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Regretting bathroom tile selections

8 months ago

My husband and I bought a house a few months ago that needed a lot of renovation- 2 new bathrooms, kitchen update, new tile, refinishing hardwoods…. Fortunately, we were able to secure some great subs and get to work immediately. However, I also had to make a lot of decisions very quickly that weren’t really well thought out (I need to accept the fact that even though I love design, I’m not a designer). After seeing all this tile together, I’m really regretting my choices. Am I just second guessing myself for no reason, or does this all look terrible together? Is there anything I can do to make it more cohesive? Different wall color?

Comments (112)

  • 8 months ago

    The bathroom floor tile looks really nice. You can put a nice dark gray chandelier to be the focus point and a shower door with black / dark grey handles.

  • 8 months ago

    Lean into the eclectic - add a sheer linen Roman shade over the glass block, add wallpaper with bold art layered over it on the tub wall….but please do answer the questions previously asked about countertop, etc. the more info provided the more accurate we can get with solutions. Don’t fret.

  • 7 months ago

    Any updates?

  • 7 months ago

    I appreciate everyone’s comments and suggestions. As much as I originally wanted checkerboard floors, I’ve concluded they are the problem and clash with everything else. I spoke to a designer, and this is the most cost effective remediation plan we came up with:

    1. Paint the walls SW Accessible Beige, which matches the upper tiles in the shower.
    2. Paint vanities, trim and doors SW Pure White.
    3. Hang an antique fixture over the tub. (See inspiration photo below)
    4. Hang pleated linen curtains on a brass rod over the glass block window (like in inspiration picture)
    5. Replace the floor tile with 8” limestone hex tile (see rendering below)

  • 7 months ago

    Well that certainly solves the problem!

  • PRO
    7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    What is the countertop please? I think there should be no pattern in the floor tile.

    Can you please lay all the materials down on the floor, and include the tentative floor replacement? And a name for the counter tp please?

    Don't dig a deeper hole?

    Know that a light over the tub needs ........to meet electrical code.

    : 1) Lighting and ceiling fans cannot be located within a 3-foot wide by 8-foot high area above the bathtub or shower.Feb 10, 2023

  • 7 months ago

    I do like the new floor choice. In my own life, I tend to live with my mistakes it for ten years, then I change it up! I have to figure out a new lighting plan for our townhouse in CO.To be fair, we renovated it in 2013, right before LED lighting was readily available. Lighting designers are few and far between!

  • 7 months ago

    I'll be honest, I like the original tiles better! This one looks less intentional to me (and kind of permanently dirty?), and it's not a perfect match to any texture you already have there. But if you love it, disregard my opinion.

  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    It's stunning! The Accessible Beige is gorgeous in here, it pulls the room together. Everything! I'm so happy for you.

    Thank you soooo much for the update, the bathroom feels well thought out, congrats.

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    I known it's too late now but for ever else, many contractors offer 3D design that can implement your tile choices before finalizing your decision. These guys offer that with there services: https://streamlinehomeimprovement.com

  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    Yes, Steamline, it is too late for a plug. By "these guys" you mean yourself?

  • 6 months ago

    It looks great!

  • 6 months ago

    Accessible Beige appears to be the perfect color for your bathroom! While it would have been better if you started with different tiles, I think that it has turned out nice. Enjoy your new bathroom!

  • 6 months ago

    oh my gosh - it looks terrific! Hope you get many years enjoying the bath & especially the lovely tub

  • 6 months ago

    You could have posted these pics as a new dilemma - "What light to put above my tub" - and nobody would have batted an eyelash at your tiles. I think you would have gotten a whole lot of "What a gorgeous bathroom!"


    Your paint color ties it all together. It is a beautiful room. The shower area had been the biggest problem and now it just looks great. I love a good Audubon print in here.

  • 6 months ago

    Thank you so much, Kendrah. I have really appreciated all of your kind words.

  • 6 months ago

    I don’t even think you need the rug, the checkerboard is magnificent and might just be my favorite part about the space. Simply gorgeous!! 🤎🤍

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    Looks great!

  • 6 months ago

    Post more pics please once the Audubon is up.

  • 6 months ago

    woah! Even though I liked how it looked in the first place, the updated bathroom does look better! Glad you didn't opt for a shower curtain to "fix things" :)

  • PRO
    6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    Yes.....! A darn good outcome from one seemingly fraught with issues.

    But. Asking first is never a bad idea, and e.d.it.i.n.g. is almost always a great idea.

    Great books will have multiple edits that strengthen the story, well before publishing. More words, unnecessary words, do not make a better story.

    Think of design in the very same way: )

    Hope I wasn't too WORDY lol

  • 6 months ago

    It looks wonderful. Any striking piece of art over the tub will become a focal point. The Accessible Beige was a great choice.
    I love happy endings like this!

  • 6 months ago

    Thank you, RedRyder. Your kind words and suggestions were much appreciated throughout this whole dilemma, too. :)

  • 6 months ago

    It looks elegant and uniquely your style. Nice finishing touches.

  • 6 months ago

    I wouldn't give it one more minute of worry. It's a beautiful bathroom! It just needed some accessories!

  • 6 months ago

    I think everthing works well except the shower tile . I would rip out the lower tile and use the same tile all the way down.

  • 6 months ago

    The wall color is perfect. I still would have only done one color tile in the shower if it was me. But alas, it is YOUR bathroom and you do you.

  • 6 months ago

    ^^^ if you read the original post she was trying to work things out with what was already done. And she did great

  • 6 months ago

    Yes gorgeous! I would maybe do a chandelier over the tub but then again my style is transitional/glam :)

  • 6 months ago

    That's the problem when people only pop in and read the last few comments. It's a longer thread (not compared to many others that have gone on and on for years) - and many things were discussed prior to the last photos posted by OP.


    The post is titled, "Regretting bathroom tile selections" - it's pretty safe to assume that after 89 comments (many from pros + talented non-pros), the two tiles used in the shower were discussed many times + advice/suggestions/options provided to the OP.


    OP could have ripped out the shower tile ($$$$) or used a shower curtain to hide it (🥲) - but instead she decided to be positive and try an idea that was suggested re: wall color to make it work.


    If the OP could have started over without incurring a huge monetary loss, she would have. However, she did the smart thing and decided to try to work with what she had first - and she succeeded in turning what she thought was a disaster into a very pretty space.

  • 6 months ago

    Catherine - while the replacement tile you selected would have worked, I am so happy that you didn't remove the existing diagonally installed checkerboard floor (I really like the diagonal set vs. a straight checkerboard).


    It would have been such a waste if you had that tile removed - a diagonally set checkerboard floor requires more overage tile + installation cost more due to the extra cuts involved = even more $$$.


    Plus, it is a stunning floor!

  • PRO
    6 months ago

    All great points, dani!

  • 6 months ago

    Thank you for that, Dani. Yes, exactly! As anyone who has read the entire thread knows, I wish I could turn back the clock and make different choices. I can’t. I discussed options with my installer, and taking out any of the tile would have been a very expensive ordeal. It’s not as simple as just “take out the white tile and replace it with the other.” There’s the waterproofing behind the tile to consider, the effect on the floor tile, etc. I needed to find a way to make it work with the best I could with the (bad) selections I had made that were already in place. I came here for styling ideas (and moral support) and I got that from many people. I sincerely thank everyone for their positive comments and constructive advice!

  • 6 months ago

    I have liked the floor all along. This dilemma has worked out beautifully - and economically!

    We are awaiting the perfect piece of art for the wall near the tub….😊

  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    "Reddish Egret" aka "Purple Heron"

    It picks up the warm and cool tones.

  • 6 months ago

    That is nice! With the right matting and frame, it will look good.

    I chose a large bird photo for over my (never used) jetted tub. Somehow they seem to fit right in with their coloring and serenity.

  • 6 months ago

    This is one of my favorite Audubon prints. Aside from the calming colors, I love the composition. The swoop of the neck and wings with the grasses shooting up. Mother nature wins at composition! I love placing this piece in an angular room that needs a little circular movement.




  • 6 months ago

    The brown tones in top area clash with grey tones in bottom area tiles in shower. Something needs to change so that all are either in grey or brown, not both. Start saving your money for a re-do, and keep the lights low in there. . ..

  • 6 months ago

    ^^^ it's much easier to change the design than a bad aditude...

  • last month

    I know this thread is older but I found it searching for pics of the same flooring. I read through it because I am in the process of trying to make selections for two baths and a laundry room. I am completely overwhelmed to the point of tears even though I have hired a design renovation company. I am sick already that I am making bad choices and its not even started yet. Anyway, I came accross this pic with the design being praised. I thought of this post and thought I would share. FWIW I think your after pictures are beautiful. The designer tagged in this pic is @millieturnerdesigns


  • last month

    @Lori79 - it can be overwhelming for sure, share your layout with some pics in a new thread and you'll get tons of help

  • PRO
    last month

    ^^

    You should begin your own thread

    Show your bath layout, current ( pictures )and planned layout on paper if changing the layout

    Show all your selections, and mark them as to what /where, take pic and upload as a jpeg

    Then? You won't have the tears.......now or once it is all installed. : )

  • last month

    Thank you I think trying to do three spaces at once and having them different but cohesive is super stressful.

  • PRO
    last month

    That's why you start a thread of your own....!: )

    " A design renovation" company generally is not the same as a designer. .....

  • last month

    @Lori79 Thank you so much for this. I'm still having regrets about my tile, but just living with it for now. It is nice to see this picture of a very similar (and well received) design.


    Please do consider starting a new thread with your layout pics and initial selections. People will have some good input and might give you peace of mind. This stuff is very important. You have to live with it and see it every day, and it will affect the value of your home.


    My advice is... better safe than sorry! I'm not sure what style you're going for, but for bathrooms, you can't go wrong with classic Carrara marble and white subway tile (there are so many beautiful textured kinds that go beyond the basic cheap white ceramic.) I know it seems boring, but you can always style it with wallpaper, a cool mirror, vintage rug, fun light fixtures, art, etc.

    You can definitely have more fun in the laundry room with painted cabinets, wallpaper, etc.

  • last month

    @JAN MOYER I am realizing that now. I thought I would be getting more input/guidance on selections. I believe the designer is more of a lay it out and plug in what you select to the rendering. I don't think she would stop me from bad choices lol.

  • PRO
    last month

    ^^

    You are exactly correct. Why? You've been quoted a price with allowances for selections. She works first for the firm, NOT YOU!!

    This is no different than you build a spec house, you go to the builders site and you pick your options from A,B,C and beyond , or upgrade on your own...later .

    The real designer here? It is y.o.u and you.: )

    She will not say no, her job is to get your selections, relay so the firm can order in a timely manner . Her job is pushing the project to that timely completion, and to expect more "caring" from her is to be disappointed. Brutal truth. Start a thread.....

  • last month

    @JAN MOYER exactly and I feel my timeline being rushed when I am in no hurry which is part of my stress.


    I will start a thread with my first dilemma.

  • PRO
    last month

    "In no hurry"......you may not be, but they are, so that their subs can be effectively scheduled, as they make NO money with subs hanging around minus necessary materials in a timely fashion among your project and others. That can quickly turn to delay for you, when you don't have orders and materials as you will lose your subs, to another who IS ready.

    Everything!! /every build of anything is open walls to closed walls.

    In a bath as example? After final layout, the first is bathing PLUMBING. shower diverter, valve etc. Sink drains at the vanity! Tub selection and tub fill.

    All the electrical placement ceiling, switching etc.

    You don't want incur change orders adding to your cost.


    Your thread?

    The layout !!, flat on paper with the dimensions.

    The materials

    The look and feel you are after with an inspo or two

    Put all that in there and you WILL get help here: )