Project Reveal: Noe Valley Powder Room
A petite powder room turned morning hub, designed with heart, hustle, and just the right dose of drama.
This one’s extra special. Not just because it turned out beautifully (which, it did), but because it all started with a friend. Our client’s son and my son are school buddies, and when she reached out needing help with her Noe Valley powder room, I immediately said yes.
The ask was simple: make it pretty, make it functional, and don’t break the bank. But as we got into it, with a little guidance and some education on what truly makes a space timeless, she quickly realized it was worth investing in something that would last for many years to come.
The Vision
This powder room isn’t just for guests—it’s the only bathroom on the main floor and gets used daily by their kids as they rush to get ready for school. So while it needed to be beautiful, it also had to work.
We went custom with the vanity, using ribbed oak for warmth and texture, paired with a sleek silver travertine trough sink that makes the whole room feel elevated. A dramatic floral wallpaper adds that bold little exhale of personality—one of those love-at-first-sight moments our client nailed instantly.
She was decisive, clear, and had a great eye—which made this project move fast. We designed it, sourced it, and built it in just 50 days: 25 for design, 25 for construction. But here’s the thing—speed only works when you stick to a tight process.
The Process
No matter how big or small the project, we always follow our discovery-to-install approach. Why? Because skipping steps always creates confusion and even more delays.
From demo to tile, millwork, stone templating, lighting, drywall patching, and finally decorative elements (hi, wallpaper!), we scheduled every trade with military precision. Even one of our subcontractors told us he hadn’t seen a schedule that dialed-in in years. We’ll take it.
Of course, no renovation comes without surprises. When the plumber removed the toilet, we discovered the main pipe wasn’t properly installed. We quickly shared options with our client, pivoted, and kept the project on track. Flexibility is key, especially when working with third-party subs who are juggling packed calendars.
The Wallpaper Moment
Let’s talk wallpaper. We showed our client many options—seriously, many. But none felt quite right. Since this powder room is used daily by the family, durability was key, so we focused on high-performance papers that could stand up to the hustle.
Our client knew she wanted florals, but nothing too sweet or fussy. Then one day, while browsing online, she found the one: Deco Poppies. Bold, graphic, a little moody—and a nod to her love for poppies. It was dramatic in the best way, and as soon as she saw it, she lit up. That’s when we knew: this was it.
It’s always magic when a client finds something that resonates so personally. And when the design and emotion align? That’s when the space really starts to sing.
The Takeaway
This project is proof that good things really do come in small packages. It’s also a reminder that no matter the square footage, design deserves intention, process, and care.
We’re so grateful for this family’s trust—and love how the space turned out. The best projects always come from great collaboration.
xx Paulina
