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Interior designer Andrea Johnson shows how bold wallpaper and decorative accessories can make any powder room pop
A clean and simple aesthetic paired with a fun and quirky motif makes for a powder room that pops
The tie that binds interior designer Andrea Johnson’s cheery home together is the lighthearted use of mixed patterns and pops of colour set against a whitewashed backdrop. But in the powder room, gloriously gutsy wallpaper takes centre stage.
“I’m a huge advocate of wallpaper in general, but in a powder room, go for it,” says Johnson. “Maybe you’re not as brave to try it in other areas of the house but you can go crazy in this little jewel room.”
Choosing wallpaper can be overwhelming, even for an expert, so Johnson suggests narrowing it down to a rough idea of what you want – colour, pattern, style – and then following your instincts. After all, a powder room is a small space that can take the punch.
As for Johnson’s wallpaper choice she says, “I loved the funky motif of the birdcages and birds; it had a youthful feel, and the gold, silver and pale blue really worked for me.” Those same silver finishes and hits of blue are part of the elegant theme throughout the rest of the main floor of Johnson’s fresh and bright South Surrey home. “It’s one of those things,” she says. “When I see something I love, it’s my gut instinct to go for it.”
The clean esthetic of the Carrara marble tiles is also in keeping with the whitewashed living room and adjacent kitchen, and, says Johnson, “I chose marble in the powder room for easy cleanup.” The white stone adds elegance to the room, and is at home in both modern and traditional spaces.
In addition to the bright floors, Johnson used a few more tricks to make the room feel larger, like choosing a smaller toilet and vanity, and using a larger mirror. “I wanted a huge mirror so the reflection would make the room look a little larger.”
Another smart tip: the lighting in a powder room can be softer and less revealing than in the main bathrooms, which are used for applying makeup and styling hair.
Using sconces or pendants on either side of the mirror versus an overhead light reduces harsh shadows and provides a warmer light. “It makes everybody look prettier,” says Johnson, “and your guests appreciate that when they’re in your bathroom freshening up.”
Even small items, like a beautiful waste paper basket are a must, says Johnson, like hers with its silver finish that adds to the reflected light and keeps in line with the rest of the silver touches throughout her home. “My powder room is teeny tiny but I wanted to add just a few things to make it look pretty.”
As well as tying in the blues and silvers, Johnson stumbled upon a vanity that came with the same durable, quartz counter as in her kitchen. “The kitchen was done before the powder room, so I was looking for a vanity that would complement the kitchen. I liked the fact that they were the same.”
One of Johnson’s favourite ways to freshen up a powder room: “Fresh flowers! It’s amazing what fresh flowers do to a room.”
Originally published in BC Home magazine. For updates, subscribe to the free Home e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the bi-monthly magazine.
