We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
For Britt and Damian Zunino, founders of architecture and interiors firm Studio DB, the details in a space are the main event. In their very own New York City home, the couple’s asymmetrical kitchen island is clad in burnished-brass, including the drawers, and the walls and ceilings of the primary bedroom are awash in Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster with the exception of the exposed wood window casings. But if there’s one place they never fail to stun us, it’s with their tile choices.
Nearly every bathroom and kitchen featured in their debut book, Drawn Together, turns the volume up on the backsplash, shower walls, or kitchen floor. Ahead, we asked the duo to break down five of their most dynamic tile moments.
The Dainty Delft Vent Hood
The modern Delft-inspired tile from BDDW captivated us the moment we saw it—it was love at first sight. We immediately connected to the bucolic hand-painted motifs, which are one-of-a-kind. This tile has a timeless feel and tells a story, reflecting the peaceful atmosphere of [our home in Duchess County, New York] in a way that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the landscape’s essence. —Britt
The Non-Boring Black and White Backdrop
Our clients have an extensive art collection and a love for graphic patterns, so we kept the millwork crisp white, letting the stone detailing and concrete tiles shine. It’s important to pick your moments. The tiles were designed by India Mahdavi for Bisazza. We love mixing materials. The concrete adds a more casual touch, so we paired it with the dressier Paonazzo marble. Both are black and white, which makes the combination work. —Damian
The Color-Drenched Tub
Elisa [Passino Studio]’s tile brings a handmade charm that balances playfulness with sophistication. The bold colors, whimsical shapes, and lively tile arrangement complement the large-scale aggregate of the Antica marble, creating a conversation with a touch of tension between the two elements. —Britt
The Large-Scale Lava Backsplash
[This] apartment’s expansive scale called for a larger format tile. The backsplash is made from hand-painted lava stone from Made a Mano, which has a subtle reflective quality. The countertop stone is Calacatta Gold marble. —Damian
The Kid-Proof Geo
Since this is a child’s bathroom, we wanted it to be playful, which is why we chose the geometric shape (the wall tiles were sourced from Fireclay). The deep blue color is sophisticated, while the timeless Paonazzo marble floor tiles will age beautifully as they grow. —Britt
