Colour blocking delineates the kitchen in an open concept space.

Inspired by the building’s 1960s swimming pool, the homeowner used glossy turqouise subway tiles for the kitchen backsplash. That hue, paired with grey and white walls, amps up the seaside vibe of this space.

Use tile to create a showstopping accent wall.

“This ensuite bathroom is designed to highlight mosaic tiles in a panel that frames the freestanding wood tub,” explains 3rd Uncle principal Arriz Hassam. “This brings out the simple sculptural quality of the tub and the graphic pattern creates an intimate scale to the large room. The rest of the room is finished in a warm white limestone.”

See more 3rd Uncle Design projects in our photo gallery.

Cork offers an alternative to traditional tiles.

Homeowner Git Gustavsson sourced this European-looking console table to use as a vanity — the extra-long drawers and shelf offer extra storage space for baskets and toiletries. The floor-to-ceiling, copper-hued cork penny tiles have all the impact of a colour-blocked wall, but are much easier to maintain and clean in a humid bathroom than paint.

See the before shot in our Bathroom Makeovers photo gallery, plus watch a video tour of this bathroom. See more examples of stunning tiles in our Dramatic Tiled Rooms gallery.

A silver and white palette evokes serenity and glamour.

Floor to ceiling, damask-patterned Bisazza tiles with an opalescent sheen make a statement in this large bathroom. Using a nook by a picture window for a freestanding bathtub adds more drama, while an oversized feather chandelier completes the luxe, feminine look. Top-of-the-line finishes such as these eliminate the need for any further accessories.

Watch a tour of this bathroom and connected bedroom. Plus, see more Dramatic Bathrooms and Spa-Like Bathrooms.

A wood vanity and pink accents soften this modern space.

In this dark bathroom, reflective surfaces are used to play up the natural light filtering through an arched window. High-gloss white subway tile lining the shower area and luminous silver mosaic tile on the dividing wall bounce light around the room and create contrast with the matte walls and floor.

See more examples of stunning tile in our Dramatic Tiled Rooms gallery.

A clean-lined, freestanding white bathtub contrasts nicely against dramatic walls.

Grey and white mosaic tile make a graphic statement in this contemporary ensuite, outfitted with a sleek curved tub.

See more photos of interior designer Rosie Daykin’s Vancouver home in our gallery.

See more statement bathrooms in our photo gallery.

This modern space features teak cabinets and Carrara marble counters.

White stools at the kitchen island, pale counters, stainless steel and a dynamic glass-tile backsplash keep this kitchen looking fresh.

See more photos of interior designer Rosie Daykin’s Vancouver home in our gallery.

Mini pebble-coloured subway tiles offer a cool counterpoint to warm wood floors.

Custom Shaker-style doors, oversize brushed-nickel hardware and a marble countertop are just a few of the finishes that earned Rhonda Short of Toronto first prize in our 2007 design contest. New windows and an open floor plan make it a bright, practical kitchen for cooking and baking.

See more of Rhonda’s charming kitchen and dining room in the April 2008 issue.

An ivory vanity, grey tile and glamorous lighting combine in this romantic-yet-modern design.

Traditional finishes like the marble floors and countertop were combined with modern chrome hardware and a mosaic tile backsplash for a fresh, contemporary look.

Bold decorating ideas inform the look of a designer’s modern home makeover.

The floor of this tiny bathroom is tiled in a graphic pattern, making the space feel much larger. A sleek sill-less glass-enclosed shower and slim wall-hung sink and toilet allow the floor to remain the focal point. A recessed medicine cabinet over the sink offers hidden storage.

View more photos of this home in our April 2009 issue. Plus, see more incredible spaces from 2009 in our photo gallery.

Add character to an all-white kitchen.

“New York designer Steven Gambrel does a brilliant job of kitchens, to me they’re the highlight of his work,” says House & Home editor Suzanne Dimma. “This one in particular stands out for the highly patterned marble sink and countertop and his signature move of pairing floor-to-ceiling white subway tile with contrasting dark grout. The soaring ceiling gives it a grand scale but paired with the low windows, it also feels intimate.”

See more of Suzanne’s favourite kitchens in our gallery. Plus, see a gallery on Steven Gambrel’s decorating style.

For more island inspiration, see our Kitchen Tables As Islands photo gallery.

A warm and feminine space.

Top L.A. designer Kelly Wearstler created this room to offer an unexpected thrill and a complexion-friendly backdrop. “Everyone looks good in pink!” she says. Wrapped in wide ribbons of iridescent tile, this bathroom is an ode to mosaics. The wet room’s slick, clean-lined fixtures and transparent glass door hold their own next to the bold stripes.

See more Dramatic Bathrooms, Spa-Like Bathrooms, plus get more tips on Decorating With Pink.