Design: High Street Homes
What do you do when you need tile for not one but four bathrooms and an entryway? With the help of Kara and Brett Phillips of High Street Homes, actors Zosia Mamet and Evan Jonigkeit transform their historic cabin into a cozy off-screen retreat using handmade tile.
Kara & Brett, can you tell me about High Street Homes? Where are you based?
High Street Homes is a design and build firm based outside of Fort Worth, TX. We focus on creating homes with everyday design in mind and help people make the most of every moment along the way. We work on a limited number of projects every year, including a mix of interior design, one-of-a-kind new construction and full renovations. Our designs are known for their thoughtful floor plans, clean lines and abundant natural light.
Tile Shown: 3x6 in French Linen
Kara & Brett: How did you hear about Fireclay Tile? What did you enjoy about the experience? What are your favorite products?
We learned about fireclay from a design colleague and couldn’t be happier about the introduction. We were immediately drawn to their handmade process and the variety of color and shape options. The team at Fireclay is really easy to work with and supportive. Tile is an investment and there are a lot of subtle design decisions that can surprise you if you are not prepared, especially those tricky transitions and corners. The Fireclay team does a wonderful job encouraging you to think about a variety of challenges you might face and how to be prepared for them.
Tile Shown: 2" Hexagons in Raven Matte with Small Diamonds and 2x6 tiles in Calcite Gloss
We love the glazed thin brick for its character, versatility and timelessness. A close second are the handmade ceramic tiles. The shape and color options make it easy to find a style and hue that make your projects unique and your clients very happy.
Brick shown: Absaroka (used for their fireplace)
Zosia & Evan: How did you hear about Fireclay? What made you choose ceramic tile for many of your surfaces vs another material?
Brett & Kara turned us on to Fireclay! They adored working with your tile and we trusted them wholeheartedly. Then when we saw the samples we knew that’s what we wanted. All the colors were exactly what we were looking for.
Kara & Brett: Why do you love tile?
There is a very important utility to tile, but it is also an impactful way to add color, texture or pattern into a room. Handmade tiles, with their subtle variation, bring life and nuance to a room. We love tile because of its ability to merge form and function!
Tile Shown: 2" Hexagons in Raven Matte with 4x4 tiles in Ivory Gloss
Kara & Brett: How did you get involved with this project? Can you tell me about designing from a distance?
We were set-up by friends! A few skype calls and a weekend experience at their home made the design project a perfect pair. Designing from a far has its challenges, especially when details are incredibly important at each stage. We had great partners in Evan and Zosia.
Zosia + Evan: What made you decide to work with designers on this project?
We knew we needed help creating a super cohesive look throughout the house. And also a remodel is an insane amount of decisions and we wanted some guidance on that. Sometimes when you live in a home it’s hard to see the big picture so outside eyes can really help. And we knew we wanted to work with Brett and Kara.
Tile Shown: Small Diamonds and 2x6 tiles in Calcite Gloss
Zosia + Evan: Can you tell me about your home?
We found this house in 2014 and it was love at first sight. We made an offer on the spot. The original structure is a 1920s sears catalog cabin and we adored the history and the rustic feel of the home. It isn’t too far from civilization but it’s tucked into the woods in a way that we feel like we’re the only ones there. It’s pretty magical.
Brick Shown: Absaroka
Zosia + Evan: Was this a remodel or a renovation? What did you most want to change?
It was a bit of both. We moved walls, made a garage into a media room, completely redid and kitchen and all the bathrooms. It was a lot but totally worth it. The main reason behind the renovation was the house not feeling totally cohesive. The original structure isn’t super big so there were two additions put on over the years by various owners. So the house didn’t really flow as one piece. And also there were a bunch of areas where we felt like the space wasn’t being used most efficiently. So that was our main goal, to make it all feel cohesive.
Zosia + Evan: What type of look or aesthetic were you going for?
We definitely wanted to stay true to the rustic nature of the home and it’s original structure but we also wanted to bring a bit of modernity to it. So we tried to stay simple but cozy with splashes of funkiness throughout.
Tile Shown: Small Diamonds and 2x6 tiles in Calcite Gloss
Kara & Brett: How did you come up with your color scheme and design?
The log cabin is a retreat and place of comfort, nestled on a lake in the woods, but multiple renovations over the years left it lacking cohesion. To modernize the cabin we played with color, wallpaper and tile shapes. We celebrated the balance between masculine and feminine by offsetting the weight of the logs and stone fireplace with cozy fabrics, glossy tiles and warm colors.
Tile Shown: 4x4 tiles in Ivory Gloss with 2" Hexagons in Raven Matte and 6" Hexagons in Raven Matte
Kara & Brett: Let’s talk about the bathrooms first! What sort of look/feel were you going for?
We aimed for each bathroom to tell a different story.
Master bathroom: For a historic feel, we selected classic black and white tiles and installed a wainscot in white field tile for a timeless look.
Tile Shown: 2x6 tiles in Calcite Gloss with 2" Hexagons in Raven Matte
Guest bathroom: The bathroom upstairs is oversized and has a really neat skylight, so it was a great opportunity to have some fun. We played off the colors in the wallpaper and created a statement floor using the 6” hexagon black tile with contrasting grout.
Tile Shown: 6" Hexagons in Raven Matte
Downstairs bathroom: We wanted the guest bathroom to feel like a calm escape with its big soaking tub, so we chose a color scheme that was soothing and wrapped it in french linen field tile. The floors were anchored with a beautiful iron ore color.
Tile Shown: 3x6 Subway Tile in French Linen with 3x12 in Iron Ore
Kara & Brett: Which bathroom is your favorite and why?
Our favorite is the upstairs guest bathroom. We contrasted the black hexagon tile with light grout to make a statement on the floor. The combination of tiles, wood tones and bold wallpaper created a moody element of surprise, highlighted by a skylight bouncing warm light around the room from morning to night.
Tile Shown: 4x4 tiles in Ivory Gloss with 2" Hexagons in Raven Matte and 6" Hexagons in Raven Matte
Kara & Brett: How about the entryway tile? What made you choose a herringbone pattern?
The entryway connects the original log cabin to the updated addition. We chose Fireclay’s field tile in moonshine for its ability to feel both earthy and modern. We played with pattern and texture in every room, so the herringbone pattern was a great way to draw your eye to the floor.
Tile Shown: 2x6 in Moonshine
And lastly, the fireplace! What was the point of inspiration here?
To celebrate the original stone fireplace and keep with the masculine feel, we chose the Absoaroka fireclay flat thin brick. The home balances rustic and modern elements and the thin brick tile was able to incorporate both of those concepts.
Brick Shown: Absaroka
Zosia & Evan: What is your favorite area of the house? Favorite tile?
Oh man we have so many favorite areas. We ADORE the downstairs guest bath though with the tub of our dreams and the tile around that bath really makes it stand out. It’s such a magical and relaxing room. Also the tile in the breezeway. It took this kind of dead space and made it an incredibly special spot in the house
Tile Shown: 3x6 Subway Tile in French Linen with 3x12 in Iron Ore
Also the tile in the breezeway. It took this kind of dead space and made it an incredibly special spot in the house.
Tile Shown: 2x6 in Moonshine
The tile from the breezeway and entry also moves into this bathroom too:
Tile Shown: 2x6 in Moonshine
Kara & Brett: How did the installation process go? Did you face any challenges?
Installation was easy. Having samples and clear specifications helped educate the tile installer about the product. Tile installation is a human process, so measure, measure and measure again to make sure you have the correct quantities. Tile installers want to finish a space and move onto their next project. Respect your trade partners time by making sure your tile orders and design plan are clear. Everything went smoothly, but we were close on quantity for one bath, which made us sweat!
Inspired by this cabin? Order color samples online today. 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.
