Amber Lewis has used a completely unexpected finish on the walls of this bathroom remodel – it's made me reconsider my opinion of this rustic feature

When I picture a bathroom, it's usually lots of tiles in pretty patterns and textures, complementary paint colors, and sometimes even some wallpaper if it fits the style. And, of course, the classic vanity, bathtub, shower, and toilet.

But one thing I would never think to include is exposed brick. In theory, it sounds sort of impractical for your bathroom ideas, but it turns out, some bathrooms can be instantly elevated by this more natural, rustic finish.

That was the case for this design by Amber Lewis and her team at Amber Interiors. Every wall except those around the shower is bare bricks – and they're truly the star of the show. Here's a closer look at the bathroom design.

When designing a home in the desert, it feels like a natural fit to introduce natural materials that reflect the surroundings: wood textures, warm neutral, earthy hues, and perhaps most unexpectedly, exposed brick walls.

But it's a striking choice in this space. It's allowed the rest of the bathroom to remain simplistic and creates a beautiful balance with the sheer treatments used for the oversized window framing the bathtub.

That balance between soft and rustic makes this bathroom feel lived-in and inviting. A large bathroom rug fills the open floor space next to the vanity and the tub, instantly adding warmth to the room.

The bathroom vanity itself is a perfect choice for the space. The warm wood tones contrast beautifully against the cooler tones of the brick and complement the paneled ceiling, while the stone bathroom countertop adds a sleeker, luxurious finish.

But it's the shower area that brings in that more contemporary element to the otherwise rustic bathroom. Smooth and pared-back perfectly describe this nook, a contrast that works seamlessly with the busier exposed stone elsewhere.

The walls here have been plastered and painted a warm neutral hue, while the shower partition has been created with a wooden base and a clear glass screen. And it works perfectly in this design.

It's a more minimal relief from the stone and offers a perfect balance. Plastering some of the walls has allowed the exposed stone to become a focal feature without overwhelming the room.

And the decorative objects really tie the whole scheme together. A rustic vase filled with seasonal branches draws the eye up in the vanity area, a wooden stool adds storage by the bath, and the soft texture of the rug adds a cozy finish as well as some much-needed privacy. Every detail has been perfectly thought out.

This bathroom is a lesson in getting exposed brick in a bathroom right. It's balanced, chic, and totally timeless. It's one of the most simple yet effective ways to make a bathroom less boring and is the perfect way to create an authentic scheme in old and rural homes. It's certainly made me reconsider my opinion of exposed brick in the bathroom and beyond.