Bathrooms

Want a bathroom that makes a statement? A bathroom that rejuvenates you like a resort spa, one your friends and family can’t help but compliment? A mosaic, whether it covers all four walls or just a shower niche, is sure to impress. Here are some of our favorite show-stopping mosaic tile bathroom design ideas that are sure to spark inspiration for your next addition or remodel.

Costa Emerald

This mosaic is nature enhanced! The brilliant jewel tones add a touch of glamour to the simple leaf-shaped tile. This tile creates a bold aesthetic when applied to walls and floors, but if you find that a bit overwhelming, try using it for a backsplash, accent wall or shower niche. For lighter, more blueish tones, try Costa Aegean.

Northbrook Glass

Carrara marble with glass accents gives the Northbrook Glass mosaic its ornate appeal. This beautiful waterjet mosaic has an updated Victorian aesthetic. We love how it adds an antique element to this modern bathroom.

Firenze Carrara and Black Marquina

One of the great things about mosaics is their versatility. If you like two colorways, you can mix them to create your own pattern like Beginning in the Middle did here with Firenze Carrara and Black Marquina hexagon mosaic. This polka dot pattern is unexpected and chic.

Grey Pebble

Looking for mosaic tile shower design ideas? The Grey Pebble mosaic creates a relaxing, spa-like experience. The raised pebbles will massage your feet and give you extra traction. The neutral colors create a soothing, calming environment.

Laura Ashley Leaf Cloud Blue

Sometimes when it comes to a mosaic, less is more. If you’re afraid a bold-patterned mosaic will overwhelm your bathroom, you can create a beautiful, unexpected moment with a shower niche. The Laura Ashley Leaf mosaic adds a stunning pop of color and whimsy to this white-tiled shower wall.

Kitchen

Mosaics make for marvelous kitchen backsplashes, accent walls and floors. Add a pop of color, a beautiful black-and-white pattern, or a stunning and luxurious marble mosaic. For more kitchen inspiration, check out these kitchen backsplash ideas.

Bardot Grey

The grey marble and curved chevrons of the Bardot Grey are the epitome of elegance. The subtle movement of the shapes will instantly elevate any space, whether it’s a kitchen backsplash, shower wall or bathroom vanity.

Hex Matte White with Black Flower

One thing we love about hexagons is their versatility. Add a touch of whimsy to your room with the Hex Matte White with Black Flower pattern, or create your own–we have a wealth of hexagon tiles in a variety of materials and colors.

Victoria Grey Braxtyn

A mosaic can add dimension to your space. The multi-colored marbles used for the Victoria Grey Braxtyn make this tile appear as if it’s popping up from the wall. We love how this simple grey and white mosaic pairs with the stainless steel and white elements in this kitchen, but it could also look stunning next to a bold, dark color.

Sampson Mosaic

The Sampson Mosaic with its geometric basketweave pattern creates a stunning moment on this kitchen wall. The tumbled marble gives this kitchen an earthy but elegant feel, perfect for an elevated country kitchen design.

Bar

These mosaic masterpieces are bar goals! From chic Art Deco arches to fun plays on the classic mirrored bar wall, pull up a stool and raise a glass to these chic and inviting designs.

Lalique

Art Deco designs are having a moment, and we couldn’t be happier! The Lalique marble mosaic embodies the ornate, geometric design made popular in the flapper era. This tile is especially stunning in the arched space above this bar but can be used anywhere you want to add vintage glamour.

Gem by Alison Victoria

Gem by Alison Victoria lives up to its name–this tile is a gem! The deep-green, scalloped marble features subtle veining for extra movement and allure. This is the perfect tile for a backsplash.

Skyline Vintage Patina

The simple lines of the Skyline Vintage Patina mosaic create great geometric allure. We love how the simple black-and-white pattern, reminiscent of Art Deco style, complements the wood shelving on this accent wall.

Antique Mirror Bevel

Charming and chic, modern and timeless, the Antique Mirror Bevel mosaic tile makes this bar the perfect place to gather with friends. If you’re loving this design, discover more of in our West Bay Homes’ Sun Coast Estate Home Tour.

Ready to add mosaics to your room? Schedule a free design consultation to get started on your next project – whether it’s a weekend DIY refresh or a major renovation, our tile experts are happy to answer any questions you may have!

We love to see all of your creative spaces! Don’t forget to share your projects with us by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery.

The post 12 Mosaic Tile Designs That Will Make Your Room a Masterpiece appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Design Outside the Box With Hexagon

Hexagon tile is a classic that’s always on trend and a great way to add interest to an all-white bathroom. The Bianco Puro marble tile shown here helps give this bathroom a designed look to this clean, white floor.

2. Always-In-Style Subway Tile

Subway tile is a staple when it comes to walls and backsplashes, but that doesn’t mean it’s basic. Try installing your subway tile vertically for a modern look that will add height to your walls.

3. Create High Contrast With Black and White

There are few color pairings as classy and bold as black and white. The Casablanca mosaic tile makes for a brilliant centerpiece here, while the black and white marble checkerboard floor exudes simple charm.

4. Embrace Artisanal Details With Handmade-Look Tile

Add character and artisanal allure with handmade-look tile like the Splendours White. Handmade-look tiles feature slight color and texture variations that will give your bathroom unique character.

5. Add Charm With a Mosaic

Intricate or orderly, mosaic tile will add beauty and movement to your bathroom. The Kit Kat mosaic features crisp symmetry that creates an ordered appearance, but we have mosaics in a variety of shapes that will add an artistic look to your bathroom.

6. Create a Spa Experience With Marble

Bathe your bathroom in ultimate luxury with marble tile. Marble comes in a variety of colors, but we love how classic white like the Firenze Calacatta collection creates a bright and brilliant spa-like room.

7. Make a Point With Picket

Take your white bathroom design up a notch with picket tile. The elongated hexagon shape of is a fun twist on a classic subway that will add a dynamic element to your white walls.

8. Punch Up Your Design With a Pop of Color

Make your bathroom stand out by adding a pop of color to an all-white room. Whether you use a bright color block like Bari J. Ackerman created with the Imperial Pink Hex or just add a band of colorful trim piece, a single colorful element will add a vibrancy to a white bathroom.

9. Express Your Niche Personality

Shower niches are a great place to showcase an artistic tile that would be overwhelming in a whole room. Create a surprising detail in a white shower with a patterned or mosaic tile.

10. Add Texture With Sculptural Tile

Make your walls a masterpiece with textured sculptural tile. The elegant, organic movement of the Folhas Quartzo AC tile elevates this white bathroom, creating a splendorous spa-like environment.

Ready to begin your bathroom project? Schedule a free design consultation to get started on your next project – whether it’s a weekend DIY refresh or a major renovation, our tile experts are happy to answer any questions you may have!

We love to see all of your creative spaces! Don’t forget to share your projects with us by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery.

The post Top 10 Stunning White Bathroom Tile Designs appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Go Bold With a Geometric Pattern

Want to make your floor the focal point? A bold geometric pattern is sure to be a show-stopper. Tie it into other design elements in the room through color or pattern, or use white tile or paint on the walls to keep the floor the main feature. Whether you choose bold colors like the encaustic-look Artisan Tiare tile or a black-and-white design, the clean lines of a geometric tile will make your bathroom feel neat and orderly.

Embrace Ultimate Luxury With Marble

Nothing is more luxurious or unique than natural stone, and no stone exudes elegance quite like marble. Most of our marble collections include tile in a variety of sizes and shapes so you can match a square or rectangular tile with a mosaic to create distinction on the floors while still maintaining cohesion in your space. Designer Nikki Chu has done just that in this bathroom covered in floor to ceiling Ashford Cararra. We love how the smaller format hexagon floor tiles provide some relief from the large-format wall tiles. Read A Step Inside: Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total Home Reno for more of her design philosophy and inspiring spaces.

Create a Coastal Chic Vibe

Want a bathroom that radiates beach vibes year-round? Our Summeland by Jeffery Alan Marks tiles, inspired by the California Shoreline, will infuse your bathroom with warm and inviting coastal charm.

Extend the Floor

Tile doesn’t need to stop where the floor ends. If you’re loving your floor tile, take it up the tub or shower wall. The Laura Ashley Sunflower tile on this tub wall is an unexpected detail that adds charm and character to this bathroom. View more spaces featuring tile inspired by the iconic British brand here.

Play With Scale Using Large-Format Tiles

Want to make a small bathroom appear bigger? Large-format tiles require fewer grout lines, making your floor feel more cohesive and your space more expansive. The 24 x 47 in. Aqua Blu tile used in this bathroom designed by Rashida Banks makes this bathroom feel luxuriously spacious.

Add Elegance With Marble-Look Tiles

If you like the look of marble but not the price point, porcelain marble-look tiles, like the Tresana Blanco used in this gorgeous bathroom designed by Brooke Pavel, are a durable and cost-effective alternative that’s sure to dazzle. We have a wide variety of marble-look tiles ranging from crisp white to black. Choose soft, subtle veining or go dramatic with thick, bold hues. Whatever style, marble-look tiles will add a touch of class and elegance to your floor.

Create Vintage Charm With Penny Rounds

Small and neat penny rounds are as classic as they are chic. We have a wide selection of penny rounds, mounted on a mesh backing for easy installation. Choose a pre-made pattern or create your own using the wealth of colors available. The delightful pattern below designed by Timber Trails was created using the Penny Round White Gloss and the Penny Round Cloudy tiles.

Keep it Simple With Black and White Patterns

If you want to infuse color in your walls, mirrors or fixtures, a simple black and white tile floor pattern will complement rather than detract from the rest of your room. The Cloth Black and White tile used in this bathroom designed by Zig & Co. adds to the whimsical character of the room, while allowing the bright colors and fun butterfly patterned wallpaper to shine.

Marvel With a Beautiful Mosaic

Mosaics don’t just make for gorgeously intricate floors, the small tile pieces also require more grout lines, which provides more traction on floors prone to wetness. Mosaic tile comes in a wide variety of shapes–from hexagon to basketweave to petal and more–and come on a mesh backing for easy installation. Choose a mosaic in a mix of colors, like the Modena tile in this shower designed by Nikki Chu, to add exciting detail to your floor.

Create a Classic & Classy Checkerboard

If you want to add character to your floors, a checkerboard pattern is a style that is simultaneously sophisticated and fun. The alternating tiles create a dynamic movement that will enliven your floors with energy and playfulness. Whether you use traditional black and white, a muted white and cream or a bold color paired with a pattern, checkerboard tile is a versatile classic that’s always in style.

Mix Colors and Patterns

Have a wallpaper you love for your bathroom? Pair it with a patterned floor tile. When you keep to the same color palette, you can play with patterns and not clash. There’s a lot going on this bathroom designed by Zig and Co., but keeping everything in blue, green and white maintains an intentional design scheme.

Keep it Neutral

If bright and bold isn’t your style, don’t be afraid to embrace a neutral color palette. Beige doesn’t have to be boring–a fun shape and subtle pattern can add interest to a floor without becoming overwhelming. We love how the Blot Noon Hexagon tile creates a pattern that’s as appealing as it is calming.

Create a Natural Look With Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Want the natural look of wood in your bathroom, but are afraid it will be difficult to maintain in a room prone to wetness? Luxury vinyl flooring is an easy-to-maintain, 100% waterproof flooring option that will mimic the look of natural wood and stone. It is also easy to install, making it a great option for a DIY project. We have luxury vinyl flooring in a wide variety of wood and stone styles, so you can get exactly the look you want.

We hope one of our favorite trends for 2023 sparks an idea for your next project! If you end up using one of these ideas, or a great bathroom floor idea of your own, we hope you will share it with us by tagging us on Instagram–we love to see your tile creations!

You can find even more inspiration on Customer Room Gallery where our tiles are used in a variety of real spaces! Or, if you’re looking for some guidance on an upcoming project, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post 13 of Our Favorite Bathroom Floor Tile Ideas for 2023 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

The Peaceful Primary Bath

The neutral color palette is the key to maintaining a peaceful vibe in this super-luxurious bathroom. The Calacata Evora marble tile with its subtle honey gold and grey veining creates a warm opulence that balances the wonderful movement of the dramatic gold, grey, brown and ochre veins on the Macchia Vecchia porcelain tile. The large-format wall tiles have fewer grout lines, making this bathroom appear even bigger than it is.

The Shapes Elongated Hex mosaic adds interest as well as traction to the shower floor. The off-white coloring of this porcelain tile ties in with the room’s neutral tones, while the unique shape adds an extra sense of movement.

The Luxe Guest Bath

Floor-to-ceiling Ashford Carrara marble tile from Rush River Stone creates balance in this beautifully-luxe bathroom. Featuring a stark white background with vivid grey and silver veining, this sumptuous natural stone tile is as chic as it is inviting. The mix of shapes, large rectangular blocks for the walls and smaller hexagons for the floor, create distinction while maintaining cohesion.

The Ashford Carrara polished skirting elevates the shower threshold and makes the space look finished and polished.

The Fabulous Laundry Room

This room takes laundry from chore to delight! The handmade look of the Track Stack White Two Tone mosaic tile adds an artisanal feel to this grand room, while the dramatic gold veining in the Macchia Vecchia porcelain tile is complemented by the gold fixtures. View more inspirational rooms on our 10 Rooms That Will Make You Love Laundry Day blog post.

The Spa-Hotel Bath

The highly polished surface of the Savannah Antique porcelain tile reflects the natural light in this room, making this shower look bright and inviting. The tile’s white and cream base is accentuated with soft blue, grey and taupe veining which provide a lush neutral backdrop for the brass features.

The Modena marble mosaic tile brings geometric glamor to the shower floor. For more bathroom design inspiration, read our 16 Luxurious Bathroom Designs blog post.

That concludes our tour of Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total-Home Reno. We hope you enjoyed this step inside and found some inspiration for designing luxurious spaces in your home.

Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post A Step Inside: Nikki Chu’s Neutral-Luxe Total-Home Reno appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Pop of Pink

This chic, feminine room designed by At Home with Ashley is a complete dream. A pink pencil trim adds charming detail to the Hampton Carrara polished tile and ties in with the bold floral wallpaper. If you’d like to learn more about incorporating this style in your home, read 6 Tips to Design With Color from At Home with Ashley.

Delightful Pattern

Fresh, clean white walls balance the charming hand-painted look of the Decor Daiza White Pav giving the patterned tile the spotlight. If you’re loving this design by Timber Trails as much as we are, check out our tour of their Varsity Blues home.

Modern Geometry

The lined pattern of the Ragno Blanco tile creates playfulness in this laundry room that’s sure to make folding fun!

Classically Charming

The custom-designed penny round mosaic tile is intricate without being busy. We love how the colors complement the other elements in the room, like the floral wallpaper, blue cabinetry and bench. This is a laundry room we wouldn’t mind lounging in between wash cycles!

Splendid Neutrals

This fresh and contemporary laundry room is an inspiration! The stone mosaic of the Montauk Light Grey tile creates a clean, geometric design that enhances the neutral elements in the room.

Light & Dark

Black and white but definitely not boring, this laundry room uses a simple color scheme to coordinate the Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal tile with the bold-patterned wallpaper. For more tiles from the iconic British brand, shop the Laura Ashley collection.

Fresh-Hued Blue

The Decora Ornament Blue tile adds interest to the fresh and clean aesthetic of this beautiful blue laundry room designed by Kelli Fontana of West Bay Homes. See more inspirational rooms from her Sun Coast Estate on our home tour.

Awash in Luxury

We can’t stop gushing over this gorgeously lush laundry room designed by Nikki Chu! The opulence of the bold gold, grey, brown and ochre veining in the Macchia Vecchia marble-look tile is embellished by the gold accessories, while the Track Stack White Two Tone mosaic tile creates balance with its neat, orderly lines.

Clean and Contemporary

The brownish-grey concrete appearance of the Nord Ris Hex tile coordinates well with the grey cabinetry and delicate floral wallpaper in this bright and airy laundry room.

A New Take on Vintage

This custom hexagon mosaic tile floor creates a look that’s at once modern and traditional. The simple wood cabinetry and black fixtures throughout the room add to the timeless feel.

Feeling inspired to freshen up your laundry room? Schedule a free design consultation to get started.

We love seeing your spaces! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more design inspo there, too)!

The post 10 Rooms That Will Make You Love Laundry Day appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

We invite you to take a tour through this charming and stately home brimming with inspiring design choices that showcase some of our favorite tile.

Mudroom

Comfort and elegance combine to create this charming mudroom. Contemporary, yet timeless the Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey tile provides balance to the bold reddish-brown walls and intricately patterned window coverings.

Powder Room

A wealth of beautiful textures and patterns meld to create intrigue and allure in this bold, yet pleasing powder room. The sculptural Harmony Silverleaf tile adds visual interest to the ceiling and complements the hanging crystals. While the soft white Meram Blanc Carra tile center the lower-half of the room in sleek comfort that contrasts the large floral wallpaper.

The elegant and classic Meram Blanc Carrara polished tile, rustic mirror, light-wood cabinetry and organic accents combine complex textures for a look that is both captivating and inviting.

Living Area

For the indoor/outdoor living area, Kelli takes a more minimalist approach. The bright white walls and Siberian Pearl Brushed marble floors create an airy open space filled with natural light. A simple color palette keeps focus on the seating area, where family and friends can gather.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of any home, and a place to find nourishment and build memories. The white counters and cabinetry work with the Retro Lino backsplash to make the space feel clean and vivid. The glass doors display the dishware for a lived-in feel.

The clear coat glaze on the Retro Lino subway tile reflects the light, providing extra illumination to the cooking area. Check out our post on Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for more inspiration.

Primary Bathroom

Soak in the lush neutral tones that create an opulent space, at once soft and bright. The brown veining in the Tresana Blanco Matte porcelain tile bring out the room’s color palette with subtle appeal that doesn’t detract from the bathroom’s clean luxuriousness. Browse our wide-assortment of bathroom tile for the perfect look for your next home project.

Boys’ Bathroom

This blue-plaid room invokes a classic boyhood feel. Straight lines and a monochromatic color scheme maintain a sense of order while still being youthful. The white grout line crossing through the Splendours Blue Night shower tile is an inverse to the white and blue wallpaper (find more shower tile on our website). While the more uniform Glass Nautical Blue backsplash creates a block of color that is strong without detracting from the rest of the room.

The subtle sheen of the Ionic White floor tile provides a sturdy, unassuming base to the patterns that play throughout the room.

Guest Bathroom

What guest wouldn’t feel at home stepping into this gorgeous shower? The Bulevar White ceramic tile has a subtle wavy texture that soothes the senses. The clean white tile also provides a gentle buffer between the bold patterned wallpaper and the marvelous McQueen Grey stone mosaic tile accent.

Guest Bathroom

The Legno limestone tile mimics the look of woodgrain to create an organic texture that is also durable. A warm grey palette and linear veining complement the textured accents in the cabinets and wall sconces. Read our post for even more luxurious bathroom design ideas.

Bar

The focal point of the home is this stunning bar. At once contemporary and reminiscent of retro glamor, the Antique Mirror Bevel tile and gorgeous gold and glass hanging lights are captivating without being obtrusive, making this the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail with friends.

The Antique Mirror Bevel tile reflects the fireplace and billiards room beyond, creating depth while still maintaining the intimacy of the space.

Laundry Room

Laundry is less of a chore in this beautifully designed room with its fresh, clean aesthetic. The soft blue and white color palette lend a calmness to this space. The solid, simple coloring of the walls and cabinetry bring a balance that allow for more interest in the floor tile, Decora Ornament Blue, which brings a sophisticated charm to the room.

Pool Bathroom

The Art Nouveau-inspired design on the Decora Redondo cement-look wall tile lend a classic elegance to this pool bathroom. The grey shapes perfectly balance the blue coral and candle used to accent the sink area, giving the room a subtle aquatic feel.

We hope you found inspiration to bring to your next home remodel with this tour of West Bay Homes’ Sun Coast Estate! To see even more stunning spaces designed by Kelli Fontana – and learn a bit about her her design process – check out our Q&A with her.

The post West Bay Homes’ Sun Coast Estate appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been continuously inspired by the timeless interiors created by Julia Marcum, the design mind behind the popular blog, Chris Loves Julia. Ever since partnering with the husband-and-wife duo in 2012 on their very first kitchen remodel, we’ve had the chance to work with them on a variety of projects, including their moody Modern Cottage primary bathroom and a guest bath donning marble from top to bottom in their new Modern Colonial home.

This time, we’ve asked Julia to create four tile-focused mood boards, making it easier than ever to achieve her elevated traditional-meets-modern aesthetic in your own homes.

Julia’s Kitchen Mood Board

For this fantasy kitchen, I was very inspired by our current kitchen, but I wanted to give it more of a mid-century modern twist. – Julia

Julia’s choice of the Elisir Royal Fume Chevron wood-look flooring offers a light and elegant base for the moody olive green paint and Petal Emerald Mosaic to bring stunning drama to the space. “How cool would this mosaic tile be as a backsplash?” Julia wrote. “A backsplash is a statement-maker.” If you’re looking for more kitchen tile inspo, explore our 13 Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Ideas.

Julia’s Bathroom Mood Board

This is a very elevated take on a ‘coastal’-inspired bathroom. This is the perfect example of letting the tile set the tone and personality of the space and then making selections that support it. – Julia

“The tile that inspired it all!” Julia wrote about our Zara Blue. “As someone who loves designing with color, this blue tile would make such a statement.” We love a bold tile pattern, and Julia did not disappoint with her choice of this attention-grabbing floral tile. Coordinating it with the neutral Imperial Gris Subway offers an effortless balance of visual interest and calming softness.

Julia’s Dressing Room Mood Board

Everything about this dressing room is feminine and delicate, starting with that jaw-dropping tile. – Julia

Julia’s dressing room pick, the Lafaenza Oro Crema, offers the best of both worlds – the luxe appearance of natural stone along with the durability of porcelain. We adore the warm, soft accents and furniture pieces she paired with the tile to pull out its shading. “When I saw this tile, my heart stopped. I might have to sneak it into our bathroom/closet remodel next year. It has the most feminine, pink undertones,” Julia wrote.

Julia’s Mudroom Mood Board

This utilitarian space is earthy and neutral, but far from ordinary. The textured tile would make a mudroom feel historic and full of character. – Julia

Pulling from one of our favorite collections, Julia chose the brick-look Jerica Ceniza for this charming, rustic mudroom. “Subway tile, but make it textured!” Julia wrote. “This almost looks like a herringbone brick, but it’s porcelain. Would bring so much character to a mudroom.“

Feeling inspired to bring one of Julia’s mood boards to life in your own home? Schedule a free design consultation to get started.

The post Chris Loves Julia’s Tile-Focused Mood Boards appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

After a simple conversation with a friend and fellow trade professional revealed a gap in the market, a new business idea sparked for longtime tile setter Chase Twitchell. With 19+ years of industry experience under his belt, he knew firsthand how drain systems for tiled showers could be improved, making everyday installation jobs easier for people like himself and his peers. Thus, the idea for FloFX was born. Marketed as a brand “by an installer, for installers,” FloFX offers products like advanced bonding flange drains and premium grates that only continue to grow in popularity among professionals in the tile community.

Keep reading to learn more about tile installer-turned-FloFX founder, Chase Twitchell, and his fascinating story!

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND?

I grew up in a small town in Southern Utah with a single mom of 5 kids. As a teenager, I got my start in the flooring trade by spending the summers with my brother, a 3^rd generation floor coverings installer. Fresh out of high school, I knew I wanted to get into the tile trade. I started as a helper for a company doing custom tile work and quickly got promoted to tile setter. A few years later, I thought I was ready to go out on my own and got my tile contractor’s license at 21. I quickly realized that I had a lot to learn! 19 years later, I’m still learning new things every day.

WAS THERE A SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE THAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE FLOFX?

I was talking to one of my good friends, Rod Katwyk, Owner of RodKat Custom Shower Trays, about his products and the shower drains he was using. He had a few options from some of the bigger manufacturers, but nothing that was really a perfect fit for his application. After this conversation and seeing the current offerings, I knew I could make something better. That’s when I set out to create the Universal Bond Flange Kit. With a universal outlet, it’s ready for whatever you show up to on a jobsite. Sometimes you’ll need to connect to a bare 2” waste pipe and other times you’ll need to adapt to an existing 3-piece clamping drain. Our universal kit is like 2 drain kits in one.

HOW DID FLOFX GET ITS START?

The concept started in my garage with a grinder and a piece of sheet metal. I didn’t have access to a welder, so hot glue held the poorly cut pieces of metal together just long enough for me to realize that it was a horrible idea. It solved almost no problems and carried over all the issues installers face when installing stainless linear drains – most notably, bent flanges in shipping and having to use a no-hub/rubber boot for the waste pipe connection. I quickly realized that plastic injection molding was the way to go. It brings repeatability, durability and enhanced geometry not available with stamped sheet metal. However – I had zero experience with 3D design or plastic prototyping at this time.

So, after spending the next weekend banging my head on the keyboard trying to learn the basics of a 3D design program and eventually finding a deal on Facebook Marketplace for a 3D printer, I loaded my first design and waited… 24 hours later, I was holding my 1^st 3D printed prototype. And it was garbage.  

I spent the next year making revision after revision. Each version a little better than the last. Learn a new 3D design technique – make a new revision –  print another prototype. 3D printing really was the game changer. Being able to hold and feel your prototype to see how the parts interact with each other was key to making a good product.

The current Universal Bond Flange Kit has around 78 revisions. It was finally good enough.

Below (left): Chase’s first prototype | Below (right): Current FloFX Traditional Bond Flange Kit

WHAT SETS FLOFX APART FROM OTHER COMPETITORS ON THE MARKET?

The biggest advantage we have is our installer-centric focus. I’m positive that I wouldn’t have been able to make a product that has been so well reviewed without my experience setting tile. Every part of the design was built around the installation first. I knew that it had to be something that I would want to install myself.

The under-flange mortar cavities lock the flange into the setting material for a rock-solid installation. The universal outlet sets you up for almost any drain connection you need to make and the kits come with all the grate install components giving you everything you need to install tile and grout without needing the actual grate kit in order to complete the installation. Not to mention, both versions of our drain kits offer horizontal grate adjustment to nail the tile layout with designs that prevent mosaics from sagging around the grate.

Below: FloFX PVC Universal Bond Flange Kit

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING IN THE TILE INDUSTRY?

I love talking to and meeting installers, especially when they have a problem that I can offer a quick and easy solution to. I love seeing some of the epic projects that FloFX has been used on! 2 out of 3 finalists for Floor Covering Installer Magazine’s Best Shower Award were using FloFX drains in 2022. I’m humbled to have that caliber of installers using our products.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?

Make connections as soon as you can. Find a mentor that can answer questions and give you advice when you get stuck. As a tile contractor, I know people who are smarter than me that I could call for advice, and I don’t think I could have made it without them. The same goes for my role with FloFX.

WHO ARE SOME OTHER PROS WITHIN THE TILE INDUSTRY WHO INSPIRE YOU? 

This is a tough one because I’ve made friends with so many good people that I look up to in the industry that I would feel horrible If I left even a single one out. This is an awesome industry that I’m very fortunate to be a part of.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR FLOFX MOVING FORWARD?

The biggest thing I’ll be focusing on in 2023 is building out a team to help take FloFX to the next level. I’m currently handling all areas of the business on my own – everything from sales and marketing to inventory and accounting. Bringing in people who are better than me at some of those things will free up my time to focus more on the things I excel at. We’ll be able to have better products, better marketing, better service and a better business overall. The future is bright!

HOW DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Living in Southern Utah, we’re blessed with the beautiful outdoors. I spend a lot of my free time outside. Racing dirt bikes, mountain biking and fishing take up most of my free time when I’m not playing competitive slow-pitch softball.

Shop The Tile Shop’s selection of FloFX drain grates here and be sure to visit the FloFX website to explore everything else the brand has to offer.

Stay up to date with all things FloFX on Instagram at @flofx.usa!

The post How One Tile Installer Built a Brand Trusted by Pros appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Thoughtfully selected to work in harmony, the tiles in our Cottage on the Coastline curated collection feature calming influences from the natural beauty of the Australian coast, complete with artisanal details fit for a cozy cottage. Explore a few spaces in the home below to discover how effortlessly three tiles within this collection offer their own unique style while still working cohesively from room to room.

Laidback Vintage Dining Area

With charming vintage appeal achieved through lightly weathered details and a classically aged black and white palette, the Yard Black ceramic tile – designed by interior architect Francisco Segarra – is the perfect flooring choice for this casual, sunlit dining area.

Cozy Coastal Kitchen

Named after a seaside town in Melbourne, Australia, the Portsea Grey porcelain tile brings muted, coastal hues to this quaint artisanal kitchen, while its curved lines and rounded shapes layer in soft movement.

Soothing Bathroom Sanctuary

Simplistic in style yet rich in dimensionality, the KitKat White porcelain mosaic transforms the walls of this contemporary bathroom into beautiful, yet understated works of art.

Explore the full Cottage on the Coastline curated collection to discover even more coastal-meets-artisanal tile pairings!

The post Cottage on the Coastline – A Curated Collection appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.