My colorful tile journey began with the infamous green shower – a fan favorite on my instagram page. Whether you’re singing in the shower, solving the world’s problems with your shower thoughts, or just seeking a few minutes of peace from the chaos of your house, your shower can be a sanctuary. For me, creating a shower that I love was like an act of self care – now I feel like I’m at the spa every time I go to wash off.
But my DIY shower really began with creating the perfect bathroom tile color palette. I was in the process of creating the European bathroom of my dreams, complete with archways, a niche wall, ceiling tile and a giant bathtub. It occurred to me that the colors were just as important as the shapes and architecture of the bathroom.
I got to work brainstorming the perfect bathroom tile color palette to add a rich decadence but maintain the clean brightness of the textured walls. In the end, I went with a pink tile floor and a deep green DIY tile shower. It’s safe to say it’s one of my favorite spaces in the house.
With a little courage and some creativity, you can step outside the box too and tile in color to create the perfect bathroom for your own house.
How to Create a Tile Color Palette
It all starts with a pop of color. Designing a palette for your colorful bathroom tile involves careful consideration of the space’s size and lighting, as well as a vision for your desired ambiance. Are you emulating a cozy ski chalet, or recreating the feeling of a sandy outdoor shower? Find your inspiration and start from there.
First select a primary color that will serve as the foundation for the palette. For me, this was the green. I know I wanted a rich green bathroom shower tile, so I used it to anchor my color palette, as it’s quite a strong choice. Everything else was chosen to pair with the green.
Next, choose one or two complementary colors to add interest and depth. If your main color is bold, consider accenting it with some softer neutrals. If your main color is neutral, a pop of brightness can keep things interesting. Or, if you’re a rebel at heart like me, throw out the playbook and go with what makes you happy. That’s how I ended up with pink tile bathroom floors.
Remember to keep the overall palette limited to three or four colors to maintain a harmonious and cohesive look. As you consider the colors, also consider how the tile shapes can complement them – fun shapes add a flare to neutral colors, while classic shapes can tone down bold tile color choices.
How to Tile a Shower
When it comes to tiling your shower, things get a bit technical. Like my instagram page says, i’m not OSHA approved, so if you want to make it perfect, you might want to do a bit more research. But here are some tips and tricks to get you started. Keep in mind this is not a step-by-step guide!
Tiling a shower requires attention to detail and the right tools. Before starting, go through your list of materials and ensure you have everything you’ll need within arms reach – you don’t want to be running out to the store with a bucket of wet grout waiting for you at home.
Some key items for your project probably include bathroom tiles, adhesive, grout, spacers, a notched trowel, tile cutter, level, and sponge. You’ll want to start by prepping any walls – clean and dry the surface, removing any existing tiles or debris. If the walls are not waterproofed, apply a waterproofing membrane to protect against water damage.
As you begin to tile, work one row at a time, and use a level to ensure the tiles are straight and even. Once all the walls are tiled, allow the adhesive to dry completely before moving on to grouting. As you lay each tile, don’t forget to back butter! I have made the mistake of skipping it before…(cue sad music)…and the aftermath broke my heart.
Loving my Colorful Bathroom Tile
By the end of the project, my dreamy European master bathroom had white walls, a pink floor and green shower. And I couldn’t be happier.
Creating a space you love begins with trusting yourself and being creative. I had a strong vision for my green shower, and making it work meant careful color planning. As you begin your own bathroom remodel journey, don’t shy away from bold color choices. Follow your instincts and tile your heart out!