Tamara Feldman: Art Deco Drama Bathroom

A great statement tile should feel bold but still timeless. For the 2025 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York, I chose Artistic Tile’s Casino Royale mosaic, a collaboration with Donghia, because it has that mix of Art Deco elegance and cinematic glamour. The palette really sets the stage for the entire room, and the texture gives the space a layered, living quality.

It really depends on the natural focal point of the room and where you interact most. In a powder room, the backsplash might be the perfect spot to make a statement, while in a primary bath, the floor or shower walls tend to carry more impact and feel more immersive.

I’m drawn to the contrast of a handmade tile with a more refined, elegant slab. That mix creates a nice tension and makes the combination feel intentional without being overly matched.

It all comes down to finding a through line, whether that’s a shared undertone, a similar pattern or texture, or even a recurring color. Once you have that thread, everything else falls into place naturally.

I’m never afraid of bringing in bold color, whether through natural stone, tile, or lacquered walls. It could be an Yves Klein-inspired blue lacquer in a powder room, a pink onyx sink, or a dramatic veined stone that becomes the star of the space. Those unexpected choices bring a sense of surprise and personality.

Travertine and marble are favorites. They both have such beautiful natural variation and always add a sense of luxury.

I look for tones that echo the materials already in the space. In this Kips Bay bath, the brass finish complements the green malachite accents and brings everything together.

Natural stone. It brings texture, depth, and a sense of permanence that you can’t replicate. We recently used Calacatta Viola marble in a powder room, and it instantly transformed the space into something much more luxurious.

Swiss Coffee, Pale Oak, and White Dove from Benjamin Moore. They’re soft, timeless, and pair beautifully with natural materials.

Interview by Alyssa Bird