Subway Tile Patterns

Since I became a designer, I have really been fascinated with how classic tile patterns continue to fluctuate in and out of style. This year, I have noticed that stacked subway tile and wall tile have become quite popular. They lend a very modern look to a space while maintaining a traditional subway tile feel.

Modern aesthetic right here. Horizontal stack bond subway tile. Remember when the stack bond brick pattern used to be all over brick mid-century buildings and houses? It's back with a vengeance in decor right now.

I have to admit, I'm the first one that had no idea just how many ways subway tiles could be laid. I love subway tile and I feel like they scream out "traditional" regardless of how they are laid. The fact that there are at least 10 interesting combinations is what really excites me!

Perhaps the most traditional subway tile pattern on the planet. Horizontal offset. The edge of one tile meets at the 50% mark of the tile above it. Super common patterning for brick, obviously as well. I love this pattern. It is classy, timeless, and you can count on it never going out of style.

Big on the scene today! Herringbone patterning is visually super interesting and is great for any tile, but especially shows off rich colours and textures of tiles. Point of interest with herringbone patterning. You assume 10% waste with a running bond pattern. Assume 20% waste with herringbone. So yes, it's "more expensive to do" as well.

An interesting one, for sure. Not as commonly seen, but definitely a classic as well. Crosshatch patterning - also sometimes referred to as basketweave. Definitely a lovely pattern with less waste.

Diagonal offset patterning is definitely not seen frequently in design. It can lend itself to making a room feel somewhat offset or skewed if not used in the proper context, but it is definitely clean and tidy looking.

This pattern, called vertical offset bond is an interesting staggered pattern that is actually, when you think of it, a brick pattern, but done with vertical tiling. Fun for something different while maintaining symmetry.

I mean, there are more variations made up of these. Did you KNOW this? Because prior to design school, I had no idea.

Couple a distinct tile layout with a textured tile, a tile with a beautiful patina, or a tile with a gorgeous glaze, and you're all set. It will definitely add contrast to your design. Shake it up, mix up a traditional pattern with a beautiful and unique tile!

Or just go with white subway tile because it's safe, classic and will never let you down.

Feel free to let me know what your preference is with subway tile! I'm curious to know how many people have used anything unusual or different in their spaces!

Contrast in Décor

Let's talk about why it is so important.

Contrast isn't just an over-forty gal's favorite part of a #nofilterneeded (but I definitely used a filter and you can tell) selfie. Contrast makes everything interesting. Like adding a slight bit of salt to a sweet dish. Contrast is visually one of the best decorating elements we have. Let's talk about why... and let's actually also talk about which elements of decor can create contrast.

"Only in the darkness, can you see the stars." ~Martin Luther King

There is a reason that quotes like this are so poignant. It illustrates contrast. It illustrates how one element enhances another. It puts into words a very special visual element that often is hard to describe. Without a pitch black sky, we would not be able to begin to see the stars.

Another super clever example of contrast is one that you may not have ever noticed. The colour wheel exists to show you very clearly that complementary colours contrast one another.

The colours are actually strategically placed on here! It's not just willy nilly. The colours that are directly across from each other contrast each other. Fun fact: Take our friends at FedEx... Ever wonder why they chose these colours for their logo? Wonder no more!

CONTRAST

Clementine packaging? CONTRAST.

But here's another fun element of contrast. Décor and design employs it all the time. Contrast is something you bring into the mix to help take the edge off of something else. It is the yin to the yang. It is the sunshine to the rain. Good décor uses contrast without sticking it right in your face.

Below is our new en-suite bathroom that we designed and built ourselves. Chris, my fiancé, is a contractor of 15 years and his work is meticulous. We loved the way this project ended up. While it was very clean, well laid out and functional, I knew that visually, contrast was going to help round out this project. The large slick subway tile we chose for the shower contrasted with the deep grey tones in the different types of floor tiles we choice. I knew I wanted to go with a black faucet on the white sink, and I changed out the hardware on the vanity to matte black to match. the shower head and shower handle are chrome (see my blog post about mixing metals/finishes if you need some encouragement)

What I really wanted to see was some contrast. So, the black fixtures and dressings were perfect as far as colour goes, but I needed to soften the room. And I achieved that with more contrast.

Contrast in Interior Design

Wicker, soft natural grasses, an antique dresser mirror with beautiful patina, and (you can't really see it) there is a vintage leather suitcase stashed under the vanity that has some of my girly stuff in it. The huge vintage glass jug has a rusty wire for a handle, and the glass is very old and ripply. Which is nice as it recreates the feeling of water.

Contrast softens the harsh black and white, it warms the space, and it creates more visual interest than was there when we started.

Contrast In Decorating

Give it a shot! Use colour and texture to create a harmonious space. It is one of the design skills that is overlooked, and it is so easy to achieve! You've got this.

Contact me and show me or tell me about how you used contrast in your décor!

BOHO DECOR - What it really means.

As the image below depicts, "boho" style has become a muted and modernized version of true eclectic Bohemian decor. It is a new trend. It has adapted, and some people are crazy for it. Is it correct? Not exactly. Does it blend textures and styles successfully? Yes, that's what good design is. Buuuuut, purchasing manufactured wicker pieces and polyester patterned rugs is not very Bohemian.

"Boho" is everywhere right now.

This modern day styling referred to as Boho, is a muted and often manufactured kitschy and trendy decor style. What I do love, is that so many natural elements are combined and worked into Boho decor!

Must haves for trending Boho decor?

• wicker

• wood

• jute

• cotton and wool

• muted colours

• soft metals

• some black accents if you're feeling sassy

As our lives are ever evolving, so are trends in music, fashion, and decor. And just as life evolves, and trends settle in, we begin to see large corporations dictating what is a "must have" for the new trend. Boho styling sees a lot of shopping for vintage looking area rugs, newly manufactured wicker egg chairs, and faux plants. What Boho is leaving behind, are all the stories that vintage and collected (I mean, I'd even call them curated) pieces have to tell us.

Here's the thing. True Bohemian decor didn't ever follow trends. It didn't subscribe to specific "must haves". It was always okay to mix patterns, old concert posters, Persian rugs and brass candelabras. It was borne out of necessity, and an ability to mash things together into a beautiful artistic aesthetic that seemed to know no rules.

Below is my dining room. The table and sideboard belonged to my inlaws in the 70's and are teak, plain, and functional. The chairs at each end of the table were purchased for $5.00 each at a local thrift store. The school map was a stunning piece I found for $40.00 and HAD to put on the wall in a prominent place in my home. The area rug under the table? A thrifted wool mattress topper that had never been used. Everything on the sideboard, the planters, and the table runner were all gifts, or thrifted items. Not carefully curated, they flow nicely together to create a true Bohemian styled space.

Do I have new items featured in there? Yes I do, but, I did not purchase them to match each other or to convey a specific look.

I just sourced things that made me happy to look at, and happy in my space.

In fact, since this picture was taken, I have sold the side chair set, and replaced them with a set of antique chairs that I bartered for.

Bohemia is a region from the Czech Republic. Gypsies/Romany were referred to as the Bohemians in French languages.

"This word 'boheme' is self-explanatory. Bohemia possesses nothing, yet contrives to exist on that nothing. Its religion is hope; its code, faith in itself; its income, in so far that it appears to have one, charity." ~Honore de Balzac. This really speaks volumes about the use of the term Bohemian in decor and styling terms.

Perhaps I cringe just a little bit when I see someone that has found an item in someone's garbage (which is a straight up Bohemian endeavor!!) and then they post a picture of it and ask "what can I do to make this look more boho?" It sets my teeth on edge, because I feel that the term Boho has been misused. Answers soon trickle in "oh white wash it" or " paint it white".

No.

That's not how you make something Boho. You know how you do? Find something that speaks to your soul. IF you want to subscribe to a true Bohemian decor style, if you want to fly that flag proudly, you aren't asking anyone for their opinion. Love it? USE IT.

Must haves for Bohemian decor?

• find a beautiful studded vintage green leather chair at a thrift shop

• cut the legs off of a kitchen table and use it as a coffee table

• bring home an old concert poster from a telephone pole from your trip to New York

• those ropes and rusted metal pulleys that you found by that abandoned barn can hang plants

• repurpose items like ruby glassware into candle holders

• that antique typewriter that doesn't work anymore would look great in your office

• find gorgeous Indian sarees at a thrift store and turn them into curtains

If you don't want to follow the trends, follow your heart.

Bohemian decor doesn't care what other people think. It isn't found at Target. It's worn and tells a story. It's meaningful and has been passed down through the generations. I am not here to tell you not to buy from big box, and I am not here to shame anyone or to say that anyone is doing anything wrong! Adorn your walls with your favorite art, and buy the pieces of Rae Dunn kitchenware that make you happy. But if you're even remotely unsure as to what you want out of true Boho decor, ask your heart, don't ask anyone else!