We’ve been thinking about remodeling our powder bath for years, going back and forth on design ideas. We finally settled on a plan and it’s finally done—yaaayyyy! It’s a huge transformation and we couldn’t be happier.

Where we started

Very small space, taupe walls, a pedestal sink too narrow to really put anything on top of, weird angles and low light. Our goals for the project included:

• Bigger, more modern sink with room to add a hand soap
• Updated faucet
• Updated toilet—modern, full-skirted and eco friendly
• Work with the low light—moody feel
• Figure out how to deal with the odd angles in the ceiling

The plan

Going with shiplap 3/4 of the way up the wall avoided dealing with the weird angles. Plus, since we were going with a moody blue/green/gray paint color (BM Kitty Gray) on the bottom, keeping the top part of the bathroom white (BM Chantilly Lace) allowed some light to still filter through the space.

Vanity

I searched for a vanity sink for months and was surprised at how expensive everything was.  I fell in love with the Signature Hardware Mason Console Sink, which was less than $1,000. I thought the unlacquered brass version of it would look beautiful against the dark paint… and it so does! I also love that we can hang a hand towel on the frame, which avoids us having to install a shelf that feels disruptive to the flow of the space. Adding the Turkish hand towels (from Amazon) was a budge-friendly, texture-adding win. And speaking of texture, this indigo woven rug added nice contrast and worked perfectly for this high-traffic area.

Once we settled on the unlacquered brass console sink, I quickly decided on this gorgeous faucet with metal cross handles. Above the sink I wanted a different finish, however. I like the idea of mixing metals so it all doesn’t look too matchy matchy, so this black round mirror from Target worked great (and it was only $80!).

Toilet

I spent weeks researching toilets—crazy I know—but I didn’t know what was really out there. The toilet we had was old, it was coming off the floor, and I was pretty sure it wasn’t eco friendly at all.

Here are the things I was mulling over:

• Figure out if one-piece or two-piece toilet was best
• Must be tall enough for my 6’1″ teenager
• Modern look
• Eco friendly

Luckily, I worked with Reliant Plumbing here in the Austin area, who helped guide me along the way. Check out their super helpful shopping guide to toilets here, and more on what to consider with a new toilet install + toilet maintenance tips.

First, we had to decide between a one-piece or two-piece toilet. I did some research, and here is what I learned.

One-piece toilet:

• Sleeker, more modern design
• Easier to clean
• Less likely to break or leak
• More likely to sit at higher/comfort-seat height
• Heavier than two-piece
• Tends to be a bit more expensive

Two-piece toilet:

• Less expensive than one-piece
• More varied style options
• Harder to clean—bacteria can get in more easily between the pieces
• Can be more likely to break and leak

After considering the pros and cons of each, we decided to look for a toilet that was a full-skirted one-piece, comfort height with eco-friendly/water-saving features.

Thankfully, through my partnership with Reliant, I was able to work with Facets of Austin, who helped me source the Acquia IV Toilet by Toto. This is a modern, full-skirted one-piece with an elongated, comfort-height commode.  It has a dual flush operation to conserve water, a high-efficiency 1.28 gpf flush system, a ceramic glaze that prevents mold & debris from sticking, quiet flush, and soft-close seat. It’s a beauty and it looks amazing!

I even spray painted the chrome-push button to a polished brass finish to mass the fixtures!

I’m so thankful to Reliant Plumbing — far and away, they were the best plumbing company we’ve ever worked with. They were helpful, here on time, and executed the work to perfection. The gentleman who helped us let us know the COVID-19 precautions he was taking before he arrived, which was so appreciated. In addition, they gave me a special code to share with you guys, for your plumbing needs.

Mention code VILMA2020 to get 15% off any plumbing services with Reliant.

You can reach out to them at 512-222-6029 or visit reliant www.reliantplumbing.com.

Final touches

• Woven rug and waste basket for texture and functionality
• Brass toilet paper holder
• Small glass vase for florals
• Beautiful soap dispenser
• Turkish hand towels
• Warm & moody art to add perfect contrast

Sadly, our art piece from McGee & Co is running late, so we weren’t able to photograph and share just yet, but hopefully it will arrive in the next few weeks. I think it will really pull the whole space together.