Terracotta tiles, marble features, and wooden accents have transformed this once bland and boring bathroom into a warm, tranquil retreat

The way we view bathrooms has really evolved over the years. Once seen as purely utilitarian and drenched in various shades of white, they are now being reconsidered as tranquil, relaxing rooms. And the way we decorate them is crucial.

Nowadays, bathroom ideas aren't just focused on practicality; they are about adding warmth and comfort – and this Mediterranean-inspired bathroom is a perfect example of how to get it right. It's functional and useable, but it's also inviting and filled with warmth and contrast.

From the beautifully rustic terracotta floors to the statement marble and Mediterranean decor, here's how the owner created this tranquil-meets-timeless design with a beautiful mix of materials.

'The main issue with the original space was simply how bland and lacking in personality it was! It was very functional and a good size, just not my taste at all,' says owner Jennifer Rothbury, the creator behind @crack_the_shutters on Instagram.

Because the original space was still functional, Jennifer took her time considering the space and how she wanted the design to look, which meant rather than jumping into the remodel, she initially opted for a few DIY fixes.

'The bathroom was a bit of a cobbled-together DIY project. It had originally been a good size but covered in very dull beige bathroom tiles, which I decided to try and improve for a year or two to allow saving for the renovation,' she explains. 'I painted and stencilled the tiles and painted the faucets and radiators.'

But it was surely worth the wait, with the new bathroom design exuding a timeless, serene feel. 'The bathroom layout stayed the same as had been tried and tested in the old space and worked well as a family bathroom. The beige tiles were all removed, and a stud wall was added to conceal the cistern and create an arched marble alcove,' she says.

While the functionality of the bathroom was a huge priority, so was the atmosphere and feeling that Jennifer wanted to create. It was about taking a utilitarian room and creating a retreat that felt calming and a comfortable place to unwind.

'When designing the bathroom, the style I was aiming to achieve was a calm, timeless sanctuary where I could unwind after a hectic day,' she explains, which heavily influenced her material choices.

'I knew the renovation would be fairly costly, so I wanted to make sure that my choices weren’t fads or following trends and would stand the test of time. I wanted a bathroom that was both visually pleasing and tactile, and making choices like the arch and rounded edge bath made the room feel softer and more sculptural.'

The marble, in particular, brings a real sense of luxury to the overall design, adding contrast and sophistication in abundance. But it's a feature that caused a few headaches throughout the design process.

'The main challenge was definitely the marble. The company I used sold me a slab which then turned out not to exist, so a week before the plating, I had to choose a new slab without ever viewing it,' Jennifer recalls.

'The marble base for the shower tray then cracked in transit, so everything from then on was delayed until a new piece could be made and delivered. Having said that, I have no regrets about going with marble – it still looks as good as new!'

And while the marble is a statement feature, there's something else that, for Jennifer, feels utterly special. 'The standout feature is definitely the flooring. Terracotta is a less common choice for bathroom flooring, but I adore it. It really warms the space, and the rustic look softens the room.'

Materiality really comes into its own in this design. There's a beautiful contrast between the more rustic terracotta floor tiles and the smooth, sleek finish of the marble that feels perfectly curated.

'The material choices consist mainly of wood, terracotta, and marble – all natural materials which I felt worked beautifully together,' Jennifer notes, which has created a seamless flow throughout the bathroom.

'They are all very tactile materials with natural and individual patterns and grains running through them, which is visually pleasing. Natural materials do require a little more maintenance with sealing, but that little effort is worth the beauty of them in my opinion!'

The wooden bathroom vanity is not only a timeless addition to the scheme, but it also creates that cohesive finish that ties all the various elements together. It acts as the middle ground between sleek and rustic, and adds warmth against the white walls.

And there's no ignoring the details that bring a Mediterranean-meets-luxurious feel to the finished space. The freestanding bathtub is simplistic in design, yet elevated with the brass hardware and an accompanying potted olive tree.

The brass also ties in with the bathroom vanity mirrors, faucets, and lighting, which not only creates a cohesive finish but it adds those small yet elevated details that feel luxurious among the more rustic finishes.

This bathroom truly is a lesson in restraint. The design hasn't been overcomplicated – instead, a simple palette of natural materials, warm white paint, and elegant brass details has created the chicest Mediterranean-inspired bathroom. And it proves that sometimes, opting for unexpected materials can instantly elevate a bathroom scheme.

Shop the look

This design makes it clear to see why Mediterranean bathrooms are having a moment. The space is a lesson in how to mix materials in a way that feels cohesive and timeless. It's certainly convinced me to use terracotta tiles in the bathroom, and perhaps even pair it with a statement marble!