Leanne Ford’s Tile Trick Will Revolutionize Your Bathroom Reno

Bonus: It’s budget friendly.

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Might we suggest a bathroom renovation route that doesn’t require a sledgehammer or a legion of paint cans? Leave it to improvement queen Leanne Ford to find a no-frills solution that we’re still thinking about a year out: The designer’s tub revamp is as easy as it is chic—all it takes is some tile. 

“This tile idea can translate to any style and any home,” Ford tells us of the project (which was featured in an episode of her HGTV show Restored by the Fords). “Penny tile is an inexpensive option that comes in every color under the sun—ain’t no budget gonna stand in the way of extra style points.”  

black and white bathroom with tub
Photography by Alexandra Ribar for Leanne Ford

A built-in tub admittedly isn’t the prettiest, but in a children’s bathroom like this one, it’s a must. Ford gave it some love by arranging black and white penny tiles so the darker shade cascades down one side of the tub onto the floor, with a diagonal right edge to seamlessly match up with the lighter version. She also did something similar in a thicker French stripe pattern; the beauty of this DIY is how versatile it is. Just think of the possibilities: Try an abstract motif or go bolder with tiles in vibrant hues.

If you can’t retile the whole room, this upgrade is the next best method for making a splash. All you need are rounded or hexagonal tiles (something easy to cut and shape) and you’re good to go.

Teranova

Antique Sea Penny Mosaic

$None
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Clé

Saffron Zellige Tile

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Fireclay

Ogee Drop Tile

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Popham Design

Hex Zulu Tile

$None
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Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.