Hi Everyone,
Can you believe that in the 14th month of the renovation, I’m still designing and making decisions about things like the bathroom floor tile? Although, I must say, that “bathroom floor tile” is music to my ears.
I daresay this was one of the most intense weeks of the renovation.
And, it’s super hot and humid, to boot.
So, what else has been happening?
This will be a quick update.
The painters, usually a team of 3 and sometimes 4, have worked tirelessly on the living room prep. They just finished day 5 with about 2 or 3 more days. If you recall, my fired painter insisted he was nearly finished with the living room prep. I don’t know what this guy’s mental impairment is. However, it’s quite substantial.
The stairs, including the railing and tread finishing, are done. The treads received their final coat of poly early this afternoon.
On a Saturday, Laurel?
Yes, and not only that, but by the owner of Sequoia Wood Flooring, Gary Dessert.
In fact, Gary and Chris, the owner of Painting by Design, were here for nearly two hours this morning.
These two were absolutely heaven sent and I’m grateful.
However, we’re having a bitch of a time with the white stain on the white oak floor.
Please understand that the oak floor in the bedroom and hallway to the bathroom has to be white for many compelling reasons.
However, this post isn’t about the hardwood floor finish downstairs but only highlights what’s going on; it’s all connected.
Thursday was an incredibly intense day with meetings with Gary, Chris, Bob, the electrician, Mark from Kenneally Steelworks, and finally, a delightful and exceedingly knowledgeable new tiler from Jose Tile.
Since I need to get that order going, the new bathroom floor tile is the topic of this post.
Okay, let’s look at the new bathroom design again.
If you recall, a couple of weeks ago, I found a floor mat from Spicher and Co. and could use their app to put it in my room. And then I added the mirror and sconces. They are both on their way.
So, I know I want a 1″ hex tile floor. However, when I tried out this design, it looked too busy.
Still, at the very least, I want a border. One reason is the shower tile is Carrara marble in the 1″ brick pattern.
I’m not changing it. It’s not worth it. But still, I don’t want to overwhelm these small spaces.
I found a fantastic company, American Restoration Tile, from which I stole their ideas. I’d order their tile, too, but the lead time is too long. Plus, they do the design, which adds more time.
As I often do, I used Google to locate 1″ hex tiles and came up with a good source, Stone Center Online, with several different marbles with coordinating shapes. So, I ordered six colors: white, gray, darker gray, muted green, and black. The company contacted me immediately, which is always a good sign.
The tiles arrived about five days later. Also terrific.
I was all set to love the Carrara, however, the Thassos feels more retro in this case. I got the polished version and love the reflection it gives off.
In addition, I was sure I would love my original design, an adaptation of one of American Restoration Tile’s designs. I like it a lot, but I feel it might compete too much with the harlequin pattern in the entry. It’s not that you see them at the same time. If you do, it’s only a sliver of the entry.
In order to get this shot, I had to plaster myself against the double closet doors. As I said, you barely see both floors at the same time, if at all.
Okay, let’s look at my original idea for the bathroom floor tile.
I still like it a lot, but after some reflection feel the large motif competes a bit with the large harlequin diamonds in the entry. Therefore, I did another design.
This is an adaptation of a design by Restoration Tile.
It combines a field of hex tiles and then four rows of square tiles with interlocking Key corners. Around the perimeter, we could either do four more rows of the 3/4″ square tiles or the leftover dolomite 3″ x 12″ tiles from the new shower wall. I have a lot left over.
Finally, I put back some of the design of the original pattern. While I love this one, I think it might be too much. I think I prefer the simplicity of the border with the key pattern. I do think it needs something, or it will look a bit odd at the end of the embrasure hall.
What do y’all think?
Oh, wait! Hold on. Wait! I have one more.
As much as I love the key borders, I think they are too much. However, I covered them up and came up with this interesting, elegant and more subtle design. There does need to be some black. The black marble is Nero Marquina, which I love.
In the meantime, the floor stain for downstairs, which will also be going in the kitchen and upstairs entry, is coming along. Tomorrow, I have to add a sealer and topcoat. I am crossing my fingers the lower level will be ready for its stain on Tuesday.
Incidentally, did a little makeover of Chris Loves Julia’s front door facade after making a comment on their Instagram page. Someone wanted a little photoshop of what that might look like. So, in the spirit of procrastination for other tasks, I had fun with their front door. Please check it out here, and make a comment if you feel like it.
xo,
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Related Posts
The First Renovation Tour Of The Upstairs Living Areas! (Parts 1 & 2)
Floor Stains, Finishes & Stencil Patterns for My Entries & Kitchen
Laurel’s Home Renovation 2024 – News & Deets!
Hardwood Floor and Primary Bathroom Update!
The Perfect White Bedroom Paint Color
The Renovation End Date & Schedule
Happy One-Year Renovation Anniversary + Lots of News!
86 Responses
Beautiful, simple design with history
I really enjoyed your detailed breakdown of bathroom floor tile options! One additional aspect to consider is the thermal properties of the tiles. For instance, natural stone tiles like marble or slate tend to stay cool, which can be refreshing in warmer climates but potentially uncomfortable in colder seasons. On the other hand, porcelain and ceramic tiles are great for integrating with underfloor heating systems, providing a more comfortable and energy-efficient solution for colder climates. It’s something worth thinking about, especially if comfort is a priority in your bathroom design.
#1! Simple but elegant greek key. Perfection!
#1 Pretty and simple.
I placed Carrera tiles in my master bathroom floor recently. Looking back, I would have extended the beautiful hardwood flooring I placed in the bedroom. It would have been 100% better.
On a side note: (and apologies, I missed it) What paint color did you use throughout the home? It’s lovely. Keep up the great work, Laurel. You are almost there! Shalom.
#3 – easier on the eyes and makes an allowance for any rug pattern …
you’re almost there – sending good luck vibes …
I love #1 Greek Key. Classic undertated elegance.
Love the last one but maybe I’m just too plain Jane. I just did my own mosaic pattern on a shower wall a couple weeks ago and instantly regretted it because it is just too busy. The patterns you present are all beautiful though imo
I realized I skipped your video of Cale on his birthday. In looking at that post, I realized that you have an Instagram! Oh my goodness, there’s always someone who doesn’t get the memo. In looking through your IG, I saw a lovely design that was done for the Westchester contest that looked like something you would have done. It incorporated small hex marble and the classic Greek key that we all love. Would you consider “stealing” that design for your bathroom? It just seems like quieting the floor will allow the rest of your gorgeous bathroom to shine.
Hi Margaret,
The reason it looks like something I would’ve done is because it is something I did. lol
You can see the post here.
“The Tile Shop” in Watertown would be worth visiting in person. They support historical patterns.
I like design #3. White Thassos marble is beautiful on its own. Please don’t forget to have the marble sealed before and after grouting. It will also keep the grout lines pristine.
#1 is lovely!! I also like the design from the photograph with the wood vanity, but can’t easily tell how it would work out in your space. Thanks for the fun, Laurel; reading your blog is by far the least stressful way to be involved in a renovation 😀 Everything is looking wonderful.
#1 Numero Uno – definitely. Classic and elegant!
Number one for sure…
Number 1 or 3, I agree less is more.
Are you familiar with Heritage Tile in Oak Park Illinois?
The Greek key border is the most beautiful on its own, but I agree with those saying less is more. I would take the original idea, remove the floral motifs, and continue the border around the corners of the space, like your #3 but using the spaced hex tiles as in the original. I think that adding square tiles to the hex is already more variety than you want in between the harlequin entry and the marble shower tiles–and adding leftover marble around the square border would be yet more.
I LOVE the Greek border!!! That detail is so simple and classic and custom! I DON’T see it as too much – it is an extension of your aesthetic continued into the bathroom.
Leaving the interior in solid hex keeps the flooring from overpowering the other classic details throughout the room.
The solid flooring also allows you to layer in an area rug should you desire one without it clashing with an existing tile pattern.
I love me a solid interior tile with simple, contrast border stripe(s)!
I, too, would go with plan #1. It’s clean, simply and elegant and allows you to change the look at will with throw rugs!
I do like the modified pattern above the Restoration Tile picture with the 2 dark wood vanities. I think they called it a single diamond spark. It doesn’t seem to have a plan #. I think you might lose any Greek key or mosaic pattern under the vanity. Use the 2 color Greek key border in front of the vanity in a rectangle for a rug effect with the 1” hexes under the vanity. You could put a few diamond patterns in the toilet room without a border as shown in the Restoration Tile picture with the 2 dark would vanities. I would personally use 2 separated rows of black hexes as a border instead of the key border. And I would worry about getting tired of the not-easy-to-change green so would probably do it all in white and black or white, black, and medium gray. Light gray grout? Thanks for the fun!
For the size of the area, I vote for #1 for its elegant simplicity, yet obvious attention to details that will give the WOW factor you have everywhere else. I do love the classic design with the snowflakes, but it may be too busy for the area. Perhaps a single central design, but then you have to consider its alignment with openings to the WC and shower.
Everything else is exquisite, keep the focus on them – your sink, mirror, etc.. Let those elements speak and go with floor design #3!
#1…less is more.
Love # 3!
Have you considered #2 with a plain border? The larger centre tile design is triangular which relates to the harlequin in the hallway.
I love the simplicity of #3. You have a lot going on and to me this would be perfect!
Hands down, #1! 😍
I really think the simplicity of number 3 would be perfect for the size of this room.
It could easily get to busy with all that is going on. You don’t want to distract from the beautiful things that you will have in this room!
Chiming in with a “vote” for No. 1. Thanks to your exposing it to me through your blog, I love that elegant, classic key design!
#1 is my favorite.
Your home…. Like number one the best. Simple and elegant.
I have been remodeling for 1 year as of yesterday. Reading your blog has given me a lot of solace throughout the miserable process. I have recently had installed a harlequin Nero marquina and calacatta gold central hallway. I initially planned a black and white mosaic for the adjacent powder bath, but changed to a simple white marble mosaic. I am happy with the choice now that both are installed. I can post photo if it’s helpful.
Man, I am definitely in the minority. I like the plainest of the bunch, #4. It’s all so beautiful.
oops, I meant #3. I was counting what you first put up as #1. sorry!
I’m so sorry Lorrie. You’re right. It is confusing. I should’ve given the first on a number
p.s. Victorian pictures always had beautiful frames.
I vote for #1. Simply elegant!
Thank you for asking Laurel…. I prefer #1 with the Greek Key corners for these three reasons:
1) “Victorian” borders on excess (no pun intended, and, I like excess)
2) All of your other areas have misc. features… remaining consistent with this feature runs in tandem w/other areas in your home, continuing to draw it together
3) I lived in a 1905 opulent apartment in Kansas City for years. My bathroom had the original tile like yours with no border… claw-foot tub, huge pedestal sink, built in medicine cab with beveled mirror and a large beautifully trimmed out double sash window. When I would sit in the tub, or otherwise, often I would stare at the floor tile (walls were gleaming original subway tile), I could get lost in it… the subtle wear over time… almost to the point of dissociation… but only in a pleasant way. I found myself wishing at times that there was an inlaid border to contain/hold my staring into it. Sounds odd, but that floor was just awesome, and a border would have made it more-so – as if the room was WORTHY OF a border.
I agree with Sara and Susie. Less is more. I’d stick with the brick Carrera tile already used in the shower with soft border of large rectangular Carrera marble tile between the spaces that Dan mentioned. I’d prefer walking into a calm retreat, focusing straight ahead on the beautiful woodwork, mirror, and sconces.
Hi Laurel,
Fan for years. Prefer #2 with some green in the center medallions.
I vote for #1!
I think I would go for combining 1 and 2. I like the idea of a border, and the mixed colours of the Greek key design are very attractive, plus it brings in your other tile and uses up some spares. But to me, a border seems to bring on the need for it to frame something rather than just a plain space. On the other hand, you don’t want something that competes with the harlequin squares: even though you hardly see them together, there’s the visual memory. I would put your smaller accent design into the two spaces created by the border: 2 in front of the vanity, not in the middle, and then 4 in the larger space, one in each of the corners, leaving the centre plain. This gives a link to the harlequin squares without making the bathroom design too overwhelming, because you have a plain area up the centre.
I like plan 2 but with 6 of the same smaller designs maybe with green/gray in the middle of each design.
Hands down #1 – classic and timeless. Switch out the green border for med. grey (unless you plan on green touches elsewhere when styling). Same med grey for the grout. Perhaps a Greek key-type customized medallion dead centre of the floor in the same grey and black as borders.
Your house is going to be stunning, Laurel!
Moira
Plan #3 is simply elegant, timeless and allows your gorgeous sconces, mirror and sink to take center stage!
Definitely voting for number 1!
No. 1 No Doubt!!!!
Your Signature Greek Key Please!
P.S. I love this whole reno!
P.P.S. Your stairway railing treatment is da bomb
Oops, I should have said Greek key in grey and 2 black bands on the side. In any case, whatever you choose will look good.
Less is more in such a space. Too much going on in floor tiles makes me dizzy- my eyes do not know where to go.
I want them to focus straight ahead, and also take in the subtlety of the pales and art. I don’t want to be bouncing between 4 different images/ surface.
I am clearly not a designer, but react to visual triggers.
( Just ask Chris about my color sensitivity- I was driving him nuts!)
Hi,
My impression, similar to what others have stated, is #1; has “your” key design, and the plain field of tile within the border strikes my eyes as elegant. Also I like the repetition of the rectanglular shape of the mirror and the border.
#1 is the most elegant looking.
#2 or just a double border of the black and green tiles for me please!
Glad you asked. Your mirror, sconces, mouldings, sink and fixtures are gorgeous. While your original tiled floor rendering is very much of the same period, I think it does overwhelm the space and perhaps detract from the other elements – a case of the chorus drowning out the leads? For me, simpler is better – alternative 3. I also like the Key border but I am unsure if it would make the room narrower or wider.
Simple. Do #1. I am agnostic about the grey as I need to see a good picture of the colors, but keep it simple. No flowers.
Laurel, I am a sucker for art deco tile! I love the one from American Tile Source with the black and green key and florets that has the dark piece of furniture in it. I redid three bathrooms in my century-old home during the pandemic and learned two things—marble is super hard to clean, especially in a shower where soap scum builds up. (I realize your shower floor is not up for discussion but mention this for other readers.) And use a colored grout. White grout on the floor will eventually stain with wear and cleaning and then you have darker grout in heavily used areas and lighter grout elsewhere. And it looks dirty even though it’s clean. I found a light gray grout for my marble gray and white basketweave floors also made the three-dimensional illusion of the basketweave pop more too. That was lost with the white grout. By the second and third bathrooms, I corrected my mistakes. :/ Whatever you choose will be beautiful!
First of all, I would like to see a better image of what the tile floor looks like in the shower. I would like to see a floor that blends well with the shower floor.
I think that the more pattern you use, the more opportunity there is for you to get tired of it in the future. One possibility is to create a simple tile “rug” in the center of the bathroom using the hex tiles. Maybe just white with a black border. Then using the shower floor tile around that and in the water closet. That seems to me to be the direction you are already leaning towards. What if you made the “tile rug” in the center of the room smaller?
How about your very first photo of the vintage un-bathroom with just the border and no asterisks. Leave the center plain, but have the lovely little border. For me, the Greek key design is too rigid and the green adds another element that makes it too busy. I know you will fret and you will struggle and the end choice will be perfect.
Hi Laurel,
How about number 3, but instead of the plain black band, use the greek key (between the hex and the rectangular tile perimeter. The middle of the greek key could be grey; the sides of the greek key black.
I am not as skilled, but my eye says that I really like #2, but it is still too busy to me. I have not read all of the repossess, so do not know if I am repeating. However, I think #2 would be most excellent if you removed the small flowers, and replaced the middle design with three of the large flowers. Or, one large with flanking small ones. For me, who likes rather plain things, I admit, it is still a little too busy. But your eye never fails as far as I can see, and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all your sharing.
I think it all depends o where ou want our eye to go….. a busy floor makes your eye look downward. The plain floor has you focus on the walls, mirro and sconces. I would go with #1. It has interesting details but does not dominate the space.
I like #2. I loved the front door you did for CLJ plus all your responses to the comments!
Hi Laurel,
I love #1! The green adds an unexpected twist, but the pattern is nice and simple. #3 is nice too!
Michelle
Thirty some years ago we were remodeling our 100 year old house. I wanted to tie in the white cabinets and the black appliances in the kitchen so I decided to graph out the entire kitchen floor, tile by one inch tile on mega sized graph paper. I also wanted to include dark green and terra cotta …My contractor nearly had a coronary hahah! I loved that floor for the 27 years we spent in that wonderful old house. Years later, on a visit to the bathroom at the Smithsonian, I was shocked to see an almost identical floor pattern. I guess the classics never really go out of style. I used 1 inch flat clay squares, not hex.
At our beach house I used 2in hex marble, just watch for the random grey tiles, they drive me crazy, and whatever you do, don’t use white grout on white marble,that drives me crazy too.
I agree about not competing with the checkerboard patter in the foyer and so like the simplicity of the interlocking key design with plan white in the center. Can’t wait to see what you pick!
I liked #2 with a little color. I like having a little color in my life.
I liked number 1 the first time I saw it. It gives a wow factor to the room, which I think would be missing without it.
I was looking back at some of your older blog posts and saw this one dated April 11, 2021 under Bathroom Design Inspiration – Revisiting an Old Project. Would you consider using this exact design, using the Carrera marble from your shower, for your new bathroom floor? If you don’t like the brick pattern in the shower, perhaps the same Carrera tile is available in the hex pattern? Using the same tile really brings all of the elements in your bathroom together so very nicely and the tile design even has the classic Greek key pattern which I always associate with you. It’s kind of become your trademark!
No 2 without the circular patterns at 12, 3, 6, 9. I would remove the orbiting pattern from the center design. I would use green single hex tiles in the center of the remaining pattern where there are 2 single hex tiles leaving the rest black. I would get that green into the toilet area either in a border or using the small orbiting design that was removed from the original center pattern. All said without seeing the green IRL but I do love a small amt of green in there rather than a stark black white.
Laurel, I think if #3 is installed, you will find it too plain and wish you had some additional decoration in the center. I am not a fan of bathroom rugs – easy to trip over and a pain to put in the washer plus they take longer to dry. So I prefer #2 but, having followed your reno for awhile, know that you will decide on a combination. Have loved all your decisions. Looking forward to how you decide. 😉
Hi Laurel,
I would go with what is pictured with the dark wood vanities. Not sure what number that is.
I especially like the addition of the green tile. In the borders & the center of the flowers. It would tie in with the green walls.
Whatever you decide will be lovely.
My untrained eye much prefers #1 because it seems to represent you and fits beautifully with the rest of your design in and out of the bathroom. Number 3 is next and very nice. Number 2 is too much for the space and overall look of the lovely bathroom.
PS. I love the door! Fabulous!
Just throwing this out, what about using the leftover tile from the shower, if you have enough.Then you could do your border and it would give you a bit of colour and definition.As one reader pointed out, you will probably have a mat and just think of all the lovely possibilities with that.
I saw your makeover for Chris and Julia, love it, you are the BEST!
Yes well I quite like no 2, It’s got two wooden cabinets in the picture and the bathroom needs a bit of Oomph I agree with you the two rooms will not collide.
Incredible you are still sane with all these tradies.
always like the philosophy of keep it simple, stupid. Enough said.
In my comment I just made please substitute “visual rectangle” for “visual triangle.” Thanks autocorrect!!!🤦♀️🤷♀️
Hi Laurel! I think you have exquisite taste and instinct!! My one thought is that when I look at the bathroom, all I notice is rectangles (black and white frames, black framed mirrors, the dimensions of the floor leading to the sink). I feel like the black border with plain white tiles in the center just creates another visual triangle. I feel like you need something there to soften it up. Maybe doing the accent tiles in a lighter gray that compliments the marble in the shower would lessen that “rectangular” effect and maybe even allow you to add back in the snowflakes. Would also tie the shower to the sink area a little more. But in the end whatever you choose will be gorgeous!!
I prefer #3. I think you have so many beautiful elements in your design that simple is best.
My preference is for the last plain tile with a double border and Greek corners if you forgive the description.
It conveys calm and makes for an ah ha moment when taking in all the other gorgeousness. In solidarity, stay the course.
They’re all lovely but I feel the simple pattern with the key border goes best with the rest of the space. Simple but not plain.
I much prefer your plan with just the simple border with the key pattern in the corners…anything else on the floor is way too busy. (For my eyes anyways. )
I would keep the center of the floor plain since I imagine you’ll have a rug covering some of it anyway. I like the large tiles around the edge, framing the hex tiles. They seem to make the space look bigger and serve as a nice transition to the wood floor design. Using the ones from the shower also draws the entire room design together and they delineating the shower, water closet and main section. I agree the floor needs some black. My favorite is the last design but I’m wondering how it would look if the outer edge of hex tiles was a row of black and white to accentuate the cutoff corners and add just a little more black without introducing a snowflake pattern.
Hi Laurel, I’ve never felt qualified to comment before, but number 1 is a definite preference for me.
Paula
I really prefer #1 and don’t feel the key design in the corner is busy considering the center field is clear in #1. I think this is crisp and elegant, especially in Thassos. I think adding florets (or whatever) to the field is distracting and eventually will become rather tiresome.
I’m possibly confused by the references to Thassos and Carrara and a 1” brick pattern in the shower. I’m not a big fan of 1” square tiles except as needed to do the linear boarder. I’m undecided if the perimeter should be 3×12 Carrara or 1” square Thassos (same Thassos as the hex field). The 3×12 looks good in the drawing but the different marble color vs 1” is worth pondering.
HI LAUREL, I think the example for option #2 is too much. It’s the larger black flowers that are disproportionate. The edge in black and green is not too busy, but it’s difficult to tell unless you map it out on the floor in butcher paper and then can determine what is taking over or not. Maybe the flowers will need to be all smaller or less in number and in a less contrasting color? Might you share what the rest of the bathroom is going to look like? I like #1 as it is simple but I like the third one for a few of the smaller flowers. I don’t know if you are using clean lines or curvy lines for the furniture, so therefore I cannot decide which way to steer. I am a very detail oriented person, and have explored the realm of color and art and fabric since I was a young girl and in art classes and sewing lessons and painting my walls… at least 3 times, in order to get the ‘lessons in color’ I needed. I now live in a spectacular house. I also have a very minimalist aesthetic, but I like what you have selected that has a bit more interest than #3. Professionally, I am a hypnotherapist and a family nurse practitioner so I am an expert at listening to people and helping them to determine what they really want. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Lisa
How about one snowflake in the middle with four smaller ones at 12 Oclock, 3 Oclock, 6 oclock, and 9 oclock — less busy….
And then the borders which are beautiful