Client: Mr. & Mrs. Eisinger

Overview

The Powder Room is only 4’5 ½” x 4’6”, totaling just under 20.25 square feet, and has a 7 foot ceiling. Obstacles included the inability to expand the footprint, and duct work that eliminated the possibility of raising the ceiling or even adding adequate recessed lighting.

Goals

The goal was to bring the space up to date, improve the lighting with sconces at the sink, and install directional recessed lighting to add ambient light that would also highlight original art to be selected. Just as it had been in the design plans for other rooms of the home, art was essential. It would create the desired ambiance. The wall above the commode was the perfect setting for a piece of art as it would be immediately visible upon entering the room. It was likely that the art would need to be commissioned to be ideal for the client and for the most advantageous placement. The lead designer suggested that rather than one narrow piece, multiple small, square pieces could run up the wall. A local artist and friend who is co-owner of an art and framing gallery was contacted by the design team.

Process

The lead designer came up with the lighting solution. LED light strips were installed on the ceiling, directing the light toward each wall as desired. Kelvin 3000 was specified for accurate color rendition of art and finishes. The designers showed the artist tile samples, wall covering, glass vessel sink, and finishes to be used in the space, and provided an elevation drawing showing the concept of straight and angled art. A borrowed series of small canvasses the artist had done were used to demonstrate to the client how the pieces could be hung going up the wall. The lead designer had another idea to continue with two more pieces rising up to be "framed" by the moldings on the ceiling. It would bring the eye up, giving the illusion of a larger space, and add color, texture, and movement. The broad smile on the client’s face was a "Yes!" Then it was in the artist’s hands to create the five canvases. The designers met with the artist to see the finished work before the protective sealing had been applied, and suggested a few minor enhancements. The texture and flow were perfect.

Additional Information

When the client saw the finished pieces, she was amazed at how beautiful they are and was thrilled to see these pieces come to life in the powder room. The colors were perfect and worked very well with the client's eclectic, contemporary style and collection of art throughout the home, but it was the final installation that really set the tone. It was a bit tricky getting the pieces installed, especially the two on the ceiling. Fortunately, they were hung by someone who cared – the brother of the artist, the other owner of the gallery.