1. Determine Your Style

There are a lot of great (and free) resources available to assist in inspiring the new style of your bathroom. I recommend searching through Digs first to find projects you like. Create a board that reflects your personal style. Then, take time to visualize yourself in each room. You may not be in love with everything you see, but the goal should be to isolate what you do like in each photo and take note of the design of these items.

2. Tile Design

Once you have selected the tile that reflects your taste (which may be traditional, contemporary or transitional) then tile design becomes an important element to the overall success of the bath. Remember there is a great deal of product available today which allows you to work within your budget and still have the design you love. Remember to consider the materials that suit your lifestyle. If you want a space that is maintenance free, porcelain tile is your answer. Pairing natural stones with exquisite water patterns for a look that’s not only glamorous, but timeless as well. Glass tile also plays a role in many contemporary and transitional baths. Artisan (hand cast custom) tile should absolutely have a place when designing your bath. This material may serve as a decorative element for the back wall of a tub or shower.

3. Choose Your Fixtures

The fixtures you select for your bathroom will determine how the room will look and function. Your plumbing selections should compliment the tile design for a complete look. Fixtures can (and should) be works of art, but the most important things to consider are the quality of the construction, and the finish on the product/material you select.

**An important tip to keep in mind, energy efficiency has become a focus with many companies manufacturing more water-efficient toilets, faucets and shower heads. Make sure you check to see if your fixtures are manufactured with water saving features.

4. Hire Your Contractor

Work with a reputable individual who will understand your vision and has the expertise to assist you with the construction process. Remember when there are budgetary constrictions to ensure all aspects are considered by the contractor before committing to the project.

What are your tips for a smooth bathroom renovation? Let us know in the comments below.

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I have to say I think that the organizers outdid themselves this year. There were over 900 global exhibitors, 20,000 tile attendees and 70 free education seminars, including classes on social media, which seemed to be the unofficial theme of this year’s convention.

My favorite part, of course, was the new products. I tried to see as many of them as possible over the three days I was there. In between asking questions and appointments, I tried to snap a few pictures of some of my new favorite styles to share with you. Please feel free to email, tweet or call the studio to chat about or order any of these products.

Enjoy!

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Let me share a story with you about how I combined my client’s heritage with custom design, and a little divine influence to create a one of a kind space.

Recently, a client of mine approached me about doing the tile design for her brand new, 15,000 sq. ft. home in Alpine, NJ. She had ideas for many different spaces throughout the house, but the project she wanted to focus on first was the fireplace area in the family room.

The aspect of my job that has always been most exciting to me is working together with my clients to bring a vision to life that reflects both their personal style, and my passion for tile design. So when my client handed me a photo and said: “No one I know can design something like this except for you,” I knew she felt confident in my ability to make her dream space a reality, and I was excitedto get to work.

I noticed that the photo was torn from a Russian architectural design magazine. My client was born in Russia, and has a familiarity with the intricate and sometimes challenging interior designs of spaces like this, so her faith in my ability to make this happen was even more flattering to me. I thanked her for her confidence, and told her I was up for the challenge!

First, we met on site with the architect to discuss the space. The architect said that he would complete the crown molding specification once I decided on the tile design. Not wanting to hold up the party, I promised a one-week turnaround for the project design. I would’ve liked to have more time, but I knew we couldn’t wait.

Here’s what I had to work with:

Dimensions of the fireplace area:  9’ft high and 7ft’ wide

Since the home was still under construction, the only color hue I was working with was an exquisite 12 x 14 and 16 x 16 porcelain tile. This material looks exactly like a natural limestone, and served as the backdrop for my fireplace color palette.

Next, my client came to the studio to select a tile line for the family room and the fireplace. She chose a beautiful 4×4 hand crafted tile. Stoneware Green was the color hue selected because of how perfectly it worked with the 16 x 16 porcelain and how well it reflectsthe colors of nature. The large windows in the family room allow you to appreciate the outdoors, which really enhances the space and the selections even more.

Everything was selected. All that was needed was for me to complete my design.

In order for me to do that, I had to tap into an unconventional source of design inspiration. I had to meditate. For the past several years, I have enjoyed the benefits of meditation in my life. I was first introduced to meditating on a trip to the Chopra Center. That first visit had a profound impact on my life. I’ve been fortunate to return a few times since, and each trip my spirit is renewed. Twice a day, I meditate to clear my mind of the every day stresses of life, and to celebrate the abundance of the universe. I felt that using this

For 3 days, this was my process:

-I went to my client’s home
-I sat on the floor and focused on the blank cement wall
-I closed my eyes and envisioned a beautiful fireplace

Once I cleared my mind, I began to sketch. I drew three designs and even came up with a specific mantelpiece, which also served as the tiled crown molding for the fireplace. As it turns out, this piece did not exist in the tile line, but with my distinct design direction, the mantelpiece was created, and is now part of the artisan’s line.

After I completed my sketches, I called my client to review them. Her reaction was exactly what I was hoping for. She was overjoyed, and couldn’t wait to see the sketch she chose come to life.

When the fireplace was installed, she expressed her appreciation that I was able to bring a part of her heritage to the walls of her new home.

For me, the fireplace and its design depicts a true labor of love and passion for my work. I smile every time I see a picture of it, because it reminds me that being mindful creates many opportunities, especially when we can appreciate being in the present moment.

Enjoy.

The post My Fireplace Design Secret appeared first on Anna Marie Fanelli.

Pitch the floor.
Design a special area to bathe your pooch by placing an expanse of floor tile on a pitch so that the water flows easily into a drain—just like a shower. Porcelain tile is a good option. It’s maintenance-free and makes cleaning up pesky pet hair a snap!

Fido-friendly theme.
A vanity in your pet room is a great place to store toys, leashes and treats. Its backsplash should be stylish too. Play up a pet theme by incorporating decorative border tiles. Mirror the look on the floor to keep it consistent.

Size matters.
A variety of sizes creates interest on the floor. Pairing 3-inch by 6-inch tile with 6-inch by 6-inch and 3-inch by 3-inch tiles provides depth and drama. Go on a diagonal for dimension. And if you’re working with stone, opt for the textured side of the tile for visual interest.

Counter offer.
Durability is key when selecting countertops. CaesarStone is a stainresistant material with the look and feel of limestone but without the daunting cost. Concrete is another fitting choice. A natural material that’s kind to the environment, it exhibits subtle variations in color and texture. Because each slab is handcast, no two are identical.

Accessories count.
From sinks to faucets, be sure to keep your pet in mind when selecting the room’s accessories. Special touches, like paw-print hardware and fabric, complete the look.

The post Pamper Your Pet appeared first on Anna Marie Fanelli.

Personalize your new abode. You might have been bound by a landlord’s rules and regulations before, but now is your opportunity to inject individual style into your home. From sleek to subdued, today’s array of tile, stone and fixtures offers options tailored to almost any taste.

Get more molding for less. Rather than using large, expensive moldings, consider purchasing narrower sections that can stack together to create the illusion of pieces that are bigger and more ornate.

Resurface kitchen and bathroom countertops. If the counters in your home need to be changed, use tile for the top and a chair rail for the front detail. Basic plywood can be laid as a cost-effective base underneath a tile covering. Taking this step also helps to update the room without major reconstruction.

Add instant pizzazz with new grout options. Now available in almost any color under the sun, new grout can refresh a tired tiled area while keeping expenses and labor to a minimum.

Focus on illuminating fixtures. Decorative lighting can make a big difference in any kitchen or bathroom makeover. Whether your taste runs more traditional or contemporary, be sure to choose pieces that complement the tile and stonework for a cohesive look.

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Give it time.
Turnaround is affected by many factors: the size of the project, the intricateness of any hand painting, the amount of time it takes to finalize plans and the artist’s workload. Once the design is approved, production generally lasts six to eight weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.

Expect some fees up front.
It’s common to charge for the design plans. And you’ll be billed for a glaze sample for any custom color requests. If you’re working with a mosaic medallion or border, expect to pay a template charge. Samples are always an additional fee.

Work with a reputable tile studio.
While many “artists” are willing to do custom projects, a studio that has established a good business relationship with an artisan will be able to provide you with references and examples of past work.

Express Yourself .
Meet with the tile designer to brainstorm ideas and discuss your hopes and goals for your home. A trained professional will be able to translate your vision into tile and give you a briefing on what is possible with today’s techniques.

Approve The Final Design .
When your one-of-a-kind piece is complete, it’s yours to keep—in other words, no returns. To ensure you get what you want, it’s essential to sign off on the final design.

The post Made To Order appeared first on Anna Marie Fanelli.

Go natural.
Draw inspiration from the natural color palette of the vineyard with patterned slate or distressed stones. If budget or maintenance is an issue, distressed patterned porcelain achieves a similar look.

Layer.
Like a fine wine infused with complex flavors, layers of texture add dimension. Consider incorporating elements like decorative hand-painted borders or decos. For a distinctive look with a nod to wine making, consider cork tiles.

Add detail.
Mosaic medallions with leaves or grapevine patterns are the perfect accent for a welcoming wine cellar. For a focal point underfoot, opt for a stone-etched insert.

Deck the walls.
As an extension of your entertaining space, create an authentic backdrop in which to taste wine with stone cladding reminiscent of a vintner’s vault.

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Invest in the kitchen and master bath.
These two rooms have the most potential to seal the deal when it comes time to sell. Buyers will be wooed by granite countertops, but you might also try eco-friendly CaesarStone or go high-end with honed stone and Calcutta gold marble for the floor, backsplash or shower.

Be wary of expensive layouts.
Intricate borders and tile patterns may be visually appealing but can pack a punch budgetwise with expensive labor charges. If you’re flipping a home for profit, stick to simple but stylish layouts.

Keep it neutral.
Bold may be beautiful, but individual tastes can vary widely. Play it safe with shades of white or beige for field tiles. To spice it up, add colorful details and accessories.

Know your segment of the market.
Don’t indulge in the highest-price products if you plan on selling a midrange home—most likely you won’t be able to get a favorable return on your investment.

The post Ripe For Resale appeared first on Anna Marie Fanelli.

Coordinate colors
For a customized look, match flooring to the hue of your car. Try RaceDeck, a modular tile system, available in an array of patterns and colors, which can be selfinstalled. No surface prep is required; just snap tiles in place over any existing solid-surface floor. Resistant to oil, antifreeze and most household chemicals, it can be hosed off for easy maintenance.

Embellish a workshop with masculine countertops
Try CaesarStone, a solid-surface product composed of crushed quartz, for a luxurious look. Designed to hold up in even the messiest high-traffic counter areas, the Reflection Series lends a manly feel to workshops with a rich color palette of ruby red, pacific blue and ebony.

Consider medallions and mosaics
Personalize your garage by installing a stone waterjet medallion of your favorite car logo on the floor or wall. Or pay homage to your Ferrari with a glass mosaic in its image.

Add punch with porcelain
Maintenance-free, costeffective and eco-friendly to boot, porcelain tile works in a wide range of designs. Create an old-world aesthetic or a sleek modern space depending on the tile you select. Porcelain is also naturally slipresistant, making it ideal for preventing accidents in the garage.

Don’t forget the walls
Although most people focus on the functionality of the floor, if you wash your car in the garage, you’ll want to keep the walls dry. Halfwall tiling will protect them. For pizzazz, top off the design with glass or stone decorative trim.

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