My dear friend Sophie recently bought a new home (yay, Sophie!), and like any good friend with too many Pinterest boards and not enough of my own walls left to paint, I jumped at the chance to help her make it feel like her.
We’re taking it one room at a time, and first up: the half bath. It’s small but mighty—and ripe for a glow-up. Since a full renovation isn’t in the cards right now (we’re talking refresh, not remodel), we’re keeping the existing vanity and floors. The mission: transform this petite space into a jewel box of a bathroom, packed with personality without tearing everything out.
The Sophie Vibe
Sophie loves florals. Like, really loves florals. She’s got a soft spot for anything Rifle Paper Co. (in fact, several of her rugs are from them), so naturally, we started exploring dreamy wallpapers with their colors and vibes. But in the interest of not turning the entire house into a botanical garden (and for a little visual tension!), we’re also exploring bringing in a bold olive stripe to balance things out. A little structured drama, if you will.
The Palette: Earthy, Cozy, With a Pop of Pretty
We’re working off a fun, layered palette, full of warm neutrals, soft contrasts and a pop of colorful pattern:
- Vanity: Stained oak—staying put and grounding the space
- Countertop: Cream—also staying put, classic and clean
- Wallpaper: Olive/lilac tones with a striped beauty that’s totally stealing the show
- Trim & Ceiling Paint: Either olive for a moody cocoon or a dusty rose if we lean into the soft floral route
- Metals: Brushed gold (because who doesn’t love a little glam?)
- Texture: Rattan and leather accents in tan and rust for warmth and that collected, lived-in vibe
- Rug: Graphic black and white to ground the whole look with just a bit of edge
It’s a palette that feels earthy and elevated—with just enough contrast to keep things interesting and just enough softness to make the whole room feel like a tiny, stylish hug.
Designing for someone else can sometimes feel tricky, but with Sophie, it’s been a dream. She’s open, fun, and not afraid of a bold choice (a designer’s dream client, honestly). I can’t wait to see how it all comes together—and more importantly, to show you the final result when it does!