We’ve just wrapped up our latest bathroom project and it’s a beauty, even if I do say so myself! This ’90s style bathroom was in dire need of a makeover and in my signature style, I couldn’t help but inject a bit of luxe into the space. It’s a small bathroom but just because you’re short on space doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style.
Let me take you on a tour of this ming green marble mosaic bathroom and share some of my top bathroom design tips.
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Ming green marble paddle pop mosaic is the hero of the bathroom
Without a doubt, the star of the space is this ming green (also called Verdi Cristallo) marble mosaic feature tile. It’s the first thing you see as you step into the bathroom. I love the interesting patterns and tonal variation of each piece, and the muted pop of colour it adds to the space.
I went with a relatively new tile mosaic shape, which goes by a few names including arch mosaic, paddle pop mosaic or elongated fish scale. Whatever you want to call it, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it’s STUNNING. As soon as I saw it in the tile store, I knew it was the one and the rest of the bathroom scheme built off this selection.
A tonal tile scheme helps a small bathroom to feel larger
If you’re looking for a way to make a small bathroom feel larger, forget using gloss tiles and embrace a tonal tile scheme instead. Using the same tile on the floor and walls blurs the lines between these surfaces and create a sense of space. I used a warm grey stone-look porcelain tile on the floor and walls. It has a subtle pattern that complements — rather than competes — with the natural marble and picks up on the grey undertones of the stone.
Remember less is often more, particularly when you’re working in a small space. There’s a lot that gets added to a bathroom design — vanity, mirror, tapware, bathware, lighting — so you don’t have to make a loud feature out of everything. Actually, if you do it will have the reverse effect and create a space that’s overwhelming.
I’m not going to lie, I was nervous about the ming green marble mosaic for a minute when I saw it appear on The Block. Mitch and Mark went with a more is more approach, using the feature tile in excess on one full wall and also in the oversized niche on the adjacent wall. And then they paired it with an equally bold Calacutta marble patterned floor and wall tile. Although they used all luxe elements, there was so much happening in the space that your eye didn’t know where to look.
Luckily, the tiles had already been ordered so there was no backing out and I’m so thrilled with the tile scheme!
Look for a vanity with drawer storage
In my book, drawers trump cupboards in the storage stakes every time! Drawers open to reveal all of their contents, whereas with a cupboard-style bathroom vanity you need to crouch down and move items about to access what’s behind.
For this bathroom, we chose a white 2 drawer wall hung vanity with shaker doors called ‘Fremantle’. It’s more interesting than a flat all-white vanity and is a classic style that offers timeless appeal. Most importantly, it doesn’t compete with the other design elements.
White and other neutral colours offer breathing room to your bathroom design. So we also used a white rectangular solid surface mirror in this space. I like to have contrast between the shape of the mirror and the tiled wall behind. For example, if the wall has angular tiles, I’ll look for a mirror with curves to soften the look or vice versa.
Brushed nickel tapware adds a subtle pop of bling
With dozens of tapware finishes now on the market, you can have lots of fun making a statement with tapware! While white tapware would have added an edgy element to this space, it wasn’t right for the client or their home.
Rather than selecting the same polished chrome tapware used elsewhere in their home, we chose brushed nickel Nero tapware. It has a softer and more muted finish than chrome but still fits with traditional style spaces. This finish was carried through on all of the bathroom accessories.
Add a window covering to finish the look and offer privacy
In a bathroom it’s common to use frosted glass and no window treatments. But to really finish off a bathroom design, I love adding a plantation shutter. This beautiful white plantation shutter was custom made by dollar curtains + blinds and completely elevates the feel of this bathroom.
As well as enhancing the aesthetics, it offers various functional benefits. Most importantly, it allows the client to open the window for ventilation while maintaining privacy.
Design, styling and photography — Style Curator
I hope you enjoyed taking a tour of this ming green marble mosaic bathroom with me. Do you have any questions about the space? Pop them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you asap. Or let me know what you think of the space. I’d love to hear from you!
More bathroom inspo
Hi Gina. I desperately need your advice. I want to use some green marble kit kat tiles in a section of my shower room. The rest of the bathroom tiles are a very dark grey/almost black. I don’t know what colour grout to use with the tiles, because the rest of the room is dark grey.Do you think a dark grey grout would work, or would you stick to a lighter colour that would blend with the green tiles more. Many thanks
Great question. Are you using dark green Verde marble or lighter green Ming marble tiles?
For a dark green marble, I would suggest using a darker grey grout that picks up on darker veins in the green marble and complements your grey tiles. If in doubt, select grout that is one shade lighter than your tiles rather than darker as you don’t want to accentuate the lines.
If you are using a light green marble tile as I did, use a light grey grout like misty grey – even if the other walls are darker. Otherwise using a darker grout will simply emphasise your grout lines and take away from the beauty of the marble tiles. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi Gina,
What colour grout did you use for the green marble tile? Thanks 🙂
Hi Telicia
I used ‘Misty Grey’ from Arden. Hope this helps!