The Art of the Bathroom Revival: A Designer’s Guide to Tiles, Tones, and Textures

Beril Yilmaz
12 hours ago
4 min read

When we think about sanctuary within the home, the bathroom often tops the list. It is a space defined by its sensory experience—the warmth of the water, the tactile nature of stone underfoot, and the visual harmony of the palette. Whether you are embarking on a full-scale renovation or looking to refresh a tired aesthetic, your choice of surfacing is arguably the most impactful decision you will make.

At By Design and Viz, we believe that a truly modern bathroom balances architectural precision with personal character. In this guide, we dive deep into the world of bathroom tiling and design,

answering your most pressing questions to help you curate your own private retreat.

Setting the Foundation: How to Choose Bathroom Tiles

Choosing the right tile is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about understanding the dialogue between light, space, and durability. For a timeless look, natural materials like marble, travertine, or zellige are unparalleled. However, for those seeking low-maintenance luxury, high-quality porcelain mimics these textures with incredible fidelity.

Key Considerations:

Safety First: For floors, always opt for tiles with a high slip-resistance rating (R10 or above for wet areas).
Material World: Porcelain is the champion for bathrooms—incredibly durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance. Ceramic is a cost-effective alternative for walls. Natural stone (like marble or slate) offers luxury but requires sealing.
Size & Scale: Large-format tiles can make a small bathroom feel bigger with fewer grout lines. Smaller tiles, like mosaics, are perfect for shower niches or feature walls.
Colour & Style: This is where your personality shines. Need a starting point? Let’s answer two burning questions:

Colour Theory: What Colour Goes with Grey and Beige?

Neutral tiles remain the gold standard for luxury bathrooms because of their versatility, but "neutral" doesn't have to mean "boring."

What colour goes with grey tiles in a bathroom? Grey is a cool-toned chameleon. To create a crisp, modern look, pair it with matte black fixtures and navy accents. To soften the space, introduce "greige" textiles and light oak cabinetry.
What colour goes with beige bathroom tiles? Beige calls for warmth. Deep emerald greens, terracotta accents, or brushed brass hardware can transform a beige bathroom from "standard" to "spa-inspired."

The Sustainable Update: Can You Paint Bathroom Tiles?

Yes, you can! Specialist tile paint kits are a budget-friendly alternative to a full renovation. Important caveat: This is a temporary solution best for low-traffic areas (like a splashback) and requires meticulous surface prep and sealing. For a wet, high-use space like a shower, replacement is always the more durable choice.

If you decide to paint bathroom tile to retile a bathroom later, it serves as an excellent temporary fix. However, keep in mind that painted tiles are best suited for low-moisture areas like backsplashes rather than the interior of a shower.

The Installation Process – A Step-by-Step Overview

A successful tile installation is 10% laying the material and 90% preparation. If you are learning how to tile a bathroom floor, the key is ensuring a perfectly level subfloor. Any slight incline can lead to "lippage," where tile edges sit higher than their neighbours, ruining that sleek, professional finish.

For wall installations, the "centre-out" approach is vital. Start by finding the midpoint of your wall to ensure that any cut tiles at the corners are symmetrical. If your project involves hardware, knowing how to drill into bathroom tiles without cracking them is a must-have skill; always use a diamond-tipped bit and a slow, steady pressure.

How to Tile a Bathroom Wall

Prep: Ensure walls are clean, dry, flat, and primed. Fix any cracks or imperfections.
Plan: Find your centre point and dry-lay tiles (using spacers) to avoid tiny slivers at the edges.
Apply Adhesive: Using a notched trowel, apply tile adhesive to a small, manageable section.
Set Tiles: Press tiles firmly into place, using spacers to maintain even gaps.
Check & Repeat: Use a level constantly. Continue section by section.
Grout: Once the adhesive has fully cured (check the manufacturer’s time), remove spacers, mix grout, and press it into joints with a rubber float. Wipe away excess with a damp sponge.

How to Tile a Bathroom Floor

The process is similar to walls but with extra emphasis on the substrate.

Critical Prep: The floor must be solid, level, and waterproof. Use cement backer board over wooden subfloors.
Dry Layout: Always dry-lay from the centre of the room to plan your cuts.
Cutting: Use a wet saw for accurate cuts, especially around toilets, pipes, and corners.
Setting & Grouting: Follow the same adhesive and grouting principles as walls, using a heavier-duty floor tile adhesive.

Pro-Tip: A successful bathroom isn’t just about what you see. Proper ventilation is crucial to protect your new investment from moisture damage. Always ensure your renovation includes a powerful bathroom extractor fan to safeguard your beautiful new tiles from mould and moisture-related issues.

How to Drill into Bathroom Tiles Without Cracking Them

This common task strikes fear into hearts! Here’s the safe way:

Use masking tape to mark the drill spot; this prevents the drill bit from skating.
Never use a standard drill bit. Invest in a diamond-tip or carbide-tipped tile drill bit.
Start drilling at a slow speed with light pressure, no hammer action initially. You can increase speed once you’ve created a small guide hole.
Keep the area cool by occasionally dripping a little water on it.

Final Thoughts

A bathroom renovation is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home. By focusing on quality materials, thoughtful color palettes, and the technical details—from how to tile a bathroom to the science of ventilation—you create a space that doesn't just look beautiful in a render, but feels exceptional in reality.