Here’s how to make a big statement in a small powder room. Go bold! It’s small so have fun with the walls, lighting, and accessories.
Our modern coastal powder room, tucked under the stairs, is finally finished! I wanted to show it to you for my Five Faves with Annie and Cindy. I also have a television show that we are hooked on that you may like, too.
This puts me in good mood every time I open the door to this small space.
1. Dress Up the Walls With Pattern
Earlier, I showed you all the wallpapers we were considering for our half bathroom here at the beach. We could have gone a safer route.
But, In the end, Thibaut Palm Botanical in Navy gives a dramatic punch of tropical pattern. And in the blue colorway, it feels unexpected (rather than green). The graphic pattern also helps to disguise all the angles and the lower ceiling.
There’s no natural lighting in here, so I had to take photos with the lights on…not always the best for photography.
2. Lighting, Mirror, Vanity, and Faucet
The Visual Comfort Katie Small Pendant Light Sconce in hand-rubbed bronze feels like a classic drop earring. I’ve used this sconce with other shaped shades but this is the first time with the white glass globe. I love it.
The heavy oval beveled mirror is from Pottery Barn. So is the bath vanity. But I hesitate to recommend the vanity set as the cement top that we received with it was malformed. The sink could not be installed.
So, I asked for a refund for the top and found a granite remanent locally. This was good as I could also have them fabricate a backsplash. The small vanity does have good storage and counter space.
The faucet is by Kohler. I like mixing the brass and oil-rubbed bronze hardware (same warmer tones).
The striped cloth Turkish guest towel (on clearance in blue) is from West Elm and the wicker hand towel holder is from Amazon.
3. Artwork From eBay Above The Toilet As A Focal Point
Check out eBay for art. I “won” this oil painting including the frame for less than $100! Just research the type of art you want by category. It’s pretty in person and looks like the beaches that we have here in Jacksonville, Florida.
The frame had some dings but I covered them with a wood stain marker that I use for scratches on our floors, too.
The battery-operated premium flickering candle is on a timer…giving the walls a nice glow in the small bathroom at night.
4. Hand Soap Worth The Splurge
Indulge your guests with Aesop Reverence soap: “An exfoliating hand wash to gently scrub hands, featuring a careful blend of botanical extracts and finely milled pumice.” Your hands feel and smell great after using the soap.
This is a traditional powder room with a modern coastal feel that makes a statement!
5. What To Watch: Dear Edward on Apple TV
“The story of Edward Adler, a boy who survives a plane crash that kills every other passenger, including his family members; as Edward and others try to make sense of life after the crash, unexpected friendships, romances, and communities are formed.”
The acting is really good…we are hooked. More episodes to come.
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
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Love the design. In the photo that shows a close up of the backsplash it looks like the edge of the vanity countertop is about one inch from the wall. Did you do that on purpose? Or is it to fit the size of the vanity?
Is that so water from the countertop doesn’t touch the wallpaper? Thanks
Thanks, it’s the size of the countertop…but it is nice to clean the countertop and not touch the wallpaper.
I absolutely love the powder room. The wallpaper is beautiful. I wondered about Dear Edward. It looks like it would be good but a little sad. I loved season one of The Bear.
Have a wonderful week.
Karen B.
I’m madly in love with your powder room, the wallpaper choice is spot on! I can see why you smile every time you open the door, I think it’s my favorite reveal yet! But that said, every time you do a reveal, it’s my favorite! Hope you’re having a wonderful time in Paris!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much, Gail!!
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous … your powder room is fabulous! I’ve pinned away for inspiration. I love our little powder room but want to soften it up with some decorative touches … just like yours! xo
Love the bathroom and love Dear Edward…looking forward to more episodes! I always start my Monday morning with your three blogs!
Mary Ann! You must be thrilled with how your powder room turned out. I
LOVE the wallpaper and how you solved the countertop. All the little touches right down to the Aesop soap!
xx
P.S. Loving your Paris posts on Instagram!
Thanks, Annie!!
Over my lifetime rarely have I ever put a book down. Dear Edward is profoundly sad. If the series is similar, fair warning.
oh no…so far it’s been interesting.
The wallpaper is just stunning! I would love to something similar but we have the orange peel texture walls like most Florida homes. Do you? And if so, the wallpaper still look smooth?
Our walls are smooth. You can ask about wallpaper liner.
Oh that powder room 😍😍😍 stunning and elegant! How I love a beautiful and dramatic paper in a powder room – this is a spectacular choice. I love the pretty shape you added on the backsplash too!
I LOVE your powder room. I would never have the guts to do a bold paper like that in my home. I am too much of a chicken, but I absolutely love it in yours! You are so right about going bold in a small space. It’s just wonderful. Oh and thank you for the Netflix recommendation. I have it on my list!
Thanks, Cindy!!!
All I can say is WOW! I love the new bathroom. You did a wonderful job in choosing wall paper that is happy.
Hi Mary Ann,
Just love the one you have chosen, it is gorgeous !But close second would be the Galbraith and Paul. I have some curtains and some lamps from them and they are heavenly. Thank you for the cute dress idea looks smashing on you, and the necklace perfect! Happy Sunday,
Francesca B
Love you powder room! That ‘pearl drop earring’ light fixture is so very pretty too! I have SUCH wallpaper envy!! When we were renovating(twenty years ago) I had an $$$pedestal sink put in…mistake! I wish I had gone for a petite vanity! My powder room was the first stop for our sons entering the mud room and now it’s where the grand children..er..freshen up;) A vanity hides so much ( extra TP, hand towels, cleaning supplies) if we weren’t planning on moving I would totally go for your upgrades! Our PR has done yeoman duty over the years. It was part of a bigger addition so we didn’t scrimp on fixtures, finishes etc. (pocket door!!!) just a misstep with that silly pedestal…
Well, I do love the look of a pedestal sink, Ally. Perhaps you can add cute baskets with lids on either side of the pedestal?
LOVE your powder room. You have such great taste! What a statement that beautiful wallpaper makes. Hope is well in Florida!
Thanks, Laura! Miss you!
It looks so pretty! I think the countertop was a happy accident! Isn’t Florida decorating fun?
Yes. I was sort of worried about the wallpaper with no backsplash (even though it says it’s “washable”. Florida decorating and California decorating feel much the same to me, Meghan. I like it!
I love the wallpaper you chose! It does make quite the statement in the small space, but the blue feels fresh and a bit unexpected. I’ve got Dear Edward on my watch list, so will check out this rec soon. Now I’m off to Insta to live vicariously through your Parisian travels. Hope you are having a lovely time.
We are having a great time, Amy. Thank you!
Very fun powder room! You totally nailed the coastal vibe in this tiny space. Like another reader mentioned, I appreciate your tv show recommendations (and books).
Thanks, Wren!
Beautiful room. Love the wallpaper and the vanity selections. (I’ve found that adding some white sand in the bottom of vases helps keep candles level and makes it look more substantial.)
Yes, I did that for the hurricanes on the mantel. I will steal a little from the beach for this one! Thanks, Carol.
Dear Edward is a wonderful book . Hope to see the movie.
It’s a TV series. Now I want to read the book, Linda!
Mary Ann – Wow – Love the powder room! Thanks for sharing the design details.
I also want to thank you for sharing your tv program finds. With infinity options, I have appreciated your recommendations. While not a home decor topic, I am glad you occasionally share your good finds.
THANKS, Ann. And my book recommendations are carefully considered, too. As in, I don’t put all the books I read here…just the best ones.
The perfect jewel box powder room. Love the wallpaper! Had not considered mixing gold with the brushed nickel fittings we have. It works.
You could totally do that, Janet. Brushed nickel is a warmer metal!
Love how you designed your powder room. The wallpaper is exquisite.
It’s really pretty up close, too, Deanna~
Beautiful jewel box powder room, Mary Ann! I love the Thibaut wallpaper choice…lovely! Not a detail was missed, including making the switch plate, disappear. What a happy, beautiful room!
Thanks, Terry. It does make me happy and it’s a little surprize for guests.
surprise (typo)