
The Statement Shower: A New Approach to Cement Tile
This article explores the growing trend of using cement tiles to create a "statement shower" in home bathrooms, moving beyond traditional neutral aesthetics. It highlights a specific example in Molly Alexander's en suite bathroom in Magnolia, where K&L Interiors, led by cofounder Kelly Lyons, installed dark, moody blue cement tiles. The tiles' color, though difficult to precisely name (described as having deep green undertones rather than pure cobalt or teal, eventually listed as "midnight" by the manufacturer), provides a bold contrast to the bathroom's otherwise neutral palette and cloud-patterned wallpaper.
The article discusses the design philosophy behind this choice, noting that Pacific Northwest homeowners often opt for safe, neutral designs. Alexander, however, was open to more daring ideas, which is not a common client preference, according to Lyons. While picking bathroom tile is a small component of a larger renovation, it offers extensive options in color, material, shape, and size, making it a more complex decision than selecting paint colors, with more permanent consequences if a regrettable choice is made. Ceramic tile, such as the classic subway tile, remains a standard for bathroom walls, but the article focuses on cement as an alternative.
Cement tiles have gained popularity over the past decade, often seen in high-design environments like hotels or restaurants, or in homes where owners are willing to make a significant design commitment. Historically, these tiles frequently featured black-and-white or bold patterns. However, the current approach, as exemplified in Alexander's home, involves using solid-color cement tiles in a new fashion. The material's natural porosity gives it subtle shadings and visible texture, and like marble, it is expected to develop a patina and show wear over time. Lyons appreciates this characteristic, stating, "It's going to show that you lived in it. I like the beauty of that."
Alexander and her husband readily accepted the choice of cement tiles from Los Angeles-based Zia Tile. A key difference with cement tiles compared to ceramic or porcelain is their maintenance requirements. Alexander's shower has been in daily use for two years, and she is now due to apply the recommended biennial sealer to maintain the porous material. The article also touches upon the broader context of the design, noting that the saturated blue hue gains meaning from the bedroom's view of Elliott Bay, suggesting that blues and greens can act as neutrals in this region, provided the correct shade is chosen. Alexander considers the bathroom one of her favorite rooms and often showcases it to visitors after pointing out the water view.
The article concludes with a practical tip from designer Kelly Lyons for evaluating broad color applications: taking samples outdoors to observe them in natural sunlight. This practice helps to understand how the color will appear in a larger space, even if the actual room receives less light. The discussion also highlights three Northwest resources for tile: Ann Sacks (Denny Triangle) for classic styles, Statements (Tukwila) for design-forward options, and United Tile (Georgetown) for a wide selection and expert assistance.
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