the powder room

Ah, new construction. Sure everything works like a charm, but why must it have no charm? I mean sure it has all the charm of a gas station bathroom, but as a loo for guests and as my little sanctuary for personal care, I want to make it as pleasant as possible. Perhaps in half a century it’ll have the same vintage appeal our 1930’s bathroom did, but that will be for someone else and their guests to enjoy.

We aren’t up for a major renovation project at the moment, so I have been finding little ways to give the room some warmth. The first thing to go was the very clinical towel bar. It has been replaced with a hinoki wood ladder on which patterned and textured towels are hung. Next I added a simple rug of good quality for some coziness underfoot and an antique table topped with dried flowers in handmade vases. In lieu of a medicine cabinet, the eyesore of personal care clutter is kept in printed canvas cosmetic bags in and tucked away in woven baskets. Everything cute and functional, like my wooden toothbrush, my mug for mouth rinsing, and products in tasteful packaging, is kept on display.

I am a bit embarrassed of what I call my “teenager bedroom wall collage” above the commode, but this special collection of little notes, cards and clippings from friends and colleagues is helping take my eye away from the depressing grey stone until we can muster the gumption to replace it with something more attractive.

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