Couple Transforms Claustrophobic Powder Room into a Maximalist Retreat
A Chicago couple renovated a tiny powder room under their stairs, stripping failing plaster walls and hauling out over 600 pounds of debris. The two-month project, which cost $2,800, turned the cramped space into a bold, gothic-aquatic styled bathroom. The renovation was inspired by the persistent grimy feeling that scrubbing couldn't fix.
The powder room sat beneath the home's staircase with a sloped ceiling, textured peach walls, a pedestal sink consuming half the space, and no light switch. What began as a weekend project to strip wall texture escalated when failing lath and plaster was discovered, forcing a full gut renovation. The couple removed roughly 600 pounds of debris, including six inches of plaster buildup, using only a household hammer due to tight clearance.
The two-month, $2,800 project preserved the original basketweave tile flooring, which revived after intensive scrubbing. For the walls, they applied a jellyfish wallpaper they'd been saving for months. Joe's three nonnegotiables were a sleek low-maintenance sink, wallpaper protection, and keeping the original tile. The result was a bold, gothic-aquatic styled bathroom.
This story could inspire homeowners tackling small, neglected spaces to consider bold design choices rather than defaulting to minimalism. It may also encourage preservation-minded renovations, as the couple's decision to keep original tile demonstrates that historic elements can coexist with dramatic aesthetics. DIY enthusiasts might feel emboldened by the relatively modest $2,800 budget, though the physical demands and unexpected structural issues serve as a cautionary note about hidden complications in older homes.