Check Out the Project House Austin Guest Bathroom
The Project House Austin guest bathroom is ready with thoughtful details that take a moderate space to the next level.
Brent Green and Melissa Olson of Cottage & Key Design Studio are pressing on in their work creating our new Project House located in Austin, Texas. After getting the house painted, they focused their efforts on bringing together all the design elements for the guest bath and laundry room. While both are smaller spaces, Brent and Melissa made sure they were not overlooked when it came to design. Melissa shares a bit about their vision for the Project House Austin guest bathroom and how they are bringing that vision to life with the help of our amazing sponsors.
1-800Lighting.com.
Adding Character
“Although it’s a brand-new house, we love to add some character to give the space a layered and lived-in feel,” Melissa says. To begin, she selected vertical shiplap over other types of wall treatments to draw the eye up to the tall ceilings. “To keep things bright and inviting, we’re painting the shiplap a warm, cozy color,” she says. The upper walls and ceiling are creamy white. “Combining creamy white with beige adds depth and dimension,” Melissa explains.
Thank you to sponsor Oatey Co. for providing the nail plates, PVC primer and cement, strapping and nail on clips as well as test ball/plugs for the guest bath, ensuring safety, security and durability for years to come.
Visual Interest in the Project House Austin Guest Bathroom
Tile takes center stage in the bold checkered flooring, the 12×12 Contessa Bianco and Crème Marfil Marble tiles provided by Alexander James Tile. “Isn’t it stunning?” Melissa says. “Marble can be a splurge, but doing it in a smaller space like this means you can get that high-end look without breaking the bank.” For the shower, Melissa and Brent opted for Alexander James’s Granada tile in beige. “It’s Italian porcelain and has this gorgeous handmade feel. The subtle variation complements the floor perfectly,” Melissa says. “Plus, the small 2×6 size makes the room feel bigger.”
Anneau knobs from Regal Hardware
Making a Statement
Another eye-catching feature is the 36” pewter green vanity from Willow Bath and Vanity. They offer a variety of options, including quartz or marble countertops that feel custom but don’t carry the hefty price tag. “The quality is incredible,” Melissa says. “It’s made of real wood, so it’s super solid and sturdy. “What truly customizes the vanity, alongside its Carrara quartz countertop, is the reeded detailing featured on the drawers and doors.” Not only does the vanity fit perfectly into the small space, but it also instantly elevates the look and feel of the guest bathroom. To round out the design, Melissa included Anneau oval cabinet knobs in Vintage Brass from Regal Hardware. “I love to introduce rounded edges in a space, especially when a space has a lot of sharp lines,” she says. “These knobs are amazing. They’re crafted of solid forged brass and have a really nice, substantial weight to them.”
Contessa Blanco and Creme Marfil Marble tiles from Alexander James
Outside the Box
A rattan outdoor hanging lantern from Capitol Lighting/
1-800Lighting.com provides light in the small space—an unconventional choice but one that blends perfectly in with the rest of the design. “We like to think of the lighting as the jewelry of a room,” Melissa says. “We were limited in space on either side of the mirror, so a pendant light was the perfect solution.” The rattan finish adds texture and warmth, while scalloped edges add charm. “It is exactly the cozy vibe we were going for,” she says. “Sometimes the unexpected choice is what makes a space truly special.”
Granada Tile from Alexander James
Finishing Touches
A custom handmade shower curtain adds texture and softness to the space. The fabric is from Ginger Sparrow and completes the look, bringing in charm with ruffled edges. “Most shower curtains are standard height at 72” high, but we really wanted to highlight the tall ceilings so we created a 92” curtain. Then we hung the rod 1 foot off the ceiling,” Melissa says. “Ginger Sparrow’s fabric is hand-stamped by talented women in India, and you can truly feel the story in every thread.” Vintage brass for the shower head and faucet adds warmth, while additional pieces from Melissa and Brent’s Cottage Home Shoppe bring in a personal touch.
Tips & Tricks for the Bath
Melissa shares some designer-savvy advice for your next bathroom remodel.
- Mix Up Your Palette. In this space, Melissa opted for two different shades of creamy whites. “It adds depth and dimension without being too stark,” she says.
- Raise Your Tile. Melissa recommends always taking the shower tile up to the ceiling if possible. “It’s a small investment that makes a huge impact on style and resale value, and it’s an easy way to get that designer touch.”
- Measuring and Planning Out. For the mirror height, Melissa made sure to carefully plan the height of the vanity and mirror, which is a common error when remodeling a bathroom. “Our recommendation, regardless if you use the backsplash or not, is to place the mirror’s bottom edge 9 inches above the vanity countertop,” she says. While 9 inches is preferred, a range of 5-10 inches will generally work.
- Get Creative. For lighting, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. “When you’re working with a small space, consider pendant lighting,” Melissa advises. “It frees up wall space and creates a beautiful focal point.”
For more on Project House Austin, catch up on previous installments here. To learn more about our sponsors, read on here. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more daily inspiration and farmhouse style.
