Terrific Tile Tips

Terrific Tile Trickery: Turning Squares into Plaid

Who says plaid belongs only in your wardrobe? With a little imagination (and a few off-the-shelf square tiles), you can lay down a floor that feels custom without the custom price tag. By simply alternating colors and playing with direction, those humble squares line up into a chic plaid pattern that feels both playful and polished.

It’s the perfect solution for a kids’ bathroom—whimsical enough for bath-time giggles, yet stylish enough that you won’t be ripping it out when they trade rubber ducks for hair gel. Budget-friendly, low-drama, and high on style points—this is one terrific tile tale worth telling.

Plaid Floor Tile with 6" x 6" square tiles @amybormanid.com

Zigzag with Style: The L-Shape Effect

Sometimes the most interesting patterns come from the simplest shapes. Take an L-shaped tile—when laid with intention, it creates a dynamic zigzag effect that turns a small powder room floor into a design statement. The geometry adds movement, personality, and just enough “what is that?” curiosity to make guests linger (and maybe even compliment your tile while they wash their hands). It’s a subtle yet striking way to infuse style and personalization—proof that great design isn’t just in the big moves, but in the clever little ones under your feet.

Tile by @WowDesign @Crossville Studios Design @amybormanid.com

A Little Shimmer Goes a Long Way

In a primary bath, the vanity wall is prime real estate—it’s where you stand, primp, and pretend your morning coffee hasn’t worn off yet. Cladding it in glass tile transforms that daily mirror check into a moment of quiet glamour. The surface catches light like jewelry, shifting from soft sparkle to full-on glitz as the day moves. It’s not about shouting “look at me,” but rather about whispering “I woke up fabulous” in a voice only you can hear. As an interior designer, I love how glass tile delivers instant elevation—layering depth, reflection, and a hint of indulgence—without tipping into gaudy. It’s your personal red carpet, conveniently located between the sink and the serum.

Glass tiles by @Crossville Studios Design @amybormanid.com

So whether it’s plaid made from humble squares, a zigzag from L-shapes, or a glass-tiled wall that shimmers like it just got back from vacation, tile is proof that great design lives in the details. Your floors and walls don’t have to be boring—they just have to be clever. And if your bathroom is begging for a little personality (or a lot), I’d love to help you dream it up and make it happen. Consider this your formal invitation to stop settling for “fine” and start living with “fabulous.”

xo- A