What is a jewel box bathroom and how can you have one?

Jewel box bathroom

Picture rich shades of amber, emerald, ruby and sapphire, paired with statement marble surfaces and gleaming gold finishes. Say hello to jewel box bathrooms – the latest trend you need to know about.

So, what is a jewel box bathroom? The clue is in the name – it’s a look reminiscent of the lush velvet interiors of a luxurious jewellery box. From marble basins to rich furniture to gold brassware, each element is carefully selected to catch your eye like precious gemstones.

With boutique ensuites, opulent cloakrooms, and impactful powder rooms on the rise, are you keen to recreate this glamorous style at home? We chat to the experts and round up some of our favourite designs…

Jewel box inspired bathroom with marble tiles, pink furniture and floral wallpaper.
Farnley panelled under-sink storage unit, £135, and Gold rechargeable light-up wall mirror, £150, Next.

How to create a jewel box bathroom

Finding the balance between bold patterns, daring colours and striking metallics is important, advises Mark Harper, senior product designer at Joseph Giles. “Consider decorating with a luxurious colour palette that evokes the richness of a jewellery box. Think deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red, paired with metallic accents like gold, silver, or bronze.

“You can also incorporate metallic accents through wallpaper with metallic leafing or a textured, metallic paint finish on the walls, to give the space an immersive feel.”

Burgundy design with statement wall covering and a chunky marble basin.
Glamorous house design in Melbourne, Australia by interior designer Greg Natale and Boca do Lobo.

Apart from rich gemstone-inspired shades such as burgundy and navy, the velvet lining of luxurious jewellery boxes can often be neutral or blush pink. So, if you are not a fan of dark tones, you can still get this look by choosing a more neutral colour palette and decorating with opulent brassware, chunky furniture, glossy tiles and glamorous accessories.

Neutral jewel box bathroom design with chunky brass radiator and taupe coloured furniture.
Park Avenue Jodie vanity and Cross brassware, CP Hart. Photography: Anna Stathaki.

When looking at hardware, embrace polished metals such as chrome, brass, or nickel. “These finishes will reflect light, adding to the overall glamour of the space. Choose tapware, towel bars, and other fixtures with intricate details or geometric patterns to create an opulent, Deco feel. A statement mirror with a metallic frame or a unique lighting fixture with metallic accents can further elevate the design,” Mark recommends.

Green bathroom design with a walk-in shower and wall-mounted vanity unit and toilet.
Grohe SmartControl shower in Brushed Cool Sunrise with Essence basin mixer. From £1931.03 for the shower in chrome.

Marble and stone surfaces

Marble and veiny surfaces play an important role in designing a jewel box bathroom. If you’ve got the budget, then real stone sanitaryware such as a freestanding coloured marble tub or a glamorous double basin will take your scheme to the next level.

Bold scheme with patterned wallcoverings and a gold framed vanity unit.
Crane Fonda wallpaper in Soft Copper Metallic and Black Gold, £159 per roll each, Divine Savages. Bathroom design by Drummonds.
Jewel box bathroom with coloured marble, dark vanity unit, and a countertop basin.
Opera D’Arte marble, from £1100 per sq m, Cullifords

“Designing a bathroom to emulate the allure of a jewel box is all about the hues, finishes and details you choose within the space. Marble-effect tiles will instantly add an opulent feel to a bathroom with their intricate veining, rich colours, and quartzite detailing,” says Isabel Fernandez, marketing director at Quorn Stone.

Dark green wall paint with marble-effect tiles and classic sanitaryware.
Albareto Viola marble-effect porcelain tiles, from £70 per sq m, Quorn Stone.

Brassware

Opulent basin taps, chunky radiators or towel warmers, and sleek shower systems all wrapped in warm metallic finishes are ideal for this look. “To make the bathroom feel more inviting, opt for brushed gold or Olive Bronze that give a softer look than a polished finish, and elevate the luxury aesthetic of a jewel bathroom with warm, metallic accents that enhance the rich jewel tones,” advises Ziggy Kulig, CEO at Graff.

Alternatively, you can also choose matte black brassware to add contrast.

Burgundy bathroom with marble furniture and gold brassware.
Vaia in Brushed Bronze, Dornbracht.
Closeup of a vanity unit with black brassware and a white basin.
Residential project by Richard Grafton Interiors featuring brassware by Graff.
Modern design with terracotta metro tiles, hexagon floor tiles, wall-mounted furniture and a walk-in shower with a glass enclosure.
Glide II two-drawer basin unit 500 Steelwood, £675, Crosswater.

Bathroom lighting

Last, but not least, think about lighting – an important factor in achieving the luxurious jewel box bathroom look and an inviting atmosphere. “Consider using a combination of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to highlight specific areas of your bathroom. Chandeliers and pendant lights with metallic finishes can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your space,” advises Mark. But don’t forget to check the IP ratings of your solutions first – if you need more guidance on bathroom zones, click here.

So, make sure to carefully consider all the important elements of a jewel box bathroom – from the colour palette and materials for walls and floors to sanitaryware pieces and brassware, as well as the finishing touches such as accessories and hardware – and you are set to achieve a design that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but equally practical and timeless, too.

Green and purple jewel box bathroom with white basin and gold brassware.
Farringdon Purple Gloss metro wall tiles, £26.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors.
Classic design with curved furniture and a walk-in shower with a brass enclosure.
Freestanding 100 LH Curved corner unit with white worktop and integrated white basin in Matt Black, £2214, Burlington.

Spotted on social:

Enjoyed this post? Click here for green bathroom ideas

About Post Author

You Might Also Like

 

Want to get involved?

[email protected]

Sign up to our newsletter

Want the latest in your inbox?