Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Megan Slack

If You’re Going to Have a Neutral Bathroom, You Need to Design It Like Julia Roberts – Her Textured Styling Is Boutique Hotel Worthy

Julia Roberts.

There's something inherently therapeutic about a neutral bathroom, making it an evergreen favorite for those craving a spa-like space. However, without textures, this color palette risks feeling clinical, and we dare say, uninspired. Thankfully, Julia Roberts has provided the perfect styling blueprint.

It's not the first time we've discussed the Pretty Woman actress's gray-and-cream space. However, this time, we're focusing more on the textures, specifically the tiles, that bring a boutique hotel-inspired aesthetic to a domestic, functional room. Her tiles may be neutral, but they finish the space in a textured way that paint alone can't always achieve.

Tiles aside, Julia keeps her neutral bathroom ideas interesting with light gray linen blinds (much like these neutral blinds from Wayfair), a beautiful orchid, and silver hardware finishes. Combined with the tub and tiles, her bathroom has a quietly luxurious feel that will likely feel just as chic in a decade from now. I've made it easier to shop her space with some inspired picks below.

Shop the Julia Roberts Bathroom Edit

Decorating with neutrals is one way to ensure your bathroom feels timeless. However, as designers remind us, styling is key to its success.

'Neutral bathrooms continue to be one of the most enduring design choices, but their appeal in 2026 lies in how much more nuanced they have become. Rather than relying on crisp whites or minimal palettes alone, today’s neutral schemes are layered, warmer, and more tactile, using shape, finish, and layout to create a sense of calm that feels intentional without appearing stark,' comments Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs.

'The emphasis has shifted towards spaces that feel settled and restorative, where every element works together quietly, rather than competing for attention.'

As Julia's bathroom tiles, blinds, and accessories demonstrate, texture is key in such spaces. However, if you only want to paint, Keeley also suggests experimenting with different finishes.

'Texture has also emerged as the element that brings neutral bathrooms to life, ensuring they feel welcoming rather than flat or clinical. Matt surfaces, tactile tiles, gently contoured forms, and plaster-effect finishes create variation that becomes more apparent the longer the space is lived with, while carefully considered lighting enhances these textures throughout the day,' she says.

'Combined with softened metallics and well-judged proportions, these layered surfaces support the idea of the bathroom as a space for restoration rather than pure utility. It isn’t just fixed items such as tiles that add texture, as smaller accessories have just as important a role. From towels through to ribbed plant pots, coloured candles and even beautiful shampoo bottles can all add those finishing textured touches.'

(Image credit: Future)

Whether through textured tiles, soft linens, or carefully curated accessories, Julia Roberts’ bathroom demonstrates that neutral spaces don’t have to feel flat. The key takeaway? In 2026, neutral doesn’t mean boring: it’s about creating depth, tactility, and harmony, so every element, from finishes to furnishings, contributes to a space that’s as restorative as it is stylish.

Plus, if you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?


Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.