Project Highlight - A Traditional Powder Room gets a Facelift
Believe it or not - some of my clients are NOT going modern! One of the things I strive for in my design practice is helping my clients to express themselves AND not to feel pressured by what the industry says is the current “trend.” So I can appreciate it when a client comes to me and asks for my guidance to help them with a renovation project where they want to keep the traditional design aesthetic consistent throughout their house.
This is the case for one of my long-time clients who I have been working with for over 15 years. As with many of my clients, they have been redoing a room every year or so when their budget allows. This year they decided to renovate their powder room which is right off their front foyer. This foyer was one of the first projects I had helped them with and included the adjacent living room and dining room. We had used a honed travertine tile for the flooring in this centrally located foyer and she like the idea of keeping the powder room in the same vein.
But as much as I want clients to work within a design style they are most “at home” with, I like to offer clients options that might push them a bit out of their comfort zone. Often I will suggest a “wow” factor, (or “bling”) especially in a main powder room. I love the idea of treating guests to a little surprise as they open the door. Most of the other areas of your home design require you to think about the adjacent space but I think powder rooms, or any room where you can close the door, give you a little more wiggle room to spread our wings!
So while shopping for tile I discovered this client had always loved the idea of a black and white floor – but never felt it fit within her design aesthetic. So I found a black and slightly off-white floor tile that would blend better with the creamier tones of the foyer’s travertine and had the subtle undertones that added depth and gave it a more natural stone look. The client loved the idea and we were off and running.
Next I suggested that we tile the wall behind the vanity with a honed travertine 4x4 that would give a nod to the travertine in the foyer AND add drama to the space. The final tile detail came in the form of a simple 1x1 mosaic that tied the colors of the floor into the wall and added even more drama.
The “wow-factor” came in the form of a statement mirror that gave the space an eclectic appeal while adding in an updated brushed brass finish. The clean lines of the wall sconces we selected coordinated with the brushed brass in the mirror but did not distract from this funky focal point.
Finally, I designed a wall to wall custom black vanity from StyleCraft cabinetry and I found a granite remnant at my stone supplier to help lower the budget. This granite was a perfect way to add a contrasting texture to the space that had impact without overwhelming the design. The dark bronze faucet set and brushed brass cabinet hardware were the final touch to make this a cohesive design.
Decision-making is always a step-by-step process. We successfully met the goal of integrating the travertine tile from the main foyer, but there is nothing dull or drab about this powder room. This elegant approach with modern details like the sconces and brushed brass finish, make this traditional design stand out in a crowd!