shower bench Archives - The Tile Shop Blog Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:05:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 147117943 A Step Inside: The Eden Project by West Bay Homes https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-step-inside-the-eden-project-by-west-bay-homes/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/a-step-inside-the-eden-project-by-west-bay-homes/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=16910 As a professional wedding photographer, Janelle Elise Milner has a keen eye for beauty. To realize the vision for her...

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As a professional wedding photographer, Janelle Elise Milner has a keen eye for beauty. To realize the vision for her and her husband’s dream home, she turned to celebrated Minnesota designer Kelli Fontana and the team at West Bay Homes. Nestled in a cozy Minneapolis suburb, the new build—dubbed “The Eden Project”—is a luxurious sanctuary for the Twin Cities power couple. Every room offers a sensuous escape, blending lush neutrals and rich natural materials with surprising details that infuse the home with everyday elegance and singular style.

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.

A portrait shot of designer Kelli Fontana and Janelle Elise Flom in her luxurious kitchen full of rich neutrals and natural materials.

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!

This gorgeous pantry features white and beige handmade-look square wall tile in a seemingly random layout.

Featuring: Nuovo Riad Bianco and Nuovo Riad Creme.

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.

A beautiful bathroom vanity featuring long, thin rectangular green handmade-look mosaic tile backsplash. A forest scene wallpaper is reflected in the mirror.

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.

Order $3 samples.

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.

This laundry area features an opulent green marble mosaic backsplash in a unique scalloped shape.

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.

This lush beige bathroom features handmade-look subway wall tile and a creamy white marble herringbone mosaic floor tile.

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.

An overhead shot of a bathroom floor featuring handmade-look subway tile in a herringbone layout.

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.

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.

This luxurious entertaining spaec features a column fireplace surrounded by fluted wood-look tile and plush seating.

Featuring: Violin Decor and DURAL Black Matte.

This stylish bathroom features white handmade-look subway tile with a leaf motif.

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.

A richly luxurious wellness space featuring opulent stone-look wall tile full of rich movement and a cobblestone marble mosaic tile floor.

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.

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.

Find a Tile Shop showroom near you.

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8 Ideas to Equip Your Bathroom for Aging In Place https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/bathroom-tile-design-ideas-for-aging-in-place-universal-design/ https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/bathroom-tile-design-ideas-for-aging-in-place-universal-design/#respond Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://tileshopblog.wpengine.com/?p=13305 The bathroom is one of the most essential—and most frequently used—spaces in any home. It’s also where safety and design...

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The bathroom is one of the most essential—and most frequently used—spaces in any home. It’s also where safety and design intersect in especially important ways. Thinking ahead to how your bathroom will serve you in the years to come is one of the smartest investments you can make.

While many safety features can be added later, planning ahead allows you to integrate them seamlessly into your bathroom’s design today. You don’t have to sacrifice style for function—these thoughtful choices help create a true “forever home.” By incorporating features that anticipate future needs, you can enjoy a beautiful retreat now while also building in peace of mind for years to come.

From slip-resistant flooring to easy-to-navigate layouts, these ideas not only support aging in place but also reflect universal design principles—making daily routines more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, caring for a loved one, or simply planning ahead, here are eight bathroom tile ideas that prove safety and style can go hand in hand.

1. Choose Floor Tile With Grip

One of the most common household hazards is slipping and falling. You can help prevent accidents by choosing bathroom floor tile that provides traction even when wet. Slip-resistant options like tumbled stone, matte or honed porcelain tile and mosaic tile offer better grip and help reduce the risk of falls.

This chic primary bathroom, designed by Julie Howard for Timber Trails, proves that safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. The custom floor design, made with Penny Round Gloss White and Penny Round Cloudy mosaics, is not only fashionable, but the tiles’ small format and many grout joints also provide extra traction throughout the space.

2. Invest in a Wet Room

A wet room—an enclosed area that contains a shower head (or two) and sometimes even a tub—provides the space needed to move comfortably, regardless of mobility. This luxurious West Bay Homes–designed wet room features Claros Silver travertine floor tile and Atlanta White marble-look porcelain wall tile. When properly sealed, the honed and filled travertine offers traction to help prevent slipping, and the grout lines in the hex mosaic add extra grip. The porcelain wall tile is both durable and easy to clean, for simple upkeep. This space is large enough to comfortably accommodate a wheelchair or a second person to assist with bathing, and you could make it even more accessible by adding grab bars, a lower handheld showerhead and a bench.

This large, luxurious wet room features travertine hex floor tile and a white-with-grey-veining marble-look wall tile.
Featuring: Atlanta White, Claros Silver, Claros Silver Barnes, Claros Silver Threshold, Claros Silver Skirting and Claros Silver Hex. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting.

3. Install a Curbless Shower

Even if you don’t have space for a full wet room, removing the curb can significantly improve your shower’s accessibility. Eliminating the step makes it easier for anyone to enter, including those who use a wheelchair. This subtle update creates a more functional space without compromising style—as seen in this chic open shower—but be sure your shower floor is properly sloped toward the drain to prevent water from pooling or flooding.

In addition to being curbless, this shower features an extra-wide entry for easy maneuverability and a herringbone mosaic floor tile to provide grip (as suggested in idea #1 on this list).

4. Highlight the Shower Entry With Contrast

For another layer of safety, make the shower threshold easy to spot with contrasting tile colors. For example, a black curb against a white floor, or darker grout outlining the edges, creates a visual cue that reduces trip hazards without sacrificing design.

While the shower shown below features a raised curb, the designer has ensured the area is clearly visible; a white honed marble curb piece pops against the matte black porcelain floor inside the shower and beyond. Selecting a high-contrast color for the curb signals to the eye that this is an area of transition, making it harder to overlook. It’s a small but significant choice that can make a big difference.

Walk-in shower with white subway tile on the walls and black mosaic tile on the floor. A white shower curb piece clearly delineates between the shower floor and the rest of the space, and makes the curb more visually prominent.
Featuring: Bianco Puro Honed 2 x 8 in., Hex Matte Black Mosaic, Bianco Puro Honed Curb and Black Hex. Design by Jaimie Nelson. Design by @jaimienelsondesign.

5. Add a Shower Bench or Seat

A shower bench is a smart upgrade that can be enjoyed at any age. While a freestanding bench can be placed in a large enough shower, a built-in bench has the advantage of staying securely in place during use. It can also be designed to match your shower tile, helping it look and feel seamlessly integrated into the space.

This elegant Ashford Carrara marble bathroom, designed by @sarablakehome, features a coordinating marble shower bench that provides a stylish, cohesive accessibility update. Ensure your bench is installed at an ergonomic height—typically 17″ to 19″—to make sitting and standing more comfortable.

A luxurious marble shower with built-in shower bench.
Featuring: Ashford Carrara Niles with Black Dot (tile no longer available; achieve a similar look with Ashford Carrara Niles with White Dot) and Ashford Carrara. Design and photography by @sarablakehome.

If you don’t have the space or budget for a full shower bench, a tile shower seat offers a simple and relatively affordable way to boost comfort and make a space more accommodating.

Order $3 samples

6. Install Stylish Grab Bars

Grab bars provide stability when entering or exiting the shower, and today’s options can be as sleek as your fixtures, blending seamlessly into your design. In this sophisticated black-and-white bathroom, designed by @pike_custom_buildersnj, black metal grab bars coordinate with the shower fixtures and colors in the patterned tile. We love how the black grout adds sleek contrast with the white tile while also creating a visual through-line between the surfaces.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t add grab bars right away, consider adding blocking in your shower walls so the necessary support is there if you decide to install them later.

A stylish shower featuring a black-and-grey patterned tile and outfitted with black metal grab bars.
Featuring: Artisan Conte Gris and Signature Bianco Gloss. Design and photography by @pike_custom_buildersnj.

7. Rethink Your Vanity

The standard vanity height—31.5″ not including the countertop—may be too low for you to comfortably perform your daily routines. If you find yourself straining your back to reach the sink, consider raising it to the kitchen counter standard of 34.5″. Alternatively, if you find the standard too tall to accommodate your height or mobility aids, you can lower your vanity instead.

In this design by @oakandmend, the vanity includes a recessed area for a stool, creating a comfortable space for morning and evening routines. Tucking the stool under the countertop keeps the bathroom clear of obstacles, and it can easily be removed to make space for a wheelchair. We love how the Alto Beachwalk chevron tile (this tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Alato Midnight chevron tile) creates a stunning backsplash for this elegant vanity.

This transitional bathroom features a wood vanity with a space for a seat and glass chevron-patterned backsplash tile.
Featuring: Alato Beachwalk Chevron (tile no longer available; achieve a similar look with Alato Midnight Chevron) and Imperial Bianco Matte Hex. Design and photography by @oakandmend.
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8. Add Accessible Storage

Shower caddies often create clutter and can be difficult to reach—especially when hung high over the shower head. A built-in shower niche offers a smarter solution, blending form and function in one. Niches keep essentials within easy reach and off the floor, reducing trip hazards while adding a design focal point. For even more versatility, consider installing multiple niches at different heights, as shown in this marble-look shower, to serve everyone from children to seated adults.

A luxurious shower featuring beige marble-look tile and marble mosaic tile floor.
Featuring: Savannah Antique. Design by Nikki Chu.

Create Your True “Forever Home”

Updating your bathroom with universal design features now is a smart investment that will help expand your options so you can enjoy your home for years to come. Explore our vast selection of bathroom tile for designs that match your aesthetic and meet your needs, or schedule a free design consultation and let our friendly tile experts help outfit your space for both safety and style.

Find a store.

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