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    Unique Black Bathroom Powder Room Before/After

    May 4, 2023 by Ashley Mayes 28 Comments

    See this unique black bathroom featuring black tile, powder room decor, and more!

    I'm beyond thrilled to share our black tile bathroom with you guys. If you've been following along since the first post on this space, thank you! What I had hoped would be a three to four month project, ended up taking us ten months (but who's counting, right?). 

    Black bathroom with black tile walls, walnut vanity and marble flooring plus powder room dimensions in this before/after

    I'll be sharing a bunch of before/after photos of the powder room, plus how we tiled the black bathroom walls, powder bathroom renovation costs, and more.

    Hilariously enough, I forgot to vacuum the floor after we installed the towel rack. Don't look too closely behind that trash can! Oops!

    So, before I jump into the modern powder room, including what we did and why, let's walk down memory lane. 

    Before photos of the powder room

    The main door to the right is the powder room door. That door couldn't open completely while having the dryer door open, too. It's a very tight space and we knew we needed to address that in the bathroom renovation.

    Before photo of powder bathroom with cream vanity and carpet

    Of course, the flooring had to go as well as just about everything else. 

    Blue carpet in powder bathroom

    We were "lucky" enough to have four bathrooms with carpet when we first moved in to this house. "Lucky" right?! 

    Unique Black Bathroom Powder Room Remodel

    Like I mentioned above, the space is very tight. We knew we needed to address that and we figured the best way to make more space was to add a pocket door. I don't love pocket doors in general because I feel like they are less functional than a typical door; but, in our case, the pocket door is MORE functional because it makes the laundry room more functional. I can actually open the dryer door now without worrying about whether the bathroom door is shut or not. Yay!

    small utility room with hand painted geometric wall design
    Spy our laundry room hand-painted walls and see more on the laundry room reveal post!

    Light Filtering Pocket Door

    We ultimately decided to hire out the install of the pocket door because the door frame needed to move over a bit and, at the time, it just seemed more efficient for us to hire it out. The labor and supplies for the pocket door ran just under $1,000. 

    Pocket door in powder bathroom
    Get all the details on our soft close pocket door installation.

    We chose to go with a light-filtering door hoping that it would help offset some of the black tile in the space. The powder room is not a well-lit space at all but I do think the frosted pocket door helps it not feel like a cave. 

    Choosing black bathroom walls

    The space doesn't get a lot of light and there's no way to add a window. Instead of fighting that, we decided to lean in to installing black tile and going for the wow factor.

    The bulk of our money and time was spent on the modern bathroom tiles. I fell in love with the hexagon marble floor tile and bought that first. There wasn't a natural break between the bathroom floor and the laundry room floor, so we tiled all of it.

    Modern Powder Room with black tile and walnut vanity

    We had one slight issue with it and that was that we stained the marble, accidentally, in a few spots but I was able to fix that with a homemade marble cleaning solution. Laying the marble wasn't bad after we got the hang of how to cut it and how to deal with the individual marble mosaics around each hexagon. There were a few times that we got confused on the pattern (it looks like it doesn't have a pattern, but it does) and we laid the marble down backwards. Ultimately though, we didn't run into that many issues. 

    *Affiliate links below. Thanks for supporting my blog. Click to read my privacy and disclosure statement.

    Ideas for tiling small bathrooms

    Floor to ceiling tile ended up being such a great idea for our modern small black bathroom. The space was small enough that it didn't require a lot of product and, also, felt like it was a good choice to take a design risk on.

    I wanted to do something unique with the black tile walls and ultimately decided to install the vertical black wall tile with an oversized grout line. I think it looks amazing but it was a JOB.

    Black wall tile in powder bathroom.

    How to lay tile with an oversized grout line?

    To lay tile like that, you have to install support boards for every single row. Those boards have to be installed and left installed until your mortar dries. Then, once you go through that whole process (which takes A LONG TIME), then you get to try your hand at grouting a traditional grout line as well as an inch and a half grout line. You need different grout consistencies for both of those.

    I wouldn't recommend laying tile how we laid it unless you are aware of the time investment that you need. I'd say that whatever time investment you need to lay a typical backsplash, then times that by five and you'll have the time needed to lay this one. 

    Walnut vanity in the powder bathroom with white quartz countertop and black wall tile

    I really think some of these ideas for tiling small bathrooms are super fun and really make such an impact in a small space.

    Our black tile has a handmade look to it, but I don't think it's actually handmade, or maybe it is; not sure! Anyways, there are some major variations in the tile which I personally love. 

    Choosing a pre-made walnut vanity

    The next big thing that I decided on was the vanity. I had bought a modern vanity off of overstock, and blogged about it in this post on modern vanities. Ultimately, I felt the color of the vanity wasn't what I wanted. Well that and I wanted a heavier wood. I ended up selling that one for a loss and buying a gorgeous walnut vanity from Room & Board. It's beautiful and I think the darker wood really works well with the tile. 

    Modern Powder Room: Black wall tile in powder bathroom
    Black and Brass Sconce | Under-mount Sink | Towel Hook

    Choosing a vanity countertop

    The vanity didn't come with a countertop. I went to a few quartz countertop companies in town and finally found the perfect white and gray quartz countertop remnant.

    When you need a countertop for a small vanity, remnants will be your best friend! Mine cost around $200 with the fabrication. I actually planned on doing a wall-mount faucet but had some issues with the plumbing for it, so I had to take my countertop back to the fabricator to have the faucet hole drilled out too.

    Walnut vanity with quartz top and brass hardware
    Under-mount Sink | Single Hole Bathroom Faucet

    Choosing brass fixtures for a black and gold bathroom

    For plumbing fixtures and bathroom fixtures in general, I went with brass. I love continuing to add brass in my spaces. I think it adds the warmth that this space definitely needed. 

    Walnut vanity in the powder bathroom with white quartz countertop and black wall tile
    Black Wall Tile | Adrian Walnut Vanity | Under-mount Sink | Towel Hook

    I even changed out the toilet knob to a brass one. It's a detail that I think is so fun!

    Art by Wink Wink Studio | Modern Powder Room
    Toilet lever | Toilet paper holder | Black Wall Tile | Boob Art

    Powder room decor and bathroom accessories

    The sconce in the space is black and brass and, if I'm honest, gets a bit lost in the space visually but I love the lines of it. You have to really look at the sconce to see it, but I love it anyways.

    The trashcan was an issue! It's such a tight space between the vanity and the toilet and between the toilet and the wall that I couldn't find a trashcan to fit! After returning a few that wouldn't work, I started thinking about using a planter pot there and went to go look in my stash for one. Instead of a planter pot, I found my late grandmother's vintage ice bucket. I couldn't decide if I felt bad for using it as a trash can, but ultimately, I just decided that it makes me smile every time I go in there to see it BEING USED, that I'm just going to use it! 

    I opted for a towel hook instead of a towel bar or ring because of the minimal space. The towel is one that I've had for years and just gets better with age. The soap pump is a pretty, handmade-looking piece from Target. 

    I debated on the mirror for awhile and actually bought two of them to try to figure out what I wanted. Ultimately I decided on the slim, minimal, black bathroom mirror and I couldn't be happier. 

    The last few accessories that I brought in are: a vintage rug, a handmade ceramic vase that I picked up from a flea market and my boob art from Suzy Lindow. I like a bit of quirk in my spaces and I smile every time I see that art. My mom thinks it's weird, but I'm here for it. Are you?! =)

    Modern Powder Room Accessories and Sources

    • Hexagon Tile
    • Button Wall Switch
    • Switch Plate

    Modern Powder Room Remodel Cost

    • Black Tile for wall $800
    • Hexagon Marble Tile (includes laundry) $1914
    • Supplies (caulk, mortar, nails, switches, etc) $400
    • Vanity $1285
    • Light $550
    • Black bathroom mirror $250
    • Art + Framing $250
    • Decor : $125
    • Pocket Door $292
    • Pocket Door Labor + Supplies $850
    • Faucet $235
    • Plumbing Issue $250
    • Countetrop + sink 300

    Approximately $7500

    Is that more or less than you expected? Just curious! 

    Well, I think that wraps up the Modern Powder Room Renovation! We are thrilled to have this project done. I pinch myself every time I walk by. That's how a project should end up right, right?!

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    About Ashley Mayes

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    1. Robin from Frugal Family Times

      October 07, 2019 at 5:59 am

      Gorgeous, Ashley! It was worth the work. I love your tile choices. 🙂

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:13 am

        Thank you Robin! I was a bit nervous that the tile choices were too bold but I really love how it turned out.

        Reply
    2. Lauren

      October 07, 2019 at 7:17 am

      It’s so fabulous! Love! Great job! Worth the wait!

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:12 am

        awww, thank you Lauren!

        Reply
    3. Jill

      October 07, 2019 at 7:28 am

      I definitely don’t think $7500 was worth it, that’s a lot of money for such a small room. But, if it makes you happy then sure.

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:11 am

        Thanks Jill! It was definitely a bit higher than I expected!

        Reply
    4. Jesseca

      October 07, 2019 at 9:05 am

      It looks great Ashley!!!! So much work to do that tile, but it is stunning. Also, it makes me feel better that my bathroom remodel is almost 5 months in (I had it planned for 6 weeks).

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:11 am

        Thanks Jesseca! Oh man, I totally feel you on how long the renovations can/do take!

        Reply
    5. Create/Enjoy (@suzannahstanley)

      October 07, 2019 at 9:10 am

      It's gorgeous!!!! Love the black tile, the vanity, the floor tile... so rich! Amazing job!!!

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:10 am

        Thanks Suzannah!

        Reply
    6. Charlotte

      October 07, 2019 at 9:39 am

      What a transformation! Love all of it, each material is so unique but it ties together so well. Great job. I think your cost is really pretty good for doing floor to ceiling tile, especially with the extra cost of the pocket door.

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:10 am

        Thanks girl! I didn't take out the cost for the floor in the laundry room, so it's a bit deceiving I suppose.

        Reply
    7. Gloria

      October 07, 2019 at 11:10 am

      Every minute of time was worth it on that tile, it’s so good !!! great job !

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:09 am

        Thank Gloria! I think so too!

        Reply
    8. Lauren

      October 07, 2019 at 6:00 pm

      Love this! What grout color and brand did you use for the wall tile?

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:09 am

        Thank you Lauren! We used sanded grout (bought by the bag) at Lowe's in black.

        Reply
    9. Robyn Rebecca

      October 07, 2019 at 9:46 pm

      It's so YOU now. I love it! That tile is perfect.

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:08 am

        Thanks Robyn! I think so too! I was a bit worried that it was too dark and bold but I think it works well when you pan back and take in the spaces around it.

        Reply
    10. Jess

      October 08, 2019 at 12:30 am

      It turned out so gorgeous. I love how you installed the wall tile. I love your honesty about the difficulty too.

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:08 am

        Thanks Jess! Haha, yes! I wanted people to really understand what they were getting into if they decided to tile it like that.

        Reply
    11. Diane Bélanger

      October 08, 2019 at 9:25 am

      It is stunning! What a statement the black tiles make. I love the way you installed them. You must be very happy with the result. It was certainly worth all the work.

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 08, 2019 at 10:07 am

        Awww, thank you Diane! Installing the tile was SUCH a pain, but yes, we are happy!

        Reply
    12. Amy | Delineate Your Dwelling

      October 08, 2019 at 10:44 pm

      LOVE how this space turned out. That floor tile is just about the best thing ever and I adore the vanity and fixtures you choose!

      Reply
    13. cassie bustamante

      October 09, 2019 at 5:44 am

      it's stunning, ashley! just love what you did and the tile choices!

      Reply
    14. Julia@Cuckoo4Design

      October 24, 2019 at 7:48 am

      So freakin good Ashley! I couldn't love it more! Drooling over here.

      Reply
    15. Lauren

      January 01, 2020 at 6:54 am

      This is so good. I just found it on the Chris Loves Julia round up. I love the dark tile, the vanity (swoon) and pretty much everything else. Well done! Asking what others think about the cost is a bold move - our money habits are so varied and people can have strong responses. We budget our money vigilantly so that we can afford to do things like this - because it is worth it to us. I just remodeled my master bath which is this size, plus a shower. Tiny! It looks amazing (my only wish is this vanity over the Godmorgon hack we did). Ours cost about the same as yours. I know of your blog from your famous kitchen remodel, which I believe was pretty DIY. Kudos for a really chic and sophisticated space. I love it.

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        January 06, 2020 at 9:42 am

        Hi Lauren, Thanks for your comment and for coming over to say hi from Chris Loves Julia. I agree that asking what other people think about budget is interesting, but I do love to hear what people think. The kitchen remodel was DIY... crazy to think that we did that a few years ago.

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Free Christmas Art Prints - Bigger Than the Three of Us says:
      November 25, 2019 at 5:23 am

      […] totally printed out that naughty Santa! It’s for SURE going in my powder bathroom right next to the boob art. […]

      Reply

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