When designer Maria Barletta came across Dulcet Tile's Rosa Rosa marble on Instagram, she immediately knew it was unlike anything she had seen before. The delicate blush veining and subtle shimmer stood apart from the white marbles she had used for years.
The stone became the starting point for a bathroom transformation in Newport Beach, California – a sophisticated yet youthful retreat designed for her client's daughter, with the intention that the space would evolve gracefully alongside her for years to come.
THE DESIGNER BEHIND THE VISION
For Maria Barletta, founder of Barletta Design & Decor, design came from a career change she never regretted. "I took a leap from corporate America to follow my passion for design, and it's been the most rewarding experience."
Today, her work is rooted in warmth, simplicity, and natural materials. A self-described natural stone enthusiast, Maria embraces an aesthetic she describes as "organic, modern, and minimalistic" – one rooted in longevity rather than trends.
Above all, she wants her clients to feel something when they walk through the door. "I want my clients to come into their home and feel peace," she says. "Feel more of a Zen-like vibe."
With its soft palette, natural textures, and enduring materials, this project reflects that philosophy throughout.
TIMELESS FROM THE START
Natural stone sits at the center of nearly every project Maria designs. "You just can't mimic natural stone versus a fake stone that has printed veining," she says. "I love that each piece is unique. You can just feel the difference."
When her client asked her to design a bathroom for her daughter, Maria's goal was clear. "I wanted to design something that was timeless, something that she could grow old with. But at the same time, this is something that a woman would love."
She began searching for a material that felt fresh, feminine, and distinctive. Something she hadn't used before. Something that wasn't overdone. Then she found Rosa Rosa.
"I was looking high and low for a material that I felt was unique and wasn't overdone. I wanted something soft and feminine. When I went on Dulcet Tile's Instagram page, I saw this tile and was immediately obsessed. I knew I had to get my hands on it and that the entire bathroom had to be designed with this tile in mind."
The tile was Rosa Rosa – a marble in a 2.25" x 9" brushed, pillowed-edge format from Dulcet Tile's Field Tile Collection. Its defining characteristic is delicate blush veining woven throughout the stone, creating depth, warmth, and movement that no printed surface can replicate.
"I've honestly never seen a marble tile like this before," Maria says. "I've used a lot of white marbles, but this one was so unique because it had just a soft blush hint of veining inside."
Once Rosa Rosa was selected, every other decision became easier. Gold fixtures introduced warmth and refinement, while glass accents brought lightness and reflection. Bow motifs appeared throughout the space, culminating in an oversized gold bow mirror above the vanity – a sculptural statement that captures the room's youthful spirit while maintaining an elevated feel.
"WHENEVER MISTAKES HAPPEN, IT ALWAYS ENDS UP WORKING OUT FOR THE BEST."
Even the most carefully planned projects can take unexpected turns. After installation, the grout Maria initially selected dried with an unwanted gray tone. Unwilling to compromise the vision, she had it completely removed and brought in a specialist to start again.
In the process, a new idea emerged. "I looked at this tile – it has a lot of shimmer to it – and I ended up buying a bottle of really fine glitter that matched the stone. We mixed it into the white grout, and the result was something so beautiful." The custom mixture picked up the stone's natural shimmer and helped the installation feel more unified.
For Maria, the experience reinforced an important lesson. "Whenever mistakes happen, it always ends up working out for the best."
THE STONE THAT STARTED IT ALL
Rosa Rosa didn't simply complete the design – it set the entire vision in motion. "I am so glad that I ended up choosing this tile and designed everything around it. The result ended up being something so soft and so feminine. And I just love that."
What started as an Instagram discovery ultimately shaped the entire room. From the blush wallpaper to the custom grout, nearly every detail traces back to Rosa Rosa. The result is a bathroom that feels youthful without being temporary, elegant without feeling overly precious – a space designed to grow alongside the young girl who calls it her own.
Discover your love from the first sight at dulcettile.com or call us at (714) 822-1237 to speak with a design specialist.
