You know how I said I’ve been itching to jump into a new project? I’m still not 100% on what I’m going to take on just yet but at the top(ish) of my list is our downstairs powder room, just off the kitchen. It’s bare, basic, and boring and aside from switching out the mirror when I first moved in (which Mama Nan deemed as a bit “gaudy” after a night of wine on the porch), I haven’t touched it. It has a pedestal sink with the tiniest bowl – a standard sized soap barely fits. There’s no room for storage, the ceilings are tall, and the window is too narrow for anything but custom shades. Because I’m dying to dig into my more creative parts, this little half bath may just become the front runner for my next transformation. To see how “excited” I could get to take it on, I pulled together four potential powder room design ideas. You probably won’t see any super loud prints from me but I am looking forward to branching out a bit and making this powder room a bit more “fun”.
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The Goals for These Powder Room Design Ideas
It may be small but this half bath is our primary downstairs bathroom. It’s what we (and all of our guests) use most often – just typing that out makes me sad that I have yet to touch it haha. Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Functional
- Looks like it still belongs in our home
- Heavy on pattern
- Modern femininity – I always remember my grandmother’s powder bath. It was feminine with blush tones and ambient light and while it was more traditional than the direction I’m going, I loved that space and want to bring some of that sweetness into my own.
I will also add that because it’s small, it can handle a little more personality. Even though we visit the space often, we aren’t hanging out in it. I am willing to use pattern and color in here that I wouldn’t consider for other rooms.
Because I’m tight on storage now, I thought I definitely wanted a vanity. I wanted a light toned, reclaimed wood-look (cane as a bonus) but, apparently, that doesn’t exist. Well, at least in the small dimensions I need. My tiny powder room can only handle a 24″ vanity… do y’all know how hard that is to find? I came across this one (from the same collection of the bed I want for another guest bedroom) and just my lucky, the smallest width is 36″.
If your space can handle the size (or larger- they have a double vanity option), this could be gorgeous! There are tons of white and gray vanity options but we’ll talk about that more in a bit 😉 After spending hours and hours online, I finally assembled a few powder room designs that I love. The final may follow one of these to a “T”, or it may use a few elements from all.
1. Charcoal & White Floral Powder Room with Brass Accents
For each of my four design ideas, I first selected wallpaper I loved and based my inspiration boards off the pattern. I don’t do a lot of wallpaper but in this half bath, I WANT WALLPAPER! I have some brass throughout my house but when it comes to utilitarian/fixtures, I have always been more of a chrome girl. This is the only design I decided to use a warm, brushed brass – but you guys – I think it is gorgeous against the muted tones here. I also went with another pedestal sink – just a larger one. I still like the look of pedestal sinks but they have to have more space to set things – at least hold a bottle of soap. What I really like about this design is there’s a little bit of everything- feminine and masculine touches, traditional mixed with modern… all my favorites. And how darling are the toilet paper holder and towel ring?!
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1. Brass Sconce | 2. Wallpaper | 3. Brass Faucet | 4. Pedestal Sink | 5. Mirror | 6. Towel Ring | 7. Toilet Paper Holder | 8. Basket | 9. Bath Mat | 10. Woven Shades in St. Lucia
2. Gray & White Abstract Powder Room with Chrome Accents
While the first design I envisioned floor to ceiling wallpaper, the next three I would consider a wall detail – like board and batten – maybe 3/4 of the way up. I think it would be hard to get tired of this neutral design – even with the floral print. And, I think even if you aren’t a fan of florals, this large-scale abstract can appeal to everyone. Because my ceilings are so tall but my window is not, I’m thinking of doing an outside mount for my shades to give the window some height.
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1. Sconce | 2. Wallpaper | 3. Mirror | 4. Faucet | 5. Woven Shades in St. Kitts | 6. Vanity | 7. Towel Ring | 8. Bath Mat
3. Blue & White Floral Powder Room with Natural Accents
The color punch of the blue and white floral would probably be the most difficult (and expensive) to pull off without being too “offensive” but in the world of powder rooms, this is what I love. It’s a little more brave and with the board and batten, I don’t think the color would be too overwhelming. And, because I haven’t found a wood-toned vanity I like, I love the idea of bringing it in in other ways – like the bamboo mirror.
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1. Mirror | 2. Wallpaper | 3. Faucet | 4. Woven Shades in Bali Pecan | 5. Vanity | 6. Towel Ring | 7. Sconces | 8. Bath Mat
4. Patterned Powder Room with Natural Accents
Even though this design has color in the wallpaper, in my book, it may as well be considered a neutral. I think it could be a perfect compromise of everything – a little understated boldness. Also, I currently have an over-the-mirror sconce and while I would prefer two sconces framing the mirror, I don’t know that I have the space to pull it off- that decision will be dependent on an electrician and mirror width 😉
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1. Sconces | 2. Wallpaper | 3. Mirror | 4. Pedestal Sink | 5. Faucet | 6. Woven Shades in Bali White | 7. Basket | 8. Bath Mat
Ok, so here’s where I need your help. Do you have a favorite? Don’t care for any of them? Like certain elements? Weigh in below in the comment section and help a sista out! And, if you don’t already, subscribe to my emails at the bottom of the post to catch my powder room updates and my projects to come!
[email protected] says
May 15, 2018 at 7:18 pmI love the blue and white with natural accents.
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:43 pmLauren, I do too- I don’t know how much of that Schumacher wallpaper I would need but I wouldn’t be able to afford to cover much! Haha
Katja Hugo says
May 16, 2018 at 4:18 amKelly, I love the Patterned with natural accents. Looks absolutely stunning!!!
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:17 amKatja, thank you so much for commenting! It is gonna be a tough call…
Susan says
May 16, 2018 at 6:40 pmI like number 4
Amanda says
May 16, 2018 at 6:50 pmLOve them all, especially #3 and #4.
Jean ann says
May 15, 2018 at 8:24 pmLove the blue, but thinking since this is a very small space, can see wallpaper no. 2 without batten.
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:45 pmJean Ann, thank you!!
Kelley Jacobs says
May 15, 2018 at 8:27 pmKelley, the Charcoal & White with Brass accents gets my vote! Absolutely gorgeous!
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:45 pmKelley, that may be my favorite too- thank you!
April M says
May 16, 2018 at 9:40 pmThat’s my favorite too! So pretty!
Ivette says
May 15, 2018 at 8:32 pmHi! Great design inspirations… my favorite is option 2, it’s stylish, looks crisp and modern yet warm and cozy
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:44 pmIvette, I think that one “feels” the most natural to me! Thank you for weighing in!
Becky says
May 15, 2018 at 8:33 pmI like option number 1withbthe warm brass. Maybe don’t he white board and batten below and then the wall paper above. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:46 pmBecky, thank you!! I am liking that warm brass too xo
Tammy says
May 15, 2018 at 8:34 pm#3 is my most favorite, then #4 is a close second favorite!!!! Can’t wait to see which you choose!! ??
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:43 pmTammy, thank you for weighing in! Xo
Becky says
May 15, 2018 at 8:35 pmI like option number 1 withthe warm brass. Maybe do the white board and batten below and then the wall paper above. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Wanda says
May 15, 2018 at 8:35 pmI like #2, but with #1’s wallpaper.
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:46 pmWanda, I really like that wallpaper from 1 too! Thank you for weighing in!
Deborah Ocasio says
May 15, 2018 at 8:39 pmI like #1, love the gold! And #4, that wallpaper!!!
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:47 pmDeborah, I think I may just have to do that brass regardless of which “master design” I go with!
Deb says
May 15, 2018 at 8:40 pmI love #4… although they are all lovely!
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:47 pmDeb, thank you!
Anne says
May 15, 2018 at 8:49 pmBlue & white. Classic
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 8:51 pmAnne, thank you! I do like that it brings in my fav color combo…
Laurie says
May 15, 2018 at 9:06 pmLove the first one the most! Gorgeous and feminine.
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 9:08 pmLaurie, thank you for weighing in!! That may be mine, too 😉
Lisa T. says
May 15, 2018 at 9:41 pmThe 4th option—the natural/greenish vibe—gets my vote. In fact, since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ?, I believe we may mimic that design!
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 9:47 pmLisa, if you can take any inspiration/ideas from any of my posts to implement in your own home, that is amazing! That’s what fuels me. Thank you! Xo
Be says
May 15, 2018 at 9:54 pmI like them all of course. However before I even saw the third idea, you said blue and white, I thought that’s you. It’s beautiful. Love your ideas! Good luck finding the vanity.
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 10:11 pmBe, thank you! I DO love my blue and white!
Chrissy says
May 15, 2018 at 9:55 pmLOVE the first one!!!!! Like the others but definitely think the first flows with the rest of your lovely, soothing home:)
Kelley Nan says
May 15, 2018 at 10:12 pmChrissy, thank you so so much for your vote!
Vicki says
May 15, 2018 at 10:16 pmBlue and white- but they are all gorgeous!
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:13 amVicki, thank you! You know I love blue and white!
Karla says
May 15, 2018 at 10:35 pmI love #4 the most! What does your powder room look like now?
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:14 amKarla, thanks for weighing in! It is small with a narrow window- I’ll definitely be sharing when/before I take it on!
Trudy Chambers says
May 15, 2018 at 10:47 pmHi Kelley, Number 2 is my fav, followed by number 1. Can’t wait to see it all pulled together!
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:14 amTrudy, thank you! And thank you for visiting with me!
Holly says
May 15, 2018 at 11:16 pmI just finished remodeling my master bathroom, and I used the the same grey floral wallpaper you show in the first option. I love it! It is even more beautiful in person than the pictures show! And I love how you are mixing it withe warm brass. So I would definitely vote for that option!
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:15 amHolly, I would LOVE to see it! I am so glad to hear the wallpaper is beautiful in person.
Holly says
May 16, 2018 at 10:29 amI don’t know how to send you a pic, but if you want to email me where I can send it, I will email you a pic! I tried to copy and paste it here, but that didn’t work. I love your style and all of your blogs!!
Bridget says
May 15, 2018 at 11:38 pmI’m a sucker for blue and white and bamboo has always been a fav of mine. It has the punch that it sounds like you are looking for. You could put the wallpaper just on the top half or third of the walls (with some moulding of course!) and have the bottom semi-gloss white. I do love one and two also, both are lovely. It’s too bad about the Sausilito vanity, it is stunning.
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:16 amBridget, I would do wall treatments for most of them going up pretty high, with just wallpaper at the top 😉 And on the Sausalito- I KNOW! UGH! :/
Debbie hartney says
May 16, 2018 at 2:19 amWell, you always make great design decisions so whatever you choose will look amazing. My pick is #3 but I’m not crazy about the mirror. Love the wall paper and vanity and it seems to go with the rest of your home nicely. Can’t wait to see the final.
Debbie
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:17 amDebbie, thank you! Some elements are definitely interchangeable; once I get started, I may decide to pull some from the other designs.
Sandra says
May 16, 2018 at 5:17 amI love all of them Kelley! But number 1 is my choice!
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:18 amSandra, thank you! Seeing that brass against the charcoal does make me happy…
Elizabeth Thompson says
May 16, 2018 at 5:23 amI love option 2 and think it would look really fresh and up to date.
All good possibilities, you have excellent ideas and I love following you.. I live in England in the U.K. so it is really interesting to see the different ideas and products available to you in the USA.
Look forward to seeing your final choice.
Liz
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:18 amElizabeth, thank you! And how fun- England is on my bucket list 😉
Katie says
May 16, 2018 at 6:41 amMy vote is number 1! You have an excellent eye for style. Loved all the choices, but 1 stood out the most. So fun! Good luck
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:18 amKatie, thank you! I’m leaning towards it, I think 😉
Nicola Bremner says
May 16, 2018 at 7:09 amWell….I am in love with both no. 2 & no. 4
I think that if I wanted to change some of the decor in the near future, they would be the easiest to alter or add to without having to slash out (excuse the pun) the cash to much!
Can’t wait to see which you choose, as we all know it will be gorgeous!
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:19 amNicola, you are so right! And thank you for weighing in!
Karen says
May 16, 2018 at 9:10 amOoh… I love everything about #3. The wallpaper, the marble vanity, the bamboo mirror and those acrylic sconces!
Kelley Nan says
May 16, 2018 at 9:19 amKaren, I love those sconces, (and of course the blue and white) too. Thank you so much for visiting with me! xoxo
Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says
May 16, 2018 at 10:37 amKelley—
All four are absolutely gorgeous! Number 2 looks like it would fit right in with the rest of your home. Neutral and classic with a hint of modern. That wallpaper is just amazing!! You surely can’t go wrong with any of them.
Sharon says
May 16, 2018 at 10:51 amKelley!
When I saw the first option (1. Charcoal and white with brass accents), my heart skipped a beat. So classic, yet so fresh. Boldly feminine. A powder room that would make me smile every time I opened the door. But then. Option 3. Blue and white with those rich woodtone accents??!! My heart not only skipped, it flipped. Always in style, fresh and confident. It looks like you. I think you’d be happy with any of them, but those two are begging to be a part of your home.
Celeste says
May 16, 2018 at 11:02 amKelley- I pick #4…the patterned, natural look. To me, it has the right vibe with your house and I wouldef do sconees on either side of the mirror if you have room because that’s provides the best lightin for your face, Overhead lighting causes shadows. Whichever way you go, I’m cetain will turn out fabulous. Can’t wait to see the results if you decide on redoing the powder room.
Mary says
May 16, 2018 at 11:47 amI love the brass accents in the first option but as soon as I saw the the blue and white option I thought “that’s the one!”. I really feel like that the most “you” and would beautifully with the rest of your home.
Kathy Prince says
May 16, 2018 at 12:02 pmKelly I love # 2 and 3. I’m a chrome girl. Small space and just love the clean look. I know whatever you choose will look great! Can’t wait to see.
Vanessa says
May 16, 2018 at 1:25 pm#2 Grey and white abstract floral, with the sink from #1. We have that sink in our guest bathroom and I LOVE it!
Codie says
May 16, 2018 at 1:26 pmLove love LOVE number 4!!!!
Lori says
May 16, 2018 at 1:44 pmDefinitely number 4. The wallpaper (and everything) is gorgeous!
Kristin says
May 16, 2018 at 1:52 pm1 and 3 are my favorites!
I think the uniqueness of the paper and towel holders are what makes me swoon the most, they are just so special!
I love the classic design of 3, you can’t go wrong with blue and white, and the bamboo mirror is giving me all the heart eyes. Either way, you can’t go wrong – looking forward to seeing which you choose!
Lori says
May 16, 2018 at 2:55 pmNumber 1 all the way! Beautiful. The wallpaper and those brass accents are a show stopper.
Danielle Stanley says
May 16, 2018 at 3:06 pmKelley,
Number 4 feels feminine, yet fresh! I love it.
I stumbled across your blog recently and also just purchased my first home. I’m so grateful for your fun and fabulous posts! I’ve always had a thrill for decorating (got it from my mama :)) but now that I own my own home I’m truly falling in love with design. Keep the fun stuff comin’… I’m a big fan!
xoxo,
Danielle Stanley
Bethany says
May 16, 2018 at 3:27 pmI love the blue with natural accents. I think gray will look dated before too long. Blues are so timeless. Also it gives you the storage you want. Happy styling!~ Bethany
Mary says
May 16, 2018 at 8:00 pmI love #1. I also like the wallpaper from option #2 and think that would be another good choice for wallpaper in option #1. Take a look at Studio McGee’s post for yesterday on their website. They show a bathroom with grey & white wallpaper with brass accents and it looks fabulous !
Kim says
May 16, 2018 at 8:06 pmNumber 4! It will just give it a pop of color while still being neutral:)
Olivia says
May 16, 2018 at 8:12 pmI like choices 3 & 4 but that’s a really tough call! Any of the 4 would be nice though.
Gretchen Thomas (Nan) says
May 16, 2018 at 10:10 pmA. I love them all.
B. Especially the blue and bamboo.
C. You have such a great memory on little comments I may make. Ha!
D. You mentioned Bebe as an inspiration…have you thought of going blush?
Tamisha says
May 16, 2018 at 10:13 pm#3 and 4 get my vote, Kelley!!! I know whatever you do will be gorgeous! Can’t wait!
Nicole says
May 16, 2018 at 11:14 pmI love number 4, it has a traditional appeal while still being feminine and so much fun with that pop of color and the wood tone frame warms it up beautifully. I think. using one of the 24 inch vanities in design 4 would also be lovely.
Michelle Koehn says
May 17, 2018 at 9:28 amI just love the warm brass and grey & white wallpaper in #1 the most. But the blue paper in #3 is a stunner as well! This is going to be a tough call! Good luck!
Krystina says
May 17, 2018 at 10:23 amLove all of these options! If your heart is set on modern feminity, then I believe #1 and 2 fit the bill, in that order. Can’t wait to see what you decide! ?
Trina Garvin says
May 17, 2018 at 11:06 amFirst off thank you for posting this as I also have a half bath that I haven’t done much with since we moved in two years ago and these are seriously gorgeous!!! Two and four are probably my favorites but one is so warm, a little modern but so pretty!! and I love the fact you would consider that instead of chrome. I have chrome all through my home and wouldn’t have thought to do brass but I love it too!! Gonna be hard. Thank you for the inspiration!! I screenshotted all of these for future ideas!!?
TammyI88 says
May 17, 2018 at 11:53 amI love # 4. It’s so fresh & classic & I feel that it will be the most timeless! The brass accents in #1 are nice but I think it’s just a trend. I do love ever that you have chosen. You can’t go wrong with any of them., but my vote is definitely #4! Best wishes!
Krystal says
May 17, 2018 at 12:26 pmI love them all!!!! My favorite is #4 because that wallpaper!!!! It’s adds a little color, but not too much!! Now, you’ve got me wanting to redo mine!!
Edie says
May 17, 2018 at 1:10 pmLove #3 and #4 is a close second!
Mae Harrigan says
May 18, 2018 at 12:49 pmYou make the most gorgeous design boards. Love all your choices and can’t wait to see what you choose. Cant go wrong with any of the 4.
Kelley Nan says
May 21, 2018 at 11:13 amMae, thank you! I’m still torn!
Kelley Kolpitcke says
May 19, 2018 at 4:15 pmHi Kelley,
I hope I am not too late to weigh in. I was distracted and obsessed with the Royal Wedding!
First of all, I love everything. Great boards!
However, I do not prefer pedestal sinks. I had one in our powder bath for 10 years. I eventually installed a cabinet above the toilet because there are just “times” when you need to conceal items, even in a powder bath.
It’s a tossup between 2 and 3. The only thing I do not prefer about 3 is the mirror. I love the blue and white floral wallpaper! I love the blue rug. The mirror feels too light and airy; the bamboo creating the pattern. Something different as a mirror and I would be sold! I also look at any piece and ask myself if it would be a challenge to clean. I would not want to dust all of the ridges on the bamboo mirror.
So blue yes! Just change out the mirror and that is my vote!!! Love all of it, really!
Happy weekend!
Kelley from Boise
April Monie says
May 21, 2018 at 9:28 amLove your blog. My vote is the first design. What program do you use to put these design pics together?
Kelley Nan says
May 21, 2018 at 11:12 amApril, thank you! I am old school- I do it manually and use PowerPoint 😉
Kelsey says
May 28, 2018 at 7:34 am#4 is my favoritefo
Deborah says
August 9, 2018 at 9:36 pm#4 is my favorite!
Kelley Nan says
August 16, 2018 at 2:09 pmDeborah, thank you for weighing in!