This Amber Lewis bathroom design has convinced me to put down the tiles – it's a chic design that creates 'real-life tree house vibes'

Tiles are the go-to for bathrooms. They are waterproof for one, which is probably the most important thing when it comes to anything you add into a bathroom. But they can also look amazing, bridging the gap between style and function, and opening the opportunity to create striking, dynamic designs that showcase the homeowner's personality.

So, it can be hard to convince me to put down the tiles for something quite the opposite – bathroom paneling on all of the walls. And it's designer Amber Lewis's Carolina project that has me reconsidering why bathroom tiles have always been the top choice. Sure, they are practical but a pretty generic choice too right?

In Amber's projects, a fully paneled scheme filled with warm neutral hues, classic design details, and totally chic accessories has transformed this tree-house-style abode's bathroom into an unexpectedly stylish space.

As soon as you think about designing a bathroom, creating stylish, yet functional surfaces (think water splashes and humidity) is always a priority. And while tiles are the most popular, Amber Lewis has thrown out the rule book with this design, opting for a less expected but totally stylish space.

The bathroom is in a home located in the North Carolina mountains surrounded by trees and hills, so she wanted to echo that in the design. And what could be more fitting the an elevated tree house-style interior?

To achieve this, she's incorporated a huge emerging design trend this year – panel drenching, which she carried over from the bedroom to create a sense of cohesion. It's an unconventional choice for bathroom walls, but it really does work. It has the perfect blend of modern and traditional and walks the line between polished and rustic.

By wrapping the paneling around every wall of the space, she's created texture and the appearance of a typical tree house structure. But to elevate the aesthetic so it feels more curated, she's color drenched the bathroom, including the walls, shelves, and bathroom vanity, in a warm neutral hue. It's a wonderful choice to create a timeless and inviting feel.

What elevates the design is that she's really thought about how each element works together. The paneling has been carried over the side of the alcove bathtub and inside the open shelving, giving the whole space a more characterful, detail-focused look.

It's a look that works visually and functionally because of one important detail. The whole walk-in shower area is separated into its own nook, sealed behind a glass door. This means the dampness and steam created are contained and don't damage the walls.

And it really does bring the space to life – and nails the tree house brief. The neutral paneling forms the perfect backdrop for the decorative pieces throughout the bathroom, which are key to creating a more personalized space.

The attention to detail here can't be ignored. One of the most impactful is the way marble has been introduced throughout to tie everything together. The same stone has been used for the vanity top and backsplash, bath, and the step into the shower, which is crucial to ensure the divided spaces feel connected.

On the shelves, collected ceramics, candles, and artwork create a curated but lived-in vibe and tie into the pieces on the vanity and the lighting, while everyday essentials have been elevated with pretty refillable containers. There's an antique brass thread throughout the space, too, from the bathroom hardware to the sconces and vanity mirrors, which further enforces that timeless feel.

There are so many beautiful details that come together to create this chic, tree-house-inspired bathroom design. It proves that sometimes, going against the grain and introducing unexpected finishes and materials is the best way to create a striking scheme.

It's certainly made me reconsider my habit of always opting for tiles – I might just be a bathroom paneling convert.

Shop the look

A completely paneled bathroom feels like a bold design decision, but this space proves it's a stylish, timeless choice. While tiles, paint, and sometimes even wallpaper are favored for bathroom wall ideas, this design makes a strong case for a panel drenched scheme.

From the tambour paneling trend to shiplap bathrooms, there's so much versatility in this decorating style, even in the bathroom. Just avoid it on your shower walls – it's definitely best to stick to tiles here.