Our modern cottage powder room makeover transformed an outdated, mirror-covered space into a cozy, jewel-box experience that is warm and welcoming.
I had the privilege of working with DXV, a luxury kitchen and bath design company, for our modern cottage powder room makeover, but the design and opinions are my own.
Table of Contents
Before
When DXV approached me about working together, I knew exactly where I could use their beautiful fixtures…our outdated powder room. I’ve had this design in my head since I first saw the listing photos; before we even moved in! I thought it would be one of the first projects we tackled. Instead, three years after moving in, it was the only space completely untouched and in it’s original condition. We never even painted in here.
This was the listing photo…
After
And here’s how it looks today…
Can you believe it’s even the same space? I knew this before and after would be dramatic, but even I was amazed at this transformation. Let’s talk about what it took to make over this tiny powder room.
Paint Color
When we moved into our forever California home, I knew someday this powder room would have a floating, wall-to-wall countertop with sconces flanking an antique mirror. It’s what I’ve envisioned from day one. I think it was meant to have this layout instead of the angled one it had before. The space feels at ease now.
I’ve also known for quite some time that this space needed to go dark. I love the idea of being enveloped in rich color, and since I’ve been itching to use Farrow and Ball’s Brinjal, the paint color was an easy decision. It feels English and preppy and inspiring. I couldn’t love it more.
Plumbing Fixtures
The next decision I needed to make was which fixtures to incorporate into the modern cottage makeover design. I wanted a modern take on classic style to balance all of the vintage and antique pieces in the space. So, I chose from DXV’s Classic Movement. Everything is timeless but reimagined in the most beautiful way. When I saw the wall-mounted Oak Hill faucet in satin brass, I knew it was the one. It truly is a work of art, and it perfectly compliments the Pop Grande Rectangle Under Counter sink I chose.
After selecting the faucet and sink, I spotted the Oak Hill toilet and couldn’t believe how excited I was over it! It was the gold knob flusher on top of the oval-shaped lid that did it for me. I’ve never seen such a special toilet, so I knew it was the right choice for our powder room.
Once it was installed, I used Rub’n’Buff to make the water line and angle stop look like brass for a cohesive look.
The final item I chose from DXV was the decorative P-trap in satin brass. I knew a bit of it would be showing underneath the floating marble countertop, so it had to be pretty. We set it at an angle because of how our plumbing had to come out of the wall, and I love that you can really see the pop of brass in such a dark area of the bathroom.
Design Details
I could not love our modern cottage makeover any more! All the elements in this space play so well together. From the antique mirror I found over a year ago and held onto for just the right space to the vintage French sconces I found on Etsy and made little pleated shades for. And of course, the vintage brass horse head towel ring that I fell in love with. Everything is so special and harmonious.
Marble Vanity
Let’s talk about the floating marble vanity that I custom designed. It turned out even better than I had imagined.
The fabricator I worked with was incredible…a true craftsman and artist. I drew up and cut out a template for the side splash, and he made it come to life out of the marble slab I selected.
This was the template I created…
Vanity Dimensions
- 66″ long
- 22″ deep
- 11″ backsplash
- 9″ apron
Flooring
The penny tile I installed adds the perfect amount of warmth and texture to our modern cottage makeover. I wanted something with depth and interest that wouldn’t break the bank or be difficult to maintain. This tile has more variation than standard penny tile, but was a fraction of the cost of marble. I love how it turned out!
It’s interesting what my camera did when I photographed them though. They look warped and bumpy, even though they are completely flat in real life.
Final Look
Here’s one more look at our powder room before…
And after…
I think one of my favorite changes is that you can’t see everything and everyone reflected in the giant mirrors. It’s so nice and cozy and visually uncluttered now.
When our modern cottage powder room makeover was completed, it took a minute to adjust to how smaller and darker it initially felt. But that’s only because we were so used to the original mirrored walls and runway lighting that made it feel bigger and brighter in there before. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love though, and now we can’t imagine it any other way. Plus, I keep the sconces on at all times, so the soft lighting is quite cozy.
Sources
I bet you’re ready for some sources, so here they are:
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We couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome of our Modern Cottage Makeover! A big thanks goes to DXV for providing the incredible fixtures, or should I say “works of art” that elevated this makeover and added a touch of luxury to our humble home.
So, what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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This is so gorgeous! How is your vanity supported? Curious how you got this look and how to do it without visible supports.
thank you!
Hi there, and thank you for stopping by the blog. We built a frame underneath that would support it, and there is also a big flat piece of plywood attached to the front of the frame that we were able to glue the marble apron on to. I hope that’s helpful!
Hello, amazing transformation!!! Every detail is absolutely gorgeous. Wondering if you could share a general cost number for the marble+fabrication (basically cost of countertop). Dreaming here and a general number would help know how much we’d need to allocate. Thank you so much!
Jes
Hi there, and thank you! I bought a clearance honed marble slab for $500 (unbelievable I know) and the fabrication was $900 (so expensive for custom side splashes). so, all in all, it was $1,400, but if you don’t do a custom side splash, it could be a lot less I think.
This powder room is lovely, and so inspiring! Can you tell me, is the ceiling painted the same color as the walls? thanks!
Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog. Yes, the ceiling is painted the same color as the walls.
Hello, do you service Temecula. I made a couple mistakes and am just realizing I am in way over my head. Is this something you help with.
Hi Monica, yes I do. I live here actually! I’ve emailed you a couple of times so when you’re ready, feel free to respond.
So beautiful! Where is the rug from?
It was a vintage find off of Etsy!
What kind of marble did you use for the countertop? It’s beautiful. I was planning to go with a countertop in that same style in our master bath but my general contractor and plumber recommended not doing the waterfall edge on the front of the counter. They said water will end up on the floor (?). Our counter will be seven feet wide too, which may be another reason. Did anyone act like that edge would be problematic? I’m also not finding a lot of options for 2cm/ 3/4 inch thick stone.
Hi there. I’m so sorry for my delayed response. Don’t listen to them! There is no water on our floor and that never even entered my mind or the mind of any of the trades I hired to fabricate and install our counter. And no, the edge is not problematic and nobody ever said anything about that being a possibility. These counters are everywhere and hold up very well, so I say go for it! Contractors will try to talk you out of things to cut down on work…don’t listen! It’s your home and you need to be happy. Also, I can’t remember the name of the marble I used! I want to say it was Calacatta Gold but it had VERY soft and warm veining.
Hi! This is sooo incredible. May I ask where the vase you have on the countertop is from? Thank you!
Hi there and thank you so much! I bought it at a local antique store. I don’t think it’s super old but not brand new either…has no markings for identifying brand or age. I love it so much!
So beautiful! I have to ask though, where did you find that cute basket (trash can?)?
Hi there, I found it at an antique store and I use it to store extra toilet paper!
Amazing job! It is so cozy, warm, and inviting! That toilet with the brass flusher is so special. You created a special treat for anyone that gets to use the restroom.
Thank you so much Nikki! It really is a treat to use this powder room and I had so much fun creating it!
What a beautiful reveal! I love that you turned the powder room into an experience. It is so charming. And I highly recommend the DVX Spalet if you ever remodel your primary bathroom, that is a whole other experience, haha.
Ooh! I’m going to have to check that out. Primary bath is on the short list of our needed renovations for sure!