Bathroom and Laundry Update 1: Plans

Hi all! If you read my last post, you may have figured out that we’re diving headfirst into a mini remodel of our first floor combination powder room and laundry room. Today, I am going to share some details about our plan for the room.

The decision to start this project wasn’t just about aesthetics. Structurally, the existing tile was cracked, uneven, and not installed properly. The room, otherwise, was actually “fine”. It is pretty bright and neutral, and nothing to complain about. However, upon closer look, there are some quality issues and wear.

This room is highly visible at all times. For whatever reason, it was built right off the kitchen and dining “nook” space. It is a high traffic room that is visible from the front door, the playroom, the kitchen, and even the dining room.

So, ultimately, we are ready to make a change. Now the exciting part – our plans for the room.

The plan is to swap the vanity and level out the floor, and stick to finishes that are consistent with the home’s original New England colonial style. I also want it to feel like less of a bathroom (I know, it IS a bathroom), since it hangs out right off the kitchen dining space, and I don’t love that aspect of it. 

When planning this mini remodel, the first things I knew I wanted was a slate tile floor and vertical wall molding. When we were touring homes in New Hampshire, I fell in love with the slate entryways and mudrooms that I saw in all of the older colonial style homes. Natural stones and a mix of unfinished and painted wood. I love it. I have also wanted to try beadboard, and a powder room is a classic place to install it.

To keep the room bright and airy, we will be replacing the current vanity with a different solid wood white vanity of a similar size and painting the beadboard molding a bright creamy white.

Here are some of the style boards I made as I plan out the space. What I know so far is that there will be 12×24 slate tile floors, a white vanity with a marble countertop, and wide beadboard trim that is around 2/3 the height of the wall.

I haven’t decided yet if I will continue the dark bronze fixtures (like I have in the rest of the house) or if I should step out and go with brass or polished nickel. I am also thinking a natural wood mirror would be pretty. I would love to find an antique mahogany mirror or other dark stained wood.

This option, below, is a little more formal and basic. I could keep the polished nickel light and swap the mirror. Or keep the mirror and swap the light. Or scrap this idea totally.

Wallpaper could also be a fun option above wide beadboard trim. I love everything Morris & Co., so I would probably choose something with a similar look. I am admittedly nervous about mixing patterns, though, and I already have the roman shade purchased.

Lots of decisions ahead, but I am looking forward to it. Stay tuned!

-Paige