Baths of the Year 2019: Tying in Tile

A bathroom designed by Rosella Gonzalez incorporates hexagon floor tiles, teal backsplash tiles and two different formats of white tile used as a calming backdrop. All photography by Preview First.

A Mixed Tile Bathroom is Whimsical and Sleek

“The dynamic tile paired with the warm wood cabinetry gives a fun, youthful energy to the space.” — Kelly Smiar, Baths of the Year 2019 judge

When Stacy and Ben went to the Thompson Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, they were awestruck by the resort’s no-door shower and decided to use its spa-like design as an inspiration for their own master bath’s remodel—down to the tree stump the hotel used as a shower bench.

“My husband spent months researching different suppliers,” Stacy says. “He contacted individual people that create tree stumps and finally ordered a real tree stump online.”

Another inspiration came from Madison in University Heights. The couple, keen on geometric tile, were jazzed by the restaurant’s concrete floor. Stacy took a picture of it and gave it to designer Rosella Gonzalez of Jackson Design & Remodeling, who helped them find a match.

“The new design features a stunning combination of patterned tile, which includes the main floor’s striking black-and-white geometric pattern,” Rosella says. “The spa-like shower boldly balances four types of tile.”

For these tiles, Stacy, Ben, Rosella and a friend of Stacy’s spent three hours playing with tile at BDG in Hillcrest. “We had all the tile we liked laying on the floor,” Stacy says. “We just kept moving it around—like 20 times—until we found the tiles and layout we liked. I said, ‘OK, that’s it. We’re done. We are not going back.’”

Interesting textures, gleaming metallics, warm walnut and a calming yet visually dynamic color palette resulted in a luxurious space for relaxing and reinvigorating.

“It’s a hotel experience with a view of the ocean and the best way to start the day,” Stacy says.