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Blending tradition and function: Aimee’s bathroom renovation
A thoughtfully designed Californian bathroom where timeless craftsmanship, European-inspired style and family life come together
One of our greatest joys is seeing how homeowners bring our tiles to life in real, lived-in spaces. Recently, we had the pleasure of being part of a beautiful bathroom project created by Aimee @thehomegrownapple - a homemaker, homeschool mother of four, and content creator living on a charming Californian country property.
Her master bathroom renovation is a perfect example of how thoughtful design, traditional craftsmanship and personal style can come together to create a space that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
A home that has grown with its family
Aimee and her family live on six acres in the peaceful foothills of Northern California. Eight years ago, they built this modest 1,200 square-foot home - just the right size for their young family at the time. But as the years passed and their family grew to include four children, it became clear that their home needed to grow with them.
Rather than moving, they chose to invest in the house and land they already loved. The result was a carefully planned master suite addition, designed to bring a sense of balance and calm back into their busy household.
At the heart of that addition was a new bathroom - one that Aimee envisioned as a restorative retreat from the joyful chaos of daily life.
Designing a bathroom rooted in tradition
From the outset, Aimee’s vision was guided by a love of European and early American design. She is drawn to spaces that feel collected rather than overly curated, with details that are timeless rather than trend driven.
“I wanted the bathroom to feel as though it could have always existed,” she told us, “rooted in tradition, yet thoughtfully adapted for modern living.”
Durability and longevity were just as important as beauty. Every element was chosen to age gracefully and to feel just as special years from now as it does today - a philosophy that aligns perfectly with our own approach to making tiles.
Contemporary Delft Corners on 13x13cm adorn the shower and sink backsplash, with each area finished using a delicate Quarter Round edging piece to create a clean, refined border and a seamless transition between surfaces
A tile selection that lasts a lifetime
When it came time to choose tiles for the space, Aimee turned to Marlborough Tiles.
“I was immediately drawn to Marlborough Tiles for their gorgeous Delft corner tiles,” she shared. “They are such a simple, classic touch that I knew I would never get tired of.”
She selected our Contemporary Delft corner tiles, which blend the charm of traditional Delft patterns with a cleaner, more modern interpretation. For Aimee, they struck exactly the right balance - decorative yet subtle, artistic yet refined.
In her bathroom, the tiles create a sense of quiet character. The pattern feels architectural and intentional, adding detail and craftsmanship without overwhelming the space. The result is a design that feels both historic and fresh at the same time.
A space shaped by real life
With four children and a busy household, Aimee’s home needed to be as practical as it is visually appealing. This practical mindset influenced every aspect of the bathroom design.
“This bathroom was designed as a place to slow down - a quiet, grounding space at the beginning and end of the day,” Aimee explained.
Thoughtful layout choices and durable materials ensure the room can stand up to everyday use while still feeling serene and special. It’s a perfect reminder that good design isn’t just about appearances - it’s about creating spaces that truly support the way we live.
Natural light floods this beautiful space, bringing every carefully crafted detail to life, while blue, white and butter-yellow tones throughout create a bright, uplifting and joyful atmosphere.
Details that bring the room to life
While our hand painted Delft tiles are a key feature of the bathroom, they are part of a carefully layered design.
Opposite the tiled shower sits a large window that fills the room with natural light. Beneath it rests a classic clawfoot tub - both a stunning focal point and a well-loved, well-used part of daily life. Shiplap ceilings, soft layered lighting, butter-yellow paint and delicate floral wallpaper all work together to create a space that feels cheerful yet sophisticated.
Each element was chosen to complement the tilework and contribute to an overall feeling of warmth and calm. The finished room is cohesive, inviting and full of personality - proof that traditional materials can feel wonderfully fresh when used with intention.
Advice for designing with longevity
After completing such a thoughtful renovation, Aimee has wise advice for others embarking on their own projects:
“Design for longevity rather than trends. Choose materials and details that truly resonate with you, even if they feel subtle at first, those are the elements you’ll continue to love over time.”
Her approach is one we wholeheartedly share at Marlborough Tiles. Timeless design, quality craftsmanship and carefully chosen details will always outlast fleeting fashions.
She also encourages homeowners to take their time: “Don’t rush into picking something. Sit with your choices and make sure they’ are elements you’ll love for years to come.”
Aimee’s master bathroom is a wonderful example of how tiles can help shape the soul of a space. By combining classic influences with modern practicality, she has created a room that feels peaceful, personal and enduring.
We are honoured that Marlborough Tiles could play a part in bringing her vision to life and are inspired by the warmth and creativity she poured into every detail. Discover more of Aimee’s inspiring interiors on Instagram: @thehomegrownapple
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