How To Use Decorative Tile In Minimalist Spaces

We love exciting colors and bold patterned tiles, but we also appreciate the minimalist beauty and simplicity of a space filled with soft neural tones. Because we have a fondness for both dramatic and minimal colors and patterns, we have created this blog post to spotlight how you can effortlessly fuse these two styles together. We’ve brought out some of our favorite past renovation projects, from designers who have perfectly fused the bold with the subtle in some unique ways. Here are some tips and techniques to use when incorporating bold patterns with simplistic cabinetry and hardware.

1. Wood Tone Cabinetry and Neutral Tile

Below are two examples of minimalist and neutral spaces that add eye catching interest by using natural wood tones.  Instead of choosing to use a decorative tile that is bright and colorful, these two designers opted for adventurous fixtures like a range hood and sink cabinetry that add a fun flare. In the kitchen below, Tami Faulkner opted to use our Cortina patterned tile in the Grigio colorway which keeps to the same range of hues as the accompanying Carrara subway tile.  The combination of the rich brown range hood and grey patterned tiles is the perfect balance of understated and daring.

 

 

 A luscious wood cabinet was chosen for this design to give a pop of color in this stylish master bathroom. While our Ventana patterned tile was used for the bathroom floor, bright whites were used to keep the space feeling organic and neutral. The result is an elegant space that uses pattern to highlight personal style and a simple palette to create a relaxing atmosphere.

2.  Neutral Hardware, Bold Backsplash

The charming kitchen below will melt your heart with its quaint and homey feel. Offsetting this busy backsplash with super simple cabinetry and hardware, makes it a refreshing and comfortable space.  Amanda Doucette utilized soft brown cabinetry, elegant white counter tops, and Carrara subway tile to keep this farmhouse kitchen organic.  To make her space more unique to her style, she added in our in-stock Crystal pattern in topaz behind her kitchen stove.

 

The monochromatic colorways with the industrial metallic in this space work to offset the transitional design of the backsplash. Brianna Michelle Designs added our in-stock tile, Evolve, above her stove. A unique metal hood brings attention to the area and creates a frame along with simple white cabinets for this stunning tile.

Design by Brianna Michelle Design featuring our in-stock Evolve pattern on honed Carrara

The minimalist master bath below also uses our Evolve collection to add a little pattern in a neutral, sleek space.  Design Danee Bohn kept the colors soft and serene while adding in a modern element with the use of a decorative tile as a feature wall behind the vanity.

 

3. Add in a Statement Floor 

Another way of adding a little pattern into a room is by utilizing decorative tile as an art feature. This can be done as a rug inlay or accent wall. In the bathroom below, designer Bob Thompson kept the walls and cabinetry sleek and clean, then dedicated the space beneath the tub for a stunning inlay of Elemental tile.  The intentional placement of the geometric pattern bring the eye right to the contemporary tub and invited you in for a dip.

 

Here is a minimalist bathroom that combines a geometric patterned tile with a quiet space to create a perfect compromise. While the Alston Tribeca hexagon tile is captivating and bold, designer Kirsten Grove decided to go with the softer colorway to avoid overwhelming the space. This is the perfect example for a client that loves geometric, modern decorative tile but also loves neutral colors and white cabinetry.