WL Design Challenge: More Designers Tackle Over-The-Top Tile

Leopard-print mirrors, optical illusions and gritty graffiti€”we challenged three more brave designers to work their magic with some unusual tiles.

Last week, we asked a trio of brave designers what they would do with some unusual tile options (think comic book prints, electric colours and psychedelic camo print), and this week, we’re doing it again. We gave three talented designers a challenge: break loose from the classic white subway tile and get experimental with something a little more wild. Kyla Bidgood, Mango Design Co. and Ami McKay share their visions for some truly special designs below.

Kyla Bidgood’s Swanky Bachelorette Pad

The challenge tile: Ann Sacks Hermitage Field Tile, available at Ann Sacks, Vancouver, annsacks.com (Note: it’s mirrored!)The contender: Kyla Bidgood, Victoria, kylabidgood.comThe design: “Rather than go for the elegant glam look you’d likely associate with a mirrored wall tile, we decided to play with something unexpected and eclectic. We could see this tile as an accent finish on the lower portion of a traditionally panelled white wall; above, we’d hang an oversized piece of vibrant modern art flanked by colourful wall sconces. This would set a dramatic backdrop for an eclectic mix of furniture including a lush velvet tufted sofa, midcentury modern vintage chairs and modern glass occasional tables. A mix of patterns would be crucial for pulling this all together, so we’d accent the scheme with modern and tradition toss pillows and an over-died Persian style rug. So who would live in this eclectic space? We’re channeling Julianne Moore’s character Charlie from Tom Ford’s film A Single Man.” 

Mango Design Co.’s Industrial Loft

The challenge tile: Peronda Museum Collection Banksy Tile, available at Julian Tile, Vancouver, juliantile.com The contender: Tanya McLean, Mango Design Co., Vancouver, mangodesignco.caThe design: “‘The graffiti-inspired tiles would feature beautifully as a non-traditional fireplace wall behind a midcentury fire orb in an industrial loft space or a sunken living room. While the colourful tiles gravitate to cooler pastel tones, we’ve warmed up the space with rich reclaimed flooring (such as Du Chateau’s Heritage Trestle), your grandad’s leather smoking chair and chunky textures of wool and sheepskin. Paying tribute to the playfulness of the tiles are Moooi’s whimsical Random floor lamp, local Barter Design’s Revolve red cedar plant stand and terracotta planter and Ligne Roset’s ever-chill Togo sofa.’ 

Ami McKay’s Quirky Boutique

The challenge tile: Lily Optical Tile, available at Icon Stone and Tile, Calgary, juliantile.com The contender: Ami McKay, Pure by Ami McKay, Vancouver, purebyamimckay.comThe design: “We envision this tile used for a commercial application in a conceptualized small boutique store. The featured tile would be used as the overall flooring to create a bold statement. The feel of the space is contemporary combined with soft blue hues and electric art to balance the space. The cash counter will be set up on a smoked glass table with a copper geometric base. Behind, there would be a contemporary and glamorous wallpaper to create a focal point. Copper pendants will hang throughout the store tying together the colour scheme. This boutique will be unique, fun and eye-catching.”