A Powder Room to Amuse Curious Guests
Beach-patterned wallpaper creates a fun focal point in this redecorated half bath in Ontario
Style. Fun-loving and adventurous doesn’t really describe a style, but it’s an attitude that shaped the design. “My client is the coolest lady ever. Her theory is that the more you give people to look at in a wallpaper print, the less likely they’ll get bored and start snooping through your cabinets,” Berwick says with a laugh. Because the house is near water and because the paper was for a small powder room, they chose a playful tropical pattern to distract those nosy folks.
Wallpaper. The wallpaper’s purpose is also to delight. “A powder room should be all about adventure and having some fun. Don’t be afraid to do something bold,” Berwick says. “Everyone uses it and it’s a place where people want to be distracted. Give them something to look at.”
The cheery pattern features a beach bar, lounge chairs, umbrellas, sailboats, a dog walker and more. It’s fun for kids and adults alike to discover all of its little characters and objects.
Wallpaper: Spring Lake, Thibaut; browse patterned wallpapers
Wallpaper. The wallpaper’s purpose is also to delight. “A powder room should be all about adventure and having some fun. Don’t be afraid to do something bold,” Berwick says. “Everyone uses it and it’s a place where people want to be distracted. Give them something to look at.”
The cheery pattern features a beach bar, lounge chairs, umbrellas, sailboats, a dog walker and more. It’s fun for kids and adults alike to discover all of its little characters and objects.
Wallpaper: Spring Lake, Thibaut; browse patterned wallpapers
Lighting. Because the room receives a lot of natural light, they didn’t need the usual fixtures over the mirror with three, four or five lights. Instead Berwick turned to the type of lighting she usually uses over open shelving and art: an anglepoise library sconce. She chose the finish to match the oil-rubbed bronze faucets.
Mirror. It wasn’t all about being matchy-matchy in here. The homeowner had this lovely mirror elsewhere in the house, and Berwick helped her find just the spot for it — adding the shine of warm metal over the dark granite countertop.
“People are afraid of mixing metals, but I encourage it because it makes it look like things have been collected over time,” Berwick says.
Window treatment. A Roman shade in a graphic black-and-white buffalo check provides a bold contrast to the charming illustrations in the wallpaper.
Light fixture: Wayfair; browse metal sconces
Mirror. It wasn’t all about being matchy-matchy in here. The homeowner had this lovely mirror elsewhere in the house, and Berwick helped her find just the spot for it — adding the shine of warm metal over the dark granite countertop.
“People are afraid of mixing metals, but I encourage it because it makes it look like things have been collected over time,” Berwick says.
Window treatment. A Roman shade in a graphic black-and-white buffalo check provides a bold contrast to the charming illustrations in the wallpaper.
Light fixture: Wayfair; browse metal sconces
Accessories. The region is full of antiques shops, so Berwick took advantage of them, finding a fun little lantern and an “Antiques” sign to use as finishing touches. Beer soap (made with Molson’s) shows some Canadian pride.
Takeaways
More
Photo Flip: 102 Eye-Popping Powder Rooms
Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room
Takeaways
- Think about your guests’ experience when planning a powder room. It’s fun to give them a surprise.
- Changing up a handful of design elements can make a big difference.
- Consider all sorts of fixtures when looking for bathroom lighting.
- Don’t be afraid to mix metal finishes, even in a small space.
- Soap with beer in it — who knew?
More
Photo Flip: 102 Eye-Popping Powder Rooms
Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room
Powder Room at a Glance
Who uses it: A matriarch and her extended family
Location: Thornbury, Ontario
Size: 35 square feet (3.3 square meters)
Designer: Michelle Berwick Design
This bathroom makeover shows how just a few design moves can make a big difference in a room. The cottage it’s in is a gathering place for three generations: a matriarch, her daughters and their spouses, and her six grandchildren. Located in Thornbury, a ski region outside Toronto, the house is a favorite spot for everyone to gather to hit the slopes in the winter and enjoy the beach in the summer.
Scope of work. The cottage was new when the homeowner bought it; she waited a year before hiring interior designer Michelle Berwick to help tie the decor together. In the small powder room, the designer brought in wallpaper, a new light fixture and a Roman shade; she also replaced the existing mirror. The toilet, slate flooring, millwork and vanity (including granite countertop, sink and oil-rubbed bronze faucets) stayed the same.