I can’t believe it’s been a year since we closed escrow on our cute little cottage in the forest and we’re finally getting some down time to be able to start the renovations. Our plan was always to live with her for a bit so we could figure out what we wanted to do, but that process got prolonged when life threw a few curveballs at us with work and family. But now, we’re ready to get things going!

Brian and I decided to start with the downstairs since the two bedrooms and bathroom that make up this level have already been somewhat updated in comparison to the upstairs. Redoing these spaces first would also be more cost effective and quicker to implement while also offering a completed refuge when we finally get to demo the upstairs.

In looking at the three areas to choose from to renovate, the bathroom needs the least amount of work and decor so we’re starting there. To minimize cost, we are electing to keep the existing tile shower, flooring, and layout even though I would love to be able to completely start over to really be able to utilize the space properly. (Maybe we’ll tackle that in the future.)

Inspiration

I want the space to feel elevated and timeless while also not seeming out of place in a 1930s cottage. When I saw this bathroom designed by Jean Stoffer above on the left, I knew I had found the perfect inspo. That wallpaper was so striking and so moody and it felt like it had just the right balance of pattern and foliage without feeling too “grandma”.

Challenges

The bathroom poses a few challenges that we have to solve creatively, functionally, and aesthetically. First, there’s not a lot of storage or counter space. Second, the toilet is farther from the wall than it should be which in turn makes the vanity next to it very small which then drastically limits our options to find something that looks even remotely attractive (I seriously think I went through 400+ vanity and sink options). And then lastly, there’s the wood door that’s absurdly close to the shower which leads to the water heater.

The Plan

My plan is to make the space feel intentional by adding vertical shiplap along the walls about two-thirds of the way up in a beautiful, dark green that has gray and blue undertones to add some moody drama. Then wallpaper will go above to add a bit of whimsy with a subtle nod to the outdoors. I searched and searched for an affordable pattern I loved as much as the Jean Stoffer one, but I couldn’t get the “Florencecourt” foliage out of my head so I took the leap, splurged a little, and bought the same wallpaper featured in the inspiration photo.

We’ll also be swapping out the builder grade vanity for something a little more refined. Since we’re confined to only 24 inches, finding a vanity that was cute and functional was a conundrum, but I think the one we landed on will work well. It’s a shade of dark green that should complement both the shiplap and wallpaper and it comes with a faux marble countertop that will tie into the white shower tile.

As for the weird wood door, we’ll move the access to the water heater to be in the adjacent bedroom’s closet which will then free up this space for some much needed storage. It will function as a built-in linen cabinet to house towels, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. I’m still debating on whether to leave it as open shelving, add glass doors, or maybe some see-through metal detail to partially conceal the contents. Stay tuned for which option we land on.

I’ve also sourced gold accents for the hardware like towel hooks, toilet paper holder, and mirror to complete the look. Then I’ll layer in the final details like floating shelves above the toilet for more counter space, a bath mat, artwork, matching toiletry bottles, and a stool for the shower.

What’s your favorite part of the design? Do our plans for this makeover feel right?