At Novalé, we pride ourselves on creating breathtaking bathrooms that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Our expert design team is constantly exploring innovative material combinations to elevate your bathroom experience. In this article, we’ll look into five stunning material pairings that we have used recently and have become favourites among our designers and clients alike. These combinations not only create visual interest but also offer practical benefits, ensuring your bathroom renovation stands the test of time.
Whether you’re planning a complete bathroom overhaul or simply looking to update your space, these material combinations will inspire you to think creatively about your bathroom design. Let’s explore how these pairings can transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat that reflects your personal style while maintaining the highest standards of quality and durability.
Terrazzo Tiles with Timber Joinery
The combination of terrazzo tiles and timber joinery is a match made in design heaven. This pairing brings together the playful, speckled pattern of terrazzo with the warm, natural tones of timber, creating a bathroom that’s both vibrant and inviting.
Terrazzo, with its origins in 16th-century Venice, has made a significant comeback in modern interior design. Its unique composition of marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips set in a cement or resin base offers endless possibilities for colour combinations. When paired with timber joinery, terrazzo tiles add a touch of whimsy and texture to the bathroom space.
The timber joinery, whether in the form of vanities, shelving, or decorative elements, provides a grounding element to the lively terrazzo. Opt for light to medium wood tones to create a beautiful contrast with the terrazzo’s base colour. This combination works particularly well in larger bathrooms where the terrazzo can be used generously on floors or feature walls without overwhelming the space.

Travertine Tiles with Brushed Nickel Tapware
For those seeking a more earthy, spa-like atmosphere in their bathroom, the combination of travertine tiles with brushed nickel tapware is an excellent choice. This pairing exudes elegance and tranquillity, creating a space that feels like a luxurious retreat.
Travertine, a type of limestone deposited by mineral springs, has been used in construction and art for thousands of years. Its natural, pitted surface and warm, neutral tones bring a sense of organic beauty to any space. When used in bathrooms, travertine tiles create a serene backdrop that’s both timeless and sophisticated.
Brushed nickel tapware complements travertine beautifully, offering a subtle metallic sheen that doesn’t compete with the natural stone. The brushed finish of the nickel adds a soft, understated elegance that pairs perfectly with the travertine’s matte surface. This combination works well in both modern and traditional bathroom designs, offering versatility in style.

North Ryde Bathroom Renovation
Carrara Look Marble or White Gloss Subway Tiles with Gold Tapware
For those who love a touch of glamour in their bathroom, the combination of Carrara look marble or white gloss subway tiles with gold tapware is a winning choice. This pairing brings together the classic elegance of marble or the timeless appeal of subway tiles with the luxurious warmth of gold, creating a bathroom that’s both sophisticated and on-trend.
Carrara marble, known for its soft white background and delicate grey veining, has been a symbol of luxury for centuries. For those who prefer a more budget-friendly option, there are now excellent quality porcelain tiles that mimic the look of Carrara marble. Alternatively, white gloss subway tiles offer a clean, classic look that’s been popular in bathrooms for over a century.
Gold tapware adds a touch of opulence to this classic base. The warm tones of gold contrast beautifully with the cool whites and greys of the marble or subway tiles, creating a balanced and visually interesting space. This combination works particularly well in smaller bathrooms, where the reflective qualities of the glossy tiles and gold fixtures can help to make the space feel larger and brighter.

Dark Timber with Gun Metal Tapware
For those who prefer a more dramatic, moody aesthetic in their bathroom, the combination of dark timber with gun metal tapware is an excellent choice. This pairing brings together the rich, warm tones of dark wood with the cool, industrial feel of gunmetal, creating a bathroom that’s both cosy and contemporary.
Dark timber, whether in the form of vanities, shelving, or even wall cladding, adds depth and warmth to a bathroom. It creates a sense of luxury and sophistication, reminiscent of high-end spas and boutique hotels. The deep tones of the wood can help to create a cocooning effect, making the bathroom feel like a true retreat.
Gun metal tapware, with its dark, matte finish, complements dark timber beautifully. It offers a modern, industrial edge that balances out the warmth of the wood. The matte finish of gun metal also provides a nice contrast to the often glossy finish of bathroom surfaces, adding depth and visual interest to the space.

West Pennant Hills Bathroom Renovation
Dark Stone with Chrome Tapware
For a sleek, modern bathroom with a touch of drama, the combination of dark stone with chrome tapware is hard to beat. This pairing brings together the bold, striking look of dark stone with the crisp, reflective quality of chrome, creating a bathroom that’s both sophisticated and contemporary.
Dark stone, such as black marble, slate, or basalt, makes a powerful statement in any bathroom. It creates a sense of luxury and depth and can make a space feel more intimate and cocooning. The natural variations in the stone add texture and interest, preventing the dark colour from feeling flat or monotonous.
Chrome tapware provides the perfect counterpoint to dark stone. Its bright, reflective surface creates a striking contrast against the matte, dark background. Chrome also has the advantage of being extremely durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for bathroom fixtures.

Begin Your Bathroom Renovation With Novalé
Whether you’re drawn to the playful charm of terrazzo and timber, the earthy elegance of travertine and brushed nickel, the classic glamour of marble and gold, the moody sophistication of dark timber and gunmetal, or the bold modernity of dark stone and chrome, there’s a combination to suit every taste and style.
When beginning research on bathroom renovators for your modern bathroom design and renovation project, consider including Novalé Bathrooms in your shortlist. For a complete list of the Areas We Service, see here.
Our teams are ready to start building you a fantastic modern bathroom design. We implement a unique 4 step bathroom renovation process, and we encourage potential customers to read Novalé’s 4 points of difference. Additionally, you can read our testimonials and reviews to learn about the experience others have had to renovate with Novalé. For more information on how we transform your bathroom, please get in contact with the Novalé team on 1800 NOVALÉ.