Are you a fan of wallpaper? I am! So are many of my clients. Wallpapers can add that additional pattern, texture and depth. I’m getting ready to paper a historic home’s living room and study in two iconic 19th century William Morris designs. Hope to share soon.If you’re on the fence about wallpapering, why not try it in a guestroom, office or powder room? These rooms allow you to experiment in a less prominent setting and/or on a smaller scale. If the paper turns out to be a mistake, it can always be removed.
Recently, I helped my friend (and client) Ceane renovate her powder room, which now features a stunning wallpaper. First, take a look at the before photos:
Measuring
63″ x 45″, the room is small but not tiny. Let’s
start with the positives. There is a good-sized window that brings in
natural light as well as fresh air. The existing shutters are handsome
and easy to maneuver for privacy. Plus, the 9′ ceiling adds volume to what could be a claustrophobic space.Now
for the issues. The oversized sink basin is a bit deep; the door barely
clears. Stylistically, the fluted pedestal base is too formal for this
vintage farmhouse. Next, notice how the chrome light fixture clashes
with the gold mirror. The light fixture is also mounted too low. And
that Colonial-ish pineapple wallpaper? Too dated for Ceane’s young
family! Oh, a piece of it is missing along with the rest of the toilet paper holder
🙁 Time for a renovation!
63″ x 45″, the room is small but not tiny. Let’s
start with the positives. There is a good-sized window that brings in
natural light as well as fresh air. The existing shutters are handsome
and easy to maneuver for privacy. Plus, the 9′ ceiling adds volume to what could be a claustrophobic space.Now
for the issues. The oversized sink basin is a bit deep; the door barely
clears. Stylistically, the fluted pedestal base is too formal for this
vintage farmhouse. Next, notice how the chrome light fixture clashes
with the gold mirror. The light fixture is also mounted too low. And
that Colonial-ish pineapple wallpaper? Too dated for Ceane’s young
family! Oh, a piece of it is missing along with the rest of the toilet paper holder
🙁 Time for a renovation!
Here is the newly renovated powder room featuring a Galbraith and Paul Lotus wallpaper. The pattern is a fresh interpretation of classic paisleys. By the way, a large pattern can make a small space feel more interesting, so don’t be afraid to experiment with scale. An antique silver gilt mirror from my shop fits perfectly within the narrow wall space, and its cool tone looks striking against the colors. A small pedestal sink with canted corners is reminiscent of bathroom furnishings from the early 20th century. Its backsplash is a bonus; practical for Ceane’s three young children. The toilet is from the same collection. For the new light, I selected a satin nickel fixture with cool glass shades that have a vintage vibe. Note the light is mounted much higher than the old one. With such a tall ceiling, why hug the mirror? Now there is room for both pieces to breathe.
Hope you enjoyed this project. Sources:
-GALBRAITH AND PAUL LOTUS SMOKE WALLPAPER
-TONE ON TONE ANTIQUE FRENCH MIRROR
-SCHOOLHOUSE ELECTRIC DAVIS DOUBLE SCONCE
-PORCHER SINK AND TOILET
-BENJAMIN MOORE SIMPLY WHITE ON TRIM
-BENJAMIN MOORE BLACK PM-9 HIGH GLOSS ON DOOR
-UNION HARDWARE (BETHESDA, MD) FAUCET SET AND TOILET PAPER HOLDER
See more of Ceane’s beautiful home here and here. A BIG thanks to Ceane!!
Cheers,
Loi
PS – For more, please check out my INSTAGRAM
I am in love with the reno. You have motivated me to update our powder room. Wish you lived nearby. I could use your design wisdom.
i'm crazy for the wallpaper. it's so unusual yet classic yet unexpected here. and big surprise, to me, it has a swedish feel with the florals in it. boo hoo, i have no powder room in this place. but i have some walls in the master bath that could def use personality. you get the credit if they get papered. bon weekend, sweden.
Just beautiful, Loi! I had wallpaper in our powder room and years later removed it bit by bit and piece by piece cursing it as I tackled taking it down. Maybe one day I will get the nerve up to add some in there again.
I love this Loi! I saw it on your IG the other day, but I like seeing the photos even bigger (and the "befores" too!) This wallpaper is gorgeous – really interesting pattern. And I love the silver mirror. It all works really well together, and such small changes made a big difference! I'm actually debating papering my downstairs powder room which is a similar size. Might have to bite the bullet now!
Sheila
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
Hello Loi, That pattern plays tricks with my eyes–I alternate between seeing paisley shapes on a white background, and a white amoeba(or butterfly)-like network on a blue background. You are right that a smaller room can take more of a pattern without being overwhelming. I like all of the new fixtures you chose.
–Jim
I love paper and I lift the softness here. It's just enough interest without being overwhelming. Great work as usual Loi X
Love that wallpaper choice. I love using wallpaper in a powder room, it definitely makes an otherwise featureless small space come alive.You've done such a good job on it. Can't wait to see the pictures of your projects using the Morris wallpaper – the new colour ways are fantastic, along with the classic ones of course. x
The room went from the Frog to the Prince! PERFECT!
xo
Patty
Hi dear friend –
I've always wanted to do a huge wallpaper pattern in a small space – and I know this design is very popular right now. However it's also classic and won't look dated at all down the road, especially with the more vintage looking fixtures which are really great. Your addition of the silvered mirror and satin nickel hardware is perfect. I know your client must love this makeover.
Oh Loi, I adore it all, and you continue to be the finest designer/decorator out there. Hope life is good for you as you start on your own reno – can't wait to see everything!
Hugs – Mary
I absolutely love an "interesting" wallpaper – especially in a powder room. Dazzling!! franki
LOVELY! I like the angular lines of the new pedestal sink much better. Great job.
The wallcovering is gorgeous! You have the best taste always Loi!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
WOW! Could that really be the same bath? AMAZING! I love the paper, they have beautiful things, I used them years ago in my older house for a guest bath, it was so pretty and serene. They must be over the moon excited with the results.
What a dramatic differnce it is now a stylish and classic, but, oh so now powder room. LOVE the wallpaper, no detail was overlooked and the hg black door… divine.
Good gracious, you really, really know what you are DOING, LOI!!!!!!
The changes you made are outstanding transformations, with just a wave of your magic hand. The light fixtures work WAY BETTER and lend a neutral feel; not feminine, but angular and classic. I wish I could get you to redo our KITCHEN. But it takes money, so it will never happen! But I love to dream in gray and white, Tone on Tone.
Oh thank you dear friend for coming to my blog post! Yes, taking a blog break is important for many of us who are very busy with work or who just need redirection. I am having fun, that's for sure!
Many hugs and happy Spring!
Loi..you have the greatest eye for design…What a magnificent wallpaper design….it so totally transformed that powder room…You are giving me the courage to move forward and get some wallpaper for my powder room….Stunning Loi!…I think the large pattern makes the room look larger.
Well done Loi. It's so stylish and pretty. I like the double sconce you used here. The wallpaper print is so nice and love the colours.
Loi,
I love the way this bathroom looks. The wallpaper is stunning and seems to pull the room together in a fresh way. You do such lovely work.
xo,
Karen
Really wonderful renovation and update, Loi. It's so clean, uncluttered and the wallpaper works perfectly. I've done our powder rooms (small…) in dark, glossy paint and that works well too. I think drama and the unexpected is the key! I'm sure the family is very pleased!
I love wallpaper Loi and even better… what you selected. We have a little powder room which I am struggling with. I have an urge to doing something fun to remind of us of our days living in Saigon. Not so sure it fits with a country farmhouse but…seeing this, has renewed the thought. Thank you…and congratulations to what I am sure is a happy powder room owner! 😉
Hi Loi…I love this room. Tiny but perfectly proportioned and classic. Have a great Sunday. xoxo Mary
Loi, I love using wall paper in small places. This new powder room has lots of style! Love the design. We live in a home built in the 30s, and I'm itching to redo a couple of bath rooms. I want to make some major changes and both are small spaces. Looking for inspiration! Have a great weekend!
Gorgeous bathroom Loi!!! I love the choice of a wallpaper with a large design in a bathroom. So fabulous!
Loi, you hit this one out of the park! And thank you for including sources/names of manufacturers. I hope you are doing well on your own reno! I can't wait to see what you will do on your own "new" home.
I don't have wall paper myself, I am a plain wall girl, and like my accessories to speak instead. However, I do like and admire what you have done in this small Powder Room, it is greatly improved by your unique style.
Hello Loi,
What a spectacular transformation. I love all the details
Have a great week
Helen xx
this is great!
So very lovely ! I'm a fan of wallpaper no doubt, but your right in going bold , pattern or color wise in a small room!!!! Another fabulous job my friend!!!
I love your friend's bathroom!! The wallpaper is stunning!
Loi,
I have never understood the "fear of wallpaper" myself! I live with grass cloth and the huge checkerboard dining room wall we handmade on Kraft paper. It's been up for many years and still love it as much as before. I love the photo of the first wallpaper you featured – big, bold and graphic neutral print that invites the eye to study it's pattern in enjoyment. Can't wait to see your transformation in your powder room as I already know it will be stunning.
xo,
Vera
Love love the wallpaper!!!!! I own a wallpaper store in Arlington Tx since 1981 and am thrilled it is coming back so strong! Plus great designers like yourself promoting wallpaper thank you beautiful job with Thibaut design! If I can help anytime find anything we have a great library of books and an awesome research dept! Lelandswallpapet.com or email me lelandswallpaper@gmail.com thanks and good luck for your continued success!
Absolutely fabulous dear friend!! I hope all is well and that our paths cross soon- can't believe it's been so long since we had a face to face visit- miss you!
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!! I love the wallpaper.
Loi this is magical what you have done with this small space. I am not a huge advocate of wallpaper but love it in a small space! Absolute perfection!!
P.S I featured it on my friday favs!!
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Gorgeous! Love how the green of the soap and the plant pop in this monochromatic beauty.
Perfect!
What a glorious transformation! After not using wallpaper for several years I am really into it now and used it in two rooms at our new place. And I love the selections from Galbraith and Paul – we nearly used one in the bedroom – your choice here is inspired; I wouldn't have considered such a large scale print in that space but you have shown that it works fabulously!
xo
Greetings! The powder room looks so elegant, great wallpaper. Here in Oklahoma, for some odd reason wallpaper is considered to give a dated look 🙁 though I disagree with it and love the wallpapered walls.
Best wishes.
What an elegant transformation. The wallpaper is so peaceful but interesting. The spacing if the fixtures is such an improvement.
GENIUS LOI !
♥♥♥ this small powder room. I also love wallpaper and I agree, use a larger scale and give that room some OOMPH!! And boy did you ever, classic and elegant. You have the magic touch. Spent a great deal of time on your instagram this morning. Smiled all along the way!!!
Kathysue
It is to be known for the fact that the Painters in Wanganui during renovation projects, flexibility is often required from renovation companies to respond to unexpected issues that arise.
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where is the towel rack? or where do you place the hand towel?
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