We’re Completely Obsessed with These Tiled Bathrooms

Tile is one of the hardest-working materials in a bathroom, but that doesn’t mean it has to fade into the background. In these spaces from the WL archives, designers used colour, pattern, texture and shape to transform a practical surface into a standout feature.

Small Wonder

What this powder room lacks in square footage, it makes up for in function and style. Without this addition, the main floor of this East Vancouver heritage home from architect Aleksandra Popovska of Hidden Studio would be toilet-less—and we wouldn’t be able to swoon over that stunning blue tile and how it pops against the salmon-pink walls. See the before and after renovation photos.

Respectful Revival

This South Vancouver home was originally constructed in the 1950s by legendary architect Ron Thom—and new owner Ken Wai wanted to preserve as much of the building’s original essence as possible. “The overriding ethos was respect, not reverence,” recalls Susan Scott of Scott and Scott Architects. “Our job was to weigh what made this house special and then figure out a way to emphasize it.”

The team kept the range of materials tight with the same Daltile Remedy Herbal glazed porcelain tile and terracotta tile flooring showing up in the kitchen and primary bathroom. The goal was to have new materials—like the tiles—blend with the original wood, and have both age together seamlessly. Read more about this incredible restoration.

For the Ages

While vertically stacked white tiles cover the walls in this children’s bathroom, the floor is a colourful terrazzo pattern that will be beloved for years to come. “Everything is timeless enough that it will age with the kids,” says homeowner Michelle Wilson. Step inside this OMB-designed home on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Play the Angles

A tile like this is hard to ignore, especially when the light fixture does such an excellent job of emphasizing its shape.The angle of the Flos IC Suspension pendant perfectly mirrors the geometric tile. Explore this bright and airy abode designed by Project 22 Design.

Black Out

This bathroom by DWK Interiors proves that a monochrome palette can still be dynamic. To keep the space from feeling like a black hole, designers Katie Rioux and Candice Arcuri lined the walls with a mix of textured and solid black tiles. Read more about this striking ensuite or check out the rest of this 8,000-square-foot Calgary home.

Magic Touch

Do you still think of Wicked every time you see a pink and green space? Because we do! That said, the colour combo isn’t the only thing giving this powder room a magical quality. Ami McKay, principal of Pure Designs, tucked it behind an asymmetrical arch that creates a sense of privacy and drama. Learn more about why this space won a WL Design 25 award.

Fan Favourite

Unable to move the plumbing column behind the vanity, the team at Knight Varga Interiors decided to transform it into a feature: lining it with teal fan-shaped tile from Pratt and Larson turned an inconvenience into a showstopper.

Paired with a beautiful Ellie Cashman Wallpaper, “it’s a bold surprise for guests when they come in,” says designer Trish Knight. Take a closer look at this powder room.