Project Spotlight: The Effortless Chic Masterbath

All Images: Katie Jameson

Filled with clean lines and soothing tones, Jen Pinkston, the lifestyle guru behind The Effortless Chic, infused her master bath with refreshed mid-century-modern flair. Jen wanted to create a restful retreat and this space certainly feels like an in-house spa we'd all love to call our own. We talked to Jen about her inimitable style, design advice, as well as her best tile tips: 

This is Jen: 

My style can be described as...Effortless and laidback; understated, pulled together, but never overdone or fussy.
I got my start...As a wardrobe styling assistant on The Ellen DeGeneres Show!
I find inspiration in...The outdoors and in traveling to new places.
I can't live without...Right now it’s my Ergo360 baby carrier, my skincare routine, and almond milk lattes.
My best design advice would be...Design for yourself and no one else.
I love tile because...It warms up a space and makes it totally unique. The same tile can be executed in a dozen ways for completely different looks.

First, can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you do?
I write the lifestyle blog, The Effortless Chic, am a former wardrobe stylist, and a full-time digital content creator and mom to two girls—3.5 years and 4 months.

Can you tell me about about your home? Was this bathroom project a part of a remodel or renovation?
It’s part of a mid-century modern inspired new build actually! After a decade in sunny Los Angeles, we decided to move back to my hometown of Austin and began construction on our dream home. We just moved in this past December!

What is the overall aesthetic you are going for in your home?
Effortless-laidback-style-meets-mid-century-modern-in 2018. I was inspired by the summer sunsets at Barnsdall Art Park, the mid-century glass homes nestled into the streets off Laurel Canyon and the cool greens and blues of a succulent-filled landscape.

What were your goals for the master bath?
A restful retreat, spa-like; mid-century modern in a timeless way.

In terms of tile, what look were you going for?
Very clean straight lines with a pop of color. Lots of tile to give interest and warmth to our new build.

What made you choose the colors Sugar and Flagstone?
I love how clean white looks in a bathroom, but I wanted to do something unexpected. I’ve been drawn to greens throughout this project and just immediately gravitated towards Flagstone.  

Tile Shown: 2x8 in Sugar 

Tile Shown: 2x8 in Flagstone 

How about the 2x8 size in a straight set pattern? Were there any other contenders?
I’m really into this longer, skinnier version of a classic subway. It still feels timeless, but more interesting to me than 3 x 6. I was reading a lot of mid-century design books and the stack bond or straight set pattern was really prevalent. It feels both retro and modern at the same time. Instead of creating interest by using contrasting patterns, I stuck to 2x8 throughout and went with a really atypical color transition which happens about three feet into the floor rather than at the joint where the floor meets the wall.

How did the installation process go? Did you face any challenges?
Actually, we really didn’t. Fireclay provided really specific details about the grout lines and type of grout to use and it went really smoothly.

You worked with our tile on a previous bathroom project, any tile tips you've learned along the way that you'd like to share?
To me, tile feels like the best place to splurge when it comes to budget. It really defines the style of the space, as well as the color palette and sets the tone for everything else in a way that no other fixture really does. Virtually everything else in a bathroom is pretty easily swapped out—which is not the case with tile. Make sure you love what you install!

Tile Shown: 8" Hexagons in Slate Blue 

Lastly, which of our colors/shapes/patterns would you love to use in the future?
I’m obsessed with the Fireclay Glazed Thin Bricks!  Our house is completely done now and I’m still trying to dream up new ways to use them!

Sneak peek: Jen also used our Brick in her kitchen! We'll share more on this later this year! 

Brick Shown: Cotton 

Inspired by this spa-like retreat? Order color samples online now. 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.