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.

DISCOVER YOUR STYLE

Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

Cool & Calming Coastal Chic Bathroom Tile Ideas

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

DESIGN WITH CONFIDENCE

Tile Patterns & Layouts

Tips to Nail Your Grout Color & Design

How to Choose Bathroom Floor Tile

Classic Subway Tile Layouts

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)!

The post Project Spotlight: A Timeless Bathroom With Coastal Flair appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Pick Painterly Patterns

Taking its palette from the ocean that inspires her original watercolors, the Laura Park Seaside Marble wall tile mimics the veining of natural stone while coordinating with the vivid hues of the Cosmo Aegean Blue floor tile. The abstract pattern is derived from the famed designer’s artwork and her signature textiles. Paired with handmade-look Bespoke White—featuring a unique layout of tile 5″ squares and 2.56″ x 5″ rectangles on the upper wall—this artistic bathroom offers layers of visual texture within a beautifully cohesive color scheme.

Discover more painterly palettes and patterns in our exclusive Laura Park designer collection.

2. Showcase a Marvelous Mosaic

A unique shape evokes gentle waves washing ashore on the California beach that serves as the namesake for the Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Pointe Dume tile. The deep blue marble features elegant white veining that enlivens this opulent sink backsplash. Rich and refined, this singular tile is the true jewel of any space—whether in this oceanic hue or its two other exquisite colorways: Matador (green) and Pescador (white).

Discover more signature city-chic designs from the HGTV star in our exclusive Alison Victoria collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Marvelous Marble Tile Bathroom Ideas

3. Add Artisanal Appeal

The stunning, undulating tones of the Cool Blue tile–displayed on the accent wall of this sleek, contemporary bathroom–create a beautiful, water-like effect. This chic handmade-look tile offers the perfectly imperfect aesthetic of authentic artisan tile, but with the added benefits of easy installation and a budget-friendly price tag thanks to its 12″ x 24″ format and pre-scored grout lines.

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

4. Celebrate Beautiful Abstraction

Show off your artistic side with the Big Sur by Jeffrey Alan Marks in Off the Hook tile (also available in blue-green Sea Spray). The abstract, glossy blue patterns are overlaid on a cream-colored matte base, beautifully resembling glazed pottery. With six distinct tile faces, you can create a custom design that’s unique to your space.

5. Punctuate Your Design With Trim

Essential for finishing raw edges and creating graceful transitions between surfaces, trim is also a powerful design tool. Running it between your field tiles is an excellent way to accent your layout—as seen in this elegant bathroom featuring Morris & Co. Hawkdale Pure Chalk handmade-look tile punctuated with Signature Slate Blue gloss pencil trim. These thin bands of blue separate rows of vertical, offset subway tile, adding rich visual texture while tonally complementing the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey floor tile.

Discover more historic patterns from the iconic British designer in our exclusive Morris & Co. collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Elevate Your Space With Trim

6. Fancy It Up With a Floral Flourish

Delicate and feminine, the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper Dutch tile features an intricate blue floral pattern set against a crisp white background. Creating a lacework design across the floor and extending up the accent wall, the motif fills this spacious bathroom with ornate elegance that brings a classical sensibility to the contemporary space.

If you love this classic, bold and whimsical aesthetic, shop our exclusive Kelli Fontana collection.

7. Infuse the Room With Soothing Summer Style

The Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Miramar tile (also available in light-grey Ricon and dark-grey Toro) captures everything we love about laid-back, seaside summers. The blue-and-white patterned tile is designed to resemble faded linen embroidery and pairs perfectly with neutral accents and soft shades, such as the Tribeca Gypsum White tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

8. Add a Touch of Whimsy

A cross between Jane Austen’s drawing room and your grandma’s living room, English country cottage style captures the whimsy, elegance and coziness of the British countryside. In this charming bathroom, the Laura Ashley Sunflower Charcoal With Cloud Blue tile dots the floor with a captivating, geometric floral pattern. Inspired by the iconic British brand’s classic textile designs, the Laura Ashley collection exemplifies this fanciful style with playful patterns in cheery color palettes.

Explore more singular designs in our exclusive Laura Ashley designer collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage

9. Add Coastal Nods

Bursting with personality, this relaxed coastal chic bathroom features the charming Jeffrey Alan Marks Sand Dollar Ocean wall tile (also available in grey Ash). The blue-on-white oceanic pattern radiates a sunny, seaside serenity. We love how it’s paired here with crisp white wainscoting and sink vanity, though this tile would look equally stunning alongside blue fixtures.

Love this refined, coastal aesthetic? Explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Cool & Calming Coastal Chic Bathroom Tile Ideas

10. Make It Sleek & Chic With Subway

Sleek silhouettes are neatly stacked in this stylish bathroom featuring the Hackney Dark Blue handmade-look subway tile. The glossy finish reflects the light, highlighting the tile’s undulating blue tones and creating a stunning jeweled effect across the sink backsplash. The vertical straight stack creates clean, continuous lines that draw the eye up the wall, visually accentuating the height of the room.

Find more classically chic designs in our extensive selection of subway tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Timeless Subway Tile Bathroom Design Ideas

11. Add an Eclectic Flair

This sapphire-hued bathroom from I SPY DIY is a boho dream! The Merrakesh Blue tile is used on the sink backsplash, while the Merrakesh Off White tile is incorporated in a checkerboard pattern along the shower wall, giving the space a unique, sophisticated design. The result is a wonderfully eclectic space full of charming details.

If you love this classic pattern, explore our curated checkerboard pairings for an easy design win. 👉

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Boho Chic

12. Bring in Beautiful Blooms

Featuring delicate blue blooms, the Laura Ashley Pussy Willow Sea Spray tile (also available in Charcoal and Dove Grey) decorates the bottom half of this bathroom wall. Peeking above the pedestal sink, the tile forms a practical yet beautiful backsplash to protect the wall. With six distinct tile faces, this pattern offers an endlessly customizable layout that feels delightfully charming in any arrangement.

Convinced that blue is your hue? Browse our wide assortment of blue tile, and explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post 12 of Our Best Blue Bathroom Tile Designs for 2026 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Even with dark cabinets and floors, the natural light and a whimsical wallpaper brighten the mood in this room.

If you’re all about a light-and-airy color scheme, look no further! Charming wood accents bring a soft, earthy feel to the space.

Who wouldn’t want to look at a colorful, pretty floral pattern while sorting darks and lights? (If floral tile is more your style, check out our post on the topic!)

We’re sensing a floral theme. And it makes perfect sense. What better way to add a sense of openness and light than channeling the bounties of the outdoors?

A rainbow of colors, florals and bright, crips white—this laundry room checks all the boxes. Check out more transformations like this one from the spring 2019 One Room Challenge™ .

This more monochromatic color scheme still manages to brim with life and joy due to greenery and a lively mosaic. If you like how these trim pieces flatter the mosaic, learn more about layering on our blog post.

Bold patterns, ample storage and smart design. It’s fair to say we’re experiencing laundry room envy.

A different twist on laundry room design, this space uses rich earth tones and molded cabinetry to define a traditional space.

We love the mix of shapes and patterns in this space! A black-and-white color scheme balances the statement wallpaper effortlessly.

A transitional laundry room is perfect for incorporating contemporary touches with more traditional elements.

Patterned and encaustic tiles add modern farmhouse flair to room.

This space proves once again that black and white are always a classic color combo.

A softly patterned floor is the perfect complement to bold cabinets and fixtures.

Not a fan of wallpaper? Take the bold patterns onto the floor instead!

Rustic style meets modern amenities in this cozy farmhouse laundry room.

With vintage touches like these, we’re not sure we’re seeing a laundry room or an antique store.

Inspired to do some laundry? OK, that’s a stretch. Inspired to design a better laundry room? That’s better. Schedule your one-on-one design consultation today.

The post 16 Tiled Laundry Rooms We Love appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.