Fresh off my rental kitchen refresh, I’m back with another project that’s (sort of) been in the works for a few months without much movement. Welcome to my powder bath: a.k.a. a literal white blank box of a room with so much potential!
Before diving into what’s already locked in and what’s not—that’s where you come in—let me show you what we’re working with. It’s as boring as a chemistry textbook which is perfect because I don’t have as many limitations to work around like I did in my kitchen. The sky’s the limit (almost)!
The Befores
Like many powder baths, it’s a small narrow space. There’s literally zero storage in here but we don’t really need any, tbh. There’s a storage closet directly outside of here for extra toilet paper and well…that’s kind of all that’s to be expected of a powder bath, yeah? Everything you see here came with the rental except (obviously) any small decor. The light fixture is a very cheap IKEA vanity track, the shelf is polished nickel and green-edged glass, the faucet’s finish is kind of damaged from the hardish water we have here, though you can’t see it in the photos.
Another thing you can’t make out in the images is that the floor is a soft happy mint green, which I love. It’s reading white-ish here inaccurately.
Here are two pulled-back photos just so you can orient yourself. The powder bath sits at the end of a narrow tiny hallway of sorts, if you can even call it that. It’s basically a two-foot long and wide nook that houses that storage closet I mentioned, and then the door to the bathroom. All of those sit just outside of the kitchen and across from the dining space.
The Plans For The Afters
When we first moved here, I didn’t think I’d do anything in here. After all, my only real options were peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint to give this baby a transformation. I just felt exhausted at the thought of either (why is painting a bathroom a torture comparable to a thousand paper cuts??). But then, one day, I saw it. The perfect wallpaper.
If there’s one thing you should know about my husband Charles and me is that we are absolute, 100% diehard Back to the Future fans. It’s essentially the backbone of our relationship. Every year, we celebrate “Back to the Future Day” where we order a pizza and watch the first movie on November 5th, the day they go back to 1955. The tradition started on October 21, 2015, the date from the second movie where they went into the future, but we’ve since made some shifts for reasons too personal to share on this blog.
And since we live near where they filmed some of the pivotal scenes of the first and second movies, it only made sense that this bathroom became a tribute to the time travel franchise.
How so? Well…take a gander at this beaut. I introduce to you Hill Valley Toile, by Hygge & West:
Hill Valley Toile in McFly Red by Hygge & West
It’s not peel-and-stick, and permanently wallpapering a rental property isn’t something I want to undertake. BUT there are so many great solutions on the internet I can try, such as using a starch solution (though I read this attracts silverfish), or using double-sided tape atop painter’s tape to adhere the paper.
I immediately reached out and wrote up an email with our love story for the movies, and Hygge & West was kind enough to send me a roll large enough to cover every wall and ceiling of the bathroom. But then the roll sat there as I shifted focus to other things in my home. I made a few moodboards to try to decide on a new light fixture mostly but never went beyond that.
WELL GUESS WHAT! IT’S TIME TO PLAY DESIGNER AGAIN.
As this is the only bathroom on the living level, it’s the one that all guests see and use. To do the wallpaper justice, I decided to make a few simple swaps to make it sing, but I’d love your opinion, specifically with the vanity light.
Here’s what I’m considering:
The Vanity Light Options
Red Vanity Light | Mint Green Vanity Light | Art Deco White and Brass Vanity Light | Modern White and Brass Vanity Light | Black Mirror (similar) | Vintage Wall Shelf | Brass Faucet | Brass Accessories Suite | Scallop Jute Rug
The only difference in the above four images is the light fixture, as I mentioned. The mirror is something I already have from my old apartment (it used to live over my fireplace!), and it fits perfectly here. I’ve added in some brass fixtures rather than the brushed nickel that currently exists in the room because it needs warmth and character. I like the idea of this jute scalloped rug but I have some other options below, too. And finally, the vintage shelf feels Craftsman-y, which is apropos for my neighborhood and townhouse.
I tried two colorful options and two white and brass options. The red plays off the burgundy of the paper’s pattern, the mint ties in the floor tile, and the other choices are more standard in terms of colorway but one is traditional and one is modern.
Thoughts??
To Change The Mirror Or Not?
Wood Ledge | Vintage-Style Rug
Okay, so here’s another consideration: Do I try a different mirror? There really is no other black in the bathroom design so, does it feel out of place? I have a fairly strict “every room needs a touch of black” policy but something about this is making me question whether it’s the *right* place for black.
I played around with adding in a more natural mirror, as I don’t want more brass. I love this woven/rattan option from West Elm that is the same size as my existing Schoolhouse mirror (30″ in diameter). I think I really like it…uh oh.
Oh, and you may notice that the wall shelf is different and that’s correct! At some point, I had dragged this walnut ledge into my Photoshop moodboard and I like how sleek it is. It’s a nice counterpoint to the mirror.
My Top Picks
As much as I’d rather not spend more money than I have to, I do like the addition of the non-black mirror. And after another look, I don’t love the mint vanity light, so it’s out. And the other one might be too modern for everything else in the room and this area of my home. So these are my top two favorites. I brought back in the vintage wall shelf because I like what it adds to the design, and tried this Anthropologie rug I always swoon over when I see it in other people’s homes. I like these both for numerous reasons and while I am leaning toward one of these, I’d love to hear from you.
Are you Team Have Some Fun With Red or are you Team Keep It Classy With White & Brass?
And please feel free to chime in about the mirror, too. This is an Ask the Audience post, after all. Any and all opinions are welcome in the comments.
I also took the liberty of rounding up a few affordable accessories I’ve Pinned to style out the space. Everything is under $50 and the perfect additions to spruce up your bathroom. Remember, you don’t need a complete overhaul to feel better about a room in your home. Sometimes, all you need is a new rug and a pretty tray. Okay?!?
1. Cotton Ticking Stripe Flatweave Rug | 2. Modern Resin Stone Toilet Brush Holder | 3. Rattan Tray Light Brown – Threshold | 4. Solid Bathroom Wastebasket Tan – Threshold | 5. 2’1″x3’2″ Indoor/Outdoor Plaid Accent Rug | 6. Rubber-Coated Blue Bathroom Canister | 7. Brice Rust and Tan Modern Geo Recycled Chindi Area Rug | 8. Mid-Century Contour Towel Ring | 9. Waffle Bath Towel | 10. Mid-Century Contour Toilet Paper Holder | 11. Smokey Glass Soap Pump Blue – Threshold | 12. Weaving Village Scalloped Natural Jute Area Rug, Navy Trim, 2×3
Thanks for taking a look, and I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks both about my plans and about the options I’m considering.
Your friend in design, Arlyn
Small bathrooms are very difficult to design. I decided to have a neutral scheme in our family bathroom which is only 2×2.5m seen here: https://www.seasonsincolour.com/post/bathroom-renovation-small-changes-big-impact
But I love wallpaper and your choice here is ace. I’m drawn to the brick red lights as I thought the mint ones will not stand out against the wallpaper. Gold is also a great choice but I personally prefer warm colours like terracotta. A rattan mirror also seems like a good choice!
I also worry the mint wouldn’t stand out against the cream and red paper and we wouldn’t want that!
DEF glad you vetoed the green light. Too much green!
It’s exciting to see your plans for the powder bath, and I can tell you’ve put a lot of thought into it! The Hill Valley Toile wallpaper choice is fantastic, and it’s a lovely homage to your love for Back to the Future. Regarding the vanity light options, each one has its own unique appeal. The red vanity light adds a pop of color that complements the wallpaper’s burgundy pattern, while the mint green option ties in with the floor tile beautifully. The white and brass options are elegant and versatile, offering a classic or modern look. It ultimately depends on the aesthetic you want to achieve in the space. You could even consider asking your husband for his input since it’s a tribute to your shared passion for Back to the Future. As for the mirror, both the black one and the rattan mirror have their charm. The black mirror adds a touch of contrast and works well with your “touch of black” policy. On the other hand, the rattan mirror brings a more natural and textural element to the design. It might be worth considering which mirror complements the overall style you’re aiming for. The walnut ledge is… Read more »
I waffle back and forth between what vibe I want or how modern I want it to feel. We’ll see where I land!
The Back to the Future wallpaper and personalisation is way cool!
ooohhhhh that red vanity light is PERFECTION in that space, that one has my vote!
Counted! 🙂
My immediate reaction is: the green light fixture! I like that it’s a somewhat “permanent” piece of decor that ties in with the definitely-permanent floors. Looking forward to see which direction you go!
Yeah I really liked the mint to tie into the floor. We’ll see!
Have fun with red all the way!
I really like the black mirror! And I have to say I LOVE the minty light in the moodboard – also and especially since it highlights the minty floors that you like and contrasts nicely with the red tones in the wallpaper. Also: that wallpaper is PERFECTION!!! Actually aethetically just a really good-looking wallpaper AND delightfully nerdy <3 I am so happy for you that you will have it in your space – it sounds like will be perfect for you 🙂
Delightfully nerdy is usually my goal. 🙂
I assume that you are going to do something like what Malcolm did in his dining room with the wallpaper. If so, have you considered painting the walls a green that complements the flooring and brings out the color of the flooring and having the panels float on top of the painted walls? I would personally probably go with the white and brass light fixture and would switch out the black mirror. I think you can really bring the color palette together through your art, accessories, and textiles.
I haven’t considered what Malcolm did but that’s great!
If Malcom ended up framing a large section of the wallpaper vs. installing traditionally, then that was going to be my suggestion.
Use the light that pops and add the mint through accessories.
Red lights! And I like the black mirror. Could you maybe find a rug with small amount of black in it?
I had one all picked out but it was vintage and sold and my heart broke. I’m on the hunt.
I rented for ages and pretty much figured that would be my life so I love what you are sharing! Especially this one – so much fun! I love a playful powder room and am absolutely team RED with respect to the light fixture. If you go with the rattan mirror, then I like the scalloped jute rug, but wonder if it lays flat enough to avoid being a tripping hazard. I prefer the simple wood ledge to the fancier option that reads faux Early American/faux Western to me, though I’m sure you would style it in an excellent way.
We really need to talk about that wall opposite the door, the one you’ll see when passing by. I think it needs a great big piece of BTTF art. I spent just enough time looking to verify that there are options that would work with the wallpaper but it would be best if there were a personal connection.
Can’t wait to see how this one turns out!
Oh trust that I have VERY fun plans for art for that wall. Just didn’t share because all the details aren’t sorted. 🙂
I like the red light and the sleek shelf. Either the blk miror or the natural one also look good. I just would like to see the rug do a better job of marrying the light mint floor with the brick red color. I think with some searching you could find a vintage rug (or dupe) that would join muted versions of mint and brick, s as not to compete with the wallpaper pattern. Or is there a (renter-friendly) way to change to color of the floor to a more compatible color? On a side note, maybe you can do a roundup of ways to jazz up the ubiquitous plain white builder grade powder bath in a few different colorways like you did for the kitchen posts :)… that would be fun and useful!!
I hear you, though I tend to like more complex color palettes. I would drive me nuts if I was just working with red and mint so using the rug to kind of shake things up. But yeah maybe a little red or mint with another color in the rug could be aces!
Such a fun read! All the ideas look great, but I personally prefer your final choice of the red fixture and vintage look shelf and rug – but- with the black mirror. It seems to me to ground the space better and doesn’t compete with the shelf, which I think the rattan does. It also brings a touch of the moody dark colors of the rug up to eye level tying that in as well. Can’t wait to see the final product!
I’m on Team Green Light. You need something to echo the green floor. I love the green diamond-print rug.
Have you considered black fixtures as your pop of black?
I strongly prefer the more modern shelf versus the rounded oak one, which may be Craftsman-inspired but reads as “place where I will display my Americana tchotchkes” to me. (I feel like it needs a pair of joined wick candles hanging from one hook and a crocheted American flag towel on the other.) (Oddly specific, I know. Ha!)
This made me laugh. How did you know I had Americana tchotchkes to display?!?!? I’m currently working on my crocheted American flag as we speak! 😉
🤣🤣
Red 100%!! Love the wallpaper too.
Thanks Gretchen!
Just me, but I always keep a supply of TP in a bathroom. In the hall closet is just not great sometimes!
We have a tall black wire basket in one bathroom. It holds quite a few rolls.
here is a gold wire one from World Market. Looks very similar to one at Anthropologie, for far less $.
https://www.worldmarket.com/p/reese-gold-wire-geometric-basket-556603.html
Yeah right now we just stack them on the shelf which isn’t great. I need to find a better solution.
Count my vote for the green lights and the black mirror!
I like the red light fixture. How about if you took jute and wrapped around the black mirror to bring in a natural element.
I have no design input, but just wanted to say what a sweet story that is about your shared love of Back to the Future. I remember watching it for the first time a couple of years after it came out on a tiny tv in (West at the time) Germany and my mom insisting that we had to leave before it ended! And then years later, when I tried to watch it with my own teenage daughter, she freaked out (social anxiety) when Marty meets his young mom for the first time and refused to watch any further. Sigh. So much for trying any other 80s/90s movies with her! I wish you better luck with your own daughter one day and can’t wait to see what kind of art work or memorabilia (that would be so cool!) you find and put up!
This is really lovely! I’m all for the fun red light! For the mirror, my two cents is that using what you have is the best, so I’d go for the black mirror, which I also happen to think looks really good, especially with the darker tones of the vintage rug! And if you do want another hit of black, I think the Rejuvenation ledge has an ORB (may be a design faux-pas, but this is close enough to black for me!) counterpart that could work! Good luck deciding!
red sconce, rattan mirror, green rug, modern ledge
I am on Team Red. I also like the vintage-style rug. The rattan mirror looks gold, and I like that look, but would worry about keeping it clean in a damp bathroom, especially if, like my bathroom, soap and toothpaste are always flying around and landing everywhere.
I vote red light, black mirror, plaid Anthro rug, and straight shelf (or maybe another shelf altogether — not sure either one is right). Love your design style.
I like the black mirror, the sleeker ledge, and I like both light fixtures (red and white/brass). Agree with other commenters who suggested finding a rug with a touch of black in it…love the wallpaper!
Absolutely the red lights! And the mirror that will be easier to clean which I think is the black mirror.
Red team for the win! Love it. The black mirror frame does not bother me. It is thin. Looks good with the darker rug.
Okay! I absolutely LOVE the red light FOR SURE pls pick that one-it’s PERFECT! Old ranch-y shelf is kinda retro good, but I leave that one up to you! I would try to pick a rug then that has some of the red color in it for balance? Like #7 on here? I do also like the cool Antro scallop rug you like but is it too much green? I also kinda like #12 just wish the trim was in that red? And I think like you, I might like the new mirror better than the blk trim one? I also believe a room needs to have one blk item in the design. (BTW that wallpaper is RAD!:-)))
Team Have Some Fun With Red!! Obsessed with this wallpaper.
I’m team red for sure but mostly had to comment because that wallpaper and you and your hubby’s love of Back to the Future made me so happy. Love the nostalgia and am sure you’ll smile every time you walk into that room.
What cool wallpaper! While they all look great, the red light makes the wallpaper SING! I prefer the rattan mirror. The black looks good on screen, but will it dominate the small room in real life? The focus is the fabulous paper!!
Team have fun with red! I prefer the rattan mirror too.
Your choices are all outstanding. I can’t wait too hear how you adhere the wallpaper to the walls. I guess my favorite choices are a mix of what you presented. Love the red light fixtures with the wallpaper. The I would choose the jute rug, the rattan mirror and the flat wooden shelf. I’m excited to see your plans for the wall. I think any of your selections look wonderful.
Team red + more modern shelf! Feels easier on the eyes in that small busy space.
Since there’s no author at the top of this post, I at first thought it was Jess’ vathroom makeover.
Then, I could tell it wasn’t…it was Arlyn, darlin’!🤗
Keep it classy with white and brass (but, hey, I like the mint light fixture!).
Love a wooden framed mirror, but would probably not spend $ and use the black one – maybe add some black fittings to match.
Fun fact: in Australia, we often laugh at how Americans veer shy of saying TOILET, like it’s a dirty word. Here, this is called a POWDER ROOM, coz, um, there’s no bath or shower in there! You go to the toilet and powder your nose, kinda. 🤣 It’s like, “May I use your bathroom?” is weird….what do you wanna do? Have a shower?
Aaah, nuances of the versions of the evolving English language. Mind you, since we gradually adopt many Americanisms, “bathroom” is slowly being added to reference the toilet room….just as teens are starting to drop the word OF when saying “A couple OF things.” It becomes “A couple things”, not technically correct, but there ya have it!!!🤣
I love the red light fixture! Only thought is it there’s no other over head light, and the opaque vanity light shade will cause some very weird shadows. The black mirror doesn’t stand out in a bad way, but you could use rub-n-buff (~$10) to change the color decently easily?
So glad to see all the pro red comments. The others are fine. The red is wow. I’m going to offer an alternative compromise to the shelf. First the one you call craftsman reads way more country to me. The modern one is too contemporary. But this one on Etsy is actually craftsman, and sleek. Maybe need a different color way although I think the dark wood and red lights would go nicely. Also team rattan mirror. I’m more neutral on the rugs but if forced would choose the first option because rich looking. But they are both good. Thanks for letting strangers weigh in. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1003478527/oak-wood-wall-mounted-shelf
I’m team red! It’s perfect with the wallpaper.
Team Have Some Fun With Red!!!! So cute!!!
Team red light all the way! It’s the difference between a layman decorating and a designer designing. I also like the black mirror – brings calm and balance.
Oh also to add – I did the starch application for wallpaper in my guest bath at the last house, which had a particular issue with silverfish in the basement, and I never saw any in that room, for what it’s worth. It also worked really well and it was super easy to touch up if a seam started to pop.
Curious for other renters or homeowners who have not tackled light fixtures yet – how easy/difficult is it to replace the vanity lights in a bathroom (yourself)?
Team Keep It Classy With White & Brass here. Including the ratan mirror! Can’t wait to see how it turns out
When we moved from LA to Minneapolis, we used a similar sentimental wallpaper in our mudroom https://www.walnutwallpaper.com/products/best-coast-wallpaper?_pos=2&_sid=ea1ca1947&_ss=r&variant=32412863234094 I love the traffic jam! BTW- I vote green light, black mirror (use what you have) and a rug with black in it somehow.
I have been obsessed with this wallpaper!!! I’m so excited to see someone use it. I love the red light, the black mirror, the more modern shelf, and I’m not sure about the rug. Maybe the plain scalloped? And maybe not the black mirror? I like the rattan mirror, but I almost feel like it’s too many disparate elements in the small bath? Whatever you choose, I know it will be so cute.
So kind of off subject, but how do I create one of these mood boards if I just have an iPhone? We are going to start building in the spring and I need to do some mood boards for different rooms! Thanks in advance 😊
Have you seen this post? https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/how-to-design-a-room-online-for-free
You can do the same thing in Keynote.
I love the wallpaper! Always a fan of “weird” toile patterns. It makes people look twice and smile 🙂
I’m team red fixture, rattan mirror, a simple shelf, and as it’s a bathroom, one of those machine washable rugs like Ruggable.
I would just straight-up wallpaper the room. It’s a small space and you will likely not re-use the wallpaper elsewhere should you move, and modern wallpaper is actually pretty easy to remove. Love the sweet story that this envelops your family in!
Ohhh I love a blank slate!
I realize that I might be the most annoying person that comments on here…so for that, my apologies. 😉
After I read this post, I popped onto the best black hole ever – Etsy – and looked for BTTF art. I found this gem! So then it escalated into a mock-up from there. (All in: 10 min – not terrible)
I love Etsy for so many reasons. You could probably search up: “early 19th century corn husk from lady named Lily in Indiana” and get a result.
Anyway – here is the art I found. Can’t wait to see what you come up with Arlyn! ☺️
I think you are more of a traditional girl, yes? I think the key is to meld the traditional with the modern and geometric without the styles competing for attention. Maybe corrale the shape language? I like the white lights because they lay back and let the wallpaper be focal. The traditional shelf is quirky fun traditional that compliments the tongue-in-cheek toille . And I like the scalloped rugs (plaid or woven) because they echo the roundness of the sink and lights. The triangle rug is so traditional and the mint tile is so mid century, it’s like they are almost in a fight for dominance. I’d explore other faucet and bath hardware shapes that are either closer to the lights or the shelf. And maybe the same exploration with mirror options? Looking forward to what you discover!
I think either light fixture would look great, although I prefer the white one a bit. The rattan mirror echoes the color in the background of the wallpaper. The only strong opinion I have is a big NO to the vintage wooden shelf. Looks Early American decor to me, which was never a good look. The other wooden shelf adds a nice warmth and I like its simplicity.
Love the fun wallpaper and its personal connection.
Team Have Some Fun With Red