Bathroom Tiles - decision time, help!

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I am back again for advices. Rough-ins are in the master bath, we need to make the decision on the tiles, countertop and vanity color. I am overwhelmed by the amount of choices and don't know how to put them together.

Q1: What do you think of the following wall/floor combination?

Shower system & rain shower head (Deltal Vero) and faucets (Delta Trinsic) are all chrome finish.

Wall tile is Mirage's Oxy Royal White, 12X24, nature finish (not sure what's that, stain maybe?). https://mirageusa.net/setting/oxy-ibrido-ox04-p1/

Floor tile is TileBar's Basic Cement Silver or Grigio (a darker shade), matte finish. https://www.tilebar.com/basic-cement-silver-12x24-matte-porcelain-tile.html

I could use Oxy Royal White on both wall and floor, too. In the picture, the big rectangular one is the Oxy Royal White and two small rectangular ones at the bottom are Basic Cement Silver and Grigio.

Also, The bath has only one window that is covered by an oak tree, so not much natural light. With the wall tile finish being matte, would that make the room DULL?

Q2: Tile around the vanity. My plan is to tile floor-to-ceiling for the shower using Oxy Royal White. The pony wall is 36" which should hide the toilet. The shower is 54"x 36". The wall tile will cover the pony wall. Wainscotting behind the toilet and wrap the tile under the window at 42". Question: Should I carry the wall tile to the side wall of the vanity, or should I only wainscotting at 36" so that the wall tile stop in front of the countertop. And then using the gray diamond shape glass tile in the picture to do the side of the vanity and the backslash at 6"?

Q3: Vanity color: Bright White or Warm Grey? samples are in the picture

Q4: Countertop: I am thinking a solid color quartz, no pattern. Should I do white or gray or introduce a 3rd color?

Q5: Contractor suggested that I should use countertop material for the top of the pony wall and top of the shower threshold. Visually from the door, will that be too busy? 36" pony wall vs. 42" wainscotting, countertop-material pony wall top vs. wall tile behind.

My biggest regret for this project is that I am too cheap/ignorant to engage a designer. I had no idea how many decisions are involved in the bathroom remodel!

Featured Answer

Kate Hip

6 years ago

First, you have a good eye for coordinating pieces. You're playing with warm and cool tones, which is actually not easy and you're doing a great job. With all of these matte greige finishes, the bathroom will come across as very modern industrial and very masculine, like, an old warehouse turned into a hip loft apartment. If that's what you're going for, you're on the right track. Go with the dark grey cabinets, tile the walls all the way up, paint the ceiling grey, use black fixtures, add some plants, and trust yourself! You've got this!

If that isn't what you're going for, here are some options to soften the look a bit:

Introduce a shiny glass tile somewhere in this same color palette to play with the light a little bit. Even if you just use it as a little accent stripe, a niche, or the backsplash behind the sink.
Is there a light wood option for the cabinets? Natural elements can help balance the very man-made modernism of concrete-look materials.
Use copper or brass in your fixtures or accents. This covers both concepts from above: natural elements that have a reflective quality. They are also both naturally warm which will help balance the coldness of large format matte tiles.
Paint the walls and ceiling with a creamy white. Again, adding some warmth and balance.

Whatever you do, with your modern minimalist style, I'd recommend slab cabinets, not shaker style. Or, go with open wood shelves with linen or wicker baskets instead of cabinetry

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Comments (6)

A Green
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Kate, you gave me a lot to think about. Shower system & rain shower head (Delta Vero) and faucets (Delta Trinsic) are all in chrome finish. Modern and simple style.

I chuckled at your comments about being masculine. I feel more and more masculine everyday with working from home and all live adults who I talk to being contractors and my husband.

In terms adding warm touches, I was going to add two maple floating shelves above the toilet in natural finish. Installing matte gold trimmed mirror and sconces.

My problem is that I like and can be inspired by almost everything. I am also very economical. Initially I loved the white-marble looking bath, but decided against it because I don't want to "time stamp" my bath remodel. Also because I have to wait until December for tiles... I also liked wood-looking tiles, but was told it's on its way out. Basically what I am trying to say is that I don't have original ideas and I don't have a distinguished personal style. However, here's some room decor I instinctively feel attractive.
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Kate Hip
6 years ago
Sounds like great minds think alike! You definitely like modern and minimalist. I'd recommend light natural finished slab cabinets for your space. It's going to be very peaceful. :)
A Green thanked Kate Hip
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I like floor tile and shower walls the same 12 x24 tile it makes spaces feel larger and also eliminates one choice at least .I use simple porcelain tile not patteren the same color for the shower floor but a smaller tile then you can go with a vanity top with a bit of character . In you case I would do that large tile sample for the flor and the shower walls then go looking for a counter that has a bit more movement in it . A simple glass tile not that shape for the backspash and I would do the darker cabinets . Make sure your lighting is really good and all LED in 4000K. BTW white marble bathrooms have been around for a very long time and are classic IMO.
A Green thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
A Green
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Patricia, thank you for the feedback. I've come across many of your comments as I research the master bath project. I found them very practical and insightful. The bathroom is 8'x9', making it appear to be spacious is one of my goals. I will adopt your suggestion for bright LED ceiling lighting.
A Green
Original Author
6 years ago
About the height of the pony wall. If I do 36" (same height as the vanity), but the wainscotting tile at 42" on the wall behind the pony wall. Is that weird?