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Emily A. Clark

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Our Powder Room Makeover: From Damask to Dark

August 28, 2013

Sure, our powder room makeover officially started in January, and I’m just now sharing it with you in August.  But, even if it did take me most of the year to conquer this small space, I’m proud of my efforts.  It was my first time stripping wallpaper (more on that in another post), and I’m happy to say that I did it all by my sweaty self.

 

First, a quick look back at what the bathroom looked like when I started:

 

wallpapered powder room before

  

 

And, a “short” seven months later. . .

 

Dark gray powder room

 

 

I had my heart set on a dark and moody powder room and went with one of my favorites—Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams.  (This is the same color I’ve used in smaller doses throughout our house.)  I kept all of the brass fixtures, and have actually grown to like them with the dark color.

 

charcoal powder room

 

 

powder room art

 

I wanted to keep the artwork a little quirky.  (The powder room seems like the appropriate place.)  I thought these prints of vintage circus posters fit our family well. . .

 

gray bathroom

 

 

vintage artwork in powder room

 

 

I was able to do this makeover without many big purchases.  I already had the mirror and the end table, but we did buy new lighting, and I found the rug on Ebay.  I either had the smaller accessories or found them at yard sales.

 

powder room lighting

(I tried my best to get a good picture of the light fixture, with not much luck.  You can see a better product shot of the light we ordered here.)

 

 

decorating the powder room

 

 

And, in case you’re wondering about anything. . .

wall color: Urbane Bronze (Sherwin Williams)

mirror:  flea market find

side table: HomeGoods

rug: Ebay

lighting: Wayfair (Savoy House sconce)

abstract art: Hillary Butler Fine Art

“7” sign & circus art: thrift stores

white frames: IKEA, Pottery Barn Outlet

wicker lantern (aka “TP holder”): Target

 

 

You can see the other bathroom we finished this year here. I’m on a roll. . .

 

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Filed Under: bathroom, our home

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mwimp says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I luv it!! its so dramatic, and I think that mirror just completely sets off the brass fixtures!

    Reply
  2. BaileyWife says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:31 am

    GENIOUS toilet paper holder…and I too love a moody bathroom, that’s what I called our bathroom ‘re-do that we did last winter! ~Kim

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:46 am

    It look just amazing Emily. What a wonderful job you did!

    Reply
  4. Vel Criste says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Wow! What a change!!! Love all your choices in the space dear especially the lighting! I think it’s Powder room month, since I also just finished mine…http://buhayatbahay.blogspot.com/2013/08/powder-room-update.html, check it out when you have the time! :-)

    Reply
  5. Cathy Wall says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Love how the simple changes you made to this powder room give it such a sophisticated look! Oh the power of paint and a few well chosen accessories….

    Reply
  6. [email protected] says

    August 28, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Love it! Classy, stylish, and fun :) xo Kristin

    Reply
  7. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    August 28, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    oh YES! i wish i could type the biggest puffy heart ever!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:48 pm

      Thanks. I like your enthusiasm :)

      Reply
  8. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    August 28, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    oh YES! i wish i could type the biggest puffy heart ever!

    Reply
  9. Ashley @ The Houston House says

    August 28, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    Cute as a button. I painted our home office in a dark chocolate and have never regretted it!

    Reply
  10. KristiMcMurry says

    August 28, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Very nice! I love that mirror there, and the circus prints look great. Our little powder room has been on my list for years…maybe someday :) I will definitely have to replace the big clunky vanity with a cute and simple sink like yours!

    Reply
  11. Katie Neer says

    August 28, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    Emily, I love it! I’ve been considering that same paint color for our master bedroom and this only further confirms that decision!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:48 pm

      Would love to see if you end up using it in your bedroom!

      Reply
  12. Carmel - Our Fifth House says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    I really love the color you chose for the walls! You always do such an awesome job with accessories and art – love every detail!

    Reply
  13. Linda {Calling it Home} says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    Love it! I think dark colors look really beautiful in a powder room.

    Reply
  14. theanatomyofdesign.com says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    gorgeous! I love the brass against the dark color. lovely. And, I love that you put plants in the bathroom…such a cheery way to brighten up the dark space.

    Reply
  15. Caren says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    Emily- are you doing something different with the way you post your pictures? Not able to see them in Firefox or IE! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:54 pm

      I’ve started storing some on Flickr but that shouldn’t matter with your web browser… I just looked at my blog on IE and could see everything (although I usually use Chrome).

      Anybody else having problems??

      Reply
  16. Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    This is so rich and classy, but fun and carefree at the same time! It’s gorgeous yet totally livable! I love it and the fact that it has taken a bit to finally finish makes me feel better about coming up on the year mark of our sllllooooow bedroom makeover. ;)

    Reply
  17. Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    This is so rich and classy, but fun and carefree at the same time! It’s gorgeous yet totally livable! I love it and the fact that it has taken a bit to finally finish makes me feel better about coming up on the year mark of our sllllooooow bedroom makeover. ;)

    Reply
  18. Lisa Kilgariff-Slusher says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    I love the mirror and that cute little table! It never would have occurred to me to put a table in such a small bathroom but the extra little bit of storage/decoration is awesome!

    Reply
  19. Laurie from Laurie Jones Home says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    We must be on the same wavelength I posted my small guest bathroom today too! I found it was super hard taking photos of the small space that had no natural light! I love the color you chose for the bathroom and that mirror is to die for!!

    Reply
  20. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    Beautiful, Emily! I love that even though it’s dark it doesn’t feel like a cave. Adding the little table was such a smart idea!

    Reply
  21. Simply LKJ says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    Love it Emily!! And, you have styled it beautifully.

    Reply
  22. pam {simple details} says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    Love that it’s clean and uncluttered, yet filled with something interesting everywhere you look! Huge fan of the oversized white mats, too!

    Reply
  23. René says

    August 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    I love everything about this room Emily!

    Reply
  24. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    August 28, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    Love the chocolate, so pretty. Fabulous mirror too. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  25. Kim @ Plumberry Pie says

    August 28, 2013 at 2:24 pm

    LOVE.it!! every detail is fabulous!

    Reply
  26. LindaSonia says

    August 28, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Pretty re-do – is there some significance to the #7 piece on the wall???

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:42 pm

      The number in our family :)

      Reply
  27. Erin and Laura House Envy says

    August 28, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    I love this re-do! I have an old Restoration Hardware damask wallpaper in my powder room and you’ve inspired me to start over!

    Reply
  28. Leanne says

    August 28, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    It looks awesome! I am really digging the dark walls!

    Reply
  29. Jennifer BNHblog says

    August 28, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    The room looks great! I’ve been waiting for this reveal once you mentioned you were going dark and moody. And what an innovative way to store TP! Thanks for inspiration, Emily!

    Reply
  30. Julie says

    August 28, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Might I suggest that you replace the switch plate with one which can be painted? Sometimes they are hard to find and you might have to order online, but that double plate would go away if it was painted to match the wonderful wall color. I googled “paintable light switch plates” and found several options. I don’t see decorators focus on these much, but I have replaced all my plates in the last few homes with paintable plates.

    Reply
  31. [email protected] Nest says

    August 28, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    I remember when you shared pics of you stripping that paper…ugh! Your efforts definitely paid off…the space looks awesome. Love the way you decorate with meaningful items…like the circus art and 7 sign. What if you had triplets…you would have had to find an 8!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:42 pm

      I like that you caught that :) The back of that sign actually has an 8 on it, but I am 100% positive we won’t be needing it…

      Reply
  32. Karen Albert says

    August 28, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    Gorgeous Emily! I love it when powder rooms are like little jewel boxes!
    The mirror is one I have looked for forever, love it all!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Feature:”Love Where You Live”

    Reply
  33. Wilkinson says

    August 28, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    Love what you’ve done! The paint color is great.

    Reply
  34. Mallory | Confetti and Stripes says

    August 28, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    So pretty! I am a sucker for dark walls!

    Reply
  35. momma-lana says

    August 28, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    Looks great! Brass is coming back. Better Homes and Gardens has quite a bit of it in the current style issue.

    Reply
  36. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    August 28, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    Oh it’s GRAND….I LOVE IT…
    THAT COLOR IS SO SO SO AMAZING!

    Reply
  37. Abby M. Interiors says

    August 28, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    This looks absolutely gorgeous. The mirror is my favorite, and the side table really makes a fantastic style statement. BRAVO! xo

    Reply
  38. J Horton says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    Looks so good! And I have a question….. which is random… but what did you do with the old mirror… I kinda love it…. (runs away in shame)

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:41 pm

      Funny you should ask. I liked it, too, and wrote a post about its demise here:

      http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-mirror-that-wasnt-meant-to-be.html

      (I know I still owe you an email, btw!)

      Reply
    • J Horton says

      August 28, 2013 at 8:05 pm

      oh yes… I remember now! ( no worries, your busy!)

      Reply
  39. wendyd1969 says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    Love the color, great choice. I must admit, that i am not a fan of brass fixtures, but after looking at your pictures i must say that like you they have grown on me. Love the mirror!!!

    Reply
  40. JourneyChic says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    I’m definitely a fan of dark colors in tiny powder rooms! We have a dark blue in ours (Van Deusen Blue by BM) and I love it. The circus prints over the toilet are great and it was very smart to put them in frames with such large white mats – it really helps to keep the room from being too dark.

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 28, 2013 at 7:40 pm

      That’s a great blue.

      Reply
  41. auntp says

    August 28, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    I absolutely love this bathroom redo! I am quite a bit older than you:), and boy am I ever glad I never got rid of my brass lamps and decorations!

    Reply
  42. Diane Haynie says

    August 28, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    Love that color…so sophisticated, and Ialso love the way it looks with the brass fixtures. I might suggest that you find a paintable light switch so it disappears or do something fun like “frame” the white one so it matches the shape of your artwork. And I feel your pain about stripping wallpaper!

    Reply
  43. Revi says

    August 28, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    LOVE this powder room! Quirky art just makes it.
    -Revi

    Reply
  44. Chaney @ May Richer Fuller Be says

    August 28, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    Looks amazing, Emily! The dark paint is FAB. Who cares if it took a long time – it was worth the wait!! :)

    Reply
  45. Mrs. DeVore says

    August 28, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    It looks beautiful! I love the drama that the dark color adds and that you put that little end table in there. I would have never thought of that!

    Reply
  46. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    August 28, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    It looks so fabulous Emily!!! I really like the gold with the dark grey. But wait – where are your cute striped shoes? They didn’t make it into the final photos!

    Reply
  47. [email protected] says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:02 pm

    You are making me miss my dark bathroom!! There is just something about a dark small space. Great job!

    Reply
  48. Kathy Baugher says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    I love the dark paint, brass fixtures, light, and the wire lantern for a TP holder. Awesome!!

    Reply
  49. marshallhousematters.com says

    August 29, 2013 at 12:28 am

    What a great transformation! I love the rich dark color and the brass fixtures. You have excellent style :)

    Reply
  50. Griffin MC says

    August 29, 2013 at 12:50 am

    Lovely updates! I love the use of furniture, with the side table in the bathroom, and quirky art is a must-have in any bathroom! (:

    Reply
  51. Julia Konya says

    August 29, 2013 at 1:12 am

    Looks amazing! Love that bamboo mirror.

    Reply
  52. Chris says

    August 29, 2013 at 1:53 am

    Oh, Emily, I love it! I’ve always wanted to paint our half bath dark, and this certainly helps confirm my suspicions. It’s GORG!! Good job, girl!

    Reply
  53. Chelsea says

    August 29, 2013 at 3:05 am

    Hey, I have that little white HG table too:) Love it! It looks great Emily!!

    Reply
  54. Tammy Snider says

    August 29, 2013 at 3:18 am

    Your bathroom looks great! I love the pictures over the toilet!
    Good job.

    Tammy @ thecoloreddoor.blogspot.com

    Reply
  55. Kayla Dixon says

    August 29, 2013 at 6:15 am

    It looks lovely Emily! That bamboo mirror and light fixture are my favorite parts! I secretly want them now!!!

    Blessings,
    Kayla
    K.R Dixon Designs
    http://adelightfulplacetodwell.com

    Reply
  56. domesticcharm.com says

    August 29, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    Urbane Bronze is one of my favorites! I used it on the back of my bookcases in my keeping room!

    Reply
  57. Elisa @ What the Vita says

    August 29, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    I love a good dark bathroom, yours looks very pretty and I like how you kept the brass fixutres – they look meant to be. And I have the same bathroom lights for our master bathroom!! http://whatthevita.com/?p=4480

    Reply
  58. carmela_n says

    August 29, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    I love your powder room, Emily! I might copy it one of these days ;) I’ve become a fan when I stumbled upon your blog on your bookcase/home office while I was searching on ideas for mine.

    Reply
  59. Kris @ Driven by Décor says

    August 30, 2013 at 2:53 am

    Such an amazing transformation. I have to agree – the change in wall color today makes the brass work. I need to try that Urbane Bronze somewhere – I love every room that I see with it.

    Reply
  60. [email protected] says

    August 30, 2013 at 3:58 am

    I didn’t see that the lantern had “TP” until you mentioned it. What a great idea! I love the dark, moody color.

    I think having little ones at home, 7 months equals 7 days. So you finished that project in a week on regular time (heehee)!

    Reply
  61. Gwen, The Makerista says

    August 31, 2013 at 5:02 am

    Looks great! I don’t think I would have thought about putting a side table there…it looks amazing! Pretty appropriate that it took you “7” months. :)

    Reply
  62. Caroline Nolazco says

    September 1, 2013 at 2:25 am

    Love that mirror and how bold you went with the wall color!

    Reply
  63. Abby Lawson says

    September 1, 2013 at 7:34 pm

    It looks great, Emily! I’ve always avoided really dark colors in a small space because I thought it would feel too much like a cave, but I LOVE it in your small bathroom! Pinned! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!

    ~Abby =)

    Reply
  64. DanainDFW says

    September 2, 2013 at 1:28 pm

    I can’t wait to hear your tips for wallpaper removal. We close next week on a new-old house and have a couple rooms of wallpaper to remove. I’ve never done that before so need all the help I can get.

    The powder room looks great!

    Reply
  65. SHERRY HART says

    September 3, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    Well that little room came together in a great way…love the dark walls and those circus prints are fabulous:)

    Reply
  66. Camille says

    September 6, 2013 at 1:00 am

    I think you couldn’t have picked a better color for the powder room! And I absolutely love how the white matted and stacked prints look above the the toilet. With the white table and the bit of greenery, it’s just perfect. Hooray for a finished powder room. (Actually hooray for any powder room. They don’t exist in the 2/1, 3/1 houses in the Bay Area!)

    Reply
  67. carmela_n says

    September 13, 2013 at 1:44 am

    What kind of finish did you choose for the Urban Bronze: matte, glossy?

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 13, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      Good question! It was a satin finish.

      Reply

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