Anyone who works in luxury bathroom design is reluctant to describe something as ‘cool’. However, when it comes to bathrooms that have been given the New York treatment, no other word quite captures the essence. In fact, we’ll go one step further and say ‘classic cool’!
At the heart of the style are the metro tiles. Inspired by the New York City Subway, these tiles are set in a brick style and grouted in contrasting black or charcoal. This dividing colour becomes an effective design element that you can use to reinforce the overall pattern.
The distance between the tiles can significantly affect the look of the room. Narrow grout lines result in a very crisp looking wall, while a wider gap (4-5mm) lends an intense graphic effect, drawing the eye to a distinct grid.
The overall effect is a utilitarian, neutral classicism that can add genuine balance between the modern and the traditional, making it the perfect backdrop to a vintage style, claw-footed cast iron bath, such as the
Salcombe or the
Bude. It also works incredibly well with the simple clean lines of a painted
La Rochelle or the
Marseille Stannum Copper Bateau’s edgy tin finish.
In addition to the cast iron bath, other design elements can be introduced into the bathroom to soften the ambience. Rustic wood, simple pretty shower curtains, hanging plants, and antique radiators all work very well. If you leave some areas untiled, a beautiful vintage framed photograph can add individual character. Experiment! Think of the metro tiles as a canvas onto which you can express your creativity.
Shots via Design Sponge and Interior Design Sense. 
