Blank Canvas to Collected: Our Powder Bath Transformation
Hello and welcome to Collected West!
At Collected West, our philosophy is all about building a home that feels authentic and tells your story, rather than simply following trends or buying everything new. We believe a truly beautiful space comes from a thoughtful accumulation of pieces that resonate with you. Today, I'm excited to show you one of the first transformations in our own home that perfectly embodies this approach.
We're starting with our powder bath. Before diving into the "after," let's set the scene with how it looked when we first moved in:
The "Before": A Clean, Neutral Slate
When we first moved into our home, this powder bath was perfectly functional, clean, and exactly what you’d expect from a newly built space. It was a bright, airy, and ultimately very neutral box. It certainly didn't have any personality.
This is a common scenario in many homes, isn't it? Functional, yet impersonal, spaces. The exciting part is figuring out how to infuse them with character without needing to tear everything down or embark on a major renovation.
The Vision: Unexpected Personality
My goal for this small room was to make it an impactful space – a surprising pop of personality within the house. I wanted it to feel collected, a bit moody, and definitely not what you'd expect from its "before" state. The beauty of a small space like a powder bath is that it allows for bolder design choices. It's an opportunity to play with patterns or deeper colors you might not commit to in a larger room.
The Transformation: Layers of Collected Charm
And here it is! This transformation showcases the power of a few key elements. We didn't change the layout, the vanity, or any of the fixtures. The updates here are almost entirely cosmetic and decor-driven, aligning perfectly with our "Art of the Mix" philosophy.
The Power of Pattern: The biggest game-changer in this room is undoubtedly the wallpaper. I opted for a rich, dark floral pattern – the Scalamandre Linnea Wallpaper in Midnight Blue It immediately wraps the room in warmth and texture, turning those plain, boring walls into a statement. Using a bold wallpaper in a small space like this is a fantastic way to create a memorable moment. It feels incredibly luxurious and intentional.
Art with a Story: Instead of a typical bathroom print, I chose a piece of art that truly speaks to me. This oil painting of a building by artist Catherine Allen out of Midland, TX (where I lived briefly as a child) is a bit unexpected for a powder room, but that's precisely what I love about it. It adds a touch of sophistication and pulls you into the space. Mixing in unexpected art in everyday spaces is a cornerstone of a collected home.
The Details That Define: To finish the look, I added a small, patterned rug with a definite Southwestern feel on the floor – it brings in some color and softness, and provides interesting contrast to the floral wallpaper. Even the small wooden step stool I found at the thrift store became a charming, functional piece for my 3 year old.
This powder bath is now a perfect example of how much impact you can have in a small footprint. It's a little world all its own, full of character and a testament to trusting your gut when it comes to design choices.
Embrace Your Own "Blank Canvas"
This powder bath transformation is the first in a series where we'll explore different rooms in our home. My hope is that seeing this transformation inspires you to look at those "blank canvas" spaces in your own home – whether it's a powder room, an entryway, or even just a quiet corner – and realize the incredible potential they hold for a Collected West feeling.
