Bathrooms Archives - St. Thomas Interior Designer

How To Layout Bathroom Tile in 7 Easy Steps

Melanie Morris March 30, 2021 Bathrooms, Beach / Caribbean, Color, Interior Design, Tips & Tricks 0

How to Layout Bathroom Tile in 7 Easy Steps

1. Start With the Basics

When we start a new bathroom design, we love to start with the tile. There are so many options to choose from it can sometimes be hard to decide.

Since your tile is so permanent in the home and the labor is expensive, we want to be sure that our choices will do three things.

Suit the architecture of the home
Have some longevity in terms of style
Serve the client well in terms of durability and ease of maintenance

If we have a client who dyes their hair at home in the shower, a limestone shower floor would be a disaster very quickly! We like to keep in mind that your lifestyle will have a direct impact on the wear and tear of your environment.

Make Groups

2. Make Your Tile Selections by Groupings

When it comes to creating a grouping of tiles that will come together and create a unique look, stick to the rule of three. This is an easy, foolproof way to get a great finished product without driving yourself crazy! The practice is basically this, choose three tiles that will pair well together.

The three types of tile are:

Floor tile
Field tile
Accent tile

The field tile is the one you use the most. It’s typically a solid color and textural piece. In comparison, the accent tile is the one with all the colors and adds personality to the room. I love the look above, and it’s such a simple design plan that utilizes very durable materials appropriate for a vacation home.

Bath Remodel
3. Consider the Size and Scale

Pay attention to scale.

The size of the tile you select matters, especially when it comes to creating meaningful layouts for your bathroom. Some patterns are just better suited to larger rooms and vice versa.

When you are looking at small tile samples in a showroom, it’s easy to forget that you will have a lot more of it once it’s installed in the space. To put it into perspective, you can break out the design into two different types of patterns. They are:

Pattern 1 – The repetition of the pattern.
Pattern 2 – The color of the actual piece of tile, which also includes the geometric pattern for the installation.

The combination of these two patterns can create an overly busy design very quickly.

If you have a small shower stall, you might want to stay away from larger format tile. If the installer has to make multiple cuts, the impact of the size and the pattern of the layout can get lost.

In a smaller space, go for either smaller-scale pieces or one big piece. We love the ultra-large porcelain slabs that are becoming increasingly available in sizes as large as 5 ft. X 10 ft.

In larger spaces, you may want to find ways to break up larger runs of tile. However, this doesn’t mean you need more tile options. Instead, try using more of the same thing in different ways. You can vary the direction or change the sizes in the same material to give a slight variation that is still refined yet elevated.

4. Get Creative

Mixing and matching different shapes can provide interest in the finished product. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect mix.

Look for a tile collection you love and use multiple shapes within the same tile line or collection. With contrasting grout, the geometry of your mix will stand out beautifully.
Use larger scale rectangles mixed with elongated hexagons. The two long and lean shapes can help emphasize the height of a room when needed.
Create a frame! A great way to enjoy a bold color or mosaic and add detail to the room is to create a frame and then put the more exotic accent tile in the frame. Some mosaics really do deserve to be treated as art! This might be done at the focal point of a back wall to a shower or possibly on the floor in a larger room. The frame will allow you to place and pattern mosaic into any field tile. Just be sure to buy a beautiful trim to set it off!

5. Get Precise

Tile Illustrations Tile Examples

The difference between an okay tile job and a magnificent tile job is in the details. Having the correct trim pieces is SO essential to getting that high-quality level of finish. I often start a tile search by looking at which collections will offer me all the trim pieces needed.

Be sure to have a plan for every edge. Some great options to use are:

Trim with a solid surface material that matches the countertop.
Look for coordinating bullnose pieces, chair rail tiles, or pencil moldings.
For modern designs, try Schluter trim pieces. They come in a variety of shapes for unique applications.

Tile Design

6. For Dramatic Effect

Once grouted, tiles can take on a completely different look, and the color of the grout can have a dramatic effect on the overall color tone. The contrast of the tile examples above has varying grades of grout that showcase different degrees of detail, and depending on the aesthetic of your bathroom; one may lend itself more to the space than the other. This is something to consider and play with before the whole install is complete.

7. Ensure Proper Planning

Selections
No matter where you are in your process, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan properly. Every detail matters, and as you can see, there are many when it comes to pulling off a flawless tile installation. Great planning will help you to be sure you have all the materials on hand when the installation starts and will help you to be able to get more accurate price quotes for the labor to install your dream bathroom. Simple can be beautiful when thoughtfully planned and executed.

Are you ready to start your new bathroom design? Are you stuck trying to decide what options to go with for your island home? We are here to help! Contact us today so we can help you identify your exact tile selections for your dream oasis. The style of your interiors with durable materials will give you fulfilling days and a lifetime of joy.

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Why Sustainable Interior Design is Important on an Island

PMMAdmin3 October 28, 2019 Bathrooms, Furnishings 2

All about Sustainable Interior Design – The Test of Time, and Island Life

Sustainable interior design can mean so many things. It’s creatively repurposing older items. It’s making beautiful things from materials that would otherwise be discarded. It’s so many things.

A few years ago, Baker Furniture was using an ad slogan, “Things chosen well rather than often.” That has always stuck with me. It is one of our core values to offer clients things which will stand the test of time…and the test of ‘island life’.

sustainable interior design materials were used to build a wooden bathroom vanity — Solid wood construction ensures a long lasting final product.

A few decades ago, everything was made to last. Shoes, clothes, vehicles, and telecommunication devices could be kept like new for years and things could be repaired. Today, items are made cheaply because consumers want more and newer items, and using sustainable building materials is not as important as the price.

Like in the fashion industry, sustainable interior design and home furnishings is important for many reasons. ‘Fast fashion’ in clothing and the home has become popular in the recent decades, because people purchase cheap clothes, throw out the old, and keep buying new.

Fact: The average person in 2014 owned 60% more clothing items compared to the average consumer in 2000 whilst wearing those clothes for only half as long. Americans bought five times the amount of clothes in 2014 as they did in 1980.
EkoEnergy

A Handmade bathroom vanity is made with with sustainable interior design in mind — The bathroom vanity is assembled before painted to ensure everything fits perfectly.

The concept of furnishings and clothing being disposable is no longer one any of us can afford on many levels. I still wear clothes handed to me from my Grandmother, and still have many of her furnishing pieces.

Before shopping for clothes, fashion industry icon, Sarah Jessica Parker, asks herself “Is this a piece I want to have 10 or 15 years from now?” When furnishing spaces for myself and my clients, I ask the same questions.

Making Sustainable Interior Design Decisions

We make decisions for our own spaces with these values in mind. When it was time to choose a bath vanity for our new studio space, we chose one was made by one of our favorite furniture makers, modeling a style of one of their nightstands. All their pieces are made by hand, by real American people in West Virginia. Each piece is signed by the person who made it. The wood they use is sustainably harvested in America.

This vanity was built custom to our office needs. We adored the style, and appreciated the well-made design, and quality materials of the company’s nightstand. They fulfilled our wish by turning this design into a bath vanity which will last in our USVI office for decades to come.

Cheap furniture and pieces may save money initially, but are costly in the long run. Having to replace items every few years rather than every few decades becomes expensive -not to mention, it can’t be a very frustrating and time-consuming process!

blue painted bathroom vanity made with sustainable interior design in mind — The sustainable bathroom vanity gets spray before reassembled.

Why sustainable interior design, makes so much sense:

Living on an island where everything is shipped in via ocean freight, the cost of freight adds a significant expense and time to the item once it arrives.
The cost of buying quality materials helps to offset the price of the services to replace it. When clients design or update a vacation home, they pay so much in freight costs, that it doesn’t make sense to keep buying new furniture every few years. It costs the same to ship a cheap Ikea dresser as it does a beautiful, custom-built vanity.
In addition to the freight costs, handling fees, and other services clients who rent will lose income from blocking off time to do renovations to their villa.
It’s an interruption of business. In the rental market especially; you need to consider that furniture endures a lot more ‘wear and tear’ than a private residential home. Materials, furniture and décor selected for a Caribbean
Disposing of and replacing furniture is not only costly, but it is harmful to the environment.
After the Hurricanes of 2017 a tremendous about of waste was generated from building materials, furniture, yard debris, cars, appliances, everything which were destroyed left our dumps with mountains piled high. Our government struggled to remove waste and debris from the islands.

The finished bathroom vanity hand painted with a matte cobalt blue color.

Even when there are not tropical storms or hurricanes, the amount of garbage and waste in the Caribbean islands is an issue. If everyone chose sustainable interior design materials and furnishings for their homes, we’d have much less of a problem. Think about the Carbon Footprint we are leaving in our precious islands.

Sustainable Interior Design Misconceptions

A common misconception is that when choosing quality furniture and materials, there will be less of a selection. Here at Lagnappe, we work with a variety of vendors, and can customize almost any piece of furniture in any style to match what our clients are searching for. We take time to discuss options with both our clients and vendors.

The process may be lengthier searching through an online catalogue, but the end results give for our clients truly special and unique. In the end, we save them time, because what we’ve chosen for them is made to stay looking fresh and last!

I am passionate about people, passionate about interior design, and also, passionate about the beautiful islands where we live. By preaching sustainability in interior design, we at Lagnappe Custom Interiors seek to achieve the best, and most beautiful results for all three.

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm, specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

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5 Tips for Planning Your Outdoor Bathing Space

PMMAdmin3 August 9, 2019 Bathrooms, Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Properly Planning an outdoor bathing space will allow you to enjoy it even more!

Modern luxury vacation homes, especially in the islands, now have both indoor and outdoor bathing space. Features such as a rainfall showers, incorporating landscaping, and decor mimic a spa experience. Outdoor bathing areas provides the ultimate relaxation, and connect people with nature.

The concept is appealing when you live where the air is warm, with sunshine and tradewinds year long. Something about the experience adds to living that tropical lifestyle, where indoor and outdoor living areas are combined with an open-aired concept.

Outdoor showers are not only an enjoyable luxury, but they’re functional for vacation homes. Keeping sandy feet and swimsuits outside after a day at the beach, or boating can simplify housekeeping later on.

“We love working with our clients on outdoor showers. Our clients love designing these spaces because it is a concept most do not get to enjoy at home. When on vacation, whether it be a whole season, or a week, people want to maximize their time outside. With these features, they can take time to relax while they bathe.”
Tiffany, Lagnappe Custom Interiors

1. Outdoor Showers & Water Fixtures are Easy and Simple

Many love the concept of a rainfall shower in an outdoor bathing area, to mimic the feeling of a waterfall. Large rain can shower heads achieves this, as the water falls softly from above, for a wonderful, relaxing feeling.

“It is key to include a hand-held shower head, or a hose with a spray attachment in the area, as they are often used to rinse off things like dive-gear, surfboards, sand toys, and pets. It also makes showering easier for small kids, and simplifies cleaning,” says Tiffany.

2. Outdoor Bathtubs Maximize Relaxation

Enjoy the relaxing experience of a bathtub, under the sun or while gazing at the stars. You can incorporate a tub in your outdoor bathroom as a statement feature, such as an oval stone bathtub. Corner tubs allow more space, and can be built in-ground within your deck like a pool.

“A tub adds extra luxury. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a big tub during the day. We can even add features such as effervescent bubble jets, heaters, or glowing, decretive lights.”
Tiffany Cassidy, Lagnappe Custom Interiors

3. Location & Landscaping Choices for an Outdoor Bathing Area

Designing your ideal outdoor bathing area includes finding the perfect location to incorporate the views of surroundings and sea.

“Isn’t it true? Location, location, location! Will you position your outdoor tub on a private deck with an incredible view? Consider a courtyard setting with a beautiful garden, for truly tropical experience,” says Tiffany.

Combine the indoor bathing experience with the outdoor surroundings by adding greenery and vegetation. Plants like shrubs and ivy require little work, yet create a refreshing feel for your morning cleanse. If your property includes natural stones or palm trees, your design team can include these within your bathroom.

4. Storage Space in and Outdoor Bathing Space

In an outdoor bathing area, storage space is crucial. You need to be able to tuck away your bathing essentials to prevent them from collecting dirt. Design teams offer suggestions to incorporate storage areas into your bathroom without taking up extra space. Be sure to include lots of hooks or bars to hang-dry wet towels and clothes.

“Whether it’s a niche in a stone wall to hold your shampoos, or a teak cabinet with fresh towels, we have unique ideas to keep the essentials handy,” says Tiffany.

5. Seating & Decor for your Ultimate Outdoor Bathing Space

Depending on the size of your bathing area, consider outdoor furniture, to re-create the spa experience. A simple teak bench, or an elaborate stone seat offer additional space to rest dry items.

“Clients love comfy, outdoor steamer chairs. We offer seating made from recycled plastic, which is eco-friendly and durable,” says Tiffany.

Of course, typical indoor decorations such as artwork and ornaments will not withstand the weather conditions outside in the Caribbean. Your selections need to be made from specific materials and weather-proof when decorating your outdoor bathing space. Choose colorful titles and patterns as basics, then adorn with sculptures and even paintings designed for outdoor use.

Remember, even outdoors in the tropics, you need to enjoy hot water all year round. Your design team needs to work with expert contractors for the plumbing, electricity, and air systems, specific to the climate.

Luxurious outdoor bathing spaces are a compliment to any Caribbean vacation home. Teams like Lagnappe Custom Interiors are experienced in sourcing materials, and know the best options for the climate and location. They ensure their clients have a simple, efficient, and exciting time when planning their future outdoor bathroom.

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