'Texture Can Be Just as Powerful as Pattern' – How This Designer Transforms a Small Powder Room with Neutral, Never-Boring Style

There's a misconception that to create a layered, visually interesting bathroom scheme, you need to introduce color and pattern. And for the minimalists and the neutral-lovers, it's an approach that can really jar with their style.

But if you're looking for ways to add interest to your small bathroom this year, there's one detail that can make all the difference: texture. And designer Marie Flanigan has just taken to Instagram to remind us all that 'texture can be just as powerful as pattern.'

It's all about artful layering and a thoughtful approach to the areas where you introduce different materials and textures. Here's a closer at look at the space, and the cues you can take from Marie's timeless ethos.

Sharing a small bathroom from a recent project, Marie has proved that you don't need to fill your space with pattern to add interest. While it can be effective in the right room, if you prefer a more subdued palette, texture is key to an elevated scheme.

This tiny space is decorated with neutral colors, but Marie has introduced a mix of materials, all with unique textures, to really bring the space to life. It has just as much interest as a pattern, but in a more pared-back way.

'Texture becomes the story here,' Marie writes. 'The open weave of abaca brings quiet movement to the walls, its coarse strands catching light in subtle ways. Paired with natural stone, it creates balance as soft meets strong, organic meets refined.'

Every element is considered, from the wall finishes to the decorative details. As Marie explains, contrast is key here – natural, organic materials pair with rougher, more industrial finishes like concrete for a layered look. And there are a few places to focus your attention.

The Wall Finishes

In a small bathroom, the walls need to work harder. In Marie's design, she chose to introduce a textured wallpaper, Synamay Chalk Wallpaper by Mark Alexander, to bring warmth and tactility to the space.

But bathroom wallpaper is not the only option, although it is usually the most impactful and inviting. A textured paint finish, like limewash, will also add plenty of texture, although you will need to bring in a softer element somewhere to create contrast between the textures.

Similarly, wood paneling and tiles with an irregular finish (zellige is a great example) can also add that depth and tactile finish that bring a small bathroom to life. It's about choosing materials that add dimension to a room, rather than sticking to flat finishes.

The Sink

The sink is one of the few places in a small bathroom that you can really have fun. Instead of an average porcelain sink, opt for something more statement and textured, like stone.

Marie opted for a beautiful marble basin with really strong veining to bring in a different texture and create a subtle contrast to the wallpaper. Marble is a chic option for a timeless material that adds a sense of luxury, but there's no reason why you can't go even bolder.

A concrete basin not only adds maximum texture, especially in a small space, but it also creates a striking design moment. It's tactile and unexpected, and brings a different feel to the room, still without bringing in bold colors or patterns.

The Bathroom Lighting

No matter the size of your space, bathroom lighting is always essential. So why not have fun with it? A beautifully textured fixture can be the difference between a bland, boring space and something more visually interesting.

Marie opted for the Elliot Medium Dome Pendant from Lumens, a cement-look fixture. It's a much more industrial feature compared to the other materials in the space, adding a smoother texture to the design.

Textured glass can work just as well if you're not so keen on the concrete look. Look for fixtures with an interesting form, whether it's a fluted glass sconce, like the Mallory Crystal Sconce from Pottery Barn, or a ceiling light with hammered glass.

If you've gone more industrial with your sink or wall finishes, your lighting is an opportunity to bring in a softer texture, like a pleated linen or rattan shade, like Anthropologie's Twila Rattan Shaded Sconce.

The Decor and Accessories

Even in the smallest space, powder rooms included, there are decor pieces that offer an unexpected place to bring in some much-needed texture. The vanity mirror was the focus for Marie, who introduced an oval, plaster finish design, but a rustic wood or hammered metal option would have the same effect.

Smaller accessories can be considered here, too, such as a soap dispenser or dish in a textured finish, or even bathroom hardware in a brushed or antique finish. It's about the small details and finding new ways to add texture and interest without impeding functionality.

Neutral bathrooms needn't be boring. By bringing in layered textures, you can create an inviting, visually interesting scheme that rivals even the most stylish patterned spaces. From wall coverings to lighting, these designer-approved approaches will ensure your bathroom feels chic and full of subtle contrasts.