The Timeless Bathroom Look That's Taking Over Tile

If you've spent any time perusing design inspo on Instagram or browsing your favorite interior design websites lately, you've probably seen the word "drenching" pop up. First, there was color drenching — walls, trim, and ceilings are all painted the same stylish hue. Then came the tile drenching bathroom trend, which often involves floor-to-ceiling tile in one space. Now, there's a new twist to the drenching trend that's making a strong and lasting impact in the design world: stone drenching. Covering a space in natural stone makes a big statement. It's luxurious, timeless, and bold, which is why this design trend is becoming a coveted avenue for creating both drama and cohesion in bathroom spaces.

So, what exactly is stone drenching? This approach often involves installing stone surfaces not just on the floor, but also on the walls, ceilings, and even on features and structures in the room to create a perfect monochromatic look. This particular drenching trend is gaining popularity not just for its cohesiveness and opulence, but also because it can open up a small space and make it seem larger. While stone drenching is common in bathrooms, the right natural stone material can be used to drench any room in luxury.

Incorporating this gorgeous design trend into the bathroom is a no-brainer, as it complements the increasingly coveted spa-inspired bathroom that makes you feel like you're on a retreat. One of the most obvious and impactful ways to design a stone-drenched bathroom is to use the same stone material on both the walls and the floors, creating a smooth, seamless flow that simply oozes opulence. For a more concentrated but equally bold drenching option, many choose to envelop just their walk-in showers or wet rooms in stone. This is sure to elevate your shower experience.

But the art of stone drenching isn't limited to the bathroom. In the kitchen, picture the countertop, backsplash, and kitchen island all draped in the same lovely natural stone material. When it comes to the bedroom or living room, a prominent stone accent wall brings both luxury and a bit of drama to your space. You may even consider overhauling your laundry room with stone surfaces that are durable, long-lasting, and elegant, turning a traditional utility room into a modern, functional space.

You may be wondering which type of stone to choose for your stone-drenching goals. The most important consideration is the room you're designing. In high-traffic and moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, you'll need durable natural stone. Granite, quartz, and quartzite are great options for these rooms. These materials are durable and non-porous, which means they're easy to clean and stand up well to daily wear. Keep slip resistance in mind for flooring and showers, and consider sealing your natural stone for added protection against stains.

In spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, where moisture and traffic are less of an issue, the visual aspect of your natural stone is a bigger consideration. If you're looking for a design that brings drama and boldness, marble, granite, and onyx offer a variety of designs and colors, from the speckled texture of granite to the gorgeous veining of marble. If you want your design to be more subdued, limestone, slate, and travertine offer soft, often warming hues that blend beautifully with a minimalist aesthetic. Whether you're draping your bathroom in natural stone or creating a focal point in your living room, your newly designed space will be the elegant, sleek, and luxurious space you've been dreaming of.