! That’s what I’m loving about the time we’re living in right now. Brands, manufacturers, designers and homeowners are all wanting and willing to mix styles, patterns, and textures and incorporate different styles and elements into their home. When it comes to a bathroom, I love a good black hexagon tile, big or small, and think that will forever be in style and that subway [tile] will forever be timeless.

Stephanie: The Laura Ashley Charcoal is one of my FAVORITE choices for a laundry room, The 10” black hex for a bathroom paired with a wood vanity, the Bulevar Ceramic for a kitchen backsplash, and a 2” Carrara honed marble tile for a master bathroom floor are my current “go to’s.”  

Q: Best tile for a small bathroom floor?

Morgan: Large or small black hex is what we are drawn time and time again. Subtle and clean, yet makes a statement.

Stephanie: I always recommend using a larger tile for a smaller bathroom. I know it’s counterintuitive, but larger tiles means less grout lines so it looks less busy. I adore the Versatile Light Gray Matte for a classic look. 

Q: How do you decide which pieces to splurge vs. save on?

Morgan: It really depends on your story, your lifestyle. What space is most important to you? Where do you spend the most time within? What do you use the most? Once you’ve dialed in on how you use your home then I’d recommend splurging on those elements. If you love and cook a lot, I’d recommend splurging on your appliances. If you work from your island (like me), have a creative job, and need to continuously be inspired by your surroundings to get your creative juices flowing, a statement yet timeless backsplash is something you might want to invest in. Maybe retreating away to a little oasis and within your home every night is a must to unwind, then I’d recommend investing in your bathroom to create that spa-like feel. 

Stephanie: I tell my clients to find unique pieces for rooms you spend the most time in and then splurge on some pieces that you LOVE for those rooms. Sometimes it’s a rug, other times a light fixture, or maybe it’s a killer backsplash that will really make a statement. 

Q: Make a statement or keep it timeless?

Morgan: Both! I’m all about making a statement, however, I think you can make that timeless as well. Regardless of whether or not to make a statement or to keep it timeless in your home make sure you DO YOU. For us within our home… family, heritage, and pieces that tell a story are all important aspects to me. Both of which can make a statement and remain timeless. When it comes to colors, tiles and styles, I don’t think anything will forever remain timeless. It all evolves and comes back around in one shade, shape, form or another.

Stephanie: I’m all about the statement in my home, but I always say that as long as you stay true to yourself, it will always be in style.

Q: Grey hex tile… white or black grout?

Morgan: Depends on how dark or light it is. If it’s darker gray I’d say white grout. I love a good contrast. If you were to ask Jamie, the contractor and installer, he always says to match it. Remember, imperfections easily show when the tile pops. 

Stephanie: White for sure. I think that’s clean and classic. 

Q: Are large format-tile bathroom walls and floors the new classic or just a trend?

Morgan: I don’t think they are a new classic; I think they’ve been around but you’re just seeing more and more homeowners jump on the bandwagon, and I think it will forever be on trend.

Here, we did a large oversized black tile to give it the illusion of a black slab for half the cost. Paired it with light and bright oversized floor tile to keep it clean, simple and timeless. 

Stephanie: If they are neutral in color, I don’t think they will ever go out of style. The larger tiles that are specific colors may date themselves ten years down the road.

Learn more about how to use large-format tiles in your space here.

Q: How do you find your style?

Morgan: We found our design style when we stopped caring about what anyone else thought. Which is exactly how we’ve been remodeling our current house. I usually say my style is Eclectic Bohemian and Jamie says his design style is Craftsman. I like to make sure every single piece that comes into our home has a meaning, purpose or a story to tell, and Jamie likes to put his carpentry skills to the test. ⁠And best of all, it’s always evolving. Our style might be totally different come this time next year. And all of those elements are reflections you see within our home.⁠ If you looked at our last two homes, they’re nothing like what we’re living in now.

‘Create a space you love & your life will launch off of that.’ Everyday we get to wake up in a home, our home, that inspires, gives us energy, sends daily motivational & sentimental reminders, pushes and breathes life into us. – Morgan

Stephanie: Ha! Great question. I still don’t know what my “style” is, but I know what I love! 

Q: What is a tile you are drawn to and would love to use but haven’t had the opportunity to yet?

Morgan: I have loved the Annie Selke collection, and all the pink tiles, since I laid my eyes on them. And I’ve only gotten one client to add a subtle touch of pink tile in their twin girl jack and jill bath. I would love to have the opportunity to design out a bathroom space with the Annie Selke 3 x 12 subway in a stacked vertical layout within a shower. 2021, goals!

Read more about pink design trends here.

Stephanie: You guys have a floral tile that I have been DYING to use! Flowers are my signature; they are part of my branding and I will never tire of them. Now I just need to find a client who loves florals as much as I do.

A big thank you to Morgan and Stephanie for sharing their expertise on all things design! Follow along with their latest designs on the Construction2Style Instagram and The Divine Living Space Instagram.

The post Designer Q&A – Construction2Style & The Divine Living Space appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.