сондажиIf you haven’t been on the lookout for tile lately, treat yourself and start looking closely at some of the amazing options. It’s no longer just square, 4 x 4 or 12 x 12 inches. And it isn’t for homeowners who can’t think of anything else to do with their walls and floors.

Yes, glass tile is still popular, and people are using it in new and unexpected ways, not just on the kitchen backsplash anymore. (Although I think that is a great application since you can experience it up close and it creates a sense of depth.) Here is a fun application in a shower, the glass tile designating the water flow area of the space.

I also like how tile can really set the mood for a room. This bathroom has glass tile and ceramic tile setting a formal stage for a beautiful bathing area. It just feels like you would be pampered in European spa-like style. Notice that the tub/shower area is a standard size, but the tile treatment really dresses it up.

Natural stone tile has been popular for a long time, and marble is really taking center stage. Note how this shower has the size and height to be very traditional (it feels like it’s from 1920) but the mosaic glass tile on the floor and in the niche bring it into contemporary times. The partial glass wall helps control spray but keeps the space airy and open in a way a shower curtain wouldn’t.

Unfortunately, tile is not an inexpensive endeavor. The product and labor adds more cost to a project than simple drywall or a tub/shower surround would do. I like to help homeowners plan their tile where it will make the most impact, sometimes placing the tile in unpredictable ways or making decorative elements stretch further by using them creatively.

Thanks to my helper for providing a sense of scale in the photos!