Creating a Luxurious Feel in Our Malibu Powder Bath

A powder bath has a unique charm. Despite its size, it’s a space where guests notice details. Unlike other rooms where practicality reigns, this area is a chance to craft an experience—a compact retreat where every material shines.

During the planning of our Zuma Beach House renovation, I recognized our powder bath would be very small. Yet, it excited me to create something special within its limited dimensions. My design belief is that impact comes from intention, not size. In such an intimate space, every detail counts.

The Task: Transforming 20 Square Feet into Luxury

Let’s face it—powder baths often receive minimal budget and standard finishes. They can seem like mere utilitarian areas. However, to me, these small spaces are perfect for bold choices, allowing investment in dream materials that might overwhelm a larger room.

Impact is determined by intention, not size.

The limited footprint encouraged creativity. Instead of trying to expand the space, we embraced its intimacy, aiming for richness, layers, and texture.

Striking Zellige Tiles

The standout feature is undoubtedly the backsplash. We chose stunning, unglazed natural trapezoid zellige tile that extends from the vanity to the ceiling.

This tile captivates not just with its warm, earthy hue but also its unique shape. While many envision zellige as classic subway or square tiles, these trapezoids form a stunning geometric pattern that’s both timeless and innovative. Each handmade tile varies slightly, adding life to the wall with subtle color and texture differences.

Extending it from floor to ceiling was a strategic move for maximum effect. In a compact space, vertical lines draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of height, transforming an otherwise forgettable powder bath into a striking one.

Sculptural Lighting Choices

We’re hanging a bold black pendant from Lightology above the mirror. This choice adds a sculptural element to the room.

The black finish contrasts beautifully with the warm zellige and brass details, creating a modern organic feel that I truly adore.

Brass That Develops Character

Throughout the house, we’re using unlacquered brass fixtures, including the faucet from Kallista’s One collection selected for our primary and guest bathrooms.

I appreciate how unlacquered brass gains character over time. Each fingerprint and water mark contributes to its patina. In a powder bath that experiences many hands, I imagine how beautifully it will evolve.

The round brass mirror from Rejuvenation complements this warm metal tone while keeping a clean, simple design. Its round shape softens the geometric angles of the trapezoid tile, creating harmony.

Walls That Embrace

For the walls, we opted for Patagonia Roman Clay from Portola Paints, a warm neutral we’ve used throughout the house. This finish adds texture and depth, ensuring a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere.

In such a small room, the Roman Clay fosters a cocoon-like ambiance. The handcrafted texture beautifully captures light, providing more interest than standard paint.

Contrast: Rustic Meets Modern

For the countertops, we’re using Caesarstone in Marenstone, an exquisite quartz surface with subtle veining resembling natural stone, yet offering unmatched durability. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic juxtaposes beautifully with the organic textures found throughout the room, especially the reclaimed wood shelf beneath it.

This reclaimed wood shelf adds rustic charm against the polished lines of the Caesarstone. I aim to incorporate at least one reclaimed element in every space to infuse warmth and history, avoiding a feel that's overly pristine.

This blend of refined and rustic has become a hallmark of my designs—the handmade character of old wood set against the precision of zellige and brass. It’s these surprising combinations that create a collected atmosphere, rather than a staged one.

On the floors, we’re featuring Stuga wood floors in “Ingrid”, a lovely natural wood tone that anchors the palette and ties it back to the organic materials in the home.

Obsessed with This Toilet

We’re installing the same stunning ME by Starck Wall Mounted Toilet from Duravit used in our other bathrooms. A well-designed toilet significantly enhances a bathroom’s appeal. This one is sleek, understated, and (I’ll say it) beautiful.

Small Space, Big Impact

This powder bath aims to show that luxury isn’t dictated by size. When you invest time selecting materials you love and focus on every detail, even the tiniest spaces can exude elegance.

This room exemplifies the beauty of thoughtful materials. The geometric allure of the zellige paired with the evolving finish of the brass creates a timeless yet fresh environment.

My aspiration for this space is for guests to experience that momentary pause when encountering something unexpectedly beautiful. That’s the feeling I’m designing for, and I eagerly anticipate its realization.