I was feeling pretty good about my selections for the new house, maybe a little too good, because as some point I realized I hadn’t picked out the tile.
Do you know how many different kinds of tile they make?
I didn’t want to spend hours and hours looking at hundreds of different tiles, getting a major headache. The good news is that I pretty much knew what I wanted (thanks to all of the gorgeous blogs out there and Pinterest) –
Simple tiles that had a historic feel that would work well in a historic neighborhood. (Aren’t Caroline’s shoes darling? I think they really go well with the floor too.)
For the bathroom and laundry room floors, I’m thinking white hexagon tile with maybe a pattern, mixing in some black tiles for interest.
Below you can see a floor using just the white tile. It looks a bit simple, so maybe some black tiles in a pattern would be even better.
Another idea I considered was adding a “tile rug”. They can put a different pattern in the center of the room, forming a design that looks like a rug for interest.
I also considered these octagonal tile below, but I really prefer the hexagon ones.
For the tubs and shower, I am going with a simple white subway tile. I’ve been around the block long enough to know that tile is expensive to change out, so you want to select something that you will like forever and something someone else will like down the road.
Our current city house has boring, cheap white tiles in the upstairs bathrooms. They may not be fancy, but I have always been happy with them. Had the builder gone with what was in style when my house was built (1978) I would have run out the room screaming when I saw it. (The wallpaper was super disturbing with it’s ginormous brown, blue and gold flower pattern.)
Subway tile is classic, and it’s been around for a long time. It may not always be the height of fashion, but I don’t think it will send anyone out of the bathroom in tears. If someone in my house runs screaming from the bathroom, it won’t be because of the tile. It might however happen due to a variety of reasons – bad hair days, blemishes, temporary water weight gain, really the list goes on and on #lifewithteenagers.
I can always inset a pattern on the wall if I think it’s too boring, but right now I’m thinking plain and simple.
Although the dinosaur is cute, since my kids are older, so I’m looking for a dino-free bathroom.
Here is a marble tile pattern set in the wall, surrounded by subway tile.
I’ll show you what I chose later. Right now the tile is in, but they covered it up for the painting.
Anita, I went with a black and white historic pattern, on the floor, in our new addition and love it! I added a light silver grout too, so it wouldn’t be so difficult to clean. I have been very pleased. You’ll love the subway tile in the showers; I added the silver grout there too. Good luck! There are so many selections! I think you’ve made great decisions!
The floor of our 1916 building has the original hexagon tile, with a colored insert. I’m hoping to keep it in there, but won’t know till it’s all cleaned up if it is salvageable. Who knew almost 100 years later it would be in fashion.
Bliss
Anita, all great choices. I find tile is the hardest for me to pick out and takes the longest. I don’t want to make mistakes with the new house and get something that will be outdated. When I get to that point it will take along time. We haven’t started building yet we are having appraisals done now.
this was one of my hardest decisions..because it is a lasting one that needs to be right! I am just reading your tweet about your plumbing..what a bummer!
I’m with you – simpler is better. Bathroom redo’s are expensive, and white is a classic. I’d do subway tile, too. For floors, I’d keep it white or some shades of white – and simple, classic. The herringbone pattern is nice!
-Revi
decisions, decisions… what to do!
There are an enormous amount of choices in choosing tile and then there are just as many choices in how you will lay your tile and what color and size of grout lines to do. Subway laid white gloss tile is always going to be in style, and will always be a great choice. I love the herringbone pattern. Although I have done floor rugs made of tile, I don’t think I would do it for myself, because although it looks great in an empty bathroom, it doesn’t always work so well when you start laying your actual rugs down. Anxious to see your end results.
Thanks, Patty
A long time ago it was simpler choosing tiles as the selection was not like it is now…Now, there is so many gorgeous tiles out there…I love the look of vintage tile.
You really have amazing taste and such an inspiration. The tile for our home was hard (we have 3 bathrooms) and with all the choices..it was a lot for me to take in…
You are going to love the subway tile. We had it in a turn-of-the-century house and I loved it then and still love it 20 years later. It never really goes out of style although it waxes and wanes in popularity. Can’t wait to see what you picked out- xo Diana
I like subway tile. I can’t imagine having to pick out tile. So, I look forward to seeing what you finally picked. I am sure it is going to be wonderful.
Anita,
I’m curious as to what tile you chose, dear friend!!!
We are considering new floor tile for the entry here on the Prairie. I had thought I wanted one of those ’tile rugs’, but as often as I change things, that may NOT be the correct choice.
I’ll be back soon for the reveal!!!
Fondly,
Pat
I want the shoes! 😉
Eager to see your selections. Your home is going to be fabulous, Anita.
I’ve always love the penny tiles, and subway tiles are timeless as well. Both good choices! I’m anxious to see what you chose- I know it’ll be fabulous. 🙂
I put both subway and hex tile in our current home 10 years ago when we built it and am planning on using both again in our new home which should be completed some time next year. It’s classic, timeless, and goes with virtually everything…and so far, I still love it! Your home is amazing!
Suddenly I don’t feel so alone. I’ve been intending to tile the kitchen backsplash, and have the exact shade of celadon green in my dreams. But I can’t seem to find it in a store! I now trust the universe will send it to me soon.
We’re building a house too, but we’re a little behind you in progress. It’s an exciting time, but also very frustrating.
I love seeing your posts about the progress of your build, and about all your choices in tile, flooring and paint colors.
If you’re interested, feel free to pop over to my blog to see our house in the country. Rogers Creek Farm will hopefully be fully occupied by Oct/Nov timeframe, or at least that’s what my builder told me yesterday! 🙂
Would love your opinion of my idea on my latest posting….thx!