Bathing Beauties: Warming Up A Black Tiled Bathroom

Warming Up A Black Tiled Bathroom

One of my favorite spaces my team and I designed this year was this cabin bathroom! I’m OBSESSED with the black subway tile we chose and had installed all the way from floor to ceiling on every wall. We used a white epoxy grout to make a high contrast against the black tile and I love the graphic effect. But between the huge amount of black tile and the polished concrete floors, we had our work cut out for us to help this space feel less cold and empty.

The first thing we did to help warm up the space was incorporate a little brass with this mirror over the sink. I LOVE mixing metals in bathrooms and kitchens. When everything is the same finish, the result can be really one note. The trick to pulling off the look is to stick to two or three metals, max. And if you go with three finishes, make sure one of them is black!

Another tip for warming up a bathroom is putting down a large runner and incorporating woven baskets made from natural materials as much as possible. Those added layers of texture will help cozy up that sea of tile in a snap!

IMG_6008 copy — We also went with a natural woven shade (this one is from Lowes) for the windows. I like the subtle bit of black in the weave!

The little wooden step stool was another effort to add some warmth and contrast against the dark tile. Do you have one of these stools? We have two at our house. I spray painted one and the other I left unfinished and it’s developed a really pretty patina over time that I’m loving!

IMG_6017 copy — That gorgeous rug already belonged to my clients, but if you’re looking for something similar, click

HERE!

Isn’t the trough sink from Kohler so gorgeous? It might not be a great fit for every home, but it was a no-brainer for this space! This bathroom is directly off a big garage/shop area where the owners keep all their outdoor equipment they use on the breathtaking river running right outside their door. This bathroom needed to be a big, open space that acted as a hallway of sorts, as well as a hand-washing station and of course a place for their three little boys to use the bathroom. (Hello: urinal! That was one of the owner’s design contributions, but I have to admit I actually think it’s pretty cool in here!)

And as a final note, I’d like to go on record to say I think every hand towel for kitchen or bathrooms should always be striped! It’s the sweetest little punch of pattern and charm. These powder blue and white towels were a Homegoods find, where I like to buy almost all of my hand towels! So cheap, so cute.