Porcelain tile pops in bathroom spaces
Q. We are renovating our bathroom and replacing the bathtub with a shower that has easy access. We’ve looked at acrylic shower inserts but prefer the look of marble. What are your thoughts on acrylic versus other types of inserts?
A. There are so many imaginative ways to renovate today. How much you want to spend is perhaps the first consideration. Acrylic is an inexpensive choice that is easy to keep clean. But it sounds like you would like a material that has a richer look. Porcelain tiles may be your answer. They are hygienic, easy to clean and long-lasting.
Build your new shower space with safety in mind. The vast selection of shapes, designs and finishes in the tile market supply all the options you require. For the shower floor, choose a mosaic tile with a matte finish. Lots of grout around these tiles creates a slip-resistant surface. For the walls, coordinating tile shapes and sizes makes it easy to customize your look. For the main field, select flat tiles in a larger size — they are available in marble and stone finishes and are not too costly. Then intersperse accent tiles as a border or accent for the shower niches that hold soap and other bathing products. You can even tile the ceiling.
Accent tiles add glamour and character. Look for colorful glass tiles, glittering iridescent versions and rippled textures that imitate water. Tiles that replicate the look of stone or wood complete the design.
This shower from whytile.com shows contemporary stone-look square tiles laid in an off-center grid. The accent bands incorporate even more geometric fun with the pattern continued inside the niche. This is a complex design that takes a talented hand to create and build, but it is inspiring. Enjoy your planning.
Q. I was looking for some color inspiration as I searched through ideas for renovating a small bathroom that was originally a hall closet. The small space had no window and a low ceiling. Orange is one of my favorite colors, but is it too strong for this room?
A. Orange is a happy color. It is a combination of two primary colors — red and yellow — that merges the energy and fiery spirit of red with yellow’s bright and cheerful nature. Orange promotes a sense of well-being and warmth, a very social shade. It’s an attention-seeker, but in a good way, known to rejuvenate and help us look on the bright side of life. We should all have a splash of this uplifting color somewhere in our homes.
You can simply paint the walls in a solid coat, or pick a wallpaper pattern that has orange and pink flowers, large or small. Powerful colors need some kind of contrast to balance out their boldness. Add a pale-blue stripe or border, and hang black-and-white artwork.
Since you have no window, what about a bit of artificial greenery? Tiles are another option, and having rectangular tiles running vertically will lift the ceiling. Accent tiles, plus white grout and sink, create a joyful balance. Hand towels are a final decorative addition that are easily switched when the spirit moves you.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is written and produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Travis at instagram.com/debbie_travis or facebook.com/thedebbietravis, or visit her website, debbietravis.com.