I Design, You Decide: The Kids Bath Materials Vote
Green marble isn’t where I thought my life would go. Emerald is generally a color that I have let Dorothy and the Wizard monopolize. But I went safe with both master bathroom options, at least colorwise. I knew it. I wanted something neutral. But the kids’ bath is somewhere that can go more playful with our materials and even bring in COLOR. The full design isn’t done yet, but we are choosing materials today (and by “we” I mean me and you, folks, so sit up, look alive and get ready to vote).
As a reminder, the kids’ bath looked like this:
Across the hall from the kids’ bunk room, it’s a decent size, and oh man do I think it’s ready for some new stone, tile, fixtures and my children. As you can probably tell from the “before” photos and the final floor plan below, we moved a few things around to set up the space in a way I thought would work better for us.
Option #1 – Playful But Not Kiddish
The first material option I’m presenting to you is warm and playful, but not too “kid.”
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Blue Mosaic Tile: This tile was the real jumping off point for this design option. It’s handmade and so beautiful with a lot of reflection. The finish makes it feel kinda rustic but the pattern keeps it modern. I’m thinking of this for the shower surround, so when you walk in, you’ll see this beautiful vertical wall of that color and tile. I’m SO EXCITED. If you guys don’t choose this here, you will likely see it in another bathroom option because I’m determined to use it somehow.
Honed Carrara Marble: My best friend requested that I not use Carrara in this house. I suppose we (society) may have hit our peak on this particular stone (white with light stone veining) but when honed or leathered, it just feels classic and grounded to me. #sorrynotsorry. Bedrosians has a few slab options that felt really organic and more interesting than what you can buy mass market. With everything else going on, a quiet stone will be nice in here with the pebble floor and that mosaic tile. It will be the tub surround, the top of the tub (treating it almost like an under-mount sink) and the countertop/backsplash, similar to these photos below:
Pebble Tile: Listen, you voted for us to bring it into the house and try to make it work. I think it’s playful and fun in here and works with the honed Carrara and the blue mosaic tile so well. We will do a medium-colored grout and seal it really well, I promise.
In case you need a refresher on the look and feel of that floor, here are some inspirations I’ve shared in previous posts that feel pretty good to me:
Here is Option 1 again so you don’t have to keep scrolling (don’t worry though, we’ll also put it side-by-side with Option 2 at the end of the post so you can do a quick comparison):
The faucets and trim will be polished gold, in a VERY modern shape. Because the window is in the shower, it’ll be in a black fiberglass. There will also be hits of darker wood, blackened brass and leather (maybe).
I love this version. I know it can and will look good. The main risk is the pebble tile but I’m liking it so much with that blue mosaic tile and the honed (or even leathered) Carrara marble.
Option #2 – Shine Bright Like a Diamond an Emerald
This one is dedicated to my girl Dorothy because we found some emerald quartzite that only belongs either in Oz or this bathroom.
Emerald Quartzite: The quartzite is so stunning in person, guys. All of us gravitated toward it and did one of those things where you suck in your breath really quickly. Creating fun editorial content is what we really try to do so if we can do it in a way that isn’t a terrifying risk, then we will. I BELIEVE in this quartzite. I’m incredibly excited. It will be on the tup front and top, but that’s it. The rest of the room will be white with some wood, brass and black peppered in.
This showy stone needs to be honed to be humbled, so we will combine it with honed Thassos on the countertop and a light gray/white zellige square tile on the floor, as well as on the backsplash and shower surround but in a less expected pattern.
I realize that I used this tile in my current house (kitchen and master bath) but I LOVE it and it’s the perfect way to ground that green quartzite. We’ll play with the orientation and put the smaller 2″x2″ on the floor with a light gray grout.
The window will be black as I mentioned previously, so we’ll add a couple other sprinklings of black and wood in there via the hardware, lighting and mirror.
I honestly REALLY want both and in so many ways I wish that you gave me permission to stop this insanity and do whatever you don’t choose for the kids’ bath in the other guest bathroom. If it’s a tie (or close), I just might do that…it often feels crazy to totally nix a plan, just because it barely lost the poll. But if it’s not close—if there is a clear winner—then we’ll scrap those materials completely.
So which is it? The blue mosaic statement or the emerald green quartzite??? VOTE NOW.
I Design, You Decide
Kids Bathroom Materials
Option 1
Kids Bath
Option 2
Kids Bath
Thank you for doing your daily design duty.
Your vote has my vote 🙂
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LOVE the tile in #1 (although it doesn’t really read as blue on my screen). Marble as a tub top doesn’t seem like a great idea, especially in a kids bath, because of all the things that get sat there.
For that reason, I voted for #2 (also, I love green). I think #1 would be beautiful in a guest bath, but definitely use the quartzite in the kids space!
Yes, this! I voted for 2 because I would never ever put marble in a kids bathroom. Especially if you ever intend to have other people stay in the home as renters or just friends you won’t be able to police the items that get put on the counter etc in the bathroom, especially the kids bathroom.
I have a personal rule that of anything stops me in my tracks and makes me gasp, I buy it. It happens VERY infrequently, so when it does happen…I listen. For that reason alone, I voted Emerald!
YES. Agreed. Sometimes an emotional response can be for something less “timeless”, but OH WELL 🙂 We’ll see. xx
That green makes me nauseous but, I Voted for 2 to see what you can do to make me not vomit
I’m laughing out loud. I really don’t want you to throw up, so that is a good challenge. I feel like that is also why I would vote #2 if I were you – why not go for the slightly crazier one just to watch what happens? Wishing you and me luck that your lunch stays down.
that’s what my dad says about every patterned surface choice I have ever made. I hope you don’t vomit!
No question in my mind… #1. I love the colors, textures, and materials!!
Yeah I love that pebble tile. I think the kids are going to think it feels so cool underfoot.
See, I would never ever put pebble tile in a bathroom meant for kids.
Have you met my kids?
Imagine trying to clean up mud or PEE (boys) or an entire spilled bottle of shampoo on pebble tile. Never. Ever. Nope. Nope. Nope.
Ha, yep! That’s the main reason I voted for #2; trying to keep pebble floors clean with all the kid messiness seems like it would turn into a major nightmare.
Ha! My thoughts exactly. I would seethe with anger all the time/be paranoid/weird and then I’d make them clean it with a toothbrush whenever they claimed they were bored.
The green is mesmerizing – like Tiger’s eye- but… I don’t know. Hard to love, personally.
I vote #1. I’m not feeling that green quartzite at all.
Option 1 for the kids, and that beautiful green option 2 for another bath!
Ditto!
Agree. The green feels very MATURE for a kids bath to me. Its just kind of…serious.
amazon
The green in your inspo photos is what I call “dollar bill green.” Not my favorite shade. I vote #1.
For some reason, it is not letting me vote. It just shows the percentages. Voting Choice 1 for sure! LOVE LOVE LOVE the pebble floor tile.
it’s been doing this. So weird. I’ll see. defintely clear your cookies because it might be that you voted recently so it thinks you already voted. Sorry!! You can usually hop on your mobile and vote from there, too,. xx
I had this problem the other day, and it cleared up for me. I can’t remember if I just moved to another window, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t either delete cookies or close my browser. Just a weird little glitch.
My first impression is that you are choosing lots of tile that is hard to clean. Pebble tile floors in a kids bathroom are going to be GROSS! Who wants to be on their knees scrubbing floors on vacation??? (Little boys with bad aim Are my first worry) My girls are sweetness but I don’t have a weekly cleaner at our cabin and by the end of summer our slapdash cleaning habits catch up with us and their bathroom is vile. Will this all still look good after 2, 3 years of use?
I also agree with your friend about white marble in a rustic cabin- its not clear to me how that fits the vibe you are going for even tho I love the material.
I think there will also be a subset of kids who will avoid using the restroom with pebble tile on it. Kids are funny that way! I would use pebble tile in a bathroom meant for kids. I also liked the green so I voted 2.
I do honestly worry about the cleanliness part, too. For both we are choosing a more medium toned grout, and we will likely have someone help clean up there, but its something i’m thinking about and choosing to go for it anyway. And re your second point, honed or leathered marble does look more rustic and the alternative would be more sleek and contemporary which could be fine but I love having some texture and movement. She just didn’t want me to choose something so ubiqutious and these days carerra marble is feeling that way. Looks like #2 is winning which means no pebble flooring …. but I love that dark tile so much!
oh wow, the dark tile in #1 might be one of my most favorite things in the entire world! if not in the kids bathroom, you simply MUST use it somewhere!
the link to the Emerald Quartzite doesn’t have a larger image and the one here was not enough to win me over/push me past my gut response of intense resistance so i voted for #1 (though i acknowledge that sometimes, the very item that i felt so much resistance to initially, becomes a favorite over time -we must inherently like to be challenged or something..?).
i concur that the pebble tile seems more like a ‘cleanliness hazard’ than a design risk to me..?
also, like some other commenters, at first i was thrown by the scale of that beautiful-but-small 2″ floor tile but i felt more comfortable once i realized the tile size-to-grout ratio is similar to having penny tile on floor -all good! Perhaps, if you had a motorized cleaning device with a brush that reaches to the floor and swirls like some “as seen on tv!” product, we could all relax about keeping the bathroom floors clean at the Mountain Fixer Upper ; )
as always, cannot wait to see what you create!
Pee. On. Pebbled. Tile. NOPE. #momofboys
Have you considered pebble tiles that are flat and even on top? It removes the pain factor the bumpy pebble tile can cause bare feet. And they are easier to clean but still look cool as pebbles. We love them in our shower! And yes that blue tile is dreamy – I need to come up with a place to use them too 😉
love the green… but also love that blue tile.
Lake cottage mom here- I would keep your floor smooth because sand. So much sand. And when you thought they were clear of sand they pull off their underwear or bathing suit and more drops out. Beware of the (beautiful) pebble floor. PS Do you have plans for an outdoor shower? Mine is cedar and beautiful and it makes a big difference!
VERY good point. And no one hates sand more than Brian Henderson. Yes we are putting in an outdoor shower – we don’t have it in the plans yet which reminds me to design it…. might be a phase 2 situation.
Yes, outdoor shower a sand lifesaver!
Won’t let me vote…comes right up with number one at 37% and number two at 63%. I love them both, but the green is a bit risky. Honestly, I would have voted number one without knowing it was losing, but knowing where they both stand, I’m definitely voting number one b/c I really want to see that in a bathroom in your mountain home! Perfect colors and textures, modern/scandi/mountain. So if possible, cast me a cheater vote for number one to bring the two closer together.
I’ll email my IT team right now. I’m so sorry! go to your mobile and do it there and clear your cookies (although I know that is annoying). But if enough people want #1 I can still use some of those materials elsewhere ….
Option 2; heartbreakingly beautiful gasping green stone for the childrens bathroom.
Option 1; equally gorgeous YET different, guest spoiling opportinity.
Yeah! Yes, 2 great rooms done.
What is the next room?
THANK YOU 🙂 and I stayed up until 11pm writing the kitchen post (and for this we have full renderings of BOTH options).Hopefully it goes up on monday. We’ve been tweaking the design for MONTHS. xx
Both would be beautiful, but I think option 2 is more interesting and an interesting and compelling risk. That mosaic tile in Option 1 is gorgeous though, and you should use it in another bathroom for sure.
A note about Thassos: we just used it in two full bath renovations. The honed finish proved to be very sparkly, so we had them polished and they’re now a beautiful shiny modern white, with barely any veining, no sparkles and they work perfectly in the spaces.
OH that is a VERY good thought. We are getting samples of it now so if its sparkly I think we will choose something else. We really just want a simple white surface so even a quartz could work. xx
I love the tub tile in the first option! The irregularity of it has a playful quality to it. But I agree with the lady worried about how gross that pebbled floor could become with kids. That was the first thing I thought of too.
I agree to the playfulness to the tile. The whole design of option #1 makes me think it would be more fun for kids and less designs. I too thought abou the pebble tile and cleaning but I mean, get a good grout sealer on there and just spray it down it can’t be that bad. I do like #2 with the green but I think it would be more suited for a guest bath that could be a little more shocking design wise. All the marble tile even though it would get honed still makes me a little like ahhh with kids, but you have heavy stone in both options so it is what it is.
Option one reads too sophisticated on my screen for a kid bathroom. The tile is wonderful but appears black. Use it in another place in the cabin. Option 2, while sophisticated, reads more fun and childlike to me. I think you should have fun with a material that wows you. I also agree with another comment that the pebble tile will be a nuisance to keep clean.
You know when we first saw it on screen it was much bluer but the sample is a super dark navy that could read black…. and you guys are making me relieved that the pebble tile is losing due to the cleanliness issue …
So can’t you find a different one that is actually more blue? Or some kind of color color for the kids?
Oh I have no doubt you should go with #2. The first feels too corporate. The green is gorgeous, especially for a cabin up in the mountains.
I sense I may be in the minority.
From the introduction I thought I was going to be all over the emerald option, but I fell in love with the blue mosaic tile and while I do love the green, I ended up thinking it was an incredibly sophisticated look that didn’t go in a kids bathroom. Love them both, but option 1 for the kids!
And question – would you consider a nickel or chrome faucet etc. instead of brass? Might unyellow the green a bit? I know that would mean this bath would be different but how much brass can one family absorb anyway?
HA. its all ordered and on site. We have black in a couple of the bathrooms. I think that I might have done that as I love silver and green together. Once we get the honed or leathered sample from the slabyard we’ll put it with our polished gold sample and make sure that it looks good. I really don’t want this bathroom to go ‘Liberace’. ..
I agree! I’m so over the brass and with that green it looks so 80s/90s to me. Reminds me of my in-laws green, burgundy, oak, and brass master bathroom!
Love option 1 but it feels too sophisticated for a kids bathroom. It’ll be amazing for a guest bathroom though. Definitely option 2 for the kids !!
I definitely think you should use whatever doesn’t win on the other bathroom!
I really want to!!!!!!!!! Maybe i’ll use the blue tile at least and design a few new elements around it …
I voted for Option 1 because I’m not crazy about that green quartzite (love the color green, love quartzite, but that green is quite brown… not crazy about brown). However, I think either option would look good with the EH touch. Also, I really like how different the options in this poll are from one another, as compared to the master bathroom poll, which had two rather similar options. I feel like I’m actually doing something by voting.
On another note, this post/blog is quite a nice escape from, you know, the news here these days, which is both depressing and also makes me feel like the general public has very little (if any??) say in how things go. Thanks for that, too.
Picked #1 only because it has a more playful and childlike quality. I would seriously be pissed off if that beautiful green quartzite was stuck away in a kids’ bathroom holding up primary-colored tub toys. Use it in one of your other bathrooms, please!
Do you really want to be cleaning up that pebble tile after Charlie and his buddies use the toilet in there? I told a friend recently that I loved the penny tile in her kids’ bathroom and she said that with two boys using that bathroom, she regrets choosing penny tile. I think the pebble would be even trickier to clean.
TBH, neither of these really feel like a kids’ bathroom to me. I would love to see you take some risks and actually do something a little more juvenile and fun! But maybe that’s coming in some of the lighting/fixtures/styling?
I would agree with this. I thought the same thing.
Okay, I’m very sad that I had to pick between the emerald and the pebble because I love BOTH. (I mean, I get it, you can’t use both in one bathroom but still.) I am all for the plan of using the “loser” in the other bathroom. PLEASE. I NEED BOTH THESE BATHROOMS IN MY LIFE.
Honestly, it’s so close for me. I picked the green marble becuase it’s just so unique (plus it may be a little more kid friendly – as opposed to white)! However, I’m OBSESSED with that blue tile in #1. I think you need to execute both, some way, some how!
I have a light green marble (just like what’s on the mood board except without that pretty golden thread running through) in my bathroom and LOVE IT. I didn’t choose it, it was already installed when I moved in, and at first I was like, “GREEN MARBLE?! How am I going to work with this!?”. But now I love it! It’s quietly interesting, warm and energetic without being obnoxious. TEAM GREEN!
I truly love option #2, although I admit I wish the fixtures were silver or black to better compliment the gorgeous and fun emerald stone… But even so, I love this bold option! I’m excited to see how you will decorate this bathroom to keep it elevated but also welcoming to kids. I’m sure whatever you do will be awesome.
I think option #1 would be great for the other guest bathroom. I tend to think the pebble tile is not great for a kids’ bathroom (due to above-mentioned concerns about sand and grime), but if it’s a risk you want to take on (and scrub/ dust bust as needed – not personally my idea of a vacation) that’s totally your choice! I do love that blue tile, but it reads as black on screen. I think it might be better suited to a light filled room where it will always reflect as navy, not black?
I am agreeing with everything that Emily has to say on these two designs. I was intrigued by the navy-blue tile shapes and the subtle play on the classic EHD-special, blue-and-white design, in option #1…BUT the tiles do appear black and the overall the design did not sing as something mountain-y or fresh. There are too many textures for a small space.
Design #2 absolutely lights me up: the fresh green brings energy, the textured white tiles ground it, the pop of black keeps it contemporary (fixtures would be so nice too). It’s equally happy and sophisticated!
You have to do both. It would just be a disservice to us not to, now that we’ve seen them both. 😁
Omg that green 😍😍😍 I know it’s a risk but DO IT!! I think also because you’re only using in one area it wouldn’t overwhelm like some of the inspo photos you’ve included which may be why people are getting turned off to it. But the color would make such a huge impact and the rest of the design elements are still pretty timeless. I say go for it!
Sitting on your knees on that pebble while giving your kids a bath seems awful and painful. I don’t even have kids and that’s the first thing I thing I thought of! Agreed with everyone else about the cleanliness issue as well. Green all the way!
Ok, I really like both options. Neither is “off.” However, because it’s the kids’ bathroom I can’t let you put in pebble floor tile. There are just too many spills and accidents and messes of various sorts and I need you to have a swipe and done sort of floor! Not… digging in grout lines around small lumps to get it all up. Also, green is my favorite color and I would love to see more of this trending bathroom accent color out there 🙂 Super mountainy as well.
Hands down! #1!!!
I LOVE the tile and pebbled floor in #1 — and would love to see it elsewhere in the cabin — but I vote for #2 because it seems much more kid-friendly. Both options are beautiful and have show-stopping elements (that blue tile and the emerald quartzite)!
(I don’t seem to be able to log in my vote on the site)
I can’t vote either, even after clearing my cookies. I’ll keep trying.
I vote #2. I like that green, but I’m skeptical of stone all over the tub top and front. It might look dated or it might look fabulous. And you guys are phenomenal at what you do, so I can’t wait to see this room! And please DO put that blue tile somewhere, it’s awesome!
Not sure if I’m the only one having this problem, but it’s not allowing me to vote. It shows the percentages for each but doesn’t give me a vote option. Just FYI!
That tile on option 2…is it a varied depth tile? I love it but I would never want to scrub spilled conditioner or wet soap out of it!
Okay for whatever reason it won’t let me vote, there’s nothing to click. DANG YOU COMPUTER! That being said, I will vote for two BUT ONLY if you do 1 in the other bathroom because I actually LOVE IT WAY MORE. I’m just interested to see how you work with that green, plus it seem really perfect for a kids bath. BUT SERIOUSLY, DO 1 IN THE OTHER BATHROOM. You know i mean it because caps lock. 🙂
I’m also having trouble voting – it just shows the percentages. I cleared my cookies but it didn’t seem to help. For what it’s worth, I would vote Option 2 just to see you make that green quartzite happen!
I’m voting Number 2–go BOLD. The green is stunningly gorgeous, and green marble/quartzite has been around for hundreds of years. If that ain’t timeless, I don’t know what is.
#2! Love the tile in #1, so I hope you’ll use it elsewhere, but I love the green in #2 and the opportunity to showcase something a little more unusual.
Can’t vote either (in on an iPhone) and tried to comment earlier and it just disappeared into internet ether..
Hi, I can’t vote either. I cleared cookies and that didn’t help. I like option #2, and think that you could also use this green for the sink top. Are you going to do a lake house outdoorsy wallpaper in here too! I think that would really tie in the green of the stone. I’m always so happy that even though you love white, you don’t do white on white on white all the time. (I do love a good white on white though!)
I also could not vote (sorry too lazy to delete cookies). As always, both options are lovely but I vote for option 2 as I hate black tiles in a shower (though beautiful, I like to see mildew/mold more easily). I also don’t like either flooring choice. A lot of the posters mentioned problems with the pebble floor – cleaning-wise. I also wouldn’t like to be stepping on a pebble floor while brushing teeth, etc. Option 2 flooring looks like it would have uneven edges – again not something I would want (or my kids) to be stepping on.
Don’t make me kneel on that pebble floor to bathe my child – ouch. I’m into it for an adult bathroom – not a kids’ room.
oh that is a VERY good point. Green is winning … 🙂
Add me to the list of people who couldn’t vote–I cleared cookies for the site, tried on mobile, and still nothing.
Could I vote, I would absolutely go for #2. That quartzite is beautiful, and my only wish would be to see more of it! Both the inspiration pics are stunning. I’m down to see riskier colors and materials anytime.
Do both! I would love to see them both in your house! Beautiful!
Both r beautiful… BUT neither feels like a kids’ bathroom. 🤷🏼♀️
Love them both – definitely use the ‘losing’ design in the guest bathroom!!
Oh gosh I just love that funky shower tile in #1 so much!! So fun!
I voted for #2 because of that quartzite (and I’m not normally a green person!), but you have to use that other mosaic tile somewhere. Also reads black on my screen, but it’s such a cool and unique find!
Tough choice. I really love the shower tile choice for #1, but I’m not loving the pebble tile. I’m not sure about the green stone in #2, It could look strange very soonl.
Since green is my favorite color (I have never met a shade of green I didn’t like) and because the green stone caused me to suck my breath in, I voted #2.
Geez I must be way off base. I had what I can only describe as a deeply negative visceral response to that green! Ugh. But I pretty much love everything you and your team does so I will wait with anticipation! Bring it!
its controversial for sure. another person told me that it made her nauseous 🙂
I hate rock tile!!! Just putting that out there! I like all of the other elements though.
Both options are great! I love the green but would rather see it on a countertop than a bath surround. Between the green quartzite and the blue tile… you have to use them both at some point, no matter which wins! They are too good not to.
I voted for #2 to save your children’s feet from that pebble tile. Plus, it’s very beautiful.
I had to go with the green! Especially for the kids bath. Regardless of the winner, PLEASE use the other design in another bathroom!
I had to go with the green! Especially for the kids bath. Regardless of the winner, PLEASE use the other design in another bathroom!
And could someone please give me the rundown on Thassos?? I’ve never heard of that material!
It’s an almost pure white marble (named for the Greek Island Thassos).
I’m only familiar with it because I’m a Sarah Richardson junkie, and she uses it a LOT.
It’s a white marble with minimal if any veining. Reads solid white, but has more depth than a manufactured quartz
Oh man, I can’t say that I’m digging that green. I voted for #1. Love the bath tile. I’m also on-board with the pebble floor — the heavy grout reminds me of the fireplace inspiration photos that you loved.
Emily, I know you’re busy designing 10 bathrooms and raising 2 kids and this blog and everything else. But will you be doing a post about the insanity that is happening at our southern border? Because I know you care (obviously, since you are a kind, caring, smart person). So please help by continuing to shine a light on this heart-wrenching issue. For the children! Literally!
I voted for number two, but the first option is gorgeous and sophisticated! I think it could be an AMAZING plan for your outdoor shower – that tile and that pebble…
I couldn’t get over that green and how stunning it is. Might you try black fixtures with it? I love the 80’s, but is green and gold too much for a mountain cabin?
Can’t wait!
I love this idea … the pebble and blue tile for the outdoor shower. Sounds lovely. The blue tile looked black on my screen so I went with the swoon-worthy emerald. I’m with Alyssa and a few others re: the brass – I think black fixtures would look so nice with the green. I’m sure you’ll figure it out as always, Emily. Very exciting.
It was a tough vote for me. Totally support keeping the other plan for another bathroom!
So … not really in love with either option. Pebble floor and marble tub surround in a kids bath just doesn’t seem like the greatest idea, but I love that blue tile. I was hoping it’d be the flooring option!
I voted for #2. I’m not really sold on the honed green quartzite, but I am intrigued. I feel like there might be a little too much marble going on for a cabin?
Option 1 – love the pebble floor tiles. I do like the color green, just not in the choice in Option 2… maybe you introduce green on the cabinet in option 1?
I voted for number 2 purely because I would never put pebble tile in a kid’s bathroom. Ever. Yikes.
I love the emerald quartzite, but I also love the blue mosaic tile in option 1. Such a hard choice! I’m excited, regardless of which option wins.
We recently renovated our master bath and tried to use that Cle 2×2 zellige tile on the shower floor. HUGE mistake. It looks gorgeous on the walls, but due to the handmade nature it is simply too unpredictable to install it without worrying it will literally cut someone’s feet. We had to remove it from the floor and go with a different tile. I know you have it in your house currently, but it’s definitely worth considering whether or not it’s the right material for a floor.
All that said, I voted #2 because I’m excited to see you mix it up! Keep more unexpected materials like that green marble coming. They’re the difference between a lovely house and a stunner.
I think the pebble tile is awesome and so appropriate for a kids bath in a mountain house (it’s like being outside!) but I love love love that emerald quartzite. Voted #2. Either way you’ve got some lucky munchkins!
I voted for #1, but honestly I think both are good options.
Boy, this was a tough choice! But I went with Option #1 because I love the blue tile and pebble tile so much. I DO love that green quartzite though so I’m hoping you find another place to use it! This house is going to be awesome!!
Oh man, oh man do I love the blue mosaic – it’s so fun! It will age so well with the kids and house. It looks chiseled and fresh! The pebble flooring is so fitting in this mash-up too.
I love the blue tile in #1 and would love to use it myself, but I just thought that #2 was more interesting overall.
Not sure an uneven floor would be my choice (neither option looks like it would be comfortable to walk on or easy to clean) and I wouldn’t personally put marble in a bathroom, especially around the tub. I am sure whatever you decide will look stunning though.
Can you do #2 but with the pebble tile? I loooove the pebble tile.
I want the green bathroom but with the pebble floor.
This is one of the hardest choices you have given us so far! Both options are so beautiful, but I chose Option 2 because I think the white marble and the pebble floors will be incredibly hard to keep clean. The first option is more of my usual color palette preference, but I am really excited about that green marble! It feels a little risky, but go for it!!
I agree with your best friend. Honed marble is lovely, but it simply does it lend itself in any way to “mountain”. Marble always seems a bit more formal. “Mountain” design is much more casual and comfortable. A honed quartz might be a much better choice. Also agree the pebble tile would be a nuisance to clean in a kid’s bath. A natural slate or tile resembling wood would be much easier on their little feet and on knees when bathing kids.
I really like the feel of #1 better, but I wouldn’t put in the pebble tile floor. We have it only in our shower and I do not like it at all. It is not comfortable to stand on! I know you would more than likely have rugs down, but still I would go with something else!!
I voted for option one not because I don’t love the materials in option two, but because the mix is off. If you use the green use it louder and prouder. Maybe the tub and a full-height backsplash?
I voted for the 2nd because I love green, but I VERY much like the other one and REALLY hope you use it in another bathroom!
If you can find the green quartzite that looks like the first green picture of that bathtub, I vote for that. I have marble kitchen counters and while I love them, you really need to be ready for them to stain and chip. I’m not sure I would put them in my kids bathroom. My kids are disgusting.
Hmm, I didn’t vote because there were elements I loved (and didn’t-so-much-love) about each option. Both weathered tile options in #2 are gorgeous, but the emerald quartzite is giving me an uncomfortably 80’s flashback, like maybe Gordon Gecko’s master bath vibes. I love the sound of blue mosaic tile, but the picture is reading black, so along with the shape, it’s also giving me an 80’s/graphic vibe. I’m just really squeamish about 80’s throwback design, I guess. I do LOVE the pebble tile and the white weathered tiles SO much.
I love the green and think it would be fun to bring some color to the kids’ bathroom. At the SF Decorator Showcase house this year, BDHome featured a green onyx vanity and it was breathtaking! Kids deserve good design too!
I voted for the quartzite because it is different than what I am seeing everywhere. The other design was quite nice too.
What I REALLY Vote for is that pretty please do both designs and do the “loser” in the other bathroom. The combinations are really stunning.
I have been feeling less in touch with your blog lately because I used to find it approachable for an upper middle class person, but this recreating perfectly good spaces in the name of art and beauty (and the blog) is really out of touch with my value system and my lifestyle. Only the truly rich (or designers working on a blog) really go in and gut a perfectly good space like the mountain house.
But–that being said–because you are doing really cool and innovative things, I am going to go with you on this process and not complain because I will enjoy seeing the content and seeing your process and voting, etc. Because of that, that is why I voted for the quartzite. Because if you are renovating a perfectly good space that most people would be so happy to have as it and are really showing us what only the 1% or even .5% of income levels would do to this space–make it EXCEPTIONAL.
You MUST go out on a limb creatively to justify this project. And for that art for art’s sake, I will enjoy it. I know I am not the first to comment that redoing the mountain house is a little out of touch for your reader base (thank God you are not a politician), but you and your team are artists employing craftsmen and I love beauty.
This one was really hard. I voted for the blue stone, but i so think you need to do that green marble on the tub in another bathroom. You have 5 to design right? So we choose for 2, we still have 3 others to choose this for.
EMERALD, EMERALD, EMERALD, EMERALD, EMERALD!!!!
Wow, this one was difficult for me — mostly because those blue zellige tiles are so gorgeous. But overall I had to go with option 2.
I’m still not on board with the pebble floor, but that’s because I’m a wuss. I have extremely sensitive feet (am I a goblin?), and those pebble floors are actually painful for me. Sad, because they look cool.
But the emerald quartzite is sooooo pretty. Option 2 it is!
I don’t think Carrara will ever be over. It has been a classic for thousands of years. When I remodeled my bathroom, the first thing I had as a “must have” was a Carrara (got statuario — that’s a type of Carrara, right?) countertop on the antique cabinet I was going to use as my vanity. There used to be an Italian restaurant in West L.A. years ago (Bruno’s) whose lady’s room had a dark wood cabinet with a marble top. Ever since I first saw it in my teens, I’ve lusted after it. I only had to wait 40 years to get it!
I voted for 2, but only on the condition that some of #1 gets used elsewhere! They’re both too good.
Voting for green because *color*!
Oh my word, these are both gorgeous designs!! Well done!!
both so gorgeous, but in agreement about the pebble on the floor. Coolness factor high, practicality (reality) low.
Wait-could you use that blue tile WITH the green marble? Maybe as the backsplash and the shower niche and/or a tile border around the floor? HMMM…voted number two even though green is never y fave color that stuff is the stuff of dreams and unicorn pastures 🙂
We are choosing bathroom tile ( flooring) right now so it’s awesome to see these great choices-thanks!
totally love both but I really want to see what you do with the green!!! And like that it’s different!
okay this was absolutely the hardest one yet. i really do LOVE both of them. for each of the others i had one option that just spoke to me. this time, i DEFINITELY think both need to be in your house. i think the blue tile with the pebble floor would make a beautiful statement, but oh man, that green… in the end i couldn’t say no haha
While there are elements I love in both, pebble floor tile and handmade white tiles, there are also elements in both I don’t like, Zelig tile and green stone. Overall, I have to go with option one.
I love the blue tile. Period. However, the practical side of me just thinks that the water spots on it (and you know they’re coming) would end up driving me crazy. Maybe the same tile but a lighter color? But design 1 gets my vote.
I voted 2 because the green stone is special but more so because I love this blog and wish there was no such thing as pebble tile. Don’t do it! The blue tile is 1 is lovely though
I voted for the green, option #2, but I hope you don’t completely scrap the other design!! I love the pebble tile and the geometric wall tile together. I think it would be perfect for a guest bath. It was a close call for me, but the fun color won me over for the kids.
I am LOVING these posts so much, but part of me also just gets information overload. I think it would be nice to see more of the process- what are some of the tiles and combinations you were looking at along the way that led you to the complete Option 1 and Option 2?
I feel like there is SO MUCH content potential here in the Mountain House Reno that is somewhat lost because you are doing it all at once. If you were doing it room by room I think it would be more enjoyable in some ways as a reader.
Green for the kids bath and take that BEAUTIFUL option 1 to the other guest bathroom. Pretty please. I love the blue tile so much it belongs in a home you own!
#2. #1 has been done elsewhere in a thousand iterations. Take us somewhere new with option #2! And as a side note… I am agreeing wholeheartedly with the other readers who have commented on that pebble floor in a children’s bathroom: tough on parents’ knees giving baths, some kids aren’t going to like walking on it, and the cleanliness factor…
I have a pebble floor in my bath and love the feel of it on my feet — almost like getting a foot massage. Didn’t think about the knee issue, but couldn’t a kneeling pad discreetly tucked away when not in use could solve that problem? As for the cleanliness factor, go with epoxy grout — doesn’t mildew, absorb stains or germs, etc. My shower’s epoxy grout has only needed scrubbing twice in 10 years (and yes, we have cleaned the shower more often than that). A real blessing in a kid/guest bath.
I say no to the pebble floor but loved option one. Maybe not the Marble part. So I voted for number 2
I’m not really feeling the “playfulness” of either one, but if you say #2 will work out more in that direction, I guess it’s what I’ll go for.
Hands down — Option 1! The perfect blend of classic, clean, and fun for kids without being too trendy. I love green, too, but if you tire of it in a hard finish, it’s pricey to change. Can’t wait to see the final final final design choices.
I honestly love both for different reasons. I went with 1, because I want to see what you can do with pebble tile, but I also think the green is so interesting.
Love both designs but I feel like the emerald stone will “date” faster while the other design, while a little safer – might just not feel tired in five years. I like all the other materials in option 2 though…
Green 100% for a few reasons, all of which I think have been mentioned before- 1) pee stained pebble floor, 2) marble in a kids bathroom? bad idea 3) the first option looks exactly like every other bathroom you have basically shown us for this house and I’d love to see something totally different 4)the green looks gorgeous in your pic of the sample, but the rest of your inspo picks scream late 80’s/early 90’s hunter green and gold- would love to see you make it look fresh and modern.
That being said, I would love to see something more playful for this kid’s bathroom. I love that blue tile, and I like the white tiles you picked with the green, but both feel mature and lacking some sort of element of youthful surprise. I think either of the choices could easily be used in any of the other bathrooms in this house and feel perfectly at home there- this is your one REAL chance to go a little more wild, and I wish you would have taken it
Blue, blue, BLUE!!!!
Pretty please 😀
I love concept #1 – that black tile is fantastic! But I’m interested to see the way the green quartzite turns out. I put a quartzite in my last home because it sang to me – the colors, the variations, the flow…so YES – try the green quartzite! If it goes out of style then who cares, it’s in the kids bathroom. Haha!
Option #2 for the kids (easier cleaning) and Option #1 for a guest bath. The blue tile and pebbled floor is too pretty not to use.
#2!
I voted 1 but was thinking “I hope she uses that emerald in the guest bath”
Option 1 is good – dont throw it out! But I do agree that the beautiful mosaic tile reads more black.
I voted option 2 – the green stone is to die for. I would never do that in my own house, but want to see you do it for sure!!
Man, that green quartzite is AMAZING!!!! It gets my vote!
Both are gorgeous but I would definitely avoid any flooring that will have a lot of grout for a kids bathroom. The smell of pee is hard to get out. Unfortunately I know this from experience having used penny tile in a bathroom my son frequents.
Oh God, please no, not the green marble–giving me nightmarish flashbacks to green eighties (seventies?) bathrooms and the bouquet of urine build up. It feels heavy-handed handed American, not airy Scandinavian. I don’t love either of these options (and I love dark, dramatic color when done well), but will say that option one (blue–black?–tile) beats option two with a sledgehammer. Like all the accents though.
100 times green. GREEN GREEN GREEN. 🙂
I vote #2! I’d love to see what you do with that green. It’s something different and could be really great.
Option 1 would be very pretty. But Option 2 would be stunning and special.
That emerald quartzite… sigh. It looks stunning on screen, so I can only imagine what it looks like in person. Fingers crossed it wins, although they are both awesome options!
It seems like there are a lot of black accents in this house. When i think of a mountain house I think of browns. Never blacks. It seems a little harsh.
When something you love makes you gasp, I recommend you give in to that feeling. I’m voting for # 2 but do share your fondness for that dark blue tile so I’m urging you to find another place to use the blue tile. Have fun!
Hey Emily, polished nickel would be really nice with that green quartzite. Is it too late to switch?
So interesting to read other perspectives on these two options. I perceive the pattern of the wall tile in option 1 as much more playful than option 2, which seems more restrained and quiet. The slightly off-kilter/diagonal lines of the option 1 tile make it more dynamic/energized/youthful. Yellow rubber duckies and other bold colors would really pop off that super dark blue, making styling fun and again, youthful.
I love option #2!
I just couldn’t stomach the green. If it wins, I will be so curious to see if I change my mind though!
The green reminds me of our bathroom counter growing up, so I voted for the blue. However, I think you should do both and let the loser ride in the guest bath. I think you can rock that green!
Option 1. O think it’s the green marble I can’t get past. 🙂
I really love both of these options, so I hope you keep both somewhere, but I voted for #2 because:
A. The quartzite is stunning, and I’m all about seeing you take risks.
B. These materials seem easier for maintenance in a kids’ bathroom. Quartzite doesn’t stain – marble does – and it’s impervious to water, so much better for flat surfaces. Also… everything everyone else said about pebbles, sand and pee.
That said, I LOVE the blue tile. I hope it finds a home somewhere.
Emily, Do you clean your own house or pay someone else? Both floor tiles you picked, though good looking, are going to have a million grout lines. For a kids’ bathroom? Dirt, sand, hair, grass etc. I would suggest something in an 18 x 24 in a herringbone pattern – there are great ones that will work with your other tile choices. Oh, and picture that green when your kid is throwing up…
I’m not loving either. The first one seems high maintenance, but fits the overall aesthetic well. The second seems out of place to me. But I’m sure you’ll make it work!
Option 1!!!!!
I do love the green marble, but I love the pebble tile floor more.
I want to second your friend’s challenge- no carrara on this one. Its too much like a default option.
I voted for 2 because of practicality for a kid bathroom, plus it’s fun. (Although, an otherwise white room worriesme for dirt and grime. Hopefully it will withstand the dirt.) But please, please, please, use the other one in a different bathroom. It’s beautiful and needs to happen.
Number 1! The plants and natural elements really pop. I pinned it immediately.
And I happen to find the green in the second option a bit jarring next to the wood.
I would love to see the emerald stone in the kids bathroom. And would also really really love to see option one in another bathroom. I came here from Instagram, so I have the sense option two is going to win. I must admit I voted for option one because I don’t want to see those materials scraped! Ah! We will see!
I like how you end up how the colorshore together, look very harmonious and chic, I will study your ideas in my house!
wuxiaworld
I voted for #2 because I can’t stand the thought of dirty pebble tiles. Man, that would be hard to clean. And as a kid I fell a lot so… a flatter surface is nicer to fall on! Also, I saw the emerald color on your Instagram is more muted, it will be so perfect with the bright honed materials surrounding it!
I’m completely puzzled by your floor choices for a holiday/rental house. They just seem so impractical. Sooooooo many people have cautioned you about using pebble tiles on floors. It just feels like you’re being stubborn and not listening. I would be really interested to see a post on this very issue, i.e how and when to prioritise form over function.
both designs are quite beautiful! I voted for 1. I find the use of pebble stone on the floor very fun for a kids bathroom. The mosaic doesn’t read as blue on my computer but black; the pebble stone comes in a green/aqua color; depending on the blue mosaic because again i see it as black; might also work well and give you that green fun punch. The green quarzite although a beautiful stone seems in my opinion too serious for a kids bathroom. For some reason i always think of green marble as conservative think bank, lawyers office, 80’s hotel lobby, men’s bathroom in luxury golf club. If i were to do a green bathtub top; i would use Ocean wave marble because it has those tones and the veining seems more playful to me.
Please please please find a way to use the blue mosaic tile somewhere else!!!
I vote for #2, I like green and that combo looks like fun. #1 marble is too much and the rock floor will be a pain to clean.
Can you please do the “loser” in another bathroom?! I would love to see both of these in real life.
I voted for the emerald bathroom. I can just picture it resembling the trees outside with the sunlight shinning through the green leaves.
Gosh, isn’t that blue tile and pebbled floor under foot fun for the kids! I just wonder how quickly you’d get tired of the pebbled look. I like to design with longevity and practicality in mind, but that’s just me! Even though that green might seem “now” I think it could look great further down the line. And all that white is beautiful. I voted #2 because it breaks away from the “EH Special,” but you know it’s still you!
I love the green stone! I think you could get away with it as the sink countertop too! And some fun lake house wallpaper!! I know whatever you do will look stunning!
I love both of these designs but I’m really struggling with either of them for a kids bathroom. Nothing about them says kid-friendly. The pebbles are the only thing I’d prob go with but what about a pop of color somewhere? They just both feel too ‘adult’ for me.
Wish I could vote for both! Only reason I voted for option one over two is it feels more playful. Definite think number two should be the guest bath scheme!
I voted for #2 largely because my husband will be SO proud if it wins, because he chose something similar for our master and kids’ bathrooms (I wanted marble, but decided to save my ammo for the kitchen). I’ll never hear the end of it if the current lead holds up!
Question re: the pebble tile: I had always thought that was only for small areas that had to be super-grippy, like shower floors. Is it hard to clean
I love all the materials in 1 seperatly but I can‘t imagine them together.
Green all the way. It’s unique and cool, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
On another note, are we getting entered into the contest just for voting/commenting? I don’t do social media, and I feel like the rules have changed from how this was initially laid out. I’ve been voting every time and sharing my thoughts, but I’m afraid it’s all for naught.
Could you please tell me where I can buy your perl and stick floor tiles?
Thanks
Option #1 for kids bath & #2 for remaining guest bath–that shade of green doesn’t scream “kids bath”. Re: pebbles & pee: could you do the flat pebble so it’s easier to scrub?
Just found these felted river rock rugs on etsy and had to share!!! maybe this is a different way to incorporate it? https://www.etsy.com/shop/Bakrina?ref=l2-shopheader-name§ion_id=21792227
Is putting marble in a kids bathroom ok? I’m so worried about stains…
I voted for option 1, partly because of the textures, but also because I think that it is easier to live with a color statement that you can rotate out in a bathroom (shower curtain, towels, rug…) long-term.
Also, the emerald quartzite had a 70’s vibe that I couldn’t overcome. BUT, I think it could be brilliant statement in the right powder room.
Hey, so I’m voting for #2!! I would like to see what you do with the green marble too!! Also, I LOVE the tile for the floor in this version as well.
I voted 2 because I think the green is cool. I don’t like pebble floors 🤮 😁 I am just installing Carrara marble everywhere in my kids bathroom and toilet. Floor, walls, bath top and vanity. Everyone has me freaking out it will get damaged in 2 seconds. 😬
What about installing the emerald quartzite on the wall behind the mirrors above the vanity? It will feel more modern and be like you are looking outside at nature!
I LOVEEEEEEEEE BOTH DESIGNS! It was so hard to choose. I went with the classic white marble because I think that will always be timeless. 🙂
I think the emerald quartzite is gorgeous- so organic and fitting for a mountain home. BUT, I voted on option 1. When trying to imagine how the green option would look as layed out, it seemed to not do that beautiful material justice. I would love to see it as the shower surround, allowing it to make a real statement Maybe that doesn’t work for the budget, but I think it would be beautiful. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
The emerald is pretty, but as others have said – it reads very 80s and dated for some reason, especially with the gold tone hardware. The first design is more modern. I know green is winning but please go more modern, #1!!
I have pebble tile in my current rental bathroom and, while fun to look at, it is a major pain in the butt to keep clean because of all the little grooves and divots. So, for your sanity, I say option #2.
I really like option 2. But, why the need for two basins in a family/kids bathroom. Wouldn’t bench space be more useful?
Both are great options! I wouldn’t be offended if you somehow incorporated both designs/material options into the home 🙂