Dubbel The Tile, Dubbel The Fun!

When Sharon Kevil, owner of Forti Goods in Milwaukee, WI called to ask about our ability to make custom tile designs of a historic nature, we didn’t know we’d eventually help furnish tile for all 17 bathrooms of the newly opened Dubbel Dutch Hotel.   A rich history encompasses the hotel, and in taking the 120 year old building into the present the new owners kept the buildings original wood floors, fireplaces, secret doors and more – but also created an updated vibe to the interiors of each and every room.  Sharon was tapped to work on the interior design for the hotel as well as design furniture pieces for each room and we were lucky enough for her to think of us when it came to the tile.

Named the Dubbel Dutch Hotel to play off the fact that the original building served as a double house for a bachelor and his brother and family.  It literally housed two families in two attached residences and as a result, has some unique components that still exist in the new hotel – including two entry ways, two staircases, and multiple rooms on “each side” of the building. 

We were tasked with helping bring Kevil’s custom tile design to life; each of the 17 bathroom floors of the hotel have a hand-made mosaic as part of the floors design.   Using a small white hexagon ceramic mosaic as the base, combined with a matte black hexagon pattern, the bathrooms are in keeping with the hisotric nature of the building but the black pattern brings a modern, updated feel to the rooms.

The two public restrooms carry the same idea on their floors – just in a larger scale – we love it! A traditional wainscot covers the public bathroom walls also in keeping with historical nature of the building.

Sharon also made tile selections for all the bathroom shower and tub walls and fixtures that felt updated but at the same time totally fit with the historic feel of the hotel.  Each bathroom is white with black accents.  Shower and bath walls are 2×4 “brick joint” white subway with a grey grout which gives it a very updated feel – the matte black fixtures are the perfect way to complete the updated look. 

The hotel has all sorts of beautiful updates in combination with original components.  One of our favorite things (besides all the tile we did!) is this beautiful hand painted wall design in the bar in gold leaf and entry way areas.   The original woodwork in the bar and the hotel lobby area is absolutely stunning.  

The hotel rooms at the Dubbel Dutch are warm and inviting – light and bright with beautiful rugs, comfy beds with great linens, unique furniture, along with some of the original character from so many years ago.

Commercial Projects like this are equally as fun for us as residential ones – especially when they involve cool spaces with historical significance.   We are so thankful to Sharon Kevil from Forti Goods, and Andy Braazt of Braatz Building Construction for this opportunity.   For more information and to book a room at the Dubbel Dutch Hotel, go to their website at www.thedubbeldutch.com.

If you are working on a commercial project, or building a custom home or remodeling your current home in Wilmette, IL, Delafield, WI or Lake Geneva, WI, come visit our showroom in that area. Our stores are filled with marble, ceramic, porcelain, terracotta and cement tiles for uses on floors, walls, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and more. We also offer custom tile and interior design services. Our clients rely on us for interior design help when they build their custom home or are working on a remodel. Call any of our showrooms today for an appointment.