Design by Park & Oak

Tile is an investment, and choosing the best combinations can be a daunting task. We've looked to some of our favorite designers and style experts and are taking notes on how to mix tile sizes, materials, and patterns to create warm, layered spaces.

Classic + Curvy

Classic white subway tile is a go-to, and is updated when paired with an open vanity and wave tile. When choosing combinations, a simple stand-by like white subway is a good place to start, and then add an element of tension with a different material and contrasting shape. 

Shop our similar style: Classic White Glossy Subway, Sorrento Wave

 

Design by Julia Marcum | Photo by Andrea Ahedo

One Material All Over

Design blog duo Chris Loves Julia went all-in with one material in the recent renovation of their modern cottage primary bath. The combination of small-scale subway tiles on the wainscot and shower walls, large-scale subway tiles on the floor, and hexagon mosaic on the shower floor feels textural and interesting but is still tranquil.

Shop our similar style: Blue Limestone

 

Design by Heidi Caillier | Photo by Haris Kenjar

Organic + Graphic

In this charming bath, designer Heidi Caillier paired marble subway tile with lots of organic movement with an encaustic tile in a graphic tumbling block pattern. The dark trim on top of the tile wainscot recalls the black floor tile, marrying the seemingly-disparate materials.

Shop our similar styles: Calcatta Gold Subway, Porcelain Encaustic 

 

Design by Rehabitat Interiors | Photo by Amber Breitenberg

Handcraft + Hexagon

A linear tile with a geometric shape is a no-fail modern combo. The designers of this primary bath played with scale and material combining a slim handcrafted tile (turned vertically) with a large-scale hexagon. The hand-crafted nature of the wall tile helps the room feel textural and of-the-moment, while the hexagon brings in a classic note.

Shop our similar styles: Handcraft Crème, Makoto Kuroi Black

 

Design by Eric Olsen Design | Photo by Karyn Millet

Tons of Texture

Using so many different materials in one space is definitely not for the faint of heart, but designer Eric Olsen pulled it off flawlessly. To bring them together, he relied heavily on the repetition of linear elements, dark shades, and raw materials. Notice that each of the three tile choices are applied using stacked bond, which unites their different sizes and materials.

Shop our similar styles: Metro Porcelain Graphite, Desert Gold Tumbled Quartzite, Handcraft Black