As a photographer, recipe developer, and private chef behind Fare Isle, Kaity is always inspired by nature's seasonal gifts. It’s no surprise she fashioned her Nantucket Island home with the same organic sensibilities infused into her food. Meet Kaity as she welcomes us into her country cottage 26 miles off the Atlantic Coast and shares her favorite colors to create with.
Fare Isle's curated color selections are a coastal color palette that captures the natural world surrounding Kaity's island cottage.
Featuring 2x4 ceramic samples in Amalfi Coast, Magnolia, Aegean Sea, Feldspar, Sand Dune, Clover, Mist and, Salton Sea.
Meet Kaity Farrell!
First, can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you do? Where are you based?
I’m a photographer, recipe developer, and private chef based on the island of Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts.
What made you choose the 8 colors in your palette?
I'm drawn to coastal blues and earth tones inspired by the colors in nature that surround me on Nantucket Island.
Can you tell me about this bathroom? Was this a part of a bigger renovation or remodel?
The bathroom is our small home’s only bathroom, and when we purchased this home about 2 years ago we had intended to update as soon as we could. In fact, it was going to be our first project in renovating our home but we decided the kitchen was our top priority as my partner and I work as private chefs together, and I as a recipe developer and food blogger.
Tile Shown: Paseo in Aegean Sea
As this is our only bathroom, we had to wait for the right timing with our busy summer work schedule and the northeast's long winters' colder temperatures. We were able to start in late September of 2020 and got it to a point where the shower and toilet were usable within 1 month. There were a few days of cold outdoor showers in October, but they were well worth it.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Ginkgo in Green Motif with 2x6 and 3" Triangles in Magnolia
What made you decide to use tile on the walls + floor, vs another material?
We love the Fireclay Tile backsplash we installed in our kitchen when we remodeled in 2019 and had always intended to use tile in the bathroom. I love tile for its timeless beauty and utilitarian function.
Tile Shown: Paseo in Aegean Sea
What type of look or aesthetic were you going for?
I would say a botanical retreat/spa vibe. I fell in love with a photo I found on Pinterest of a two-tone green and white lime wash walled home and dreamt up the design for the bathroom from there.
We had found a soaking tub through a local consignments page that was new but installed and didn’t work for the seller's space. It’s more of a modern design and I thought the mix of some modern elements like the tub and faucets with the vintage style sink, faucet finishes, and textured lime wash walls would work well together. I think the tiled floor really ties the whole design together.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Ginkgo in Green Motif with 2x6 and 3" Triangles in Magnolia
How did you come up with your color scheme and design?
After living 2 years with a very outdated and sad bathroom that was literally starting to fall apart, I really wanted something calming, peaceful, and relaxing. I wanted a space we could enter and take a relaxing soak in the tub or wash away the day’s stress in the shower. I honestly love being in the room now and probably spend more time in there than one should.
Tile Shown: 2x6 Tiles in Magnolia
Why did you choose the Gingko pattern on the floor? Were there any other contenders?
I already had the wall paint finish and colors decided so I was looking for something that would compliment them. The Gingko painted tile jumped out at me right away and while I considered some other options, I ended up going with my gut instinct and chose Gingko. It ticked off the botanical box for me and is just so beautiful to look at every day. I couldn’t be happier with it.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Ginkgo in Green Motif
What about the color Magnolia in a vertical broken joint pattern? And the triangles on the shower floor?
Because the floor tile is the statement of the room I wanted the shower tiles to be neutral. Magnolia seemed to have a faint hint of green it, although can also look like a warm neutral depending on the light, and I liked how it looked next to the colors of the Gingko tiles and the wall colors. I had seen the vertical broken joint pattern in one of the project features on Fireclay’s website and really loved how it looked with the 2x6 tiles.
We wanted something a little different for the floor and liked the idea of creating a pattern with the 3” triangles in the same color as the walls.
Tile Shown: 2x6 and 3" Triangles in Magnolia
Any tips on mixing patterns?
To minimize the busy feeling of mixed patterns stay within the same color and grout color. We kept the same grout color for the Gingko floor and the Magnolia tiles so they would flow together better.
How did the installation process go? Did you face any challenges? Did you work with a tile installer or contractor?
As first-time DIYers we had a steep learning curve with installing floor tile and had a few hiccups along the way. I spent hours researching shower systems and uncoupling membranes and watched lots and lots of videos online, over and over before and during the installation. Laying a patterned tile is tricker than I expected and my eyes deceived me a couple of times. I laid 2 tiles in the wrong direction and didn’t catch it before the thinset had set. We had to dig one of those tiles out because it was in a very conspicuous spot right in front of the shower door. The other tile we left wonky for “character” or at least that’s what I tell myself. See if you can spot it in the photos.
How was designing for your own home? Lessons learned?
Take your time when planning out the design, really think about the flow and how the space will be used. There are parts of our kitchen that I think I could have been planned better, but we were in a time crunch to get it move-in ready at the time. With the bathroom, we had more time to think about it and plan better.
Tile Shown: Paseo in Aegean Sea
You worked with us on your kitchen too--any tips learned working with handmade tile that you'd like to share?
Rent a wet tile saw to get clean cuts. If you’re working with a patterned tile then double and triple check the replacement before the thinset dries. Laying floor tile can be really hard on your back, be prepared with knee pads and a small bench to sit on while working. Always get the extra bag of thinset, you will probably need more than you planned for.
Inspired by this home? Make Fareisle style yours by sampling Kaity's favorite Fireclay colors. Need some help? Simply call, chat or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.
