Let me walk you through the creative process behind our bathroom remodel! Right now, our bathroom is mostly bare bones—just wood framing and a bit of bathroom tile—but there’s a stunning transformation coming soon. And the best part? It all started with a few carefully curated mood boards (like every good renovation project does for me).
Today on the blog, I’m talking all about the Monarch Colonial primary bathroom mood board! The heart of this design is the bathroom tile, and I can’t wait to see how everything comes together in the final look.
Design Inspiration For The Primary Bathroom
When I began working on the mood board for our primary bathroom, I envisioned a space that felt like a personal retreat—somewhere I could step into each morning and instantly feel calm. Life can get hectic, so it felt right to create a bathroom that feels like a sanctuary. That being said, it still needed a touch of elegance.
To achieve this atmosphere, I focused on neutral tones, primarily using soft shades of white. White is such a timeless color, and it naturally brings a sense of openness to any room. However, I didn’t want the bathroom to feel too cold or sterile. To avoid that, I incorporated warm touches throughout the design—subtle hints of beige, taupe, and soft grays that bring a touch of coziness. These warmer tints help make the space feel more approachable, balancing out the crispness of the white.
Together, the colors blend to create that luxurious and still calming vibe. Every choice I made, from the tile to the finishes, was with this feeling in mind: creating a bathroom that feels like a true retreat.
If you’re curious to learn more about the beginning of my design process, check out my post – How To Create A Mood Board For Any Design Project!
The Shower Bathroom Tile Of My Dreams
Now, let’s talk about the shower tile because this is the part I’m most excited about! I’ve always dreamed of having a bathroom that looks straight out of a design magazine, and this shower is exactly that. It’s the kind of place you want to linger in for a few extra minutes every day.
The tile is a beautiful gray marble, and what makes it stand out is the box molding detail. It adds that extra touch of elegance and sophistication that I was looking for without being over the top for a shower. It’s been a dream of mine to include this detail in a home FOR YEARS, so I’m thrilled the time has finally arrived.
When the contractors first installed the tile, they missed this molding detail and I was heartbroken. Thankfully, as soon as I brought it up, they jumped on it and fixed it immediately. I couldn’t be more grateful for how attentive and supportive they’ve been during this renovation. Their love for details has made all the difference in bringing my vision for Monarch Colonial to life.
Mixing Gold and Silver Tones
Mixing gold and silver tones is one of my all-time favorite design tips to elevate the look of any space. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in the overall look of a room, and I’ve been dying to try it out in a bathroom. Most of the finishes in the primary bathroom will be silver because they tend to age better over time. This includes polished nickel plumbing for the faucets, shower head, and bathtub.
To add a little extra elegance, I’m including touches of gold to make a bit more of a statement. As soon as I sat down to create this mood board, I knew I had to include a chandelier somewhere. Our contractor made it work and I found a gorgeous antique-esque crystal and gold chandelier that adds a hint of that grandmillennial style I love, while still blending seamlessly with the rest of the design.
For a little extra gold throughout, I am using satin brass (looks just like gold but lasts longer) in the overhead lighting, rods, and other bathroom details. Using gold in the details and silver in the daily fixtures is the best way to mix metals seamlessly in the bathroom.
To read more details about mixing metals in your home, check out my post – Mixing Metal Finishes: How To Make Different Metals Look Effortless.
Adding Texture With Bathroom Tile Floors
Even though our primary bathroom isn’t gigantic, I wanted to make sure the flooring was a standout feature to make the space feel even larger. I’m using a mix of tiles that complement each other beautifully and add plenty of texture, while all remaining in that warm neutral color palette. All of the flooring is non-slick, which is amazing because I’ve had to say no to so many gorgeous tile options in the past because of their lack of functionality.
Around the bathtub, I’ve chosen quite possibly the most stunning white mosaic tile I’ve ever seen. It features a delicate floral and leaf pattern, almost like a piece of artwork. The second I saw it, I knew I had to use it—it’s just too gorgeous not to! Our contractor is laying it to mimic the look of a rug underneath the standing tub to add just enough intricate detail, but not go overboard. Then, it will be bordered off with a traditional white 4×12 subway tile.
I’ve gone with a gorgeous white Calcutta marble tile in 12×12 squares for the rest of the bathroom floor to balance things out. It has just a hint of warm graining, which ties everything together nicely, but for additional intrigue, I am having them laid down diagonally.
Finally, on the shower floor, I decided to go for a fun gold-taupe and white square tile pattern. It adds a bit of warmth and personality without being too bold. It’s the perfect blend of timeless and playful while letting the box molding on the shower walls truly shine.
Our Primary Bathroom Is Close, But There’s Still Tons Of Work To Do!
While I’m sitting here dreaming of the final result, looking just like the mood boards I created, there is still a ton of work to do! With a little bit of the tile installed, it’s clear to me that this vision will come together (even if we have to go through a lot of dust first). I can’t wait to update you with the progress as it comes!
Have you ever remodeled your bathroom before? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
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