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Erin Napier stepped out of her familiar vintage-modern lane for a recent Home Town renovation, answering a client’s request for a sleek, contemporary bathroom. The result borrowed a bold, graphic move—a matte black hexagonal tile “waterfall”—that reads modern and masculine while still feeling layered and inviting.
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Known for warm, lived-in interiors, Napier and her husband Ben usually lean into heritage details. In this episode, they shifted gears to meet a homeowner who wanted drama and simplicity. The couple kept their thoughtful approach, but focused on clean lines and fewer embellishments. The centerpiece was a strip of hexagon tiles that runs from the shower ceiling to the floor. The band gives the space a vertical thrust and a striking focal point.
What the “waterfall” tile actually looks like
Rather than tiling every surface, Napier used a narrow column of matte black hex tiles down the shower’s back wall. The pattern continues across the shower shelf and onto the floor, creating one continuous plane.
- The tile finish: matte, low sheen for a contemporary feel.
- Tile shape: small hexagons for a graphic, tactile texture.
- Placement: a single, dramatic strip rather than full-room coverage.
The result is bold but not forbidding. Napier balanced the dark band with lighter field tile and warm metal fittings to preserve coziness.
Practical tile and grout choices for a similar look
Choosing the right tile and grout makes the waterfall effect read as intentional. A dark grout blends the hex pattern into one sleek surface. A lighter grout keeps each hex visible and adds texture.
- Charcoal or near-black grout: blends tiles into a uniform dark plane.
- Warm gray grout: defines each tile and softens the graphic look.
- Matte porcelain or cement-look tiles resist moisture and fit modern palettes.
Where to find tiles like the ones Erin used
If you want a similar aesthetic, consider these tile types and retailers. Each option supports shower walls and floors for a cohesive waterfall installation.
- Floor & Decor — Opal Black Matte Cement Look porcelain. Good for floors and walls.
- TileBar — Level Black 1-inch hexagon matte porcelain for smaller-scale patterning.
- Local tile dealers — ask about matte porcelain hex or cement-look slabs for custom sizing.
Styling and fixture pairing to soften bold tile
Napier avoided a stark outcome by layering warmer materials and finishes. Use these strategies to achieve a balanced modern bath.
- Pair dark tile with lighter taupe or beige field tiles.
- Add warm metals, like brushed brass or soft gold, for contrast.
- Introduce wood or warm-textured accessories for a lived-in touch.
Small moves change the mood: a lighter vanity or heated towel bar in brass shifts the feel from austere to curated.
Installation notes and design tips for homeowners
Plan the waterfall strip carefully to maximize its impact. Here are practical pointers for contractors and DIYers.
- Map the strip location before ordering materials.
- Confirm tile size and grout joint width to keep pattern consistent.
- Use a waterproof membrane behind the shower wall.
- Match floor tile slip rating to bathroom safety standards.
- Mock up a small sample area to test grout and fixture pairings.
Keeping the waterfall element narrow preserves drama without overwhelming a small bathroom. For larger spaces, consider widening the band to scale with the room.
