Home of the San Francisco Chronicle

Subscribe to the weekend Chronicle

powered by
Discussions
Photos
Products
Ideabooks
Discussions
Professionals
Users
by katocat
7 months ago in Design Dilemma
Master bath needs your help - dated wallpaper
Our new master bath is much too dark with just too much going on for my taste. I'm hoping that removing the wall paper and using paint will help. Any ideas on wall color? Accessories? I really can't afford to change any of the tile (counter or floor). Thanks!
Share:
 
Gray & Walter, Ltd. How about trying a beautiful Venetian plaster finish instead of wallpaper?
7 months ago · ·
smasko I would paint your walls a shade or two lighter than the color on your countertop. Since your wood is dark too it would contrast nicely. It would look elegant, fresh and not so busy. Beautiful bathroom!!
7 months ago · ·
Judy M I think the venetian plaster treatment is a great suggestion. With a limited budget, I would remove wallpaper, paint the vanities and tub front a soft white and frame the mirrors in same soft white wood. I would add a vanity seat with a white terry seat and add glass containers with white soaps etc. I would also change the lights above vanities.

Search on this web site for more up to date accessories surrounding your tub. Your lucky to have a generously sized room.
7 months ago · ·
houssaon I think a color like this would work:
7 months ago ·
ms1zebra This is a beautiful bathroom. I can see where the wallpaper may make it rather busy though. However, I would not paint the cabinets as their rich wood color is one of the main reasons why this is such an elegant looking bathroom. IMO painting the cabinets would cheapen the look. Painting the cabinets white would make the counters look like they were floating and had white holes (the sinks) in the middle. (just my opinion) I would agree with smasko about painting the walls a little lighter than the countertops--or take a shade from the floor tile.
7 months ago · ·
Amy Burke @ Florida Custom Marble Hello Katocat! I see you have Emprador Marble tops, lovely. I think you should put a light spice color on the walls and accessories with either whites or creams, keep it simple and clean. You beautiful cabinetry, tops and fixtures can shine. Bring in as many light object that you can, towels, plants, vases, pictures etc. Have fun!
7 months ago · ·
decoenthusiaste Surely there is a shade of greige in that marble you could go with! I would leave the lovely cabinetry as is for now and paint the walls. Try framed mirrors instead of the wall of plate glass. I'd remove or replace the light fixtures and hang a beautiful chandy over each sink and maybe one larger version out in the center or nearing the shower side of the room.
7 months ago · ·
Darzy It's a beautiful bathroom! Don't paint the cabinets or tub surround! Just pait the walls the creamy white from the counter tile and get a pretty white upholstered chair for your vanity. If you want, you could update the lighting and add a coordinating chandelier for above your tub. Lovely room (except the wall paper!)
7 months ago · ·
Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders Just remove the wallpaper and paint the walls. I would suggest the Kilim Beige or one tone darker than that on the same paint strip which is Nomadic Desert. Please don't paint the cabinetry, it is beautiful.
7 months ago · ·
inkwitch Great suggestions for painting. Definitely remove wallpaper. (What were they thinking?!!)

It took me a moment to realize that was one more huge mirror! Get rid of that. It makes the room look like a high-end hotel ladies room. Definitely framed mirrors over each sink.

Gorgeous countertops. Busy veining, but it goes perfectly with the floor. They got that right. THe cabinetry is elegant and rich; if you paint, it will not look as good. Even though you dislike the room's muted lighting, it has a richness and depth rarely seen in baths. Buy different lightbulbs. More "white" light instead of yellow. Not necessarily brighter light. If possible, a couple of candlestick lamps on the vanity. (I always have a lamp in my bathroom. Sometimes I don't want to see that well!) Any paint color you choose will react to the kinds of lighting you choose. Test the colors (once you get rid of that wallpaper) before committing. You'll be surprised at the color you'll end up with!
7 months ago · ·
trebinje Amazing bath, really lovely! The contrasting grout lines is what caught my eye, adding to the overall "busyness" of the room. If it's possible to neutralize or "erase" the grout lines by re-grouting in a matching color, it may be worth thinking about (if not too expensive).
7 months ago · ·
yomarg1 PLEASE do not paint cabinets-they are beautiful. I have a cinnamon sofa in my living room, and when I moved, the walls were green. I painted them a warm terra cotta, and it looks great! Try Dunn Edwards "Travertine"
7 months ago · ·
Mary Bert I would take out the wall to wall mirrors and put single mirrors above both sinks...in the middle where the make up area is you could install a fancier venetian like mirror...also remove wall paper and paint a nice light taupe...everything else looks beautiful there...
7 months ago · ·
Created by lucy williams Painting the walls a rich light brown that coordinates with the countertops is a good idea. The light fixtures are too much. A beautiful visual comfort pendant over each sink would be so pretty. Maybe a sisal in frnt of each sink to soften the scheme? And potentially a couple of mirrors on top of the built in mirrors would be nice over each sink. Also, a really great cheap quick fix is a Ballard design cuboid ottoman in off white twill under the vanity counter!!!!
7 months ago ·
missicamps I'd paint the walls a soft neutral color,probably a soft grey with a slight silver sheen, and install simple chrome light fixtures maybe with a few crystals hanging off them, and be done with it. It's a beautiful bath just needs some simplicity. These elements will add a calm elegance that isn't over the top and won't compete with the more detailed cabinetry.
http://cache.vendaria.com/integration/images/ct/35/VpopHTML.html?bg=D6D7A5&nm=BZOpener&err=0&title=Demo&pf=t&fr=t&iid=jmIkUFkQcffdQVeUajbacdkfffaijkQgQji&ap=sys_homedepot_uid_202180841&uid=202180841&cf=3000&purl=sys_homedepot_uid_202180841
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/candice-olson-cluny-4-light-with-cream-shade-bath-light__r5742.html
7 months ago ·
Kim Lunsford I see no dilemma. This is a beautiful bathroom and I would love to have it! You did a great job decorating it don't change the color of the cabinets they are not too dark. Maybe change the large mirror out with 2 above the vanities and it wouldn't reflect everything and make it look so busy.
7 months ago · ·
zestymichigan DO NOT PAINT THE VANITY, I agree with others it looks very rich! Once you remove the wallpaper you will be able to breathe. Soft color painted on the walls would work, but I would have a little FUN with other items in the bathroom. Life doesn't have to be so serious. Good luck, can't wait to see what you decide!
7 months ago · ·
DOWN UNDER FAUX I agree that the walls need a simple clean finish as in a venetian plaster. It's too busy on the walls and if nothing else....doing that will transform the room.
7 months ago · ·
cd6378 Your cabinets are beautiful. They look like a cherry would which makes them look warm and rich. I wouldn't change them at all. As for the wall mirror, I think I would remove it. I think you should have 2 big framed mirrors over each sink though.. Doesn't look like there's a lot of natural light coming in so keeping 2 lg mirrors will help with that.. And I would agree with removing the wall paper. I would do a solid color on the walls in the earth tone family. As for the vanity area, the back splash on the wall is too high to even see in the mirror when sitting, so I would add a cabinet in the same wood and color as the rest of your cabinets in that area and just use a lighted make up mirror. As for the vanity chair and accent,s I would buy one with a cream colored fabric. I would also change the lights above the mirror. If there's room for an ottoman, I would buy one of those also in a cream..I would buy accent pieces in solid creams and creams with darker earth tones. As for throw rugs I would pick a color that coordinates with the wall color. Add some vibrant green plants and accent towels and I think you're good to go.. Good luck.
7 months ago · ·
David Somerville Interiors Here here cd6378...Spot on...maybe also consider removing the glass block (future project) with glass.
7 months ago ·
DOWN UNDER FAUX My profession is faux finishing and I can say with all honesty taking the wallpaper off alone and applying a simple clean finish on the walls as a venetian plaster or paint will make this bathroom work. The busy pattern on the wall throws everything off.
7 months ago ·
cynthiadaniel I might do something along these lines. What I like about the mirrors shown is they are warm yet slightly weathered, which cuts the formality of the room a bit. The picture works in a little spa / organic (allium), the stool a bit of modern industrial, the rug cuts out some of the pattern of the floor and is elegant without being fussy. I'd put something off-white in the vanity area.

Colors look different on different monitors. The color of the walls as I see it: soft grayed green with a touch of red in it.

I might put some simple but very functional shelves (or a single shelf) either side of the arched tub window (nothing too obtrusive) and maybe a standing coat tree with very simple lines to the right of the tub. I know from experience that finding just the right coat tree is extremely difficult. You might find a simple one that is not very wide in an antique store.
7 months ago · ·
Crystal Wall Here's something to give you an idea of what the room will look like with the walls painted instead of papered. It should give you a good jumping-off point to decide what else you might what to do. I also too out some of the decorations and lights above the mirror to make it more of a bare-bones look. I like the lights over the mirror, but I feel like they just add to the overpowering darkness in the room. Maybe some vanity bulbs over the mirror (with a brown or gold backing) would work?
7 months ago · ·
DOWN UNDER FAUX Personally I would go with a finish that was similar to the floor and not as busy.
7 months ago ·
JaredViar Hire me for a make-over..Jared...The Design Dandy Flairs.......at a glance so many factors choose a theme or style, whats most important is what you would like or see as your dream bath spa...........a few suggestion's, divide the long mirror spand into mill worked frames a variety of shape, texture or smoke those that accent the sides, great DIY project ......the lighting should direct downward with the sconces, , a pattern with paints or medallions form on the ceilings,bronze or silver the ceiling to a high gloss ........ replace the wall paper with moisture resistant paints , perhaps even some combo of new wall paper mix & a choice of either a lighter tones or a darker glam effect, test some colors, paint some samples on really large white card boards & tape up view in the changing hours of am& pm. the cabinetry is optional for keeping or using some combo of cracking & high gloss two tones, hardware keep or change crystals or whimsy flairs, two nicef shag round plush area grip matts on the marble to soften the cool tones, a nice vanity chair, a towel warmer, a local student artist for a mural on the far wall, or ceiling, a carpenter to build a shelving over the mirror, soften the jacuzzi area with a ceiling to floor lush Fabric pulled to the side for shower curtain, over the glass blocks, ok thats just he start of my idea's! create your dream space that brings a smile & comfort with daily practical functions.....Good luck!
7 months ago ·
sandpthomas I love your lights, they give sophisticated glamour, and were probably expensive.They are lost in the patterned wallpaper. A soft cream paint on the walls, and new matching mirrors over the vanities will look amazing.
7 months ago · ·
Linda Anthony Putting mirrors on top of the built in mirrors would work. Am sure they reflect a lot of light.
Remove the lights which shine UP to the ceiling and replace with a beautiful hanging light over each sink OR once you put your new individual mirrors over the large mirror, put new wall lights, coming our of the built in mirrors but beside the new framed mirrors. I've seen lights "coming out" of mirrors and they are stunning, also creates additional light because of the reflection. Add a coordinating chandelier from the ceiling. There are so many gorgeous choices, so shop around. I LOVE the new light fixtures I see on houzz all the time!
Pull paper and paint - great recommendations from others commenting.
What is that on the opposite wall of mirrors, at end of tub? Shelves or built in glass blocks? The reflection of them also makes the bathroom look a little busier.
7 months ago ·
camillealbert I think once you get rid of the wallpaper you will see a different bathroom.. I wouldn't change anything else.
7 months ago · ·
camillealbert I think once you get rid of the wallpaper you will see a different bathroom.. I wouldn't change anything else.
7 months ago ·
kspahn I've used a product called Manda Mudd that looks like a venetian plaster type finish and I think you can just go over wallpaper with it. I think that in a beige color as suggested above would look nice w/ the framed mirrors hung over the large mirror sheet. That would be a great start on a minimal budget.
7 months ago · ·
Leah Chanel You have a very nice bathroom. Large. I think the wallpaper is the main problem. Update the lighting if possible.
7 months ago ·
Samantha Hayward Just saw this and thought it was a good suggestion... Painted walls is good, but definitely change the mirror - simple and easy solution.
7 months ago ·
brdenicola Well Im not a professional but, I would think about how you want to feel when you walk into your bathroom. If it's serenity- def get rid of that hiddious wallpaper. The Marble sinks are beautiful but busy. To off set that and add to its beauty I would pick a neutral pallet- with 1 accent color that can be changed should you become tired of it. Crystal's paint choice is just what I was thinking. It allows to focus to be on the beautiful marble and wood work. Plus you can always paint one focal piece like the wood tub. Monochromatic wood in kitchens and bathrooms are changing to accent one piece. For instance paint the wood around tub a bisque color. Find something in a model home or mag and use it as you inspiration- then apply the elements. Add pops of color with towels and flowers. Something that make you happy - yo will be looking at it at least twice a day. Hope it helps- wish you the best.- Barbara
7 months ago ·
njavwa How about applying an off white paint the walls? I think it would brighten the bath room a lot without removing any of the units.
7 months ago ·
Martha Scott Paint the walls in the lightest shade from the flooring. Turn the fixtures upside down so the light comes down, since there is already spotlights in the ceiling.
7 months ago ·
bdarrow Consider a large colorful rug for the tile floor. Paint the walls a light color and find some big fluffy towels to match the paint color, If you have no towel racks, a nice hat tree should fit in there somewhere....
7 months ago ·
Kelly Reynolds Design Please never consider painting wood cabinets....ever. That being said I would remove the paper and paint the walls. Kilim Beige is always a good choice, but also consider a gentle color. Spice, very soft blue, etc. You need something to balance the neutral. If not a wall color then two large twin plant /simple arrangements with a very colorful urn or container around the tub. Something that catches the eye through the neutral. Add the same tones to a few pieces on the counter or towel accents. I think more simple and updated like an italian cyress or simple orchid arrangement. Container and scale (tall) is key here. If the budget allows for sure replace the sheet mirrors with framed mirrors and simple elegant light fixtures above.
7 months ago · ·
scmoxy I think its a clean look. I love the open floor plan. The colors are soothing. Its the perfect scenario for anyone to comment or suggest ideas to, especially for a new home owner. I could see a wall mural behind the garden tub or adding more color into the situation. I could also see different sinks and fixtures and could probably accent the center part where you can sit to do your pampering. I have the same colors going on as you on the tile and cabinetry and my bathroom was mellow too, so I decided to go with a historical color called Cincinnatian Hotel Vandersall Red and I love it! It has created so more drama for me, but thats my likings. The color also made the cabinets pop and the tile is light enough that it didnt darken the room.
7 months ago ·
jojobureau Remove the wallpaper, paint a light beige that is a shade lighter of your floor, change your light scones to a more simple style and frame your mirror with a nice simple 1 x 4 painted same color as the cabinets. A small budget for a big look. Don t paint yet your cabinet, wait for when you are ready to change the counter.
7 months ago ·
ss555 There is way too much going on in this bathroom. Wallpaper isn't the only issue. With all the reflecting that's going on from the mirrors, the window isn't centered. Honestly, painting is only the start.
7 months ago ·
archibaldfarm Great Bath Room. I would do away with wall of mirror just refects way too much... replace with individual sink mirrors and take down wallpaper and do Venetian Wall Plaster will look clean and classic or simply repaint walls .....
7 months ago ·
Affirming Kitchen Clarity With the requirement of very limited expense involvement, the popular opinion of paint the walls softer and trebinje is also spot on, the white grout is a bit distracting, so these two very inexpensive details will improve, then build on that, when you paint take advantage of the tub wall as an accent wall to pull it all together
7 months ago ·
Iyare I If you paint those cabinets, I will kick your shins lol (Im just kidding :)

I would just remove the wall paper and paint a lighter color and get two smaller framed mirrors that match your cabinets and thats it. Beautiful master bath... I just pictured myself coming out of that bath like a sea nymph with the water flowing down my back LOL...
7 months ago ·
queenanneslace Is plaster recommended in high moisture areas, like bathrooms ? I agree with what many have said - simple paint - get rid of the wallpaper... then see how you feel and go from there. And I also agree with others, Do NOT paint the beautiful cabinetry !! How wonderful to have such a HUGE bathroom!!! :)
7 months ago ·
By Design EK Add Some Color, especially if you want to change the tone of all of the browns and beiges. Color will add contrast and more light and warmth better than white or neutral. It is a large space so don't worry about it being too much. i would suggest a warm coral, very earthy. You could put the color on the ceiling and then a warm rich cream on the walls. Definetly change the lighting, add more if you can around the tub area and this will make a big difference. Change the can over the tub to a chandelier and change the lights above the sinks to point downward. If you can what would be best is to have the lighting on w\either side of the sinks and not above.
7 months ago ·
pollyb1942 Heaven forbid painting those beautiful cabinets. AND the plate-glass mirror is very, very expensive and that is one thing that makes your room look huge. I think you just need to paint the walls across the room that is reflecting in the mirror, maybe even paint the door that is showing in the mirror the same color to make it disapear.. Leave the wallpaper across the top of the cabinets and around the tub for accent. Your room is so large that it needs some pattern. Then just add accent rugs, your choice of color. Maybe, if possible hang a sheer curtain across the glass block the same color as the painted wall to make it disapear too. Your bath is absolutely beautiful. Be careful and don't mess up.
7 months ago · ·
Joanne Jakab Interior Design Great space. And your correct the rich counter tops, are balanced with the deep wood tones and lighter marble flooring. Since you will be applying make up and using this room daily I would select the mid tone colour from your marble tile floor - nothing with any hint of green and nothing too pink. Of course please pick up sample pots and try a few on boards but it seems like Sherwin Williams SW 7516 Kestrel White or SW 7517 China Doll would have the sophisticated warmth this room deserves yet be neutral so that you can add some art prints above the tub area - frame in a similar metal to your decorative lighting. Stack up loads of white towels and you will be in a spa every night!
7 months ago ·
Linda Anthony start with pollyb 1842's ideas and then if you don't like the remaining wall paper, paint that area also. Just add a frame around that mirror, and turn the lights to shine down. You could still add another chandelier in the middle. The glass block are probably there to let in additional light, is that correct?
7 months ago ·
Josephine Galang the comments are all good to add the shape and size of the window don't match your bathroom it will give additional light if its bigger and the shape is rectangular or square
7 months ago ·
earthmove if you use white marble 4by4 may be sutable
7 months ago ·
Natalie Yes, please remove the wallpaper... I suggest painting the walls a warm taupe and adding some drama and balance by painting the ceiling a few shades darker. Walls: SW 7037 Balanced Beige and Ceiling SW 7039 Virtual Taupe... Good Luck!
7 months ago ·
katocat THANK you all for your sage advice and for taking your time to help me. I really appreciate it. So here's what my plan is:
1) remove the wallpaper :) and after it's off, then experiment with paint (probably go creamy)
2) see if I can use the same light fixtures but pointed downward
3)NEVER EVER paint the gorgeous cabinets
4) after the wall paper is gone, see if I still need to remove the mirrors and
5)start saving to remove the glass "lego" block shower enclosure & replace with glass shower wall. I'll post a picture when I'm done but that won't be until after Thanksgiving. Thanks again, Katocat
7 months ago · ·
Linda Anthony sounds like you got it kotocat - excellent plan. The lego block shower would be fine if it wasn't reflected so much in that huge mirror. It would be definitely easier to keep clean than the 'clear glass'. I always think about keeping things clean, and the shower glass is always the enemy! Harder to keep clean than the windows!
7 months ago ·
nevadan Paint your walls to match you sink. Use satin or eggshell gloss. Replace the light fixtures with somethng far less fussy. For accessories, choose shiny metal - to match your faucets. It will then look great!
7 months ago ·
camillealbert There is a special water resistant treatment you can get on your glass doors when they are being made that will make cleaning much easier. It costs a little but is very worth it.
7 months ago ·
camillealbert There is a special water resistant treatment you can get on your glass doors when they are being made that will make cleaning much easier. It costs a little but is very worth it.
7 months ago ·
Sign Up to comment
The content on this page is provided by Houzz and is subject to the Houzz terms of use, copyright and privacy policy.
Copyright claims: contact the Houzz designated agent.