Turning a bedroom closet into a small powder room.
I shared the new closet reveal last week and today it’s time to share our brand new small powder room. I’m also sharing a video of the new powder room so make sure you check it out at the end of the post.
Let’s take a quick look at where we started.
This is the closet that’s in our guest bedroom, which is not original to the house.
We’ve talked about adding a powder room to our cottage since we moved in and this closet seemed like a good spot.
It’s actually our largest closet and is right next to the only bathroom, the perfect spot to tie in the plumbing.
It took a while for us to plan everything but once we felt comfortable with our plans, we quickly got to work framing it out and wiring it. Check out the whole process of starting the powder room and building the DIY vanity.
We added DIY shiplap to the walls and built a custom vanity. Most of the surfaces in this space were painted in my fave paint, Benjamin Moore White Dove, Advance, Satin, including the DIY shiplap, ceiling and barn door. Best. paint. ever!
Once the shiplap was up and painted, we had to build the vanity in place. Uneven floors, plus a tight space, meant we had to do it this way.
After the new powder room vanity was complete (and our new Moen faucet was installed), our work came to a standstill.
We needed to replace our 80 year old plumbing so that we could hook up the new toilet. We’d never tackled a project like that before so it took some time and a bit of research.
Once we tackled the plumbing though, we picked out a toilet and continued with the build. Picking the toilet for the new powder room was a job in itself. It had to be a certain size so it would fit in the space, and actually allow you to sit on it without smacking your head on the vanity.
Woohoo!
I never thought I’d be so excited to see a toilet.
There isn’t a whole lot of space but it’s just enough….just.
Our daughter came for a visit in December and used this space. She gave it 2 thumb’s up and said she had more than enough room. She still had to use our main bath to take a shower but that was it.
It feels like a real luxury having this extra space, even though it’s tiny.
I’m really loving our brand new space but can we talk about our new powder room door? I’ve been waiting 3 years to use this beautiful door. I’m so glad that I was able to use it here.
I found this door on it’s way to the curb when the hubs and I were taking a walk in our Illinois neighborhood. To say I was excited is an understatement, I may have even squealed. After making sure that it was actually going out to the trash (it was), I ran home to get my car so we could haul it home. Hubs had the job of standing on the sidewalk, with his hand firmly grasping it, in case any door snatchers decided they wanted it.
I’m happy to say that we got it home safely. It even made the trip to North Carolina, where it’s been waiting for its reincarnation.
Let’s talk about using a door with a window in it for a bathroom.
I really wanted to use a door that had a window in it so you didn’t feel like you were in a small, dark box when the door was closed. The hubs made it a point to keep reminding me that a window wasn’t a great idea when you need privacy. Clearly, I didn’t listen.
I thought it would be ok because this space is in a bedroom so it’s a little more private. Plus there’s no traffic walking by while you’re using it. To add a sense of more privacy, and to make him happy, I used frosted glass spray paint. You can see the video I made when I was doing this project, here.
I think the door with a glass window was definitely the right call. I’m loving the way it turned out.
Thanks so much for coming along on this journey. All the work we put into our new small powder room, and the closet, was well worth it. I never expected it to look this good.
Now we have to finish the guest bedroom. It’s never-ending.
Have you seen the new bedroom closet that we built next to the shiny, new powder room? You don’t want to miss it. We couldn’t leave the rest of the room in shambles so we performed a little guest bedroom makeover magic.
(Make sure you check out the video!)
Kristi
Thanks so much MJ! We are so happy with the way it turned out. If the previous homeowner hadn’t built that closet we wouldn’t have thought to do it. It just happened to be the right size (bigger would have been better but small, old house=small closets).
Yay for kids! Glad your son was able to fix your plumbing and add a new faucet.
Kristi
Thanks so much Pat! We’re really thrilled with our new space. I actually do walk in there, slide the doors and just look at it. Probably because it’s still so new. 🙂
The bathroom door does have to be open in order to open the closet. We have it open all the time anyway so it’s not an issue (unless someone is using it). We also put a stop on the bottom of the closet door so it only goes in front of the bathroom opening a little bit. Hope that helps.
Kristi
Thanks so much Debbie! 🙂
That’s so great that you’ll be near your son. Can’t wait to hear what you decide.
Kristi
Thanks Margaret, and I appreciate you following along. It took a bit longer than we thought it would but I love the new space. 🙂
Kristi
Thanks so much Deb! We’re really happy with the way it turned out.
Lily
It looks great! It’s both pretty and functional in a very small space. Very inspiring!
Renea
I have followed your blog for a long time but have never left a comment. I just love your decorating style. My husband and I relocated to a new area last summer. The house we purchased is in very good shape except for the 1970’s decor. lol We are having a great time updating a room at a time. Your blog has given me a lot of great ideas and I just wanted to thank you.
Sherry Darlington
Absolutely love it all…..the shiplap, mirror, vanity, sconces, door….it’s perfect!
Julie
What a great project! An excellent use of space. I am looking forward to seeing what you will do with the bedroom. A lot work went into this project and it shows. I love all of your choices and finishes.
jillian
Very excellent job, the design is pretty and the building talents are impressive, as this looks like it was tricky. Someone has amazing patience. I bet you are thrilled to have this finished.
Rosie
What a great job! So pretty! Could you please show us a picture with both doors closed (with the pwd rm light on)?
Tracy
It is the perfect bathroom. So beautiful. I hope you get in a magazine with your idea. It came out so well. I was so excited to finally see it. Take care.
Marlene Stephenson
It was a very smart use of space and so very lovely.
Linda Charlton
Gorgeous! I love it.
Kim
It looks beautiful and you just added a ton of bankable value to your home!
MaryJean
It turned out great, Kristi! I wish I had a closet to use for a spare bathroom. The only closet that would be available is way too small. I do like the door idea. Your faucet in there is almost the same as my new one. I had to replace it after about 20 years because it was leaking. Thank goodness my son can do all that stuff. He had it and a J pipe that was leaking done in no time!
Can’t wait to see what you do with the spare room!
Pat M.
I love what you and your husband have done with this space! The toilet is fine, but your vanity area is as pretty as any in a high end, large bathroom. I don’t have a problem with it – and I understand the logistics – but does your bathroom door have to be open in order to open the closet door? If not, I don’t know how that works. Regardless, it looks perfectly fine to me. Good job. You must walk in there several times just to admire both the closet and the bath. You guys are amazing.
Debbie H
It turned out beautiful. I have the chance to move closer to my son and am looking at a retirement park near him. The home I have an eye on has a tiny bathroom like this one. If I decide to buy it I will use your bath as inspiration. Going to watch the video. Have a great week.
Margaret Robinson
I’ve been following this project from the beginning and have to say “Great Job!” This is wonderful and I’m sure it will get lots of use. That door is super and glad you thought to save it from the rubbish.
Deb Morehead
I think it turned out beautiful . I really love the door. Great idea.