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.

Even a small space can feel luxurious with the right tile. From sleek porcelain slabs to beautiful mosaics and vibrant patterns, these 12 shower tile ideas will refresh and rejuvenate your limited square footage.

Discover a wealth of possibilities for wet spaces in our expansive selection of shower tile.

1. Surround Yourself With Seamless Luxury

Create a lush, opulent space with oversized porcelain panels. Available individually or in four-piece shower kits, these 32″ x 94″ panels mimic the look of a single stone slab with minimal grout lines, creating a near-seamless finish that makes a small space feel larger—bonus: they’re also easier to clean.

Exuding high-end elegance, this chic bathroom features the Masterstone White panel throughout. A crisp white background with a contemporary mix of beige and grey veining creates a rich stone look and a soothing atmosphere, enhanced by sleek brass fixtures.

Shop porcelain panels in all four exquisite stone looks: Masterstone White, Calacatta White, Max Rapolano Ivory and Statuario Nuovo.

2. Find a Fashion-Forward Focus

A bold accent wall in muted neutrals is the focal point of this fashionable shower. Featuring a hand-drawn geometric design, Nikki Chu Zulu Cement tile (also available in Pumice [beige] and Graphite [black]) is installed in a dynamic zigzag pattern that draws the eye up and across, giving the small space a sense of expansiveness. On the side walls, coordinating Nikki Chu Mrembo Honed stone-look tile echoes the palette of the patterned tile.

If you love this sophisticated, globally inspired design, explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

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Gorgeous Grey Shower Tile Ideas

Ultra-Stylish Neutral Shower Tile Ideas

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Brilliant Black Shower Tile Ideas

Stunning Shower Tile Design Ideas

3. Add Stylish Utility

At the intersection of form and function sits the shower niche—a recessed shelf designed to store your toiletries in style. Perfect for keeping essentials from cluttering a small shower, a niche also provides an opportunity to showcase a decorative patterned or mosaic tile. Here, Laura Park Cosmo Aegean Blue tile is on elegant display, surrounded by coordinating Laura Park Seaside Marble tile.

Designed to complement, the vibrant patterns and calming colors of our exclusive Laura Park designer collection will add artistry to your space.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Introducing The Tile Shop x Laura Park

4. White Tile Shower Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Crisp and clean, white tile is an excellent choice for showers. This bright, invigorating bathroom features Kelli Fontana Tommas Classico marble look tile (also available in grey-veined Carrara). The raised fluted pattern casts soft shadows that shift with the changing light, giving the space a dynamic sense of movement. Run your hand over the gently rounded flutes to awaken your senses in the morning or calm your nerves at the end of a long day.

If you love the whimsical, romantic look of this space—note the checkered Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper floor tile in Eden Ode and Florence Lace—explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection.

5. Create a Playful Pattern

Kids’ bathrooms can be tricky to style—you want a design that can grow with them or transition into a guest bath over time. Hand Makes Home strikes the right balance between playfulness and sophistication in this charming bathroom designed for her young boys. Glass subway tiles in White, Storm and Light Blu are installed in a custom pattern that infuses the space with cheerful energy.

To create a similar pattern of your own, explore our wide selection of subway tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Playful Kids’ Bathroom Tile Ideas

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6. Add Abstract Expressions

Designed to emulate glazed pottery, the Jeffrey Alan Marks Big Sur Sea Spray tile (also available in Off the Hook [blue]) brings expressive movement to this coastal chic shower. Tonally complementing the blue-green Look Avio subway tile on the adjoining wall, this vibrant tile adds rich visual interest—perfect for elevating a small space.

For more relaxed, coastal-inspired designs, explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection.

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

7. Go for a Design Checkmate!

A classic pattern making a major play in contemporary design, checkerboard is a versatile look that enlivens and elevates any space. While black-and-white squares remain a staple, there are many creative takes on the pattern that add an unexpected twist.

Here, handmade Zellige tile in Azul (dark blue) and Light Grey brings a new dimension to the design. The sides of the shower are tiled in Zellige Azul as well, with the glossy surface reflecting the checkerboard pattern on the far wall, making the space feel more expansive.

If you love this authentic, handcrafted look, explore our wide selection of Zellige tile. Or explore our newly expanded selection of checkerboard pairings for an easy play.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas

8. Break Up the Space

Pairing Villa Cool Grey Gloss subway tile and large format Macula Matte tile, this chic shower layout adds a sense of height and expansiveness to the small space. Featuring lush grey veining, the marble look tile along the bottom half of the space creates a sense of movement that draws the eye across the room. On the top half, the subway tile, installed in a vertical straight stack, directs the eye upward, making the wall feel taller.

Stylish and affordable, these tiles prove you don’t need to break the bank to create a stunning space. Discover even more beautiful looks for any budget in our expansive selection of tile under $7.

Pro Tip: Requiring fewer grout lines, large format tile (defined as any tile with one side larger than 23″) will make your small space look and feel bigger.

9. Put in a Picture Frame

Created by “framing” a patterned or mosaic tile with trim, a tile picture frame is a great way to add definition to your small shower. Typically installed around the shower head and handle, this elegant feature provides a captivating focal point while you bathe. Here, the Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone mosaic tile is framed with three layers of Signature trim (Denim Gloss London and Pencil, and Gris Square Pencil). This decorative detail remains tonally consistent with the Signature Denim Gloss subway tile, enhancing the space’s cool coastal feel.

Discover elevated basics designed for mixing and matching in our exclusive Signature tile collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Elevate Your Space With Trim

TILE FOR EVERY STYLE

Coastal Chic

Modern Farmhouse

Japandi

Boho Chic

10. Bathe Your Space In Natural Stone

Small spaces are the perfect place to invest in natural stone. Inherently beautiful, marble, travertine, slate and limestone offer rich details that ensure your space is truly unique. Stone collections include coordinating field, mosaic and trim pieces, so you can achieve a unified look across your entire space.

This lovely shower features Volakas tile throughout. The field tile on the left wall is the same stone used in the Alison Victoria Elia Honed leaf-shaped mosaic on the right wall. A coordinating shower seat provides a place to rest, hold toiletries or assist with shaving.

Explore the rich offerings available in the Tile Shop-exclusive natural stone collections: Volakas, Hampton Carrara, Calacata Evora, Legno, Firenze and more.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Marvelous Marble Tile Bathroom Ideas

11. Create Your Forever Space with Universal Design

Bringing the principles of universal design into your bathroom will help you enjoy it—and your home—longer. Features like a curbless entry, grab bars and shower seats and benches help ease bathing for people with mobility challenges, and add comfort and value to your home.

This shower floor showcases another universal design feature. A tiled “rug” of Laura Park Watercolor Marble herringbone tile is installed in the center of the shower, providing a visual and textural guide, while the many grout joints between the mosaic pieces add traction, reducing slip hazards.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Ideas to Equip Your Bathroom for Aging in Place

12. Consider Your Grout

Don’t overlook one of the most essential elements of your tile design. Grout, whether tonally contrasting or complementary, can make a big impact even in small spaces. A contrasting grout will highlight your layout, while a complementary grout will create a softer look.

Here, Whisper Grey grout peeks out between Signature Bianco Gloss tile. The muted tone matches the Hampton Carrara tile used in the shower niche, creating a tonally consistent visual throughline between the walls and trim.

Pro Tip: Consider your cleaning routine when selecting grout. White grout shows dirt more readily, black grout can highlight soap scum, while grey or beige grout will stay looking clean longer.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Ready to update your small shower? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more small shower spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

Small Bathroom & Shower Tile FAQs

What is the best tile to use for a small shower?

As with any space, the best tile to use is the one that most appeals to you. Since the shower is often one of the first spaces you enter in the morning, choosing a pattern, style or material that makes you feel refreshed and invigorated can help you start your day off right. Alternatively, if you’re a nighttime showerer, a soothing, relaxing look can help you wind down.

What is the best color tile for a small bathroom?

Light-colored tile can make your space feel more open and airy, but if your bathroom has plenty of natural light, you can opt for a darker tile. A highly reflective finish, such as a glossy jewel-toned tile, will help bounce light around the space even if the tile itself is darker.

What tile makes a small shower look bigger?

There are many ways to create a feeling of expansiveness in a small space. Large format tile requires fewer grout lines, making a space feel and appear larger (as do oversized porcelain slabs). Perhaps counterintuitively, small-format mosaic tile can also trick the eye into perceiving a space as larger, as it gives the eye more detail to take in.

Layout can also impact perception. Subway tile can create the illusion of height when installed vertically, or width when installed horizontally.

The post 12 Small Bathroom Shower Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.