|
A custom tile shower or shower/tub combination can make a big difference in your guest or master bath. Custom tile treatments can be cost effective, or well worth the splurge. Here are some ideas for your custom tile bathroom.
Going Small - 6" tile: Most tub enclosures and showers are planned with 12"x12" tiles. A 6" tile is more labor intensive - there are four tiles to carefully place and space for each 12" tile that would normally be used and 6" tiles also cost more per square foot. But this custom tile look for the shower or tub enclosure can be well worth it, especially when combined with a decorative edging (bullnose) and accent piece (listello). If your budget doesn't allow for 6" tiles on all the shower or tub walls, have them has an accent at eye-height to the ceiling.
Metallic Tile Accent:
If you're going to spend a little extra on just one feature, consider upgrading the accent detail. A standard 12" tile can really "wow" with the right accent. Try a stone-look ceramic tile, which adds depth and character - without the maintenance requirements of natural stone. Then accent it with metallic tiles with a rich carved detail that add a touch of sparkle.
Glass Tile Accent:
Glass tiles as accessories can really add flair to your space. You can have an accent stripe and use the glass as diamond or square inserts, run a vertical stripe, and with a bit more of the mosaics you can line the back of a shower niche and really have the glass stand out as a focal point in your shower. The possibilities literally are endless.
Listello Accent
Another cost effective idea that can really impress - use a standard 12" tile, but add one border at eye height or add two separate borders, one at eye height and one 6-12" from the base. The accent border consists of a mini-mosaic, cut from a "sheet". These sheets typically cost in the $20-$35 range, but include 16-18 "rows" of mini tiles. Thus one sheet can cover 9 linear feet for a row of mosaics 2 pieces in height. The tub enclosure tile surround seen in the picture to the left will take between two and three sheets of mosaics, plus a little extra labor - not a bad investment for a fabulous look.
Shower Medallion
An inset medallion or accent can be very labor intensive. The center of the tile must be carefully cut out in exactly the same location of each tile. Some tile lines do offer "premade" tiles with these types of insets, but they can get a little pricey. But even a few of these types of tile details can be impressive.
Ready to Update Your bathroom?
Time to get creative! And if your not sure what you want, our designers at Hatchett can help you come up with a custom tile design that works for your budget and style!
| 
