Shower tile makeover: Erin Napier’s clever hack transforms any bathroom

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• Why fish-scale tiles make sense for bathrooms and showers
• How Erin Napier used mermaid tiles on Home Town
• Where to place scallop or fish-scale tiles in your home
• Picking colors and finishes that enhance bathroom style
• Practical tips for installing and maintaining scallop tiles
  • Budget-friendly makeover ideas
• Design combos that elevate the effect

Square and rectangular tiles have dominated showers for decades. Erin Napier, on HGTV’s Home Town, swapped that routine for scalloped, fish scale tiles and transformed a plain bathroom into a playful, coastal-inspired space. The result feels fresh, tailored, and perfectly suited to a room defined by water.

Why fish-scale tiles make sense for bathrooms and showers

Curved, scalloped tiles echo the look of scales on a fish. That connection gives bathrooms a natural, thematic fit. The pattern adds motion and texture where flat tiles can feel static.

• Visual movement: The shape creates a flowing surface that reads as lively even in small areas.
• Water-friendly aesthetic: Mermaid or fish motifs pair naturally with wet spaces.
• Architectural interest: Scallop tiles break up monotony without needing bold colors or trim.

How Erin Napier used mermaid tiles on Home Town

In Season 5, Episode 9, Napier chose fish-scale tiles for a shower niche rather than covering the whole stall. White marble clad the rest of the shower. The contrast gave the niche instant focus. The small change created a distinctive Key West Victorian vibe.

She described the idea as a subtle Floridian nod. The detail felt authentic and not overly decorative. It proved a little patch of patterned tile can shift the entire room’s tone.

Where to place scallop or fish-scale tiles in your home

These tiles work beyond showers. Think about balance and scale when choosing a location.

• Shower niches and soap ledges — a compact spot with big visual payoff.
• Single shower wall — use as an accent rather than a full surround.
• Shower floors — slip-resistant textures and unique visuals.
• Sink backsplashes — a decorative band behind the vanity.
• Accent walls behind toilets or vanities — a dramatic focal point.
• Kitchen backsplashes — Mediterranean-style applications are common.

Picking colors and finishes that enhance bathroom style

Color choices change the mood as much as the pattern does. You can echo existing palettes or create contrast.

• Aquatic blues and turquoises emphasize a seaside theme.
• Neutral white or black delivers a modern, minimalist look.
• Warm oranges or golds lean playful and unexpected, like koi scales.
• Sheets with slight color variation add a handcrafted, whimsical touch.
• Glossy finishes reflect light; matte finishes feel more subdued.

Mix and match by pairing fish-scale tiles with marble, subway tile, or large format slabs. The contrast enhances texture and keeps the overall design balanced.

Practical tips for installing and maintaining scallop tiles

Smaller or curved tiles require precise installation. Plan grout, layout, and edge transitions before you start.

1. Decide on grout color early; it affects pattern visibility.
2. Consider mesh-backed sheets to simplify alignment.
3. Edge trim or bullnose pieces help create clean borders.
4. Use a professional for wet-floor installations to ensure waterproofing.
5. Seal porous materials and grout to reduce staining in high-moisture areas.

Budget-friendly makeover ideas

• Swap out just the niche or backsplash for instant impact.
• Use peel-and-stick scallop tiles in rentals or short-term projects.
• Pair a small section of fish-scale tile with remaining neutral tile.

Design combos that elevate the effect

Layering materials gives depth. Try these pairings for a cohesive look.

• Fish-scale tiles plus white marble — classic and bright.
• Scalloped tiles with black grout — bold graphic contrast.
• Soft aqua tiles with warm wood accents — coastal warmth.

Small areas deliver big returns. Even a modest application can shift how a bathroom feels, turning a functional zone into a thoughtful design moment.