How to Make Selections like a Designer

Here are the steps I take
​when making selections for a bathroom.

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1. Visit the tile showroom.​

This is by far my favorite place to start designing.

If your local to Gainesville, go see Dana or Carol at FD Tile. They are so incredibly knowledgeable about the products and so much fun to work with. I love meeting with them to bounce ideas around on layout and selections. They also have a fabulous showroom located by Harley Davidson on 39th Avenue just west of the interstate.

Here is where I get my creative juices flowing. Sometimes I do a little research on Pinterest beforehand to get some ideas but I usually just go there and see what jumps out at me. When designing the below bathroom, the patterned floor tile line Genesis by Florida Tile is was struck me that day.

I knew I wanted it to cover the entire bathroom floor and that it would be a very bold statement so it was an easy decision when choosing a coordinating shower wall tile. It needed to be simple and classy.

The Florida Tile line NY2LA is one of my go-to's. It offers 5 different colors and has a delicate pattern to it - Described on their website as "Compelling characteristics of cement and plaster fuse into a porcelain representation of urban sophistication." It also comes in multiple sizes, here I chose the subway 3.75" x 12" wall tile.

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2. Decide on a Layout.

I am BIG on MIXING styles and finishes.

Since I planned on stacking the floor tile, the initial thought would be to stack the wall tile to give it a contemporary feel - but that's not my style. Instead, I wanted a bit of traditional style in the shower, so I chose the Brentwood Beige (instead of the Riverside Steel which would have matched too), and laid it in a horizontal running bond pattern.

I also added the patterned floor tile into the back of the shower niche. These cubbies are built before the tile is laid so make sure you know the exact dimensions of the tile you will be using. And don't forget to take into the account the thickness of the grout!

When placing the patterned floor tile, since it usually does not evenly equal your space, you always have to decide where your cut is going to be. Should it be at the doorway where you first enter or at the tub? Most grout lines (depending on the tile) is 1/16" - 1/8" thick. Since I did not like either of my cut-side options, I chose to spread the tiles out and do a 1/4" grout line. Most people hate seeing these grout lines but with this super patterned tile, and the coordinating grout color, it was the best decision. It lined up perfectly from the door to the tub with ZERO cuts. ​

Do you already have your tile picked out but can't picture what the layout will look like?
​I can provide these detailed 3D drawings to help you visualize your idea!

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 3. Choose Vanity Style, Color, & Hardware

To me, this mix of tile colors, textures, and patterns lent itself to the Farmhouse feel. To keep the room bright, I wanted the cabinet to be white. The shaker style (or framed) doors give it a traditional feel and the fun hardware add that Farmhouse back in. Here I go with mixing styles again!

4. Choose the Countertop.

QUARTZ IS IN! and it is everywhere.

​Since this was a model home, I knew quartz would be the way to go for potential buyers. This is actually a pretty personal decision to make. Based on price, quartz is a lot more expensive than granite. It is a man-made product compared to something literally carved from a mountain. It is actually harder than granite (which is more porous) so it is more durable. It however does not stand up to heat well so be careful when placing hot pots or pot hair tools on it.

How beautiful is that Calcatta Venice Quartz slab from MSI? Since the floor is so dramatic, I wanted the countertop to be more simple but not boring. The veining in this particular slab is quite beautiful. Up close it has all of the colors I needed to pull from the floor tile - beige AND gray. 

5. Choose Plumbing Fixtures

​Delta is my go-to plumbing brand and every plumber I know likes working with it. They have so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find something you like for your space. The Woodhurst collection was just what I was looking for. It brings that classic traditional design with the curved faucet and the coordinating detail rings at the base of the faucet and handles.

Not only do I mix styles but I like to mix finishes as well. I wanted to keep it light on the counters so I went with a brushed nickel finish for the plumbing fixtures. When mixing finishes, I do it in groups. So since I did the plumbing fixtures in nickel and the cabinet hardware in bronze, my lighting fixtures will match the cabinet hardware to create that "group".

6. Choose Lighting Fixtures & the Mirror

I always choose my lighting fixture and my mirror at the same time. This is an element that needs to work together. Sometimes I find the mirror first and then look for coordinating lights and other times vice versa. There is only one window in the room and it is in the shower, which has a door separating the sink from tub. So I treated this room like it did not have a window at all in case that door is ever closed. So to make it appear larger and extra bright, I chose a wall-to-wall mirror.

Next - Lighting. I actually chose a 5-light single vanity light for this room but when I held it above the mirror it just was not big enough. This was a very large space to fill so this brought me to my decision to do 3 separate large sconces. This also gave me the opportunity to pic something with a little Farmhouse flair. I wanted these to be big and to fill the space so I actually ended up using outdoor sconces and I think they work great in my space.

7. Accesorize.

K.I.S.S. = KEEP IT SIMPLE STAGING
Staging a home to sell is not much different than a accessorizing your everyday bathroom. I understand if you don't have much storage space and things end up on the counter but in this room that is not the case. Store your things in the cabinet and keep your counter clean. Display your every day necessities in pretty glass jars (cotton balls, q-tips, etc). And throw in a plant (faux or real, I'm not judging) to liven the room up.

My super secret shower curtain trick is that I don't use shower curtains. I hate them actually. I will admit that they have gotten better designs out there lately but my go-to is a regular 7 foot curtain. I buy a pair of them (ring tops) and slide them to each side of the rod to frame the shower. Add a shower liner (cut in half) to the backside to protect from water. This really dresses up the space.

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And there you have it! My 7 steps to making selections for a bathroom.

If you need help,
​I would love to assist you with your selection process!

Contact me for a FREE consultation!

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