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helen_atkinson12

Should I decorate or leave my walls empty?

5 years ago

We have a small powder room (3'4"x7'4"). My husband made a beautiful vanity that curves to reflect the raw edge counter. I don't want to take attention away from the vanity, but wonder if I should be putting something on the walls. If so, what sort of thing should I put up? Thank you





Comments (61)

  • 5 years ago

    I think it could use a touch of green--perhaps a hanging plant? Or some wallpaper with a plant theme?

    Marigold thanked Nancy R z5 Chicagoland
  • PRO
    5 years ago

    There are two options the way we look at bathroom remodeling and design. The first one is a mid-size mirror. Secondly, is a nice painting. Either way, something there would look much nicer.

    Marigold thanked Novel Remodeling
  • 5 years ago


    "Pebble Beach II" Wrapped Canvas Art Print, 30"x30"x1.5" · More Info


    Marigold thanked everdebz
  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The vanity is beautiful! I agree with Nancy R z5 Chicagoland , I think it would look great with a splash of green. It would really help finish out the natural look that it's already on the way to being.

    Marigold thanked FrameMyMirror
  • 5 years ago

    I really appreciate all the input. I think I will order a couple of samples of the tree wallpaper, one grey on white, as decoenthusiaste posted, and one white on grey, which is a bit less dramatic.

    I thought that I could then add some green hand towels to give the color others were suggesting.

    This is a daring leap for me. Would most agree with wallpapering just the one back wall, or should I also consider doing all three?

  • 5 years ago

    Not arguing about seeing ideas, and going with it - but asking why you want to add something? and I'm curious what styles are in your home?

    Would you like even more 'natural / irregular' look of stencil- art on part?

  • 5 years ago

    Risk, but I'd try 3 craggy natural trees, to pair with the wood. Photo for similar look.

    Transitional Nursery · More Info


    Marigold thanked everdebz
  • 5 years ago

    The w.p. you pick - yes all walls - it'll look 'real' and so you don't want a sharp drop-off out of the forest into bare area.

  • 5 years ago

    Well, since you asked - no, I don’t agree with wallpapering. None at all. I think it will distract from the awesome vanity which IMHO should be the focus of the room.

    I’d add a print or two, nothing too big, to add color. Green would be great in the print(s) and towels and maybe a rug.

    Marigold thanked littlebug zone 5 Missouri
  • 5 years ago

    We live in a rural area. We have deer, eagles, woodpeckers etc in our yard daily. I have tried to go with fairly natural decor, to reflect the outdoors.

    I wondered if I needed more in the room when I opened the door one day and saw a blank wall straight ahead, and wondered if others agreed. It is pretty clear they do! Thank you for all the suggestions.

  • 5 years ago

    I think the current backdrop of your walls isn't special enough of a stage in which to star your husband's incredible work. I'm not fond of accent walls in general, but especially not in such a small space - it just looks too scant and wimpy.

    I would compromise with your daringness - I don't love the tree wall paper in that room. I think it will be too busy and choppy on those four short walls and too skimpy (hey - combo of scant and wimpy) one just one wall.

    Instead I would go for a rich brown wall color on all four walls and ceilings. The vanity will really pop that way. (Our small powder room is an inky blue black on all walls and ceiling and guests swoon over it.) But, if you want to go for wallpaper, that grasscloth is so incredibly handsome and would really be a great background for the vanity. Again, I would do all four walls and the ceiling.


    Here are examples of the tree paper in powder rooms. I think it is kitschy looking and in the room with the live edge vanity, I think it sucks the power our of the vanity.





    Marigold thanked Kendrah
  • 5 years ago

    “Sucks the power out of our vanity.” Yes.

  • 5 years ago

    That was my initial worry, Kendrah. I really don't want to detract, I want to enhance. Thank you for all the examples


  • 5 years ago

    Wallpaper is a major step. There are Birch Tree stencils that can be done also. it is just paint. You will find a beautiful print one day that you will love. I do like the stone or tile on toilet wall with floating shelves, possibly live edge to match beautiful sink. That will be simple and elegant.

  • 5 years ago

    I would paint the walls a dark blue and hang a single, large piece of art. Blue would enhance the warm tone of your beautiful wood vanity. BM Summer Nights is my favorite dark blue. It leans slightly green (but isn’t teal) and it isn’t too bright.

    Marigold thanked Carolae
  • 5 years ago

    If you don’t like blue I would do the dark gray that Beverly suggested.

    Marigold thanked Carolae
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    No offense to those suggesting... but unless small room had great lighting, I think darkish would be a bit like a cave.... could be a lighter version of mud-Urbane bronze.

    Art is big consideration - if you had canvas pic of deer or owl... you'd want less striking a w.p. yeh or no? I would pick a more abstract nature pattern for my art to 'show' better.

    Marigold thanked everdebz
  • 5 years ago

    I had missed that you live around wildlife - you could try your own photo - and make a canvas from the places that do it - I always have canvas art cause water drops wipe off.

    Marigold thanked everdebz
  • 5 years ago

    Wallpaper is more difficult to change and patterns would feel too "busy" for this small space -- so keep the walls painted your choice of color instead; however,


    Since your husband IS definitely an artist with wood (well done) you might ask him if he would consider creating some interesting modern corners shelving for you.


    https://www.google.com/search?q=Interesting+modern+corner+wall+shelving&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjm7tDk0cDmAhWuiOAKHf9_AAgQ_AUoAnoECA0QBA&biw=1326&bih=617#imgrc=rn_npVyOOPQsoM:&spf=1576721638598

    Marigold thanked suezbell
  • 5 years ago

    everdebz, that is a cool idea. I have some pics of a fawn. Can you find him? LOL

    I think I could do a few pics of the baby that would look really nice. I need to explore canvases. Thank you




  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    So cool ! I experiment with camera photos, adjusting this and that - I bet you could draw baby out more... a personal item is great !

    The adjustment called 'vintage' darkens the corners only, so the center subject[s] are framed with fuzzy borders..

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Right beneath the wood, maybe another forest vibe - i'm excited about your creativity [and hubby's to mention]…. you could layer items [more so than w.p.]


    https://www.houzz.com/products/surya-norway-area-rug-2x3-prvw-vr~111852820

    Marigold thanked everdebz
  • 5 years ago

    Given the size of the room, have you considered going with a Scandinavian vibe? Keep the walls white so as to draw attention to that beautiful vanity. If you go to the “photos” section of Houzz, you can search Scandinavian bathrooms for inspiration. A beautiful piece of art (with the frame tying in with the wood in the vanity) and some colourful towels would be sufficient. Perhaps a small glass vase on the vanity .... go understated to draw attention to the wood. Kudos to your husband on this beautiful vanity.

    Marigold thanked B T
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Not usually a fan of wallpaper -- busy prints in a small room tend to visually crowd the space -- however, I do like the muted images of trees. My only concern/question would be ... do you want it to "be" winter year round in your powder room? Certainly would want it only on the one wall opposite the door not surrounding/crowding the space.

    You might look into the peel&stick (and, preferably removable) wall paper or murals. You want to be able to remove it relatively easily if/as your taste change) wall paper or wall murals that have nature themes.

    DO look for a scene that has more depth to it ... one that appears to enlarge the room rather than crowd the space.

    There are posters/pics intended to create faux windows -- something that might benefit this small room.

    https://www.google.com/search?biw=1326&bih=617&tbm=shop&ei=XNX7XZzvOMKOggeo4K2QAw&q=small+3%27x7%27++removable+landscape+wall+murals++faux+windows&oq=small+3%27x7%27++removable+landscape+wall+murals++faux+windows&gs_l=psy-ab-sh.3...4382.42035.0.42221.39.37.1.0.0.0.141.2650.31j3.34.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab-sh..4.0.0....0.vu-HjmjnscY#spd=1532697680320984846&spf=1576785289892

    Wood shelving -- same wood as the vanity -- over the toilet would not only be decorative but useful.


    You could get your husband to "frame" it.


    https://www.wall26.com/wall26-beautiful-garden-backyard-view-from-inside-a-window-p-32247?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3q2w-L7C5gIVxICfCh0A_gyHEAkYAiABEgI9JvD_BwE

    Marigold thanked suezbell
  • 5 years ago

    I'm not a fan of crazy wallpaper in a powder room.


    I would make a canvas of the middle picture of that adorable fawn and use green towels as an accent color.

    Marigold thanked chocolatebunny123
  • 5 years ago

    Someone mentioned depth - this more delicate might also feel like you look through into the abstract woods - and spot the fawn. :)

    Zola Grey Tree Branch Wallpaper Bolt · More Info


    Laelia Beige Silhouette Tree Wallpaper · More Info


    Marigold thanked everdebz
  • 5 years ago

    so many ideas! Thank you

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I didn't have time to read all the comments, but I don't know what your decorating taste is for the rest of the home. I think a really cool black and white wallpaper that would add to the look instead of compete might e a great idea

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134052526386460486/


    This wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it's a start. If I find something else, will let you know. You want something that plays off the wood tones well.


    Marigold thanked Patricia Justice Designs, LLC
  • 5 years ago

    Yeh, tell how the rest of your house is....?

  • 5 years ago

    It is a West Coast design, with a lot of natural elements. This pic shows some of the colors I have used. The powder room is behind that door shown

    The second pic is taken from a bridge above. I have replaced the sectional with a lighter colored couch and ottomans



  • 5 years ago

    His wood tables?... nice things you have... hide rug?

  • 5 years ago

    the console table, mantle and tv stand were all done by him. We built here, and he has a large shop, so I keep giving him projects to keep him busy in retirement. :)

    Yes, the rug is cowhide- it feels wonderful in bare feet

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I envisioned some texture, and thought of something macreme. I could not find anything exactly that I was thinking of, but ran across the "tree of life" macreme theme. Looking at those led me to this peridot and metal one.


    This one is close to what I was thinking, but I would rather see it of jute (a richer look with light brown cord) instead of cotton cording. Macreme Tree of Life.

    I would hang it opposite the doorway. Even the elaborate one compliments the wood, rather than fighting with it, in my opinion. Rank amateur, here, though!


    This one is also nice, and more abstract, while keeping with the tree theme. Again, I never found it in jute, just cotton. I like the texture it brings.

    Marigold thanked Nancy in Mich
  • 5 years ago

    I would perhaps do a pale vinyl grass cloth to still focus on room and his vanity but still pizzaz it up

    Marigold thanked Sara Levine
  • 5 years ago

    cool ideas! Funny how things like macrame are everywhere, only to vanish, then reappear.

    I didn't realize grasscloth could be vinyl. I really like the texture of grasscloth, but was a bit hesitant that it might not be all that hygienic. Vinyl would be perfectly washable.

    Thank you both

  • 5 years ago

    just to see... H 60" / W 29" in other types also

    Surya Kahlo Global Rectangle Wall Decor With Cream Finish KLO1000-6029 · More Info

    https://www.houzz.com/products/surya-kahlo-rectangle-wall-art-with-cream-finish-klo1000-6029-prvw-vr~140668345

  • 5 years ago

    I would hang a nice large piece of art which relates to the beautiful sink counter...a woodsy theme or wood frame.
    A small powder room is considered by many, including me, as a space where you can use a wild or colorful wallpaper, but I would select a paper with birds or fern fronds or other nature theme which will not overwhelm the live edge wood.

    Marigold thanked felizlady
  • 5 years ago

    i might look for an asian scroll that would fit into the space, either a nature scene or just calligraphy. On ebay you can find a lot of vintage scrolls, and on etsy you can get a custom scroll with just a single word or a name made for you








    Marigold thanked User
  • 5 years ago

    Love the fawn but also like the green with the white of the first pic. Perhaps that could be repeated if you don't want winter. Colour would be great with that beautiful vanity.

    Marigold thanked lepstein
  • 5 years ago

    Love the vanity and your whole house. I'm not too bold myself but I loved the suggestion photo with the birch trees. Really attractive for such a country home..

    Marigold thanked Deborah Reed
  • 5 years ago

    Agree with lepstein - your first picture would be perfect in that room, especially as everdebz suggested in a canvas form. The fence is fine, but would edit out the bit of building in the upper left corner and the white thing right below it. The picture is beautiful as is but refining would make it a true work of art.


    Marigold thanked J Schulz
  • 5 years ago

    I have seen that tree wallpaper posted by Kendrah several times before and really love it. I found some umbrella and rain boot wallpaper on Etsy and will use that in my powder room. If I would be looking at the powder room all day long, I would leave it as it is. But with spending such a short time in there, I want lots of "oomph" in the decor.

    Marigold thanked mandcsmamadee
  • 5 years ago

    It's Christmastime and time for reflection, so I'll add that your fawn photo to me could be "Peace, be still, little one."

    *)

    that means just one eye open.

  • 5 years ago

    By the way, Helen, your husband’s one-of-a-kind vanity is gorgeous!

    Marigold thanked mandcsmamadee
  • 3 years ago

    The vanity is gorgeous. What was used to protect the wood from water damage?

    Marigold thanked gardenlove
  • 3 years ago

    @gardenlove, h

    e says he used an oil based polyurethane for it. It has held up well in the 5 years we have had it.

    Thank-you everyone who gave me advise. I ended up making a collage of canvas prints of deer pictures I have taken, and I think I will add to it over time. I have a bear one that I might add in as well when I order prints again.

    The camera picked up the gaps as uneven, but they are actually even in person

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I skimmed the whole thread, and just saying how nice you made it. Visuals of stone, leather, and rug, etc... will have a tie-in. :)

    This is just a recent youtube I saw - they released a baby from yard's soccer net !

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3aSF1KyL14

  • 3 years ago

    wow. what an amazing video

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Yep, wallpaper can make a small powder room really look awesome!