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jeanniechl

Design Help Needed - Powder Room

9 years ago
My tiny, 4x5 powder room was designed in the 70's with a matching pink sink and toilet. And no, it was not retro or kitchy, it was just plain awful. We gutted it completely and replaced the linoleum floors with the same grey tiles leading out of the mud room so they just continued in to the powder room and then I painted it "Big Surf" by Behr. The contractor put in crown molding and high trim on the floors. I do have a lot of blues and greys in the family room which is right off the powder room so I tend to lean in that direction naturally. I wanted something fun and bright in the bathroom but also a style that will stand the test of time as I do not want to repaint/replace anything in here for many many years.

I didn't want to spend the extra money changing the layout of things therefore not only was limited by budget but very few quality vanities fit the space. I found a good one(it's 18x24) that I am very happy with, it's not fancy but is made well and has nice clean lines and I like the square sink.

My initial vision was to accent the room with brass. I ordered a brass rimmed circle mirror (similar to the ones in my inspirations below) and a brass faucet. But I miscalculated the measurements and the mirror is too big for the vanity so I have a few more on the way. And then, I just realized when I looked up the description of the faucet that it's not brass, it's bronze. I intend to change the handles on the vanity to bronze now.

I also got a mirror at home goods the other day to see how the setup looks with something that style and color. It is somewhat goldish and seems to go well with the bronze faucet, which is a little gold toned - although Im not really thrilled with that style/look mirror for my bathroom.

Another design issue is that when I finished painting the room, and before I got the vanity/toilet installed I felt like I may have made a mistake because it was really turquoise and brighter than I thought it would be. It was less blue in your face when the toilet and vanity were placed, but I don't plan on repainting so I am hoping for some design ideas.

Help needed:
*How can I bring color into the room to down play the blue and pick up the features of my bronze hardware?.

*Should I continue the brass theme for the toilet paper holder, towel bar , wall plates etc? Or would another metal be good mixed in?

*Lighting: I guess it depends on the mirror I select, but what kind of fixture would look best? placement suggestion? Metal ?


Any suggestions or questions about anything are welcome... except to repaint :) I'm not doing that!

picture 1: the mirrors ordered arriving soon
Picture 2: compilation of my inspirations for the room
Picture 3: the mirror from home goods. Not a keeper, just for sizing.
Picture 4: the bathroom to the best of my ability, no good angles sorry

Many thanks!
--
*Jeannie

Comments (36)

  • 9 years ago
    It appears my photos were re-ordered.
    Picture 1: the mirror from home goods. Not a keeper, just for sizing.
    picture 2: the mirrors ordered arriving soon
    Picture 3: the bathroom to the best of my ability, no good angles sorry
    Picture 4: compilation of my inspirations for the room
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I like when the mirror functions as the backsplash for the vanity. See picture below. I think your tiny bath needs as much mirror as you can get in the room. Can't see your light above so I'm not sure how that will interact with the mirror. The mirror can be rectangular or this Queen Anne style as shown.


    Contessa Natural Aged Brass 4-Light Vanity · More Info


    Kichler Lighting 45703NBR Signata Natural Brass 3 Light Vanity · More Info

    Kichler Lighting 45702NBR Signata Natural Brass 2 Light Vanity · More Info

    Maxim Lighting Contessa Bath Vanity, Natural Aged Brass - 22413SWNAB · More Info

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I find the blue rather refreshing. I would add bright white towels and possibly a white framed mirror. Then add a colorful fun piece of art;)

    Jeannie B thanked User
  • 9 years ago
    Beverly
    I didn't even realize that was my bathroom... You cropped my hubby right out! Ha! I hadn't thought of getting a big mirror, more so tall. My ceilings are especially high there. I think around 100" but I'd have to measure. I kind of like that idea. As for lighting, I have none. The previous bulb is just there sticking out so we have light. I can place lighting anywhere on that wall. Thanks for the tips!
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Since the ceilings are tall there is no reason to install a mini mirror. Good luck.

  • 9 years ago
    So my mirrors came today and I think I really like this one!
  • 9 years ago

    Kinda rockin the Moroccan vibe ;)

    Jeannie B thanked User
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Why not try adding some more lighting and style? Here is one of our designs that might help with your dilemma.

    Chicago River north complete condo rehab · More Info

  • 9 years ago
    I love that Chi, but unfortunately to keep cost and time at a minimum I am not changing anything with my plumbing or electric location, so my lighting will have to stay on the wall behind where the vanity goes. I'm not sure what I want to do for lighting yet so I am very open to suggestions for placement (on that wall of course) and style, color, size etc.
    many thanks!
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I like that mirror. Have a couple of light bars that might work for you.

    Capital Lighting Blakely Traditional Crystal Bathroom / Vanity Light X-RC-GA8258 · More Info

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I thought that had a kind of exotic vibe like the mirror. It is 18.5" and should fit over the vanity which I think you said was 18" wide? 24" deep?

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I think that mirror takes us to exotic lands, so here are some towels for you too!

    Robin Wilson Home, 6-Piece Luxury Towel Set, Papaya · More Info
    I think an orange or coral would work well with the mirror and the turquoise on your walls. Make a great interesting jewel box Powder Room.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I found one that would give you the ability to hang each light (4) at different heights which would be great except it is too industrial for your mirror. I am on the hunt!

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    here are a few that fit into the exotic range. Of course, if you want to go white, then we can find some like that too. I did find a great one, but the finish didn't work. Anyway, here are some that I think would look great with your mirror and the wall color.

    Bath And Spa 3-Light Bathroom Vanity Lights, Aged Bronze · More Info

    Mix and Match 3 Light Bathroom Vanity Light in Aged Bronze · More Info

    Bamboo 3 Light Bath Vanity Light - Bamboo Bronze Natural Slate · More Info
    I think this could be mounted upside down so you have downlight.
    Dakota 3-Light Straight-Bar Bath Bar · More Info
    this one can be reversed for downlight.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    See if this is a direction you like. If not, fine, just give some direction and we can get on the hunt.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Oh almost forgot, if you want to stay in the turquoise range, here are a couple that go that way.

    Toltec 172-BRZ-458 Bow Bath Bar Shown in Bronze Finish · More Info

    Curl Two-Light Bath Vanity Light - Bronze with 7 Inch Teal Crystal Glass · More Info
    Enjoy!

  • 9 years ago
    Funny you should suggest coral Flo. My bedroom is painted a lighter, sky blue and my sheets and drapes are coral. I love that combo. My family room, off the powder room is painted a very light peach so I might go with the more peachy orange like in the lights here. I am kind of enjoying the color combination and the texture the glass brings to the room. I wonder if it might be best to have an upward light though because the ceilings are high and there is no other light in the room. I can't install any more electric outlets unfortunately.
  • 9 years ago
    Oops meant to add pic
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I don't think anything is gained with uplights in this space. You want light on the mirror and sink. Usually keep lighting where the action is, below 8'. That is why I selected downlights, or ones that could be turned down with minor adjustment. It is crazy you have the coral, etc. Guess we are connecting somehow! Nice. Enjoy the "process". Going to be a very nice and interesting space. I just found a piece of art work in metal you might like too. Let me post it.

    Metal Butterfly · More Info
    I love these metal wall art pieces. Might bring more interest, or something like it if the colors aren't quite right. Here's one more.
    Nautical School of Fish Handpainted Recycled Metal Wall Art · More Info
    Love the fishes! Enjoy!

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    Any progress? Just checking on you.
  • 9 years ago
    Not yet. I got sidetracked with my little one starting kindergarten. It's on my radar for this weekend though. As for decor, the fish etc aren't my style. I'm not quite that whimsical. Wish I had more pics of my decor but it's kind of contemporary with some mid century thrown in. I guess bathroom isn't along that line with the mirror but I wanted to make a bold move.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    The shape of the new mirror is unique and I like it in your room.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Sure, just checking, let us know if you need more ideas. Probably need to just "let it evolve". That right wall hanging will pop up and that will be it. Post pics when you are done. Going to be cute no matter what!

  • 9 years ago
    So call me crazy, but I think I like this light. I'm not quite sure how to superimpose it onto my photos, but when I pull up the image of my vanity/mirror on my iPhone and then hold it to the picture of the light I like the way it looks.

    I generally have to dig deep for my decorator's "eye" but I feel like the light seems to go with the style of the vanity and sink and the mirror is a nice surprise to break it up.

    Please feel free to set me straight. I can handle criticism.

    Vanity is 24", mirror 21", light 17"

    Oh and I plan to add a simple backsplash, likely the same as the sink about 3 inches high.
  • 9 years ago
    Vanity + mirror + light =???????
  • 9 years ago
    Love the color and the new mirror. I would carry out the oil rubbed bronze hardware throughout keep it the same. light fixture -small chandelier would be fun and pretty. The fixture can be contemporary or traditional. Color - if you want more blue, art can mix all your blues. Then you are free to use any shade of blue towels. Another idea is to find the art you like and pull your accent color from that have fun
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Blue Beach Theme in my small powder room

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    I like the mirror & light fixture...just not together. IMO, the classic & soft shield shape of the mirror doesn't lend itself to the sharp geometrics of the light fixture. I found a couple...I prefer the first one (hung as a down light), but the lines of the second one are great. The first one has the influences of modern & classic with the mica shades.
    Jeannie B thanked OasisDesign&Remodeling
  • PRO
    9 years ago
    Just looked at the mica one again & realized that the shades are open top & bottom, which is great to spread light around. Same for the clear glass shades on the second one.
  • 9 years ago

    I prefer the gold one. The one with mica shades looks harsh.

    Jeannie B thanked emmarene9
  • 9 years ago
    I love the first gold light you chose, but with a rectangular mirror like the one in your inspiration picture
  • 9 years ago

    Thanks Oasis! I really do like those lights. I think the glass ones might be better (yes emmarene) because there is already so much "gold" in the room. I plan to do an antique bronze towel rack and toilet paper holder. I'm going to play around with superimposing those tonight. Heather, I am open to changing the mirror to get the perfect mirror/light combination but initially I was having such a tough time finding an affordable square gilded/bronze mirror in the size I needed (no bigger than 21-22") and found this curved one which I really like.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Where is the top right mirror from that has the beaded detail frame that you ordered?

  • 9 years ago
    I ordered it from Target I think but I saw it on the Houzz website. Called Lancelot arched mirror. I love it.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Thank you Jeannie B!