Light and refined

How to achieve the look of a refined primary bathroom while keeping to a holiday home budget – here, marble-look porcelain sheet and a shell-look feature wall are just two luxury-feel elements

A high-quality porcelain tile mimics the appearance of

Given the space’s function as a holiday home,

The large round vanity wall mirror adds to

Bronze tapware and fittings reinforce the overall warmth

The stone's rich veining connects with the accessories'

Bronze towel rails stand out against the shell

Designed by Carmen Hubber, Hub Design

From the designer:

Design brief

The homeowner wanted this holiday home bathroom to reflect a timeless, luxurious aesthetic without exceeding budget.

They were drawn to the elegance of marble but sought a cost-effective alternative appropriate for a secondary residence.

With no windows and only a single large skylight providing natural light, the space needed to feel bright and inviting – without appearing cold or sterile.

Design statement

To achieve the desired classic look, we selected a high-quality porcelain tile that beautifully mimics the appearance of natural marble, featuring warm undertones of blue-grey, gold, and bronze.

This choice allowed us to evoke the luxurious character of marble while remaining budget-conscious.

The porcelain’s soft veining and tonal variation enhanced the sense of depth and warmth in the space.

We complemented the tile with bronze tapware and fittings to reinforce the overall warmth and elegance of the design.

Given the space’s function as a holiday home, we selected a vanity that provides open storage beneath the basin – ideal for guests to place toiletry bags on while also minimising the likelihood of forgotten items being left behind in drawers.

The result is a bathroom that balances sophistication with practicality and comfort.

To further enrich the visual experience, we introduced a shell tile feature wall.

Its subtle texture and natural shimmer add depth and interest, while maintaining a cohesive palette that aligns with the room’s light, refined atmosphere.