Pebbles were in Vogue some years ago. They have pretty much disappeared from pages of magazines and design books, but once a while one comes across a lovely space that features pebbles. The key is to use them in a clean fashion either on wall or floor, and contrast them with smooth surfaces of modern fixtures or large tiles. Many manufacturers carry variety of pebble tiles. Some of them are: NY Stone, Nemo Tile, Porcelanosa and Coverallstone.com.

Bath in Palo Alto featuring a wall of white pebbles, designed by Gustave Carlson Design.

White, glossy stacked pebbles.

Bathroom featuring flat pebble floor, designed by Sheahan + Quandt Architecture & Interiors.

Bali Pebble Tan from Nemo Tile.

Gray stacked pebbles from coverallstone.com

The Holidays make me think about decorations, and decorations make me think about patterns.  I recently came across photographs of two beautiful bathrooms at the Mountain House in Nova Lima, Brazil.  I usually do not fancy “decorations”, I prefer solid surfaces and natural stone veins, the only patterns being ones created by grout lines.  But in case of the Nova Lima bathrooms designed by David Guerra Architecture along with the entire house, I must make an exception to my own rule.  The tile patterns are intriguing, the color palette is simple, the tiles are only used on one feature wall.  Everything else in the bathrooms has a neutral, natural palette and perfectly compliments the tile design.

If you want to “dress up” your bathroom for longer than just the Holidays, consider this tile series called Natural Trend by Ceramica Sant’ Agostino:

Another option is this tile pattern from the Glow series by Atlas Concorde:

Both series have monochrome tiles in matching colors.  Remember, the trick is not to overdo it.  Have fun!

Inspiration truly can come from anywhere.  Indiana based PROJECTiONE came up with the idea of using the concept of bubble wrap to create a bathroom wall panel system.  A company founded by graduates of the Masters program at Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning, Adam Buente, Kyle Perry, Elizabeth Boone and Eric Brockmeyer, PROJECTiONE is interested in design and fabrication utilizing digital equipment.

The bitMAPS wall panels were fabricated using intentionally pierced bubble wrap as the first mold.  The final product is made of polystyrene, and was installed on two walls and the ceiling of a  residential bathroom project.  Via the digital design process, many bathroom features were integrated into the custom panels: light coves, ventilation grilles, magazine and tissue holders.  bitMAPS creators intention was “to create a clean but complex texture that is engaging to sight and touch, encouraged through embedded switches, custom storage compartments and openings for light and air ventilation.”

It is definitely an interesting and innovative concept, smartly utilizing the capabilities of digital technology.

The Japanese bathroom aesthetic is in line if Uniform’s design sensibility: simple forms, use of natural wood and stone. The bathroom in Japan is not only a room for cleaning – it is a sanctuary, a space for calm and deep relaxation.  Below is a selection of designs that draw inspiration from different aspects of the rich Japanese culture.  The bathtub is the main focus here, as soaking tubs are an important element of the Japanese bathing ritual.

Serenity reigns in this bathroom by San Francisco architects Aidlin Darling Design.

In a traditional Japanese bathroom the shower is situated right next to the bathtub. A stool is used to sit on while taking a shower.

The Ofuro soaking tub by Italian company Rapsel is made of movingui and larch wood. Designed by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez.

The Ofuro soaking tub by SeaOtter WoodWorks is made of traditional Japanese hinoki wood.

The Origami bathtub by Stocco is simply stunning.

Origami tile by Urban Archaeology takes wall tile to another dimension.

Last Wednesday NY Stone Manhattan hosted a party to celebrate the opening of their new Marazzi showroom. NY Stone is located at 30 W 21st Street and the new Marazzi showroom is on the second floor in the same building. The ground floor features incredible stone slab collection from around the world, but the ceramic tile collection upstairs is equally impressive. The tiles are uniquely proportioned. There is a subtle palette of grays and naturals as well as well balanced vivid color palette. Marazzi also offers textures and 3 dimensional solutions.

Our Loft series is rooted in Streamline Moderne aesthetic. The style was not only a reaction to Art Deco designs, but also a reflection of austere economic times. Gone was unnecessary ornament, replaced by aerodynamic pure-line concept of motion and speed developed from scientific thinking.  Eighty years later we still admire it.

Loft 1 visualization.

Industrial bathroom.

Ray Loewy bathroom, designed in 1949.

Loft finishes: black hexagon tiles, white brick and arsenic paint.

Perfect loft inspired bathroom with white subway tile walls, hexagon shower floor and industrial pedestal sink.

Apothecary jars.

Glass tile was extremely popular in the beginning of this century, and it was also extremely expensive. I lost interest in glass tile for some time, as it was used too much and too frequently. Recently, however, I started noticing it again and feel inspired by some of the products I found. Some of my selections are still expensive, but others are quiet reasonably priced. In either case, please use responsibly…

Glassworks by Original Style.

Lenticular Glass Wall Tiles by Glass Tile USA

Glass slabs from Coverings Etc.

Ogari Silk Mini Brick Stacked by Stone & Pewter Accessories.

For a splash of color: Block Party by Glas Tile.

1955 Spartan aluminum trailer, lined with reclaimed redwood, sporting a very appropriate steel tiled bathroom with steel bathtub. See the entire trailer interior at Remodelista and read the full story by Meyer Rus at LA Times.

Interior designer Jane Hallworth’s 1955 Spartan aluminum trailer.

Jane Hallworth's trailer bathroom.