We’ve put the final touches on the design for our Red House half bath, and we’ve been bursting to share it with you! Let’s dive in.
Structured Nostalgia + a Touch of Quirk
The tiny half bath in the Red House started life as an awkward dog leg in the primary bathroom, and its’ finally ready for a full glow-up! The beauty of a tiny space like this is that it doesn’t take much (time, money or material) to get it completed. We’ve been working behind the scenes to source a toilet, design a custom vanity and select some incredible wallpaper and it’s all finally coming together! Since this space clocks in at only 3′ x 5′ and will be largely exclusive to the primary bedroom, we wanted to have some fun with the design and fully embrace the quirk!
Personally, it took me a minute to come around to the bold stripe of the Chromatic Stripe wallpaper from Farrow & Ball. I think I was slightly confused by the scale of the stripes and thought it might be too busy, but once I saw the pattern repeat on a larger scale, I was 100% sold. The cool thing about Farrow & Ball wallpaper is that every single roll is handcrafted in the UK using traditional techniques and bespoke equipment. Because of this, each roll differs slightly from the next and is completely unique! This paper is certainly the most eye-catching portion of the design and we’re confident that the bold treatment will translate well here!
The Half Bath Design Plan
Since this room is so tiny, we were also very intentional in every selection we made. We landed on the Kohler San Souci toilet in biscuit for its clean lines and low profile, but the idea of spending almost $1,000 on a toilet was not exactly appealing. I got to work scouring Facebook Marketplace and found the exact model in the correct color brand new in the box 30 minutes from home for $300! I rushed out the next morning to pick it up (and confirmed that it was, in fact, unused) and saved us nearly $700 off of the cost of our build out. If nothing else, take this as a friendly reminder that no matter what you’re shopping for, there’s a good chance you can find it ‘open box’ or second hand with a little patience. If saving tons of money on every purchase is your thing, by the way, check out some of our other tips here!
All that to say, our cabinet order is in the works, wallpaper is in-hand and should be installed shortly, our countertop remnant is on hold and we’re finalizing faucet and lighting details as we speak. While there may be a tiny swap or two, we’re confident that this is almost exactly how the space will turn out. Follow along, won’t you?
1. floor tile | 2. milano quartzite | 3. crawford flush mount | 4. chromatic stripe wallpaper | 5. waffle weave towels | 6. donnelly sconce | 7. arch mirror | 8. lacquered frame + art | 9. custom vanity | 10. toilet + handle | 11. wood hook | 12. faucet | 13. baskets | 14. undermount sink
Craving wallpaper inspo? See also: Tree House Loft wallpaper roundup, wallpapering tips + tricks, our Chicago laundry room, and the Kalvakota’s first floor.
Love the wallpaper!! All the pieces work so well together and what a lucky find on the toilet!
Beautiful! How will you hang the stripes, vertically or horizontally? And how did you decide which?
They run vertically!
Love your choices. I have been reading your blog for years! I was just curious how you guys go about making your choices for the interior design finishes, appliances, etc. without going “beyond” the comps of neighboring properties; yet at the same time choosing those things that will be appealing to Airb&b renters, or is this a concern? Thanks so much.
Hi Bette! Honestly, we create a design that we love and execute it as well as possible. We do think about it in the mind of an Airbnb renter in that sense that we’re pushing towards more risk-taking, in order to create a unique home that stands out above the rest! But more than anything, we choose what we love and like to have fun with it.
I’ve loved that wallpaper for so long and am so glad to see it being used!