COLUMN: Gail Mayhugh

DEAR GAIL: I have a powder bath that needs some sprucing up. It's fairly small, and I would like to give it a face-lift with wallpaper, paint, border or faux painting. I've had wallpaper in the past and loved it, but would consider doing something different. Since I'm not a do-it-your- selfer, can you give me an idea what the differences are in costs, along with any suggestions? -- Carla S.

DEAR CARLA: Powder baths are a great place to experiment and to be bold. Because it is used only briefly, you don't need to be as concerned about how the color looks on your skin or how the color and/or pattern psychologically affect you.

Wallpaper is wonderful; you can find it in many patterns, textures, colors, themes and price ranges. I like to use it to add visual excitement with pattern and color.

Wallpaper is sold by the double roll, but priced by the single roll. I know that is confusing, but that's how it's done. An average roll of wallpaper measures 27 square feet and runs $27 per roll -- $1 a square foot -- which I feel is a good price for the variety and colorful result you get. Installation in a bath starts at $21 per roll.

Faux painting is all the rage and is the most requested wall treatment by my clients. There are many treatments that can be done including color-washing, sponging, ragging and marbleizing. The advantage of faux painting versus wallpaper is that it is completely custom. You can pick the design and color combinations you want, and the end result is beautiful. Of course, there are added costs whenever the word custom is used; it averages $3 per square foot for a basic two-color wash effect.

Straight paint is an instant makeover for any room. At about 5 cents per square foot, it is the most dramatic, quickest and least expensive way to change a room. Consider using more than one color by painting an accent wall, ceiling or even the back of the door. Most painters will charge only a minimal fee for color changes.

You can do a lot by two-toning the room using regular paint and painters' tape. You can paint stripes in two different colors or the same color with different finishes -- flat and gloss. To be different, paint horizontal stripes instead of vertical ones.

Borders are another great way to bring in color and a theme for a fraction of the cost versus wallpaper. I like to use them in combination with faux or straight painting. Borders are sold in 15-foot spools and average about $27 per spool. A normal powder bath shouldn't take more than three spools.

Color blocking is also an interesting effect. Select the lightest shade of a color on a color strip. You'll use that color with the four others directly above it.

Start by measuring the height of the wall and dividing it by five. With a 10-foot ceiling, it would be 2 feet. Mark off 2-foot squares on the wall from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall. At the corner, if you are not left with a perfect 2-foot square, wrap it around to the next wall.

Starting at the floor, paint the lightest color in the first block and continue to the darkest color in the fifth block. Then, starting back at the floor, use the third color and follow with the colors in the same order through to the ceiling. Continue starting at the floor, off-setting the blocks each time by two colors. This provides a rich look, espe- cially with neutral tones.

When painting, remember the fifth wall -- the ceiling. Depending upon what you do on the walls, have a sky painted or use an iridescent paint to give the room a colorful glow.

If you choose a faux or straight paint option, consider adding a custom mural. It can be as simple as vines around the mirror or something small above the towel bar or toilet. The cost depends upon the complexity of the piece, but something simple and small can start at $200.

Another option is to add wainscoting with a painted beadboard on the lower half. White with a dark paint above gives a crisp clean look. You can then add any accent color with artwork, towels and accessories.

Crown molding is also attractive in a powder bath. Although the room is small, it gives a nice, finished look and shouldn't cost more than a few hundred dollars installed.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 8170 S. Eastern Ave., Box 4-275, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.

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