I’ve cranked out huge rooms in the past, from start to finish, in six weeks time. But our tiny little powder room — the smallest room in the house — well, it took almost two years. Today, it’s finally finished! I’m sharing all the details below but first, before I reveal our completed modern, coastal powder room, let’s chat about why the smallest room took 2987445x longer than the others.
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*All room sources and details can be found at the bottom of the post*
Coastal Powder Room Design
Well, the answer is simple. Typically, when I take on a project, I go all in and work on it continuously. The powder room though was never made a focused project until recently. When we did our kitchen update (HERE), we had our contractor add picture frame moulding and wall details so while he was here, we went ahead and had him add the moulding in the small powder room. I wasn’t even kind-of ready to take on the powder room at that point so for probably a year, we sat with pen-scribbled, unfinished walls and no mirror. Last year, I started re-visiting previous plans (see the initial inspiration possibilities HERE), revising them, fine tuning them, and started ordering some of the larger features. We had it painted, had the vanity installed, and then, when I determined the wallpaper (see the wallpaper options I considered HERE), things changed a little. I went into the room re-do thinking I was going to go traditional and more on the feminine side (this mirror was even one of the first things I ordered) but once I decided on a wallpaper, I modified my former plans (again) and made a few switches. I still used some traditional finishes but it has a way more streamlined, modern feel to it. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the coastal powder room that almost never was.
| Light Fixture (acorn shape with antique copper finish) |
I couldn’t find a “total before” before but I did manage to grab a “sort of” before — after the art was taken down and the picture frame moulding had been added. So, here is where we started(ish)…
and here is the finished space today!
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It was a slow moving process but I’m grateful that I had the time to adjust as I went along because I absolutely love the result. The blue palm fronds won the wallpaper debate and I couldn’t be more pleased. It’s definitely more bold than I typically do but in a small space like this, it was fun to step out of my comfort zone a bit. Even before I started though (two years ago), I knew while I wanted wallpaper, I only wanted about 1/3 of the upper wall covered. I love the balance of the bold top with the classic picture frame moulding on the bottom. By the way, I was new to measuring for wallpaper and while I had a lot of scraps left over, it took the wallpaper installer every bit of two rolls to install it properly. When in doubt, order more than you think you need to make sure you get the same rolls from the same dye lot (you can always return any unused rolls).
Coastal Powder Room — The Design Details
One of the first big decisions was A. a larger pedestal sink or B. a small (had to be 24″ or less) vanity. I actually like pedestal sinks — especially with my original vision — but the one I had was way too small (it wouldn’t even hold a bottle of soap without the small faucet handle hitting it) and I really wanted some downstairs bath storage. Here is the before…
and this is the finished result of switching the tiny pedestal to a small (but way bigger than what I had) vanity.
My final decision was made when I saw this vanity go on sale; it comes with the marble top and soft-close cabinet doors with dual shelving inside. I actually switched the basic hardware to this pair of Tuva knobs I already had on hand (I loved them so much from another project, I got additional sets for future projects). I purchased the widespread faucet when I bought the vanity (it comes in seven finishes), had great reviews, and was easier on the budget than comparable designs. It has a more traditional structure that I wasn’t sure about after I changed up my plan but after everything came together, I actually love the juxtaposition between the faucet and the more sleek, streamlined elements in the room.
The budget-friendly West Elm towel ring and toilet paper holder are on sale often and if you’re outfitting an entire bathroom, they also have towel bars and hooks in the same collection.
The Visual Comfort double-sconce light fixture, well, that was one of my splurges. I really wanted sconces flanking the mirror but with the limited space and current wiring, it wasn’t a viable option. I purchased this fixture early on (it comes in five finishes) and while it was pricey, I love it (and justified it by scoring some of my other big pieces on sale 😉 ).
I went through THREE mirrors throughout the process, though. I mixed a warm, brassy metal with chrome (which I love) but after switching gears and ditching my first (more feminine) mirror (with too many details next to the sconce), I had a hard time finding something that wasn’t too gold. I also wanted something more sleek with a really slim frame (the second mirror I got was off on coloring and the frame was just too chunky for the look I was going for). I ended up going for this 24″ x 36″ infinity mirror in copper, but it totally reads a more aged brass and coordinates well with the other brass elements in the room. The “copper” color has been discontinued but “brass” has been introduced and they look incredibly similar — maybe even the same with a different name?
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I still need to add a rug pad under this Dash & Albert rug but after looking for a long time, I was so happy to find this little coastal addition.
Coastal Powder Room — The Window Treatment Debate
I was originally considering a linen-fabric roman shade for the single, small window but after the wallpaper was installed and I saw just how much white was in the room, I decided that something rattan-looking would better suit my modern coastal powder room decor and that it would be the perfect place to bring in my favorite woven shades (c/o Select Blinds). If you’ve been a reader for a while, you have seen these shades pop up in almost every space I’ve tackled. The color I’ve used most often is the Bali White (a sandy, light natural) with color variants that make it so easy to incorporate them into almost any room…
and I always choose the cordless option. They’ve elevated my windows beautifully each place I’ve installed them (Dave does it easily, in minutes).
I opted for the privacy liner on these…
and these in our bedroom, which you may recall…
but if you remember my nursery window shades, I went for the blackout liner option.
(See the full nursery reveal HERE)
I typically go for the inside mount option (I like how clean it is), but I have an outside mount on our doors…
While it’s the smallest room I’ve transformed, this coastal powder room ranks toward the top of my list for favorite makeovers in our home. I don’t think my heart and patience could stand taking this long on every room but in this case, taking my time and assembling the design a little bit at a time paid off 😉
Are you tackling any rooms this year in your home? Looking to transform any of your spaces, either on a small or large scale? Let me know about it! And, if you aren’t already, you can subscribe to my emails HERE to catch upcoming projects this year (and sneak peeks from time to time 😉 ).
Room Sources & Details
Walls: Palm Wallpaper // Simply White by Benjamin Moore (Regal Select Eggshell Finish; Flat Ceiling Paint on Ceiling)
Windows: Shades (Bali White, Cordless, Privacy Liner)
Vanity: 24″ Vanity (White w/ Marble Top) // Widespread Faucet (Chrome) // Hardware Knobs (set of 2)
Lighting: Visual Comfort Boston 14″ Double Vanity Light (Hand Rubbed Antique Brass)
Mirror: 24″ x 36″ Infinity Mirror (Copper — updated color closest would be brass)
Accessories: Dash & Albert Rug (2′ x 3′) // Whitewashed Rattan Waste Basket // Turkish Hand Towels (set of 2) // Cashmere & Fig Soap // Towel Ring (Chrome) // Toilet Paper Holder (Chrome) // Leaf Trinket Dish
The powder room is just gorgeous! So worth the wait over the years. My faves have to be the palm leaf wallpaper and the green accents. It totally feels like a retreat!
Love it. So fresh and airy.
I love it—especially the mix of metals. While the room has a cooling feel, the metals add just that right amount of warmth. Beautiful and worth the wait.
Sharon, thank you! It was certainly in progress for a while! 🤣❤️
Kelley! This is marvelous! Looks great! Love that paper choice!
Oh my gosh Kelley!! It’s beautiful! I love every detail!! You’re amazing my friend ❤️!
Beautiful room! Question for you… I see you switched up the finishes on the faucet with the light fixture. For some reason I thought they should match and have recently scene multiple rooms that I have adored mixing it all up. Any particular reason?
Janelle, great question! I think it is fine to mix as long as the styles are similar. As we know, trends come and go. That’s why you need to choose what you love! xoxo
Hi Kelley, the powder room looks fabulous. I’d love it if you’d comment about your use of mixed metals, e.g., mirror vs faucets, etc. I’ve got all polished chrome and am dying to mix in some gold/brass. Thank you! cheers, jill
Just lovely – classic and yet fresh at the same time! This can stay exactly like this forever and never age, beautifully done!
Love the soft and calming blue colors. Your powder room style and decor is done very tasteful!🤗
Thank you so much, Reba! I am so glad I finally finished this project. ❤️
So lovely, I am nota wallpaper fan but it looks great in your powder room
Kelley – It has a Tommy Bahama feel but so much better! Amazing job. Love the wallpaper, brass gold and green accents.
Sue, thank you! It took some time to finish, but I’ve been happy with the result. 🙏❤️
Kelley, I love it! The wallpaper is fabulous…really everything is! Thanks for sharing your shade, I have a whole house of windows to replace the window coverings and have been on the fence about plantation shutters vs. shades. Your post just tipped me over to shades. Happy New Year! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
This room is beautiful! I love your style, and attention to detail.
I didn’t see mentioned one of my favorite things in the bathroom …that adorable aqua try vase on the back of the toilet. Any chance I can find out where it’s from?
I’m sorry, I didn’t double check my typing on that last comment!😬
My question was about the adorable little squatty white vase on the back of the toilet.
I love every detail of this bathroom! I’m hoping you’re going to do a master bath renovation this year. I need to do mine, but would love to see your ideas first. I love everything you do!
Theresa, thank you! A master bath Reno is most likely not going to happen for me this year. Do you follow my friend Kris at drivenbydecor.com? She is in the midst of a major Reno and it is fabulous with so many new ideas. I hope you will make a visit. xoxo
Kelley
I love all your designs! we are in the process of building our forever open concept home and I am struggling with how to mix /match rugs in various rooms. Have you done any blogs on suggestions? Thanks a bunch~Shelley
Shelley, that can be tough and I haven’t but I should!
This is stunning. I had just found this palm leaf wallpaper the other day and bookmarked it. Then I stumbled upon your site today and saw it again. It was meant to be. When we build a home we would like to use this same paper. So exciting to see how you did this bathroom. Every detail is just so gorgeous! Thank you for gracing us with your talent. I am excited to follow your blog. 🙂
Sailor, thank you! I tested a couple of wallpapers first and am so glad I settled on the blue. Have fun planning your new home. xoxo
This is a beautiful powder room! I think you did an amazing job on it!
Thank you so much, Kelly! It was a work in progress. xoxo
Kelly,
Amazing powder room! Love the light, clean yet on trend touches. Would you recommend using that wallpaper for the entire powder room? Not just 3/4 of the way up or would that be too busy? If so what grasscloth solid paper would you recommend?
Tracy, Thank you! I certainly think this wallpaper would work for the entire room. My choice was specific to my taste and vision for this small room. xoxo
Hi there, are your ceilings 9 foot? I have a double crown moulding at the top of my 9 foot ceilings. I’m going to do moulding and trying to figure out if I do 2/3 up wall moulding with the crown at the top will it be to little of wallpaper space? Any recs there are appreciated. Also how did you get mirror to lay correctly against the moulding?
Hi Tracy, Yes, most of our ceilings are 9 ft.I don’t think that will be too little of a wallpaper space. At this point, the mirror is stable and does not budge, so it is not secured. We will be securing it at some point as Eliza becomes more mobile and curious. xoxo
I no longer see Bali White as an option on Select Blinds- perhaps they changed the name? Hoping so, I love that shade and would love to click through you to purchase 🙂
Hi Amber, I understand from Select Blinds that Bali White is temporarily not available, so they have removed this color choice as a selection. You should be able to contact customer service to find out when it will be restocked and request a sample. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Hi,
I love your style. I love love the powder room. Question, I have a light grey distressed medallion tile on floor, can I still do the wallpaper you used or should I do a different pattern and if so what kind?
Hi Deb, Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by! My flooring in the powder room is dark brown. I ordered and pondered several different wallpaper samples before I committed to my choice. I recommend you do the same before you commit to papering the entire space.
Love it! Did you use the same picture frame moulding as in your master bedroom? How did you choose the corresponding chair rail style? Did you pick something specific or just let your contractor choose whatever he thought best?
Hi Jennifer, The same contractor handled both projects and I asked that he use the same molding. The chair rail was a very basic style and was chosen by the contractor after I explained my vision. xoxo
Hi! I love this. Do you know dimensions of the room? Thanks!
Meaghan, Thank you for taking the time to stop by. The approximate dimensions of my powder room are 5′ x 6′.
Love the whole look of this bathroom. Nice job!!! Can you please share the exact link for the vanity?
Hi Dorothy, Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for your kind note. Here’s a link to the vanity.
https://rstyle.me/+sAmtyMYjvn6_1GqxD8Z01g
I love the shades and am thinking of doing something similar in our family room. When I clicked the link, I didn’t see the color “Bali white.” There was a “Bali Natural” and an “Ardoise White.” Do you know if the name was changed or did they discontinue your color? Thanks!
Hi Kelly, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by! The Bali White has come, gone, and come back through the years. I would suggest that you contact Customer Service to see if the colors you mentioned are similar to the original. The quality of these shades is superb!
I love your shades! On the outside mount shades (door shades), how many extra inches did you add to your width & length?
Are your shades the flat fold or soft fold?
Hi Ashley, Thank you for taking the time to stop by! I typically only add 1/4″ to each side when measuring and just make sure the length is long enough to cover the window. They are accordion fold.
I am obsessed with your powder bath! How did you get the mirror to hang flush on the wall with the wainscoting behind it?
Callie, Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for your kind note. When the mirror was hung, we inserted the screw hanger to jut out enough beyond the wainscoting so the mirror would hang flush against it.
Beautiful! What is your ceiling height? Trying to plan similar and not sure I have the height to achieve the same proportional presentation.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by, Susan. The height of the powder room ceiling is 9 or 10′. Hope this helps and I would love to see what you do!