Gone are the days of ugly shower-tub combos!
Now, having a walk-in shower is all the rage. Installing one exponentially increases the comfort of your bathing experience, and it instantly levels up the look of your bathroom — particularly when paired with outstanding tile work. But with endless varieties, materials, and tile patterns available, how do you figure out which look is right for your remodel?
That's where the designers at Corvallis Custom Kitchens & Baths come in. Luxury bathroom remodeling is what we do, and we have plenty of gorgeous shower ideas to share!
What is a Luxury Walk-In Shower?
Before we get into the tile inspiration, let's settle on our definitions. Open concept showers come in many shapes and sizes. What everyone can agree on is that they have no lip, meaning you can walk directly into the shower without having to step up or over a barrier. This gives your bathroom a much sleeker look. Plus, it can prevent you from slipping while going in and out of the shower.
These types of showers come in two forms: walk-ins and wetrooms. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference between the two. Walk-in showers generally have glass walls on one or two sides; they may or may not have a door. Wetrooms, on the other hand, are entirely open. No glass walls or doors separate your shower from the rest of the bathroom, lending your space a seamless feel. Another difference is that walk-in showers usually include a shower tray to catch excess water, while wetrooms use a floor drainage system.
What Makes a Walk-In Shower Look Unique?
Walk-in showers and wetrooms look unique from the get-go — even before you add fancy materials, tile work, and other luxury bits and bobs. They're so seamlessly integrated into your bathroom that they make the space feel more open and interconnected, like a spa rather than a personal bathroom. Take the visual impact of your shower up a notch with high-end fixtures, like a handheld showerhead with a slide bar. Even better, invest in a walk-in shower tile design you love. Use these doorless walk-in shower ideas as inspiration!
Curbless Shower Ideas: Tiles that Dazzle
Whether you want a trendy or timeless bathroom, choosing the right tile is critical to creating a shower you love. There are four main questions you need to ask yourself when picking out tiles:
- What material do I want my tiles to be?
- How big should they be? And what shape?
- Should the tiles create a pattern?
- And what color should they be to complement the rest of my bathroom color scheme?
Explore ideas for how you can answer these questions below!
Material Choice
Tile material has a considerable impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. There are a few primary materials you can choose from.
1. Natural Stone
Natural stone has long been one of the most popular choices for high-end tiles. Marble, in particular, is beloved for the iconic rivulets of gray running through the rock that generate visual interest. Like marble, granite has a highly-polished luxe look. Other types of stone, like limestone or slate, give you a rugged texture that can make you feel like you're showering beneath a rocky waterfall.
2. Glass
Want your bathroom to look posh and polished? Then, glass might be the right choice for you. Glass tiles come in various colors and shapes, allowing easy personalization. Keep a shiny finish for a glimmering shower, or modernize with a matte.
3. Ceramic & Porcelain
Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer just as much variety as glass tiles without the expensive price tag. They're also super durable, so you can trust that they'll last for a long time.
Tile Size & Shape
Once you know what material you're going with, it's time to look at the tiles themselves. Are you a fan of straight lines, or do you prefer curves? Will many small tiles accomplish the look you're going for, or do you like going large?
4. Large Format
Large shower tiles are in. Supersized tiles require much fewer grout lines than smaller alternatives, lending to the seamless bathroom look you're going for.
5. Subway Tile
Subway tiles are a classic, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring! Spice them up with these subway tile ideas:
- Choose a fun color
- Change the orientation from horizontal to vertical
- Go for a cool pattern like herringbone or crosshatch (more on that below)
- Use a funky finish
6. Geometric
Geometric tiles come in many forms. Try triangles, hexagons, or diamond shapes to get a unique, modern look. Even better, combine various geometric shapes to give your shower walls visual interest for days.
To Pattern or Not to Pattern
Patterns have a double meaning when it comes to tiles. First, there's the pattern your tiles lay in, such as vertical, horizontal, herringbone, etc. Then, there are also tiles that make patterns or have designs printed on them. Let's touch on both!
7. Herringbone, Crosshatch, & Chevron
Switch up the look of your tiles by asking your remodeler to play with the pattern. Even the most simplistic tiles can make a striking impact using a non-traditional design.
8. Mosaics & Murals
Accent walls aren't just for your living room. Treat your shower as a focal point using tiles that create a colorful mosaic. If you want your shower walls to look like a work of art, keep an eye out for mural tiles!
9. Faux Wood
Nowadays, you can mimic the look of hardwood in your bathroom without worrying about water damage! Tiles printed with a faux wood pattern give your bathroom a natural retreat-like feel. Plus, the texture can make your bathroom feel cozy and comfortable.
Color
Last but not least is color. The hue of your bathroom dramatically impacts mood, so choose carefully!
10. White
White tiles are an absolute classic. Clean and crisp, they never go out of style. If you want to create a timeless bathroom or plan to sell your home in the future, white is a great option! Experiment with different shades until you find one that works for you. Go for a warmer shade if you want to feel cozy and a cooler hue for a modern look.
11. Earthy Colors
Lately, trends are leaning towards natural colors that provide comfort and facilitate a connection to the outdoors. Play with shades of green, blue, brown, and terra cotta until you find a combination you love.
12. Mix & Match
Don't be afraid to play with color. Be bold by mixing cool and warm shades or bright whites with deep darks. Try different colored tiles on the floor and walls, or use pops of color as accents along walls and storage cubbies.
Building Your Next Bathroom
Remodeling or putting in a bathroom is a big deal. Don't go it alone! Use this cost guide to start preparing. When you're ready, contact Corvallis Custom Kitchens & Baths' designers for help creating the luxury bathroom you're dreaming of!
