Natural Texture Gives This Brooklyn Bath Wabi-Sabi Appeal
In Windsor Terrace, raw cement walls, Carrara marble, and reclaimed wood transformed a dated prewar bath into a wabi-sabi bathroom with an industrial edge. Brushed bronze fixtures, a wall-mounted faucet, and a contrasting shower niche completed the raw-yet-refined look.
- Homeowner: Karun posted his prewar bathroom renovation on Sweeten
- Where: Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, New York
- Primary renovation: The bathroom renovation replaced cracked wall and floor tiles with raw cement walls and marble herringbone flooring. It also added a Carrara marble sink, brushed bronze fixtures, a wall-mounted faucet, handmade wood shelves and vanity surface, and a contrasting shower niche.
- Homeowner’s quote: “I knew exactly how I wanted to do it, and my contractor was able to make it a reality.”
A prewar bathroom no longer fits an industrial home
Prewar apartments often come with character, but Karun’s nearly century-old co-op bathroom had reached the point where age was working against it. He bought the apartment from a sponsor, the previous owner who had rented it out, and believed the bathroom had likely never been remodeled.
Cracks had spread across the wall and floor tiles, while the overall look felt disconnected from Karun’s industrial style. He had been renovating other parts of the apartment since moving in and wanted the bathroom to share the same raw, exposed quality.
That mix of weathered surfaces and industrial details would eventually give the room a subtle wabi-sabi feel. Karun posted the project on Sweeten and was matched with a general contractor who could bring his ideas together.
Raw and refined details shape a wabi-sabi bathroom
Karun had a clear picture of the rugged yet polished bathroom he wanted, and his contractor helped turn that vision into a finished space. “I knew exactly how I wanted to do it, and my contractor was able to make it a reality,” he said.
Raw cement walls and an edgy vanity bring grit to the room, while a Carrara marble sink and brushed bronze hardware add a more refined finish. Together, these materials create a wabi-sabi bathroom that feels textured and personal without losing its industrial edge. Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate expertly with Sweeten
Modern choices also appear throughout the design, including a wall-mounted faucet above the sink and marble herringbone tile across the floor. These cleaner details balance the rougher surfaces and keep the room from feeling too heavy.
The floating shelves and vanity surface carry an especially personal story. Karun’s sister made both pieces from a tree that had fallen in her backyard, bringing natural wood and a handmade quality into the bathroom.
Contractor advice helps refine the finished bathroom
Karun’s Sweeten contractor also recommended a few changes to strengthen the original plan. One suggestion was to use a contrasting tile color inside the shower niche, giving the built-in storage its own visual definition.
The bathroom remodel moved forward smoothly overall, although plumbing delays extended the timeline. Karun ended up staying with his cousin longer than expected while the work was completed.
As a first-time renovator managing several projects, Karun had many questions about what the work might cost. “Estimates vary considerably,” he said, adding that Sweeten’s platform was invaluable as he reviewed his options, particularly with the renovation budget he stated.
The bathroom design matched what Karun had imagined, from the raw cement walls to the polished stone and handmade wood. That balance gives the bath its wabi-sabi character while still reflecting the industrial style found throughout his apartment.
“It’s home, sweet home,” he said. “There’s nothing like living in a place that’s been customized to your own tastes.”
Karun also had practical advice for other homeowners preparing to renovate. He recommended gathering several estimates and taking time to research customer reviews before choosing a contractor.
Ready to renovate? Start here for free!
Here you can learn more about our services and locations. Alternatively, browse more home renovation inspirations, processes, and cost guides.
Renovation materials
BATHROOM:
- White Carrara marble wall and floor tile: Discount Glass Tile.
- Delite shower and tub hardware and Tipton sink wall-mount faucet: Signature Hardware.
- Square stone vessel sink and Dian vanity light: Wayfair.
Frequently asked questions
What is wabi-sabi?
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese design philosophy that finds beauty in natural materials, texture, age, and imperfection. In this bathroom, raw cement walls, handmade wood elements, and polished marble create that balanced, lived-in look.
Can I use concrete in my bathroom?
Yes, you can use concrete in your bathroom. Karun’s bathroom renovation showed how raw cement walls added texture and an industrial edge while balancing the smoother marble and bronze finishes.
Is Carrara marble expensive?
No, Carrara marble is generally one of the more affordable types of marble. It can still cost more than many ceramic or porcelain options, especially once fabrication and installation are included.
