Trying to find the mix of bathroom fixtures that both matches the style of the house and is modern enough to be convenient has proved to be more challenging than I had thought.

I bought a bridge style faucet with cross handles that say hot and cold on them for the sink. The faucet in the tub also has the cross handles but says hot and cold in French. My husband insists that it says, “You paid too darn much!” on the handles. But I love it.

The tile for the bath area is a combination of white tiles. 6×6 field tiles, 3×6 subway tile, a decorative raised 3×6 tile (listel), and a chair rail. Until I ordered the tile I had planned on going with all subway tile, but this particular mix of tiles won me over.

Now we are trying to decide whether we want the bottom 6×6 tiles in a running bond pattern or if we should just match up the grout lines. Decisions, decisions.

The Harmony Wood Collection is a real wood tile from sustainable forests that come mesh-mounted for ease of installation.

Modern and warm these tile can be used in a variety of applications where they will not come into contact with water.

Harmony Wood Tile comes in a wide range of colors, wood types, and textures. The photo above is from the Wood Tile Cane line. It is meant to mimic a caned seat and is priced at $27 per square foot.

Recently it was featured as aDwell product of the day. And Apartment Therapy also mentioned this line of tile sold by Anchor Bay Tile as a great find for warming up a modern home.

I think that this particular tile is my favorite from this line. Called Falling Water, it is an accent border tile. I think it would be stunning as a backsplash in a kitchen. It can be purchased at the Anchor Bay Tile website for $18.50 a square foot. Teak Vein Cut is just one of 7 styles offered in this line.

I absolutely love this tile collection. The bold patterns. The subtle colors. The Spanish influence.

These tiles would look equally at home in a modern loft or an eclectic log cabin. I think that is one of the hallmarks of good design, the ability to stand on its own no matter what the surroundings. Elements Ceramic tile collection would make a stunning focal point in any home or decor application.

I could picture this one as my kitchen backsplash. Though I am not sure how much cooking I would get done since I would just have to stare at it lovingly all day long. Matching solid field tiles are also available, so if a wall of pattern is too much, use the decorative ones sparingly.

These unique tile are all hand painted by tile artists and are the newest line of decorative tiles from the Elements Collection. The collection can be purchased only through the AnchorBayTile online tile showroom.

Use them on stair risers, fireplace surrounds, outdoor barbeques, kitchen backsplashes and bath surrounds.

Animal Prints are still hot this season and don’t show signs of fading in popularity any time soon.

Zebra, giraffe, leopard patterns – this tile series by Steuler Fliesen has the wilderness look. The decorative 30 x 50 cm tiles have full-surface animal coat patterns of high graphic quality.

The tile is from Steuler Fliesen and the line is called Wild Thing Daktari Tile.

The judicious use of animal prints can really spice up your decor. While some people might opt to go small with a zebra print throw pillow, or a cheetah patterned ottoman, the bold among us might want to tile a wall.

I can picture using this line of tile in a guest powder room, where you would want to make a bold statement. Or as an accent tile combined with a neutral field tile.

There is an animal print for everyone whether they are daring enough to cover their walls, floors, and furniture with a mixture of animal prints…

…or more are reserved and understated. In which case, these coasters might be just the ticket.

Black and white together are a classic combination.

Sophisticated.

Timeless.

Delicious. Oh wait, we weren’t talking about food.

When it comes to design, the same words apply.

There is a “rule” in interior design that says every room should have something black. It acts as a foil around which all the other colors dance.

Black and white used together are classic design elements. They can be used in both modern and vintage applications. Serving as a clean palette, They highlight whatever you want to put the focus on in your room. When paired with another color it will make that color pop. Look at the photo example above, the lines of the elegnat brown couch are obvious in a way that they would not be if the room was filled with distracting colors.

I especially love black and white paired with a bright color like apple green.

When we were remodeling our children’s bathrooms we decided to go with a vintage look that would be appropriate for a house this age The clawfoot tubs have a black painted exterior and the floor is white hexagonal tiles with black accents. This allowed the walls to be a blank canvas. Each of the bathrooms has a completely different feel based solely on the wall color.

Anchor bay Tile has a new line of black and white glass tile for sale. The Urban Living Collection of Glass Tile come dot-mounted on either 12 x 18 inch or 13 x 13 inch sheets. Use it in a kitchen backsplash, a bathroom, a shower, or even in exterior applications. The possibilities are endless.

Glass tile is a fabulous way to enhance the decor in any room. It’s unique character sets it apart from other more traditional types of tile.  It has a shine, a sparkle, and a luminous quality that is uniquely glass.

While not all of us have the budgets to have huge expanses of glass tile, using glass as an accent will go a long way toward creating a unique room. The colors, textures, and patterns are limitless in their applications. I have seen them used on wall dividers, table tops, thresholds separating rooms with different types of tile.

It used to be only a high end item, and many homeowners were reluctant to use it for fear than it would look dated in a few years, much like the avocado green appliances of my youth. But now, they are becoming a standard upgrade feature in many areas of the country.

Contemporary kitchens out west in California, especially among home owners who are trying to build green using recycled glass, frequently use glass subway tile.  A contemporary twist on the traditional subway tile that is a standard in old New England homes.

Glass tile is slightly more difficult for the average DIYer to install, but the rewards are well worth it. Glass tile is easier to maintain and will remain shiny and stain free for a lifetime with proper care. John Bridge Tile Forum is an excellent place for DIYers to read tips and ask for advice. Here I found detailed instructions on installing your own mosaic glass tile design. If you are planning on embarking on this type of project, run, don’t walk, to the tile forums now.

In this photo you can see how plain white square field tiles become the backdrop for colorful glass accent tiles. A bathroom that might otherwise be ho-hum, is now an interesting and whimsical room.