This lovely Moen bathroom has a lot going for it. Contrast, architectural details and elegant fixtures and hardware make for a lovely, inspired space.
While the room is fairly large, you can achieve a similar look even in a small powder room. The detailing is worth the effort when you see the gorgeous result. The light-coloured wallpaper, boasting a soft, vertical stripe on the top half of the room, keeps things light and fresh while the dark accents provide drama. The addition of the mirror and artwork with dark frames and elegant sconces and hardware complete the dramatic look.
If you removed all of the lovely wooden accents, the room would still be nice but not nearly as impressive. Achieving the same look will take a bit of skill, time and expense but is doable if you're patient and are willing to make the effort.
While real wainscoting can be expensive, it may be affordable for a smaller space. Or, you can mimic the look using less expensive wood panelling and then trimming out the panels with stock moulding. The right stain over the entire project will bring it all together.
If woodworking is not for you, consider creating a similar look with wallpaper. Darker wallpaper on the bottom third of the walls can set a similar tone. The wallpaper doesn't necessarily have to be in a wood tone or pattern. A colour like navy, rust or green, or textured grass-patterned wallpaper can work just as well.
You have a little more versatility with regard to colour and pattern when you use wallpaper instead of wood, which can be more inspiring. It's a great alternative if you're renting or want to change the look often.
You can then create faux panel squares using a co-ordinating wallpaper border. Create an insert square using the wallpaper border, making sure to overlap the joints. Wet the border and apply as directed right onto the dried wallpaper base. (Note: if you find the border is not staying put, use a little wallpaper paste for extra adhesion.) While still damp, cut the border on a 45-degree angle at each corner through both pieces at the same time. Remove the scrap ends and smooth the seam together. You'll get a perfect corner seam every time.
Whether you choose to install wood or use the wallpaper technique for the bottom third of the wall, the top portion of the walls need to be kept light. You can either paint or wallpaper the upper portion with a co-ordinating light colour. Using a lighter colour on the top portion of the walls will keep the room from feeling dark and gloomy.
Use what you have with regard to artwork and accessories. You can make it work by painting all of the frames in a similar dark tone. Paint other items, like a framed mirror or medicine cabinet, to match the rest of the décor.
A matching set of copper and brass accessories, like the ones in our feature room, can be pricey so shop around for like items that are in similar tones. They don't have to necessarily be a matching set, just with similar colours and finishes.
New hardware is definitely worth the slight investment to give the room that finishing touch. Again though, you can repaint your existing hardware to give it an updated look. Talk to your paint dealer about the right product for your specific needs. You can even give hardware and accessories an entirely new finish using craft products like gold, brass, copper or foil leaf products.
Update small lampshades (that you might have on an accent lamp, sconce or chandelier) with decorative finishes, beading or trim. A string of black beads glued along the inside bottom of the sconces in our feature room would be lovely, for example. The fact the shades on these sconces are black gives the sconces more elegance. Consider painting white shades black to achieve the same effect.
Update a glass shower door with frosted decal products, which come in various precut patterns. Invest in a plush, decorative rug that will add texture, pattern and softness for bare feet. Treat yourself to a few luxurious new towels in a co-ordinating colour for your new space.
Creating a bathroom that makes you feel relaxed, pampered, fresh and clean is a project worth the investment in time and patience. A touch of rich wood or luxuriant colour can add the contrast needed to give your bathroom a little lux. A room with all the trimmings is a room that indulges the senses. We could all use a little indulgence now and then.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
