Pattern Play, Minus the Chaos: A Designer’s Guide - LBK Design Build

Pattern Play, Minus the Chaos: A Designer’s Guide

We recently featured several projects on our Facebook page that showcased stunning tile designs that we used in kitchen and bath remodels. We mentioned briefly how playing with patterns can make a big impact on a room, but let’s take a deeper dive into what that entails.

Pattern play isn’t just “mixing prints.” It’s the art of creating visual interest within a room while keeping in harmony with your style. The right mix of boldness and subtlety adds depth, personality, and movement to a room. At LBK Design Build, our designers balance these elements, so your spaces feel intentional, not busy.

Below are some real examples from recent LBK projects on how we used tile patterns to transform kitchens and baths. We’ll tell you about what you are seeing and then why it works.

Bathroom Remodeling Designs for a Historic House
Scale and harmony keep pattern playful - not busy.

Bathroom, Reimagined with Classic Geometry

What you’re seeing: In this Paoli Master Bath Suite we use white subway tile with defined grout lines, a soft green vanity, and a mosaic hex floor punctuated with black floral motifs.

Why it works: The focus is the floral hex mosaic. Subway tile provides a calm, linear counterpoint, while the vanity introduces color without adding visual noise. Black hardware ties the shapes together.

Wayne, PA - Master Bath Remodel
A calm, luxurious mix: large format hex on the floor, chevron wood look tile in the shower.

Spa Suite with Modern Warmth

What you’re seeing: In this Wayne Master Bath remodel, a large‑format hex floor meets a chevron wood‑look feature wall inside the shower, paired with quiet square wall tile.

Why it works: Scale does the heavy lifting. The large hex anchors the space, while the chevron brings movement and warmth. Neutral tones and clean lines keep it serene.

Kitchen Backsplashes That Make the Room

Elongated hex with jewel‑like insets: The vertical rhythm of this Doylestown kitchen elongates the wall, while reflective accents add depth and glamour under task lighting.

Herringbone with a twist: A mirrored/glass detail in the chevrons adds sparkle behind open shelves – pattern that performs from day to night. This is also from our Doylestown Home Addition.

Why they work: Both use a single geometry, repeated with subtle variation. The cabinetry and counters act as the “quiet” that lets the pattern shine.

Moody, Modern Bath with Contrast

Moody, Modern Bath with Contrast

What you’re seeing: Charcoal elongated hex tile in the shower, paired with a white dimensional tile and a geometric stone border at the vanity.

Why it works: High‑contrast shapes are balanced by a limited palette and clean fixtures. The mix feels custom, not chaotic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Use one bold pattern as a focal point, balancing it with quieter surfaces.
  • Repetition of a single geometry adds rhythm without chaos.
  • Contrast and restrained palettes prevent pattern overload.

 

The LBK Way

The right mix of bold and subtle can add personality and visual interest to a room, but done badly, it just make the room look “busy.” At LBK Design Build, our designers understand the importance of balance and will work with you to capture the interest and feel you are looking for.

LBK Design Build

If you’re considering a project of your own, let’s chat! We’d love to help you craft a space that’s unique but balanced. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards turning your dream kitchen or bath into a stunning reality!

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