It might be the smallest room in the house but it’s one of my favourites in terms of how the different materials and design elements came together!
Marble mosaic tiles, timber half wall shelf, porcelain pendant light, black tapware and matte white basin โ I love it all! Let me give you a closer look around…
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Design elements in my powder room
My tile choice did our tiler’s head in (you may recall he called me ‘Sheeba wife’ which is no compliment in Korean!) but I’m super happy with the results. The manufacturer pre-glues the geometric marble mosaic tiles onto sheets about 30cm x 30cm in size. So the tiler had some fairly fiddly work to cut in and around the toilet but he did a fabulous job!
We carried the tile up the half-height built out wall. This design feature creates a neat separation between the tile and the mirror, while creating a timber shelf that’s perfect for a styling moment. We capped the mini wall ledge with a left over piece of Blackbutt timber flooring, which is a nice element of continuity between rooms.
The wall hung basin is made of a matte solid surface material. Given we don’t need storage in here, we chose a wall-hung basin to keep things feeling spacious.
I found the porcelain pendant light with the help of a reader (thanks Jane!), which was handmade in Germany. The faceted shape really complements the geometric pattern of the tiles. I bought the pendant light on Etsy which is a great place to look for unique, handmade items.
Unlike our ensuite and downstairs bathroom, this toilet doesn’t have an in-wall cistern because there is a brick retaining wall behind the toilet and I didn’t want to reduce the size of the space by building the wall out.
Finishing the space off
I’ve kept styling to a minimum in here, just a hand wash, lotion and a hand towel. While I wouldn’t call a toilet brush and bin ‘styling elements’, I was pleased to find ones that fit the monochromatic and geometric theme.
I’m thinking of putting the soap down by the basin and using the ledge for a mini vignette. Perhaps a tray with a candle and vase? Some people also put artwork in their powder room but I’m not sure about that โ what are your thoughts?


If you have any questions about my powder room, just pop them in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you asap ๐
I love the tile choice, very nice. Can I ask why you didn’t put a row of tiles along the wall but instead have a skirting board?
Hi Jules,
Thanks and good question! These mosaic tiles aren’t ideal for skirting because they are sheets of lots of tiny marble pieces and so I would have had to introduce a different tile for the skirting which isn’t a look I really wanted. Because it’s just a powder room and not a bathroom, the walls didn’t have to be waterproofed and I could use skirting boards ๐ It was more of a personal preference than anything else and in the bathrooms I have all walls tiled. Hope that helps x
Just love those tiles, they work so well with the timber.
Thanks Bec! It’s also available in a green marble for those who love to embrace a bit of colour ๐
Pretty *and* practical! I like how you didn’t feel the need to go to town with storage. Thumbs up for the light ๐
He he Jane, thanks again for the lighting help ๐
I am in love with those feature tiles – such a gorgeous and bold choice @notamodelhome
Thanks Caitlyn, we wanted to do something a bit different and I’m glad it worked out ๐
Those marble tiles are stunning!
Thanks lovely xx