Why Hotel Bathroom Tile Matters for Boutique Hotel Renovations
When it comes to designing high-end hospitality spaces, every decision matters—from the textures and colors to the materials used. One of the most impactful design choices? Tiles.
For a recent boutique hotel renovation at The Harbor House Inn in Elk, CA, I navigated the hotel bathroom tile selection process with sustainability, durability, and aesthetics in mind.
This project included multiple guest bathrooms, each requiring meticulous planning to ensure a seamless blend of style and functionality.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I chose the perfect tile to enhance the guest experience while maintaining practicality for housekeeping and long-term maintenance.
Why Sustainability Mattered For Hotel Tile Selection
The highlight of this installation? Hotel wall tiles, specifically handmade brick tiles, that gave the boutique hotel’s bathrooms a distinctive, artisanal look.
Sustainability is a growing priority in interior design, and I was committed to selecting materials that were not only high-quality but also environmentally responsible. This led me to Fireclay Tile, a B Corp-certified company known for its eco-conscious manufacturing process that:
Uses less water in production
Prioritizes sustainable sourcing
Operates with ethical manufacturing practices
Choosing local, handmade, sustainable materials not only reduced the project’s environmental footprint but also added a unique, high-end artisanal touch to the hotel’s bathrooms.
Balancing Aesthetics, Durability, and Budget
Durability for High-Traffic Spaces
Since these are hotel bathrooms, durability was a key factor. The tiles needed to withstand heavy foot traffic, regular cleaning, and long-term wear.
We focused on materials that were:
Sturdy and resilient
Suitable for wet areas
Resistant to mold and stains
Aesthetic Goals: Classic Yet Distinctive
We wanted to avoid the sterile, ultra-modern look often seen in large-scale hotels. Instead, we opted for something warmer and more timeless—a tile that felt natural, classic, and in harmony with the history of the inn.
My Design Strategy was:
Floor-to-ceiling tiles to emphasize the high ceilings (9.5 feet!)
Handmade tiles for a rich texture and depth
A grout color that blends with both the wall and floor tiles for a seamless look
Budget Considerations & Cost-Effective Luxury
Surprisingly, handmade tiles don’t have to break the bank. Fireclay offers beautiful customizable tiles at accessible price points.
For a luxury boutique hotel, it’s crucial to create an elevated feel without unnecessary overspending. Even high-end spaces can incorporate budget-friendly yet high-impact design choices—such as using handmade tiles as an accent rather than throughout the entire space.
Practical Considerations for Hotel Wall Tiles Design: Housekeeping & Maintenance
In large chain hotels, mass-produced tiles with minimal grout lines are often used to simplify maintenance. However, in a boutique setting, we had the flexibility to create a more detailed, high-end experience.
For hospitality spaces, easy maintenance is just as important as aesthetics.
Key considerations I factored in:
Tile Cleaning & Care: We provided a detailed care guide for housekeeping, ensuring the tiles remain pristine over time.
Mold-Resistant Grout: We selected grout that offers protection against moisture buildup and mold growth.
Slip Resistance & Safety: Smaller tiles were used in shower floors to increase friction and prevent slipping—a crucial factor for guest safety.
Hotel Wall Tiles: Creating a Cohesive Look with Color and Texture
In boutique hospitality, every design element contributes to the overall atmosphere.
Unlike large-scale hotels where tiles often fade into the background, we wanted the tiles to be a highlight of the space - subtle, yet distinctive.
Design choices on this project achieved this with:
The same wall and floor tile color used in all five bathrooms for a cohesive look.
Lighting and hardware carefully selected to complement the guest room aesthetics and create a seamless transition.
Extra tile stock (20% overage) was ordered to ensure future repairs match perfectly, avoiding variations in color from different production batches.
Common Mistakes in Hospitality Floor Tile Selection and How We Avoided Them!
Using the wrong grout color – Grout can dramatically impact the look of a space. We selected a matching grout to emphasize the beauty of the tiles rather than create a distracting pattern.
Overlooking safety – Some tiles are simply too slippery for hospitality spaces. We carefully selected textures and finishes that were safe for wet areas.
Ignoring maintenance considerations – Housekeeping efficiency is crucial. We provided clear care instructions and selected materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
Choosing mass-produced, impersonal designs – Luxury hospitality is about experience. We opted for handmade, unique tiles to create a custom, high-end feel.
Honoring Place Through Interior Design: A Mendocino-Inspired Approach
At Mendo Style Interiors, we believe that great design is deeply connected to its surroundings.
For this boutique hotel project, I infused elements of Mendocino County’s natural beauty into the space by sourcing materials that reflect the region’s character.
Local Artisans & Materials
The handmade brick tiles we selected bring an artisanal touch reminiscent of Mendocino’s historic architecture and rugged coastline.
Strong Local Expertise & Trade Relationships
My connections with Northern California’s top tile makers and craftspeople ensured seamless sourcing and a smooth installation process. The contractors I had the pleasure to work with on this project included Pennacchio Tile and the Greenwood Construction Company.
By prioritizing local craftsmanship, we not only reduced the environmental footprint of this project but also honored the rich artistic heritage of our region, creating a space that feels authentic, inviting, and timeless.
The Intersection of Design, Function, and Sustainability
Tile selection in hospitality isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about crafting an experience that balances beauty, durability, and practicality.
By using locally made, handmade tiles from a sustainable, B Corp-certified company, we not only elevated the space but also made an environmentally responsible choice.
As this project nears completion, I can’t wait to see how these carefully curated boutique hotel design choices contribute to a memorable guest experience.
Have questions about tile selection or hospitality design?
Send me a message! And follow me on social media for more behind-the-scenes design strategies and sustainable luxury inspiration on Instagram and Facebook.