How to Design a Custom Tile Mosaic

There’s nothing quite like a custom tile mosaic: It’s always gorgeous, yet entirely unique to you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a kitchen backsplash, statement wall, or bathroom floor, coming up with a custom tile design is exciting, but can seem intimidating at the same time. We have quite a bit of experience when it comes to designing and creating custom tile, so we also have plenty of resources to share. Here’s our step-by-step guide for designing a custom tile design that’ll make things a little easier on your end.

1. Gather Inspiration

First things first, get inspired. The saying might be tired but you really can find inspiration anywhere: Browse Pinterest, flip through magazines or even take a walk outside. Think about what colors and textures you gravitate towards, and start to develop a mood board. A mood board showcases the materials you’re vibing with, and allows you to see your vision laid out. Once you have a better idea of what you want to achieve and what tile you’re looking for, it’s time to order tile samples. 

For more on this project’s mood board and inspiration process visit our blog “Patticake Wagner’s Ensuite Bath Mood Board & Tile Selections”

Mood Board by Patti Wagner

2.  Measure Your Space

Next up, you’ll want to measure your space. It’s important to be as specific as possible here, so include drawings or photos as a guide. You’ll measure the height and width of your space to find the total area in inches, then divide the sum of those numbers by 144 to get the square footage needed. 

Looking to calculate your space's measurements? Watch our helpful how-to video or download our interactive Tile Guide and Calculator.

3. Contact Us

After taking down your measurements, it’s time to get in touch with our sales team to get the party started. We’ll be able to provide you with an initial pricing estimate and an option for our design package, which we strongly recommend. Our design team is primed to help you with all steps of the process – you’re in the best hands. Creating personal relationships with our clients and making them feel seen and heard is big in our book. 

To email, call, or visit us in person for design help, check out our Contact Us page.

4. Time to Design!

Now the fun part: Coming up with the design. Mercury Mosaics founder and owner, Mercedes Austin says, “When choosing colors and designs for your home, always remember that colors and trends will come and go, so create a space that makes you happy and your life will launch off that.” The design process begins by working with a member of our team to pick a shape, color palette and design. We’ll create a CAD (short for Computer Aided Design) based on your specific measurements and design requests. Our design team will color the CAD following your color choices, keeping in mind the degree of variation you want. You’ll receive a colored CAD along with the chosen color palette, which includes our suggestion for grout colors. 

For custom design inspiration, visit our Custom Design Process page.

5. Design to Production 

Once your design is finalized, we get started on the next step: Production. Every single piece of tile is hand-cut, brushed with a glaze, fired to a sheen and laid out to perfection. In fact, every single piece of tile goes through sixteen pairs of hands before it ships. In order to ensure easy installation, the layout for your design is adhered to a mesh backing with ⅛” of space between each tile to allow for grout. We cut the sheets into numbered sections making installation a breeze, and have a map to help you know where to place each piece of tile. We pride ourselves on the level of detail that goes into this process to ensure that even complex designs are an easy install. We love hearing how much tile installers like working with our tile. 

For more about the handmade process, visit our blog "Handmade Artisan Tile Step by Step Process"

6. Receive Your Tile

Once everything is good to go, we’ll ship your custom mosaic directly to your door. We do our best to take out any remaining guesswork, but we’re always available to answer any questions you might have along the way. Our kiln is always fired up and ready to go – all you have to do is reach out to us today to get started.

Want to see more about this project? Visit our blog "Ensuite Bathroom Reveal of Patti Wagner"

Victorian Pattern - 11 Deco White, 123W Patina (Custom Color), 77E Grey
Interior Design & Photography - Patti Wagner

The post How to Design a Custom Tile Mosaic appeared first on Artisan Tile Company: Handmade Ceramic Tiles by Mercury Mosaics.