Stunning Bathroom Remodeling Ideas: Perfect Tile Layout Tips
Bathroom Remodeling in the Upstate: How to Choose the Right Tile and Layout
Remodeling your bathroom is one of the best ways to improve both the comfort and value of your home. But before you start picking vanities and fixtures, the most defining decision you’ll make is your tile and layout. The right tile can completely transform a space — making it brighter, larger, or more luxurious — while the wrong layout can make even high-end materials feel disjointed.
At Upstate Bath Renewal, we’ve helped homeowners across Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, Easley, and Seneca design and install bathrooms that balance beauty, function, and long-term durability. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern walk-in shower, a timeless marble look, or a family-friendly update that’s easy to maintain, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect tile and layout for your remodel.
Step 1: Start with Your Vision and Lifestyle
Every successful remodel begins with clarity. Before selecting materials, ask yourself:
- How do you want the bathroom to feel — bright and airy, cozy and traditional, or sleek and modern?
- How much maintenance are you comfortable with?
- Who uses the space most — a busy family, guests, or just you?
Your answers shape nearly every design choice that follows. For example, porcelain tile might be ideal for a young family that needs durability and low maintenance, while natural stone could fit a high-end master bath where elegance matters most.
Pro Tip: Take inspiration from showrooms and online galleries, but think about function first. A tile that looks beautiful in a photo might not suit a high-traffic family bathroom.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Tile Material
Your tile material sets the foundation for both performance and appearance. Here’s how the most common options compare:
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is the go-to choice for most Upstate homeowners. It’s dense, waterproof, and available in countless styles — from marble looks to wood textures. Because it resists stains and scratches, it performs beautifully on both shower walls and floors.
Pros: Highly durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for wet areas.
Cons: Slightly harder to cut, which can increase installation cost.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is similar in look but lighter and more budget-friendly. It’s perfect for wall installations, decorative borders, or guest bathrooms.
Pros: Affordable and easy to install.
Cons: More porous than porcelain, so it’s not as durable for shower floors.
Natural Stone
If you’re looking for timeless beauty, marble, travertine, or slate can add natural warmth and elegance. However, they require sealing and regular care.
Pros: Luxurious and unique; every piece has natural variation.
Cons: Higher cost and more upkeep.
Upstate Insight: Most of our Greenville-area homeowners choose porcelain for its balance of luxury and practicality — especially those upgrading from fiberglass showers to tiled walk-ins.
Step 3: Picking a Layout That Fits Your Space
Tile layout is where design meets craftsmanship. The pattern you choose determines the visual flow of the entire room.
Classic Layouts
- Straight Lay (Grid): Clean and timeless, perfect for modern or minimalist spaces.
- Brick or Offset Pattern: Each tile row is staggered halfway, softening the look and disguising wall imperfections.
- Diagonal Layout: Angled installation creates a sense of openness, ideal for smaller bathrooms.
Designer Layouts
- Herringbone or Chevron: Bold and elegant, these patterns draw the eye and look stunning as shower accent walls or vanity backsplashes.
- Basketweave and Versailles: Great for traditional or European-inspired designs.
- Mixed Orientation: Combining vertical and horizontal tile layouts adds contrast and visual interest.
Pro Tip: Use complex patterns strategically. A herringbone accent wall behind the shower glass delivers a luxury feel without the labor cost of doing every wall.
Step 4: Understand How Size and Orientation Affect the Room
Tile size can completely change the perception of space:
- Large-format tiles (12×24 and larger) make small bathrooms feel more open with fewer grout lines.
- Smaller tiles or mosaics add texture and grip — perfect for shower floors or niches.
- Vertical orientation draws the eye upward, creating height.
- Horizontal layout makes narrow bathrooms appear wider.
A professional installer can help balance proportions and flow so the design feels cohesive from floor to ceiling.
Step 5: The Importance of Grout — and Why Epoxy Wins
Grout is more than filler between tiles — it affects longevity, appearance, and maintenance.
Cementitious grout (traditional sanded or unsanded types) has been the standard for decades. It’s cost-effective and easy to apply but requires sealing and periodic resealing to prevent stains and water absorption. Over time, it can crack or discolor, especially in high-moisture areas like showers.
That’s why our team at Upstate Bath Renewal often recommends epoxy grout instead. Epoxy is made from resin and hardeners, making it naturally waterproof, stain-resistant, and long-lasting. It never needs sealing and holds its color for years — even in a busy family bathroom.
While epoxy costs a bit more initially, it saves homeowners from future maintenance headaches. Combine that with color-matched silicone in corners and along changes of plane (where walls meet floors), and your shower will stay watertight and beautiful far longer.
Pro Tip: Investing in epoxy grout during your remodel is one of the smartest ways to extend the life of your new bathroom — and avoid cracking or mildew later on.
Step 6: Plan for Waterproofing and Longevity
Even the most beautiful tile can fail if the waterproofing behind it isn’t done correctly. That’s why choosing the right system matters.
At Upstate Bath Renewal, we use premium materials such as Schluter®-KERDI sheet membranes and GoBoard® waterproof backer boards. These systems create a continuous moisture barrier behind your tile, preventing leaks, mold, and costly damage later.
Upstate Insight: Many homeowners in Anderson and Spartanburg remodel older bathrooms built with cement board and plastic sheeting. Modern waterproofing systems not only provide better protection but also reduce installation time — saving money and ensuring your remodel lasts.
Step 7: Think About Maintenance and Lifestyle
Every bathroom sees different use. A guest bath that’s used occasionally doesn’t need the same durability as a master suite used twice daily.
- For low-maintenance lifestyles, choose porcelain tile with epoxy grout and matte finishes that hide water spots.
- For luxury spaces, natural stone with a high-end sealer can create a spa-like feel — but plan for periodic maintenance.
- For budget remodels, combining porcelain walls with LVP or LVT flooring can achieve a high-end look at a friendlier price point.
Pro Tip: Light-colored tile with neutral grout visually enlarges the room, while darker tones add contrast and drama.
Step 8: Pairing Tile with the Rest of the Design
Your tile doesn’t exist in isolation — it should complement your vanity, countertops, lighting, and fixtures.
- If your vanity has bold veining in the quartz countertop, keep wall tile subtle and elegant.
- If you prefer matte black or brushed gold finishes, consider warmer-toned tile for balance.
- Use vertical lighting and LED mirrors to highlight tile texture and pattern.
Cohesion is key — every element should feel intentional. This approach transforms your bathroom into a unified design rather than a collection of individual upgrades.
Step 9: Hire a Contractor Who Specializes in Bathrooms
Even the best materials won’t matter without skilled installation. Bathrooms are among the most complex rooms in your home, combining plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing systems in a small space.
Look for a contractor who:
- Specializes specifically in bathrooms (not just general remodeling).
- Uses licensed, insured installers.
- Provides detailed, written proposals outlining scope, materials, and timelines.
- Offers a workmanship warranty.
At Upstate Bath Renewal, we back every remodel with a 5-Year Workmanship Warranty and transparent pricing — no hidden fees, no surprises. We believe homeowners deserve clarity and craftsmanship they can trust.
Step 10: Bringing It All Together
When you blend the right materials, layout, and expertise, your bathroom becomes more than a renovation — it’s a lasting investment in your home’s comfort and value.
Here’s how it all ties together:
- Choose durable, waterproof materials like porcelain tile.
- Use layout patterns that enhance your space and personality.
- Upgrade to epoxy grout and color-matched silicone for longevity.
- Protect your investment with quality waterproofing systems.
- Work with a trusted, local contractor who specializes in bathroom remodels.
The result? A bathroom that not only looks incredible today but continues performing beautifully for years to come.
Final Tips: Choosing the Right Tile, Layout & Materials
A bathroom remodel should feel exciting — not overwhelming. By taking time to choose the right tile, layout, and materials, you’ll create a space that reflects your style and fits your lifestyle.
At Upstate Bath Renewal, we help homeowners across the Upstate — from Greenville to Anderson, Spartanburg to Easley — design and build bathrooms that balance beauty, function, and lasting quality. Whether you’re updating a dated shower or planning a full bathroom transformation, we’ll guide you through every decision with clarity and care.
If you’re ready to redesign your bath and rediscover your home, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
