Next Project — The Studio Bathroom (A Look Back, The To Do List, And Two Wallpaper Options)
Now that our bedroom suite is finished (except for the storage closet), I’m moving on to the next project — the studio bathroom. This bathroom will serve as our guest bathroom for the foreseeable future. Once this bathroom is finished and functional, I’ll return to the bedroom suite and turn the current guest bathroom that is located off of the foyer in our bedroom suite into a much-needed storage room.
Here’s what the studio bathroom looks like as of this morning…
Yeah. It’s a bit of a mess. And as you can see, I was testing out the floral wallpaper in this room, as several of you suggested. But we’ll come back to that in a bit. The good news is that this project should go fairly quickly. This morning, I was taking inventory of all of the projects that need to be done in here, and compared to previous projects, the list for this room is pretty short. All of the major projects are done — building the vanity, installing the crown molding and other trim, etc. So I need to do a few cosmetic projects and get the pump for the toilet and sink fixed, and this bathroom will be ready for use.
For those of you who are new, I wanted to take a trip back in time and show you exactly how this area started. My studio used to be our garage. When we bought the house, the garage was just studs and tar paper, so it was very dark. Shortly after, my father-in-law came and helped me put up drywall in the garage. So at that point, it looked like this…
The breakfast room is through the door on the left, and the opening on the right is how the area at the back of my studio originally looked. It was a very dark storage room with a solid door leading to the back yard.
Inside that storage room, this was the view of the area that is now my studio bathroom. This area used to house the huge furnace, but I don’t have a good photo of the area before the furnace was removed.
So this area has gone through a massive transformation. When I originally decorated the studio bathroom, this is what it looked like.
I did this hand painted design on the walls, and while it was a fun project and I loved how it turned out, this was just for me. I was the only person who ever used this bathroom, so I went a little crazy with color and pattern.
And at the time, I painted the back entry walls this very bold green.
It was fun for a while, but when I finally got around to finishing my studio, those bold green walls had to go. I ended up painting the walls a different green (a custom color that I mixed myself) to tone them down a bit. This color looked much better with the floral wallpaper mural that I used in the studio, which is the same design that’s on the curtains on the back doors.
Once the studio was finished, I started doing a makeover on the bathroom. I don’t remember what my plan was for the walls, but I removed the yellow tiles and started doing this wood accent in place of the tiles.
I think I got about halfway finished with that, and then we changed direction completely.
I believe it was around that time that we decided to move our kitchen into the area that is now our breakfast room and walk-in pantry. And then we were going to turn this bathroom into a walk-through pantry for easy access from the carport (through the back doors of the studio) into what would be our new kitchen (in the current breakfast room and walk-in pantry area). So I basically closed the door on the bathroom and walked away.
If all of that sounds confusing, or you can’t envision what I mean by a “walk-through pantry”, don’t worry about it. Plans have changed since then. 😀 At some point last year, I decided that I didn’t want endless remodeling projects (and those would have been MAJOR remodeling projects), and I was perfectly happy keeping our kitchen right where it is now, keeping our breakfast room a breakfast room, and keeping our walk-in pantry right where it is. So the plans for all of that major remodeling and construction were scrapped, and I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
So now, that leaves me with this bathroom that still needs to be finished. And now that our original guest bathroom has been subsumed into our master bedroom suite, it can no longer be our guest bathroom (because how awkward would that be to have a guest bathroom inside of a master bedroom suite?!). So for now, this half bathroom in my studio will be our guest bathroom.
Here’s a look at what it looks like right now. Again, it’s a complete mess, so I really do need to spend about a day just getting it cleaned up. But once that’s done, I think you can see that getting this room finished won’t be a massive undertaking.
I’ll need to do some repair on the walls with drywall mud. That’s really the hardest part. Once that’s done and the walls are smooth again, I’ll install wallpaper, add some trim, change out a few things (new faucet, new ceiling light), and then add a few decorative touches.
I’m not sure yet if I’ll repaint the vanity or not. I’ll determine that after I decide on the wallpaper. Right now, it’s a really dark gray/off-black color.
The most expensive part of this project will be repairing or replacing the pump that the sink and toilet are connected to. The plumbers seemed to believe it can be repaired, but there’s a possibility that it will need to be replaced. That broken pump is the reason this bathroom hasn’t been used in so long.
But now let’s talk about wallpaper. In my last post about this room, I said that I was going to go ahead and use the colorful square wallpaper that I had designed for this bathroom. I designed that wallpaper using colors that I pulled out of the floral wallpaper mural on the front wall of my studio. And then I said I was going to use the dark floral wallpaper that I ordered about two years ago in the storage closet in our bedroom suite.
But several people said that I should swap those and use the colorful squares in the storage closet and the floral in the bathroom. I was open to that possibility, so I decided to try them out. Here’s a look at the teal floral wallpaper with a view into the studio. Keep in mind that the floral pattern on the front wall of the studio is also on the curtain on the back doors of the studio. (Please forgive the mess in the studio. I was like a tornado through this room as I finished up projects for our bedroom. It needs a good top-to-bottom cleaning now that the bedroom is finished.)
Again, I’m open to this idea, but I’m not sold on it. The doors to the bathroom and the storage closet in this back entry of my studio are painted a deep eggplant color. And one thing I don’t want is for my wallpaper decision to start the ball rolling on other changes. I want to avoid the whole “one thing leads to another” trap (aka, the “if you give a mouse a cookie” trap). And I don’t love the dark eggplant doors with this wallpaper.
I also don’t love it with the floral mural in the studio. I know I’ve said that I’d cover every surface in our house with flowers, trees, birds, and butterflies if I could get away with it, but I would also like for them to coordinate, and I don’t think these coordinate or complement each other at all.
Here’s a look at the colorful squares wallpaper that I actually designed for this room using colors that I pulled from the floral wallpaper mural. To me, this looks much more pleasing to the eye since they coordinate and complement each other.
Every color in this wallpaper comes from the studio, so it even coordinates with the dark eggplant doors.
So if I were to decide right this minute, this would still be my choice.
But again, I’m open to having my mind changed. You can let me know what you think. In the meantime, I’ll be in here getting things cleaned up and getting ready to start on this project. This should be fun, and I’m really hoping it will go very quickly!
More About My Studio Bathroom
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Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
While I love that floral, I agree that the squares wallpaper looks better with the colors you already have in that space.
Yep!
I’m not a big fan of the colorful square wallpaper (just as personal preference) … And I do like the floral wallpaper. However, as sad as I am to say it, I don’t think the floral wallpaper works well in the bathroom.
My thoughts exactly.
I absolutely love the floral wallpaper in the bathroom. That being said, it doesn’t coordinate with the other colors around it, i.e. the purple door and the green walls. Not that fond of the squares, but it definitely coordinates so much better. Squares it is.
The painted pattern you did in the bathroom is one of my favorites (along with the pony wall/columns you used to have in the main house) so I don’t think it should go. If it has to go I’d do a solid color and not the wallpaper. If I had to choose between the wallpapers I’d go with the floral (but I bet you do the squares).
Colorful squares all the way! The other wallpaper’s design seems to fight with the floral wallpaper in the studio.
I don’t love squares, but that’s just me (I’m much more conservative). I loved what you did with the paint cabinet doors in the studio, but this reminds me of that and it’s not my favorite look for the bathroom. The squares are maybe kind of big for a small room? I dunno. That being said, it’s definitely more cohesive with the studio (and it should be) than the floral paper. And I may like it more once there’s art covering more of it (and it isn’t me that it has to make happy now, is it?). Also, definitely need to paint the vanity in the bathroom (a color that’s in whatever wall treatment you decide to go with). The charcoal just isn’t you!
The squares paper coordinates best with the other room, and will be a nice background for wall decor. I would try a round mirror to break up the angular pattern.
I love the color squares, it feels like tying up a lose end with studio just on the other side of the wall. Looks great, gives such great continuity and frankly, I love those colors. Mind you, I loved the floral wallpaper, but I totally get where get where you’re coming from. Squares it is, and you will make it look amazing.
Cheers to you, Matt, and the Fur Inspection Team!
Well said! I agree. Squares!
I love the colorful squares you originally designed for this bathroom. Definitely stay with that one. While I like the floral design, it is very pretty I don’t this is the right spot for it.
I love both wallpapers, but the squares bring it all together.
First some reason, I thought you had the floral wallpaper from your studio in a smaller print. If you do, I would try that. If not I would consider color drenching the room with an orange or peach color and use art to add the fun.
I love the idea of using the smaller scale floral used in the studio! I’m not a fan of the squares.
Love the squares, it coordinates with the office. I love how colorful it is.
Floral wallpaper looks a little too dark, busy and ‘off’ for this space. The squares are fun, colorful, and coordinate! I also agree with the comment that a round mirror would help break up all the straight lines 🙂
If you want to keep the vanity dark, could it match the door? It might be fun to have the vanity match all the cabinetry in your work room – pink and gold 🩷
Of these 2 choices, the squares. Seems you aren’t loving either. Maybe keep searching.
I will ditto comment as I did before: nix to the floral. It complicates everything.
Yay! to the square choice: It looks like it belongs in the bathroom. It is fun, a little surprising, and it works.
The cabinet needs a new color. Very easy to choose what.
I am team squares. I love the floral but it doesn’t work in the space. I would love to see the mural/curtain print in a smaller scale for the bathroom. One thing for sure please paint the vanity, that color is not you and I don’t think it works at all. Whatever you choose will be beautiful in the end!
How about solid colored walls with the squares on just one wall?
I generally don’t like wallpaper on just one wall unless it’s a mural.
I don’t trust the colors on my screen enough to comment, but sure your decision will be an excellent one. Am I a weirdo for being more exited about your storage closet makeover, lol.
You’re not a weirdo! I’m more excited about the storage room, too!! 😀 But this bathroom has to be done before I can tear up the other one.
I’m wondering if you already have all the wallpaper you need for the bathroom. I don’t remember if you purchased just enough to test it. If you do need to purchase more, perhaps you could consider a smaller scale. Maybe even lean more towards a gingham design which would add more white overall. Just a thought. Same colors, slightly different design than the cabinet doors in the studio.
P.S. – the pony wall columns were my favorite too. 😜
I purchased all of the wallpaper I need. I’ve had it for about two years (at least). Getting rid of those pony walls ad columns is my biggest redo regret.
What about a super small image print of your giant floral workroom wallpaper ?
I think I’m just in a “don’t spend money unless I absolutely have to” phase right now, especially after just finishing our bedroom suite, which cost a pretty penny. So I really want to use what I already have for this bathroom.
I personally like the squares. I would never have designed them. BUT! If I have learned anything about Kristy it is wait for her vision to unfold. I see just squares of color. Once she is done with paint trim and accessories it will become a lovely guest bathroom and I will be ohhhhhing and ahhhhing along with 99.9% of the followers. Lol. Plus, as beautiful as the floral wallpaper is, it really does not flow with the rest of the studio.
Sheila F.
Have you considered putting the colorful square wallpaper below the chair rail so it’s not so in your face? Yet still be a fun and matching player. That’s a great option. I remember you bought that beautiful floral wallpaper for your would-be dining room.
What about putting it on the ceiling and color drenching the walls and wainscoting? I know you mentioned maybe doing wallpaper on the ceiling in the storage room. This might be a good place since it’s small and the squares won’t be so in your face.
I love the squares regardless where you install it. It’s perfect for the space.
Okay, now this is an interesting idea! I’m going to seriously consider this. But now the question is…what color would I use to color drench the room? My mind automatically goes to green.
I love love love the floral wallpaper. I agree it does not coordinate as well with the studio wallpaper but personally I could live with that because I love that wallpaper so much. And to my eye and based on the picture, I don’t see a problem with it and the dark eggplant doors. But it may look very different in person. Bottom line is go with what you can live with and if the floral not coordinating perfectly with the studio is going to make you crazy then go with the coordinating wallpaper. Because if you don’t you will just change it and that floral will be lost forever. But if you area 100% sure you can live with it not coordinating, go with the floral.
Agree. I love it so much, I hope it gets a prominent location in Kristi’s home. I feel like I remember something about that wallpaper coming with a white or blue background. I wonder what the white background floral would look like in the bathroom.
I vote for squares – at this scale or a little smaller.
I like the colorful squares wallpaper; it’s very pretty. I don’t think however that it’s right for a guest powder room. I suffer from mild vertigo issues and can barely look at photos of your colorful painted wall and that wallpaper is only a little better. I think since this powder room will be for guests, it shouldn’t make them feel woozy going to the restroom. You should either find a pretty floral that works or paint the walls a solid color and use the colorful squares wallpaper on the ceiling where it’s not in your face.
I wonder if a sheer wash of white over the squares would mute it just enough to make it more calming…
I love the colorful squares and was taken aback at the negative comments on it in the recent post. The floral paper is lovely but doesn’t fit here.
They both look good to me. The squares will give you a lighter result, but both coordinate well enough with the others colors, in my opinion. I honestly like how the floral wallpaper shares colors without being an exact match – they’re sisters, not twins.
I love the square wall paper. Nice continuity with the as studio and is happy & welcoming. I would paint the vanity purple to match the doors, get the pump working, add some coordinating hand towels and call it done.
I would use the floral wallpaper in the utility sink/storage room. It would coordinate nicely with the teal blue walls on the foyer I think. The doors will be closed most of the time and it is so pretty to open a door & see a field of flowers I think.
Agree with your take on the floral wallpaper, it just seems disconnected from the rest of the studio design.
I really like the color swatch wallpaper in the bathroom, especially with the eggplant door.
What are you planning to do with the previous tile (and later wood) border area? Will that be another border or become wallpaper/wainscoting?
That’s a detail I still haven’t figured out. I really like a tile border because it acts as a backsplash around the sink area. But if I add another tile, it absolutely cannot be squares or rectangles. It almost seems to me like it would have to be round tiles, but then I fear that it would look way too busy. So I’m kind of at a loss right now.
What about using solid backsplash pieces of Corian or natural stone (marble, quartz, granite)? Then you wouldn’t have to worry about square, rectangle or circular tiles.
My vote is for the squares wallpaper and painting the vanity the eggplant color of the doors.
My vote is for the squares. I think they look so good and coordinated with everything!
The squares wall paper for sure, it coordinates with everything else.
It’s pretty in your face though, I’m not sure in a small space if I could take it for long. But guests are there for a short time anyway.
I love the squares! It works with the wall and door colours while giving the bathroom a ‘happy’ vibe
The colorful squares are perfect in the bathroom. It coordinates beautifully with the rest of the area. I just love it!
OMG the shares are perfect! And the color on the doors – HEAVENLY! I love that you are making this YOU! HUGS!!
I think that the squares would make me feel overwhelmed as a guest.
I think that paint with a portion of the wallpaper framed would be much more welcoming. Letting your eyes rest, your workroom already has a lot going on color wise.
Just my thoughts. I am sure that you will make it just right.
I agree with this – something about the squares makes me feel slightly uneasy. Obviously wouldn’t be in a bathroom long, but I honestly can’t even imagine trying to check my hair/makeup in the mirror with that behind me!
Squares, all the way! The floral wallpaper is wonderful, but not in that area.
I love the squares wallpaper, and how much it flows with your studio!
I think the squares hit just the right note of pattern difference and color coordination.
I think the floral clashes with everything and looks out of place.
Additionally, I would not do a smaller print of the studio paper (as beautiful as it is) because that would be too matchy-matchy and is a dated technique. The curtains on the back door work well because they are on an opposing wall from the studio.
I’d go with the squares and get it done. They do coordinate so much better then the pretty floral. Once you have this bathroom done, the storage closet done, and the sunroom tidied up to an exercise room, you’ll have lived with it for awhile and will know if you feel strong enough to change it out for something different. In any case, I know it will look nicer than I can even imagine.
I personally like the floral wallpaper better than the colored squares if all things were not connected. But seeing the connection between the designs and the studio, I believe the squares are the better choice.
I happen to love that square wallpaper you designed…I was disappointed when you thought you wouldn’t be using it. It is so pretty, and goes so well with everything! I know you said it might be a lot for your visitors, but maybe tone it down with a few subdued art pieces, quiet window treatments, and trims so it doesn’t overwhelm…I love it, and I also love the other paper…but somewhere else!
Trying to match wallpaper with what colors you already have maybe a nightmare. Have you considered using the same floral wallpaper from your Studio in the bathroom? This would coordinate with all the other colors and make your design more cohesive.
I designed the wallpaper with the squares to match the floral mural, which I also designed. I pulled those colors straight out of the floral mural.