How I Created My Guest Bathroom to Remember

gdonohue2263
Jan 31, 2023
4 min read

The Contest, The Competitor

I won a bathroom decorating magazine contest twenty years ago and received a rice steamer. The magazine went under, and I gave the rice steamer to my younger sister, but the rewarding experience set me on a DIY decorative life path. Competitive to the core, I set out to remodel my guest bathroom to achieve another win: to follow my smile and be at peace with myself. In this spa-like all-white space, I discovered how much the room represented me, my life, my family, and my house. I did not know it then, but my process defined what and who I was as a decorator.

Instead of ripping it all out to the studs and starting over, I wanted a guest bathroom with solid original features, family heirlooms, repurposed furnishings, and meaning-filled amenities.

Tip #1 - Imagine New Experiences using Old Stalwarts

Some people go to a spa to relax and clear their worries. Not me. I pick up my Benjamin Moore color charts and imagine the possibilities of change, action, and a beautiful new spa-like experience in my guest bathroom. In winter, this modest room is hotter than all the others, ideal for a spa. The steam from the old cast iron heater cranks like nobody's business making it a perfect towel warmer. When it's below zero in the middle of winter, and my feet are like two chunks of ice, my grandmother's common quip, I take refuge in the newly enhanced quilt-filled tub.

Steam Heater, Towel Warmer

Deep Water Luxury Clawfoot Tub

Old cast iron clawfoot tubs are cold and hard. Featured in numerous design magazines, they seem like perfect vessels for relaxation, but from personal experience, they need help to feel inviting and softened. When bathing, I securely attached a full-length quilted air bath bed with suction cups to improve total body comfort. To safely step into t—no e tub, I positioned a 9-inch white grab bar near the head and a four-inch high bath step with a soft rubber mat. Adding a few inches reduces leg lift and creates a softer landing for your feet. Lastly, I purchased an overflow drain cover for a deeper, more luxurious bath that adds extra inches of warm water to immerse the body entirely.

Tub Quilt

Safety Bar

Soft Step

Knowing guests and family would want a convenient shower option, I decided to install a shower ring for the best of both worlds. We purchased the shower enclosure set from Vintage Tub & Bath, including the sunflower showerhead, nozzles, faucet, and handheld conversion kit. With his handyman know-how, my husband plumbed the new brushed nickel fixtures. The shower spray was calm and gentle, allowing a more relaxed experience. My husband was so pleased with the results. In his next life, he would choose to be a Master Plumber!

EZ Rinse Faucet

Wide and Gentle Sunflower Shower Nozzle

Tip #2 - Slow Decorate with Family Heirlooms

Slow Decorating is a self-proclaimed style that saves family heirlooms from disappearing and reminds me of my loved ones while creating stunning spaces. Like heirloom vegetables preserved by Farm to Table and Slow Food Movements, Slow Decorating Slyle protects my family heirlooms which I can pass on to the next generation. When I look at these heartfelt gifts, I take a moment to remember my family and their generous natures. It makes me love them and my house all over again.

Family Pearls

I chose a beautiful wall-mounted Nantucket basket planter to hold shampoo and conditioner, one of three white Bennington Pottery vessels. Another is a handled basket for extra paper, both from my mom. Pearl clip-on earrings fill a heart-shaped pottery plate (she never pierced her ears), and my wedding earrings. From my mother-in-law, a stunning vintage French VIANNE frosted cover glass jar completes the all-white decor.

Nantucket Basket Shampoo Holder

French VIANNE frosted glass

Tip # 3 - Choose Fixtures You Love

I immediately liked the bowl sink and faucet when I walked into the IKEA showroom. It would replace the small wall-mounted corner sink, hide the plumbing and provide plenty of storage. My husband said it would work and installed it the next day. It gave me so much joy. I appointed it with my favorite Williams Sonoma Lavender Cedarwood Hand Soap & Lotion.

IKEA Bowl Sink and Faucet

Williams Sonoma Hand Soap and Lotion

Tip #4 - Forge a Creative Bond; Hire a Family Artist

My Aunt Harriet, a prolific watercolor artist, now deceased, hand-painted the wooden door panels to welcome guests to the room. She and my mom collaborated on the project, selecting the floral vine design and paint colors. I will never forget her willingness to come over that day or her generosity.

Handpainted Door Panels

Tip #5 - Let the Mirror Shine; A Murder Mystery Remembered

The antique mirror was found in my family's carriage barn and then reclaimed to hang in the bathroom. The mirror's reflection enlarges the room and fills it with much-needed light. To hide the nail holes, I found two antique gold pins from a turban I wore to a murder mystery party twenty years ago. The fancy pins are now on display, and when I see them, I laugh. I don't remember who did it, but I will never forget our excellent night.

Gold Pins Hide the Nail Holes

Murder Mystery Party Guests

Aim To Win, Follow Your Smile

Lastly, muster your inner champion and enjoy yourself! As a competitive college volleyball player, I always play to win. It's no different when I decorate. In my mind, I am constantly entering a contest with each project, aiming for a win. During my process, I chew on the vision for a few weeks and deep-dive into every aspect of the room, carefully contemplating how I want the space to reflect my family and me. I follow my instincts which keeps me moving forward. Decorating a room can take weeks or months to complete. Research carefully, take it slow, and unearth family heirlooms. Always serve and volley; enjoy getting your project over the net with a smile.