Ottawa home gets Etsy-inspired bathroom makeover

A bathroom renovation in Ottawa began with an unexpected yet deeply personal starting point: an Etsy print titled Le Homard Saint-Malo, which the homeowners had long admired. The print served as more than just decor. For the homeowners, it was a visual anchor, a piece they loved and wanted to infuse into their home. Rather than treating the print as an afterthought, Studio Alter used it as the foundation for the entire redesign, ensuring every material, color, and texture aligned with its spirit.

A Thoughtful Transformation

Kate DuBois and Xenia Rose, the creative force behind Studio Alter, approached the project with a philosophy that prioritizes spaces that are both functional and emotionally resonant. The firm’s work often centers on striking a balance between practical needs and personal expression, a challenge that was particularly relevant in this case. The bathroom in question serves as a Jack-and-Jill connection between two of the home’s children’s bedrooms, meaning it would endure daily use from four young boys, including a newborn. The designers recognized early on that the space needed to withstand the wear and tear of family life while avoiding the pitfalls of overly juvenile design choices that might feel dated as the children grew older.

The homeowners’ vision aligned closely with Studio Alter’s approach. They sought a room that would feel lively and full of character but would also mature gracefully alongside their children. “They wanted color, personality, and something that wouldn’t feel too young as the kids got older,” Xenia said. “Pretty much our ideal brief.” The project’s scope was full, encompassing everything from structural adjustments to the final decorative touches. Studio Alter managed the entire process, including layout revisions, material sourcing, contractor coordination, and construction oversight. This hands-on approach allowed the designers to maintain control over every detail, ensuring the finished space reflected their original vision. “We love watching our projects come to life,” Kate said, emphasizing the satisfaction of seeing a concept evolve from sketches and samples into a fully realized room.

Color and Whimsy Without Chaos

The design team translated the inspiration of Le Homard Saint-Malo into a cohesive palette and material scheme that felt both lively and sophisticated. The custom butter-yellow vanity, crafted by House of Fine Carpentry, became the room’s focal point. Its rich, warm hue draws the eye immediately, while the turned legs from Pretty Pegs lend it an heirloom quality, raising it beyond a standard bathroom fixture. The vanity’s design reflects a deliberate choice to incorporate furniture-like elements, blurring the line between functional storage and decorative statement. Above it, the wavy blue-grey mirrors from HVS Home introduce an element of movement, their undulating edges softening the room’s geometry without overwhelming the space.

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The wall treatment further develops the room’s narrative. Studio Alter commissioned a custom hand-drawn wallpaper through Spoonflower, featuring illustrations of swimmers and beachgoers engaged in leisurely activities. The playful yet understated pattern avoids being overly literal, instead evoking the carefree spirit of a seaside holiday. Below the wallpaper, deep red beadboard wainscoting grounds the design, its bold color providing a striking contrast to the lighter elements above. The transition between the two is mediated by a thin strip of marble trim tile from Calacatta Tile, which acts as a visual bridge, tying the disparate textures and colors into a unified whole. “The marble trim tile between them really pulls it together,” Kate said, highlighting how small details can unify a complex design. A red sconce from Triple Seven Home anchors the color palette, its saturated hue echoing the wainscoting and reinforcing the room’s bold yet harmonious aesthetic.

The designers’ approach to color was methodical. Dusty blue, butter yellow, and red were selected for their visual impact and ability to evoke warmth and vibrancy. Each hue was carefully placed to create balance—dusty blue in the mirrors and textiles, butter yellow in the vanity and accents, and red in the wainscoting and lighting. The layering of materials, from the smooth marble to the textured beadboard, adds depth, preventing the space from feeling flat or monotonous. “We were careful about where each color landed and how the materials layered,” the designers said. “It had to feel rich, not chaotic.” This intentionality extended to the room’s functionality. Durable finishes, such as the beadboard’s moisture-resistant properties and the vanity’s sturdy construction, ensure the space can withstand the demands of a busy household. The result is a bathroom that feels both polished and playful, a sign to the idea that practicality and personality need not be mutually exclusive.

For the homeowners, the renovation was an opportunity to transform an often-overlooked space into something extraordinary. The Etsy print that inspired the project now hangs in the finished bathroom, a quiet but meaningful nod to the journey from concept to completion. Its presence serves as a reminder that inspiration can come from unexpected places, and that even the most utilitarian rooms can be infused with joy and individuality.

The success of the project lies in its ability to merge form and function seamlessly. The bathroom’s design respects the realities of family life while refusing to compromise on beauty or creativity. It proves that a space can be both highly functional and deeply personal, a reflection of the people who use it every day.