I’m thrilled to share the design inspiration behind our blue and white coastal bathroom. Although the remodel wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, the end result has made every challenge worth it. This bathroom is situated on the third floor between my 7-year-old son’s room and my office that doubles as a guest bedroom. A sort of jack and jill vibe without the connecting doorway. One of our daughters may one day join our son upstairs so we wanted the space to represent both of their styles.
Coastal Design
My vision was to create a coastal-inspired bathroom design that could stand the test of time while feeling special for our kids. As you can see below, the original bathroom design had some serious pitfalls including wall-wall carpet, a small vanity, no storage and cracked asbestos tile. I wanted to create the illusion of a large bathroom, storage for towels/toiletries, a functional sink for the kids and a timeless, coastal bathroom design that the kids would appreciate as they grow older.
Blue and White Color Palate
I’m a sucker for blues and neutrals. The colors are soothing, timeless and add a nice pop of color for the kids. I love leaving a neutral backdrop (white paint) and accessorizing with color. My go to white paint is Benjamin Moores Simply White. It’s the perfect balance of clean and fresh while also bringing a touch of warmth. Going with a neutral paint allows you the option to switch things up without having to repaint all the time.
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Timeless Materials
I love thinking about the history of the home and considering the materials and design elements that were used when it was built. Many of my decisions come down to materials and color options that are timeless, feel natural to the style and age of the home and create a feeling of peace.
- Tile: I opted for black and white hex tile for this bathroom remodel. I’ve used this several times and always love the outcome. It’s a classic option that goes well with anything. I extended the tile into the shower floor to help the space feel larger. I did this in a previous home remodel and it’s a nice trick to keep your eye moving and create the illusion of more space. For the shower walls I went with a basic white subway tile in a brick lay. I’ve done this time after time and always go back to it. It’s timeless and classic.
- Sink: I fell in love with this large basin farmhouse sink that was a splurge but well worth it. Design wise having the sink wall-mounted created more visual space on the floor, making the bathroom feel bigger. The faucets that go with the sink are gorgeous and bring in a historical element that feels natural to the history of the home. Functionally, it’s the perfect option for kids. My 5 and 7 year old can both reach without a stool and the huge basin contains all the water splashes.
- Wallpaper: I wanted to bring in a pop of color and create a focal point. The blue and white wallpaper helps draw your eye to my favorite area of the bathroom, the farmhouse sink! It also draws your eye away from less favorable areas like the toilet. The vertical lines draw your eyes up to make the shortened attic wall feel taller. My kids chose this design from a few options I gave them and I love the outcome.
Storage
This built in shelf was a last minute decision after realizing we had no linen closet on the third floor. We had some dead space so we cut into the wall and had shelves built to store towels and toiletries. Functionality is just as important as design when it comes to making a space feel good and work well for your family.
So far this is our favorite bathroom in the entire home (side note-we have two more that need renovating). Overall, I am incredibly happy with the outcome of this bathroom remodel. It is mind blowing to see how much larger and brighter a space can feel with a few tweaks. Take a look at the final result below and let me know what you think!
