Two bathrooms, one artisan tile vision

These two bathroom remodels are part of a larger whole-home renovation in Madison's Nakoma neighborhood, but they tell their own story. The bathrooms are completely different in scope and character. One a thoughtful refresh, one a full gut-and-rebuild, but both were shaped by the same thing: a homeowner with a clear creative vision and a willingness to source high-quality, artisan materials.

The first-floor powder room was updated with new Motawi tile flooring. Motawi Tileworks is an artisan studio in Michigan that produces handmade ceramic tile entirely by hand, with a style rooted in the Arts and Crafts tradition. It's the kind of tile that makes a small room feel intentional, and in a home with this much character, it fits perfectly. We also used Motawi Tile in the kitchen and fireplace. Our team worked directly with Motawi’s designers to create a custom layout that fit our client’s vision.

The downstairs bathroom is a different project entirely. It's a full gut-and-rebuild - new layout, new drain lines cut through concrete - and the tile is the centerpiece. Working with Fireclay Tile, the design carries a braided pattern seamlessly from the floor up both side walls, so the room feels like one continuous, enveloping surface rather than a floor with tile tacked on. The remaining two walls run all the way to the ceiling in a white rectangular tile, creating contrast and visual rhythm throughout the space. A Kohler digital shower system, linear drain, heated towel bar, and white oak vanity with quartz top complete the room.