The Under Dog

Bathrooms! Let’s talk a tad about the room that may just be the most necessary in your home. We tend to lean towards living rooms and kitchens for all of our design aspirations; when in reality, the bathroom is the place that most people see. Now, I am talking about the powder bathroom here, because in all honesty, not many people venture into your master bathroom. Someone just recently pointed that out to me— we spend so much of our budget on a room that only a few people see. Why not show off your design style to a higher-traffic area?

That being said, this blog is an ode to the powder bath. Why do I love a powder bath so much? It’s usually tiny, but it can make a huge statement. A 100-square foot space that forces you to stop in your tracks? Nothing better.

Sure, a gorgeous, grand living room will become a conversation starter instantly, but it’s particularly cool when a powder room does the same thing. Perhaps it is my sports background that gives me this perspective; rooting for the underdog is always my jam. The powder bathroom is the underdog, and I am going to try to coach you to victory with your own!

6 Details I love for a powder bath:

Wallpaper:

I know that wallpaper can be frightening—I get that. But, the powder is a perfect spot to get spontaneous. Why not use a funky pattern or a textured grasscloth on your walls? The lack of square footage allows you to step outside of the box a bit.

If ya hate it, you can always change it without breaking the bank. If you love it, it will transform a small space that you didn’t even realize needed transforming.

This is that wainscoting I am talking about! Love the deep green with the stark contrast of the light upper wall and flooring.

Wainscoting or shipboard:

This seems to be going out of style in some ways, but I still adore it in a powder. Why not try a shiplap wall behind the vanity? It adds a textured flare without making you feel like you are stepping into a full-on farmhouse. Or- why not try the wainscoting up a bit more than halfway? This adds a decorative touch to the space without being overly ostentatious. I also find that it brightens up the space if you choose to add a bold color, which I also think is a good idea. What I love even more than wainscoting? Wainscoting with wallpaper up to the ceiling! This is my current obsession, especially for those who are not totally sold with the wallpaper idea. It adds a fun touch to the room without overwhelming you. At first glance, you look at the room and it appears to be a clean, fairly standard look; but when you gaze up, you get an unexpected treat. Which leads me to the next idea I love….

Wallpapered/painted ceiling:

Again, this may seem outrageous. Sure, I don’t know if I recommend a 400 square- foot living room with floral patterns throughout, but I do love it on a tiny bathroom ceiling. It draws the eye upward, and it actually gives the sensation of a taller, larger room. It’s also a great “ah-ha” moment, because it exudes a spunky feel at the very last second.

Loving the floating vanity here, and the texture in the tile and the narrow wood paneling is an added bonus!

Floating vanity:

It’s coming back, y’all. It can seem like it is “hotel-like” or outdated, but as every good fad does, it “floats” its way back into the mainstream. They are no longer just for the Holiday Inn!

Bigger is Better!

The larger the tile, the better. The larger the faucet, the better. The larger the sconce, the better. “Oversized” is the newest craze. “Less is more,” is certainly still in the picture, but size is not part of the equation. Less accessories, less clutter, less distractions- yes; but that doesn’t meant that the few items can’t be large in physical size. Loving a counter to ceiling mirror in the powder. Also drooling over long, narrow sconces to adorn the mirror.

Unique Art:

We have a tendency of keeping the living spaces we spend the majority of our time in, more subtle. We tend to lean towards this, because subtle pieces are calming and easy on the eyes. When the art in a room is neutral, the room takes on that vibe, and it relaxes us. A powder room is not meant for mingling and relaxin for hours on end. So why not bring a quick smile to your guest’s face with a quirky piece of art? It shows you aren’t afraid to have a little fun, you’re not so stiff, and you realize that the bathroom is one of the rooms your guests frequent the most!

So, if you are in the process of re-envisioning your bathroom, perhaps think twice before painting the walls beige and keeping the accessories to a minimum. This is your chance to live a little and show off the inner you!