Modern and elegant was what this busy family with four kids was looking for in this powder room renovation. The natural light picks up the opulence in the wallpaper, mirror and fixtures. Wainscoting complements the simple lines while being easy to clean. We custom-made the vanity with beautiful wood grain and a durable carrara marble top. The beveled mirror throws light and the fixture adds soft warm light.

What used to be a very plain powder room was transformed into light and bright pool / powder room. The redesign involved squaring off the wall to incorporate an unusual herringbone barn door, ship lap walls, and new vanity. We also opened up a new entry door from the poolside and a place for the family to hang towels. Hayley, the cat also got her own private bathroom with the addition of a built-in litter box compartment. The patterned concrete tiles throughout this area added just the right amount of charm.

Powder room featuring hickory wood vanity, black countertops, gold faucet, black geometric wallpaper, gold mirror, and gold sconce.

Deep, rich green adds drama as well as the black honed granite surface. Arch mirror repeats design element throughout the home. Savoy House black sconces and matte black hardware.

After the second fallout of the Delta Variant amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in mid 2021, our team working from home, and our client in quarantine, SDA Architects conceived Japandi Home. The initial brief for the renovation of this pool house was for its interior to have an "immediate sense of serenity" that roused the feeling of being peaceful. Influenced by loneliness and angst during quarantine, SDA Architects explored themes of escapism and empathy which led to a “Japandi” style concept design – the nexus between “Scandinavian functionality” and “Japanese rustic minimalism” to invoke feelings of “art, nature and simplicity.” This merging of styles forms the perfect amalgamation of both function and form, centred on clean lines, bright spaces and light colours. Grounded by its emotional weight, poetic lyricism, and relaxed atmosphere; Japandi Home aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements, and comfort; minimalism that is both aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional. Japandi Home places special emphasis on sustainability through use of raw furnishings and a rejection of the one-time-use culture we have embraced for numerous decades. A plethora of natural materials, muted colours, clean lines and minimal, yet-well-curated furnishings have been employed to showcase beautiful craftsmanship – quality handmade pieces over quantitative throwaway items. A neutral colour palette compliments the soft and hard furnishings within, allowing the timeless pieces to breath and speak for themselves. These calming, tranquil and peaceful colours have been chosen so when accent colours are incorporated, they are done so in a meaningful yet subtle way. Japandi home isn’t sparse – it’s intentional. The integrated storage throughout – from the kitchen, to dining buffet, linen cupboard, window seat, entertainment unit, bed ensemble and walk-in wardrobe are key to reducing clutter and maintaining the zen-like sense of calm created by these clean lines and open spaces. The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” refers to the idea that ones home is your cosy sanctuary. Similarly, this ideology has been fused with the Japanese notion of “wabi-sabi”; the idea that there is beauty in imperfection. Hence, the marriage of these design styles is both founded on minimalism and comfort; easy-going yet sophisticated. Conversely, whilst Japanese styles can be considered “sleek” and Scandinavian, “rustic”, the richness of the Japanese neutral colour palette aids in preventing the stark, crisp palette of Scandinavian styles from feeling cold and clinical. Japandi Home’s introspective essence can ultimately be considered quite timely for the pandemic and was the quintessential lockdown project our team needed.

Powder Bathroom

This large laundry and mudroom with attached powder room is spacious with plenty of room. The benches, cubbies and cabinets help keep everything organized and out of site.

Painted shiplap wall behind vanity. Mosaic floor with design. custom cabinet with accent mirror and lighting above

This cloakroom had an awkward vaulted ceiling and there was not a lot of room. I knew I wanted to give my client a wow factor but retaining the traditional look she desired. I designed the wall cladding to come higher as I dearly wanted to wallpaper the ceiling to give the vaulted ceiling structure. The taupe grey tones sit well with the warm brass tones and the rock basin added a subtle wow factor

A historic Spanish colonial residence (circa 1929) in Kessler Park’s conservation district was completely revitalized with design that honored its original era as well as embraced modern conveniences. The small kitchen was extended into the built-in banquette in the living area to give these amateur chefs plenty of countertop workspace in the kitchen as well as a casual dining experience while they enjoy the amazing backyard view. The quartzite countertops adorn the kitchen and living room built-ins and are inspired by the beautiful tree line seen out the back windows of the home in a blooming spring & summer in Dallas. Each season truly takes on its own personality in this yard. The primary bath features a modern take on a timeless “plaid” pattern with mosaic glass and gold trim. The reeded front cabinets and slimline hardware maintain a minimalist presentation that allows the shower tile to remain the focal point. The guest bath’s jewel toned marble accent tile in a fun geometric pattern pops off the black marble background and adds lighthearted sophistication to this space. Original wood beams, cement walls and terracotta tile flooring and fireplace tile remain in the great room to pay homage to stay true to its original state. This project proves new materials can be masterfully incorporated into existing architecture and yield a timeless result!

The black wainscot and wallpaper make an impressionable statement in the powder bath.