The tile industry is expansive! It comes in every color, size, shape, and material imaginable. It can also go literally everywhere from floor to ceiling and any surface in between. You can spend a little or you can spend a lot depending on your taste and your budget. It adds such a great design element to any room. Choosing design finishes for our new place will begin with tile. We have three bathrooms and one kitchen to update and make beautiful.
We got off to a great start when a childhood friend of my brother’s, Jeff Hardman of Creative Design Works, gave us a bargain basement price on some simple white subway tile. We decided it was a great starting point in all our spaces.
With a clean and classic background providing consistency in all the bathroom showers, I wanted to add accents of color and pizzazz to give each room an individual design. In Jeff’s remnant yard, I found this Sparking White Jumbo quartz countertop that was big enough for our hall bathroom vanity with some left over for a backsplash, as well as trim in the shower.
My next stop was Anaheim Hills Tile Supply where I have sourced tile and countertops for three bathrooms in my own home. There, owner Jennifer Caves and her team helped me create a beautiful design for our hall bath. Pairing the sparkling countertop with the plain subway tile, and then adding a pop of glass and marble bubbles made a fun and beautiful aesthetic.
Our main floor bathroom is the one most guests will use. It is a large space and includes a shower. My dream is a dark green or navy vanity with gold or brass hardware. The shower, of course, will be white subway with a pop of whichever color wins out for the cabinet. Gold hardware is all the rage right now and the choices for fixtures are amazing!
The primary bath is going to be full glam! White subway tiles, carrara marble penny rounds in the
shower pan, white glass and marble bubble accents in the niche, and a white quartz countertop with subtle sparkles throughout. White shaker style cabinets and shiny chrome fixtures will really enhance the glamorous feel.
The kitchen will also have the white subway tile as a backsplash with a white and gray quartz countertop. The cabinets will be shaker style in ash gray.
Design is not my strong suit, so I really like shopping in stores like Anaheim Hills Tile Supply. I was able to find everything I needed at a price within my budget. I like that it is a small, family owned business in my neighborhood with friendly people willing to help.
Some tips I picked up along the way are:
Quartz countertops are durable, non-porous, and won’t stain.
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for floors and shower walls.
Splurge on expensive accents when you only need a square foot or two.
Shop remnants, clearance, overstock, and sales. The material is still beautiful even if you pay less for it!
You know I love a good home project. If you are thinking about one for a new home or for one you want to update or sell, come visit me over at FirstHomeEd.com and let’s chat.
So many good things to come,
Diana Cohen
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