Nautical Bathroom
 Residential Grand Prize Winner: 2009 National TileLetter Awards!
David Aichinger Tile Company was commissioned to design and install complex mosaic tiling for a private residence master bathroom and bedroom remodel in the Twin Cities metro area.
After working with the client to deliver a custom tile design that fit their personality and desires, the concept of a “nautical bathroom” mosaic design was approved and work began. The first challenge was accurately portraying “waves” in the color scheme requested by the client. In the end the color pallet consisted of pink, red, yellow and brown with flares of burgundy throughout.
The entire layered “wave” design (above) was assembled in our workshop in advance on a 6’x7’ tile mesh. Preparing and assembling the intricate tile pieces (1/2” square each!) was a daunting task, but this ensured the mosaic would meet the clients expectations upon installation. After assembling and installing the entire “wave” mosaic by hand the shower walls were complete.
Next we turned to the shower floor which continued to carry the nautical theme through depiction of a sandy shoreline, even incorporating ammonite fossils to represent shells. This small touch also spoke to the owner’s individuality as they collected fossils as a hobby. The final touch was utilizing darker and lighter shades of tile to create the illusion of a freshly drawn back wave leaving its imprint in the sand.
The homeowners had also purchased a premade sun medalion that needed to be incorporated in to the main bathrooms marble floor. While the medalion was attractive, it needed a finishing element to blend with the nautical theme. For this, a wave pattern was designed and assembled around the medalion's' perimeter with onyx stone, completing the effect and unifying the bathrooms theme.
When the completed bathroom tile installation was unveiled, the homeowners were thrilled enough with the custom design that the company was commissioned on the site to design and install the finishing touches to the adjacent master bedroom fireplace mantle. The only instructions: “surprise us”. A dream request, we spared no detail. The finished design became a moon and sky scene incorporating a swirling background adding texture and depth to the sky, as well as coordinating with the nautical bathroom theme. After accenting with stars, the scene was complete, the home owners were satisfied beyond their expectations, and David Aichinger Tile Company was proud to have delivered this one of a kind unified custom tile themed design.
The project itself was an incredibly rewarding experience which was only enhanced as several months later we were informed we had been awarded the Residential Grand Prize in the 2009 National TileLetter Awards. This prestigious award is given annually to one tile design and installation company selected from a pool of national entries. David Aichinger Tile Company was honored to be selected as the 2009 winner and become part of a select group of artisans recognized for producing projects at the top of their industry.
For more images of the Nautical Bathroom theme visit the "Bathrooms" portion of our project gallery page. |
