Celebrating Transformations That Inspire
Every home renovation tells a story — a story of vision, patience, and the magic that happens when creativity meets craftsmanship. At The Tile Shoppe, we see these stories unfold every day through our customers’ projects. Whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, tile has the power to transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary.
To celebrate this passion for design and transformation, we launched our Before & After Contest — a monthly competition that highlights incredible renovation projects completed using tile. Each month, we invite homeowners, designers, and contractors to share their work, and every entry reminds us why we love what we do.
The August edition of the contest was packed with inspiring submissions from across Canada. From cozy bathroom refreshes to dramatic floor-to-ceiling transformations, our participants showcased how tile can be both functional and beautiful. After careful review, our panel selected the top projects that stood out for design innovation, attention to detail, and the transformative use of tile.
🏆 Grand Prize Winner – $1000
Steven Du Preez: Modern Luxury Brought to Life by Rexos Bathroom Renovation
We are thrilled to announce that Steven Du Preez is the Grand Prize Winner of our August Before & After Contest, earning the $1000 cash prize for his stunning bathroom renovation — completed by Rexos Bathroom Renovation.
Steven’s bathroom project embodies everything we value in great design — elegance, balance, and flawless execution. What was once a dated bathroom became a sophisticated retreat with timeless tile finishes, modern fixtures, and thoughtful lighting.
Design Highlights
-
Walk-in Shower Oasis: The centerpiece of the renovation is a spacious glass-enclosed shower featuring large-format porcelain tiles. The seamless lines make the space appear larger while the tile’s soft gray tones add a calming effect.
-
Gold Accents and Fixtures: Brushed gold fixtures bring a hint of warmth and luxury, perfectly complementing the neutral palette of the tiles.
-
Custom Vanity Setup: A sleek double vanity with under-mount sinks and clean edges provides both functionality and elegance.
-
Spa-Inspired Lighting: Layered lighting design — from overhead fixtures to under-vanity glow — turns this bathroom into a true wellness retreat.
This transformation proves how strategic tile design can elevate a home from ordinary to extraordinary. Every element — from texture to tone — works together to create a cohesive, high-end result.
🎁 Participation Appreciation Prize Winners – $150 Gift Cards
While the Grand Prize highlights one extraordinary project, we were equally impressed by our other finalists. Our Participation Appreciation Winners each received a $150 gift card for their exceptional entries:
-
Arnge Group – for their bold, modern shower wall featuring geometric tile patterns and stunning contrast.
-
Jason Lau – for his cozy and vibrant bathroom transformation, combining playful wallpaper, warm wood tones, and soft white tile.
-
Xpert Build & Reno Corp – for their elegant use of large-format marble-look porcelain tiles that transformed a traditional space into a spa-like escape.
Each of these projects demonstrates how different design styles — from minimalist to bold — can thrive through thoughtful tile choices.
The Power of Tile in Modern Renovation
Tile is more than a surface finish — it’s a design foundation. Whether used as a statement piece or subtle backdrop, tile sets the tone for an entire space. Our contest entries prove that tile continues to be the hero material in home design, offering unmatched durability, versatility, and beauty.
Why Homeowners Love Tile
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Durability | Tiles are long-lasting and resistant to wear, moisture, and scratches. |
| Versatility | Available in every style imaginable — from stone to wood-look finishes. |
| Low Maintenance | Easy to clean and maintain, perfect for busy households. |
| Sustainability | Many tile options are eco-friendly and energy efficient. |
| Design Impact | Tile instantly enhances any space with texture, tone, and character. |
No matter your style — contemporary, rustic, or classic — tile adapts beautifully to your vision.
Tile Trends for 2025 and Beyond
As we reviewed the August contest entries, several design themes and tile trends stood out. If you’re planning your next renovation, these ideas can help you stay ahead of the curve.
1. Large-Format Tiles
Bigger is better — especially for modern bathrooms and living areas. Large-format tiles minimize grout lines and create a seamless, spacious look. They’re perfect for both floors and walls, adding a clean architectural aesthetic.
2. Marble-Look Porcelain
Marble-look porcelain continues to dominate bathroom design. It offers all the elegance of real marble without the upkeep, making it an ideal choice for busy homes.
3. Warm Neutrals and Earthy Tones
Soft taupes, warm beiges, and sand-inspired tones are replacing cool grays. These colors bring comfort and natural warmth to interiors, pairing perfectly with wood or gold finishes.
4. Textured Finishes
Matte, hammered, and stone-inspired textures are becoming popular for accent walls and shower surrounds. They add depth and tactile richness to minimalist spaces.
5. Tile Beyond Bathrooms
Tiles are no longer confined to wet areas. Many homeowners are using tile in living rooms, entryways, and even feature walls to create a cohesive design flow throughout their homes.
The Art of a Great Before & After
What makes a “before and after” renovation truly remarkable isn’t just the visual change — it’s the story of transformation behind it.
Every project begins with a challenge — limited space, outdated design, or lack of function. The right tile choice, combined with craftsmanship and creativity, turns those challenges into opportunities.
Here’s what our winners remind us:
-
Planning matters. Understanding scale, light, and layout ensures that every tile is placed with intention.
-
Quality materials make the difference. Premium tile doesn’t just look better — it performs better for decades.
-
Design is personal. The best renovations reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle and taste, not just trends.
Inspiration for Your Next Tile Project
Thinking of starting your own renovation? Here are some inspiring ideas drawn from our contest participants and expert recommendations from The Tile Shoppe team.
Tile Ideas by Room
| Room Type | Recommended Tile Style | Effect Created |
|---|---|---|
| Small Bathroom | Large-format light tiles | Expands space visually and adds a clean finish. |
| Primary Ensuite | Marble-look porcelain or textured wall tiles | Luxury spa feel with long-lasting durability. |
| Kitchen Backsplash | Geometric or mosaic tiles | Adds character and visual focus to the room. |
| Entryway | Porcelain stone-look tiles | Durable and welcoming surface that hides dirt easily. |
| Living Area Accent Wall | Matte textured tiles | Creates a modern, sophisticated feature wall. |
Professional Design Tip
Balance bold and neutral tones. If you choose a statement tile for one surface, keep other elements simple to maintain harmony.
How to Enter the October Before & After Contest
Think your renovation deserves to be in the spotlight? Entering the contest is simple — and you could win $1000 next month!
Steps to Enter
-
Complete your tile renovation project. It can be any space — bathroom, kitchen, hallway, or exterior area.
-
Take clear before and after photos that show the full transformation.
-
Submit your entry online at https://tileshoppes.com/pages/monthly-contest.
Each month, one Grand Prize Winner receives $1000, and additional participants earn gift card rewards and a feature on our website and social media.
📸 Whether you’re a professional contractor or a passionate DIYer, we’d love to see your work!
Why Join the Contest?
Joining our Before & After Contest isn’t just about winning — it’s about sharing your creativity with a community that values design, detail, and quality.
Participants often tell us that entering the contest gave them fresh confidence to showcase their work and connect with new clients. For homeowners, it’s a great way to celebrate the pride of finishing a project and inspire others to start theirs.
Here’s What You Gain
- National exposure on The Tile Shoppe’s website and social media pages.
- A chance to win up to $1000 monthly.
- Recognition within the home design and renovation community.
- An opportunity to motivate others to begin their renovation journey.
The Tile Shoppe Difference
At The Tile Shoppe, we’re more than just a tile retailer — we’re Canada’s trusted source for quality, selection, and inspiration. Our goal is to help homeowners, designers, and contractors discover the perfect materials to bring their design vision to life.
Our showrooms across Canada feature thousands of tile and flooring styles, from porcelain and ceramic to vinyl and natural stone. Each location is staffed by experienced team members who provide expert guidance, product knowledge, and personalized service to ensure you find the right tile for your project.
We’re proud to support the creativity and dedication of our customers — the homeowners, designers, and professionals who transform spaces every day. The Before & After Contest is our way of celebrating that community and showcasing the beauty of what’s possible with tile.
Conclusion
We extend our warmest congratulations to:
- Steven Du Preez – $1000 Grand Prize Winner
- Arnge Group – $150 Gift Card Winner
- Jason Lau – $150 Gift Card Winner
- Xpert Build & Reno Corp – $150 Gift Card Winner
Your projects highlight the transformative power of tile — proving that great design begins with vision and ends with craftsmanship.
If you’ve recently completed a renovation, don’t miss your chance to enter the October Before & After Contest. Your project could be next month’s $1000 winner — and an inspiration to homeowners across Canada.
👉 Enter now: https://tileshoppes.com/pages/monthly-contest