This jewel box bathroom functions primarily as our main floor powder room, and I wanted it to feel intimate, layered, and special the moment you step inside. It’s a space that guests experience often, so every detail needed to feel intentional — classic rather than bold, and rich in texture without relying on colour
Just beyond the vanity, however, is a beautiful surprise. This jewel box bathroom also includes a fully marble-clad shower, making it equally functional for the additional bedrooms on this level or for guests staying in the spare room. That balance — beauty first, flexibility built in — guided the entire renovation.
A Jewel Box Bathroom That Began as a Full Gut Renovation
This space was a complete gut renovation. Originally, it featured a dated tub surround that was not the luxurious vibe I was aiming for. Rather than trying to work around anything, we stripped the room back entirely and reimagined it from the ground up.
Replacing the tub with a fully marble-wrapped shower immediately elevated the room and brought it into alignment with the level of finish used throughout the house. The before photo makes the transformation especially clear — proof that thoughtful materials and proportion can completely change how a space feels.
Timeless Tilework With Structure and Balance
Underfoot, the floor is finished in a classic marble mosaic tile, subtle and timeless, grounding the room without competing with the walls. White subway tile wraps the lower portion of the space and is finished with a marble chair rail, a traditional detail that visually ties the room back to the all-marble shower.
This layered approach to tile — mosaic, subway, and marble — gives the jewel box bathroom a sense of structure while keeping it visually calm.
A Grasscloth Wallpaper Worth the Splurge
Above the tile, the room is wrapped in a metallic grasscloth wallpaper by Thibaut, and it is absolutely the star of the space. The texture adds depth and softness, catching the light in a way that paint never could.
I loved it so much that I carried the wallpaper through the custom shelving niche behind the door, wrapping the entire area — shelves included — so it feels fully intentional. The niche is practical, storing towels and everyday essentials, but it also gave me a place to display our shell collection.
By keeping everything within a restrained palette of greys and silvers, the jewel box bathroom remains monochromatic while still offering plenty for the eye to explore.
Lighting, Fixtures, and Polished Nickel Details
Lighting was a key part of setting the mood in this bathroom. The swing-arm sconces bring a tailored, classic feel to the vanity wall and add a slightly unexpected layer of interest.
The plumbing fixtures are polished nickel by Rubinet, a finish I return to again and again for its warmth and softness. Polished nickel pairs beautifully with marble and grasscloth, reinforcing the timeless feel of the space. The vanity is topped with a marble countertop, and I replaced the original pulls so every detail felt cohesive.
The toilet is by Toto, chosen for its clean lines and performance — a practical decision that quietly elevates everyday use.
Carrying the Same Level of Finish Throughout
As with the rest of the renovation, it was important that this jewel box bathroom reflected the same level of quality found throughout the home. That meant continuing details like the louvred interior door, finished with Emtek polished nickel hardware and a glass egg knob.
A Small Space With Depth and Detail
This jewel box bathroom proves that a neutral, monochromatic palette doesn’t have to feel flat. Through thoughtful layering — marble, grasscloth, polished nickel, and texture — the space feels rich, calm, and enduring.
It works beautifully as a powder room day to day, with the added bonus of a full marble shower when needed. A small space, thoughtfully designed, meant to be appreciated up close.
Explore More From This Renovation
If you’d like to see more from this home, you can explore our
Follow along for more spaces from our Pentilly home coming soon, including additional main floor details like Matt’s office, our bedrooms, and the full lower-level reveal!
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