Dream Marble Backsplash and Countertop: A Stunning Bathroom Transformation

Our bathroom renovation is coming along beautifully! The recent addition of a scalloped marble backsplash has us completely smitten. This project has been a labor of love, and we’re thrilled with the progress.

Marble countertop and scalloped backsplash — The stunning combination of the marble countertop and scalloped backsplash.

While there’s still more to do, including installing faucets, lighting, mirrors, and a shower door, the installation of the wooden double vanity and marble countertop marks a significant milestone. It’s finally starting to feel like a real bathroom!

Wood double vanity in a bathroom with scalloped marble backsplash and herringbone tile floor — The wood double vanity adds warmth and character to the bathroom.

Catching Up? Here’s the Renovation Journey

For those who are just joining us, here’s a recap of our bathroom renovation journey, from initial inspiration to the current projects:

Water Damage, Demolition, and the Beginning
Choosing the Best Bathroom Designs: Our Followers’ Favorites
Our Classic Bathroom Design Plan
Wood Bathroom Vanities for Every Budget
Marble Tile vs. Marble Effect Tile: Which is Best?
Faux Marble Herringbone Tile & Shower Progress

Bathroom before — A look back at the “before” of our bathroom renovation.

How We Saved Money on Our Marble Countertop

One of the best decisions we made was finding a cost-effective solution for our marble countertop. We visited several countertop suppliers in the Charlotte area to find the perfect fit and budget. We ended up finding a marble remnant which significantly lowered the overall cost compared to purchasing an entire slab.

Sometimes, what one person discards can be another person’s treasure! This was certainly the case for us, and we are thrilled with how it turned out.

Wood bathroom vanity — The beautiful marble countertop on the wood vanity.

If you’re in the Charlotte area and looking for a supplier, we highly recommend Legacy Countertops. We provided our undermount sinks to the fabricator, allowing them to cut the marble precisely. They made the necessary cuts for our specific sink model.

The installation process was seamless. The team arrived with the marble countertop and backsplash, cut the faucet holes on-site, installed the undermount sinks, and sealed all the edges with silicone.

We’re also considering extending the marble remnant to our shower ledge, based on our contractor’s suggestion. More to come on that later!

Wood vanity with scalloped marble backsplash in a bathroom — Close-up view of the finished marble backsplash.

Sealing the Marble Countertop for Long-Term Protection

During the planning phase, we explored the debate between real marble versus marble-effect tile. We learned about a UV treatment that can protect marble for up to 10 years, making maintenance a breeze with no worries about stains or etching.

We were immediately sold on the idea! We will report back on how well this treatment holds up. We encourage you to ask your local stone yard about a UV treatment for your marble surfaces.

Scalloped Marble Backsplash Height: A Design Detail

Since our bathroom vanity is freestanding and doesn’t have walls on either side, we opted for a scalloped backsplash instead of the sink ledge we initially considered. The scalloped design provides the perfect touch!

We chose a 12-inch-high backsplash to provide ample space for the wall-mounted faucets. We wanted the backsplash to be a focal point, and this height achieves the desired dramatic effect.

Wood vanity with scalloped marble backsplash and herringbone tile — The scalloped marble backsplash adds a unique design element to the bathroom.

We envision this space with black arched mirrors, brushed brass hardware, matching faucets and sconces, and subtle molding. The potential is endless, and we can’t wait to complete this part of the project.

Finally, I’m thrilled at the prospect of not having to navigate bath toys during my showers anymore!