The Bathroom That Floors You

It’s all about scale! You can easily mix a variety of different tiles and stones as long as they’re not all the same size. If I’m using three, I like to go with one small, one medium, and one large pattern so they don’t fight with each other. It keeps things feeling layered, not loud.

Every little decision counts—even the grout. It all affects how the bathroom will age. I always tell clients to think beyond the install day and focus on materials that are durable and timeless. If you get those materials right, your bathroom will still look amazing years down the line.

Although at first glance the walls may feel white in this bathroom, they’re actually a soft, taupe gray. I love using colors like Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak that aren’t super noticeable to the eye, but play an important supporting role for the rest of the materials. It keeps the shell of the space fresh and warm at the same time.

Bathrooms are high-traffic and high-moisture, so it’s worth investing in materials that can truly go the distance. Once construction’s done, swapping out hard surfaces isn’t easy—so I always recommend choosing finishes that hold up to water, steam, and daily use. Even the grout color matters in how the space ages. The goal is always the same: timeless and durable.

Not everything in a space can be the star, so if you’re doing a graphic floor, let it set the tone for the rest. I like to pull other materials based off the floor to make sure everything supports it. When you think through the full palette, the floor can be a wow moment and standout—but it should feel cohesive, not disconnected. The goal is a space that flows, even when the floor is doing the talking.

It’s a smart move—especially when your main floor tile is large or a bit slick. I always prefer smaller tile with more grout lines in the shower for better traction and safety. In this bathroom, we used a lighter marble on the main floor and carried it onto the countertops, so bringing in the darker stone on the shower floor helped balance everything out. I love how it draws your eye to the dramatic shower and separates it from the rest of the bathroom.

A big one! Natural light can completely change how a material looks throughout the day—shadows, brightness, and tone all shift. If a space gets a lot of light and you're after a moodier feel, I might lean into darker materials to balance it out. On the flip side, in a dimmer room, I’ll often choose brighter finishes to help lift the space. It’s all about reading the light and adjusting accordingly.

Modern doesn’t have to mean cold or boring. I always look for pieces that feel great in the hand. Even if the design leans square or angular, a slightly eased edge goes a long way in making it comfortable to use. It’s all about finding that balance between clean lines and everyday ease.

Interview by Kelsey Mulvey