Charley Harper Subway Tiles
Design Stories Series: Featured projects from Motawi’s design department
Charley Harper for Installation, our line of 3x6 subway tiles featuring the whimsical wildlife artistry of Charley Harper, is a popular choice for clients’ home tile projects. Here’s a closer look at how this collection came to be, courtesy of our design department:
The Challenge
As our new Charley Harper art tiles were introduced to customers, design clients started requesting them for their home projects. At the time, the only way to accomplish this was with collage-style layouts that could accommodate the various tile sizes. However, increased demand got our designers thinking about what a line of Charley Harper tiles intended specifically for projects/installations might look like.
The brainstorm led to an idea that had everyone smiling: Charley’s critters, peeping, popping and peering atop traditional subway tiles, lending a little magic to this utilitarian style.
“Subway tiles are timeless; we see them everywhere from Victorian bathrooms to contemporary kitchens,” said Senior Project Designer Morrin McGunagle. “Charley Harper’s imagery adds a playful touch to the classic subway design.”
A paper mockup of Charley Harper’s designs on 3x6 subway tile shapes
The Design Process
Motawi designers pored over Harper’s artwork and created a paper mockup of a subway tile backsplash. Some of their first drafts, like the Cardinal Couple, were instant favorites that stayed virtually unchanged. Others went through a few iterations: Our 3x6 Owlet, for example, evolved from a trio of baby birds into a single, solitary snoop peeking from one side.
The Final Product
After much testing and prototyping, we hatched our new collection! Charley Harper for Installation boasts 10 different animal designs and two colorways to choose from: Bone or Ice Blue. We were honored when Interior Design magazine recognized the line as a finalist their Best of Year Awards in 2019.
“Charley Harper tiles can brighten up any space,” said Morrin. “Designing with them is fun because we can be clever with the placement of the different animals. We might suggest a Chipmunk to peek out from under your window, for example.”
The biggest thrill, as always, comes from observing these tiles in their natural habitats: clients’ homes! The look is classic, current and fun, just as we hoped.
Charley Harper for Installation: 3x6 subway tiles in Cream
Charley Harper for Installation: 3x6 subway tiles in Ice Blue
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