What do you do with a tiny coat closet tucked by the entryway, just big enough for jackets but brimming with potential? For our client in Port Richmond, Staten Island, the answer was clear: turn it into something beautiful and functional.
With our interior design services, that small, underused space became a stylish powder room filled with thoughtful details. From refined moulding to space-saving fixtures, this petite footprint now makes a big impact.
Let’s walk you through the details of this thoughtful new build, from floor to faucet.
The Before: A Closet with Potential
The original space was a typical coat closet: narrow, windowless, and barely wide enough to walk into. But what it lacked in square footage, it made up for in location. Right off the front entryway, it was the ideal spot to convert into a powder room for guests.
The homeowner wanted something:
- Space-saving
- Bright and calming
- Consistent with the entryway flooring
- Stylish yet low-maintenance
We knew the layout had to be precise. We had limited inches of length and width to work with, but the result had to look (and feel) intentional, not cramped.
A New Build with Purpose
In this project, we reimagined underutilized space. The former coat closet off the entryway served a purpose, but transforming it into a powder room gave the home even more value. By reframing the interior and carefully laying out every element, we created a fully functional guest bathroom that feels elegant, clean, and cohesive with the rest of the home.
The transformation started with two essentials: a clear layout and a calming palette.
The Layout
This was a new build-out, which meant creating everything from plumbing and electrical to walls, ventilation, finishes, etc. We began by mapping out the layout to ensure that all essential elements could fit without crowding the room:
- A narrow vanity that allowed storage for bathroom essentials (cleaning products, toiletries, etc.)
- A compact toilet
- Sufficient clearance for comfort
- Wall-mounted lighting (this helped us avoid shadows)
- Ventilation that wouldn’t compromise the ceiling height
By coordinating trades from the start, we were able to deliver a high-quality finish that feels original to the home.
The Upgrades
Now, let’s have a look at what we incorporated to achieve the final results.
Flooring and Tile
Porcelanosa Tiles
The flooring in both the entryway and the new powder room features Porcelanosa tile. We always vouch for this brand because of its modern finish, durability, and stain resistance. By continuing the same tile into the bathroom, we visually extended the space and made the powder room feel like a natural extension of the home. This is one way we made sure it felt like an original part of the home (rather than an afterthought).
The warm neutral tone of the tile keeps things grounded while allowing other features, like the white wainscoting and chrome fixtures, to shine. More on the palette below!
Wall Treatments
The color palette of the powder room was clean and coastal-inspired.
Sherwin-Williams Silver Tipped Sage
Above the wainscoting, we used Sherwin-Williams Silver Tipped Sage. This is a soft and muted green with hints of gray. It’s calming, elegant, and spa-like, exactly the atmosphere we wanted for a guest bath. It plays beautifully with natural light and adds a gentle wash of color that contrasts subtly with the white paneling.
Sherwin-Williams Dover White
In the entryway, we used Sherwin-Williams Dover White, one of our favorite warm whites. It feels soft without being yellow and gives the room a crisp and clean ambiance. One that reflects light and enhances the room’s height.
Trim and Moulding
To give the space architectural polish, we installed crown moulding and base trim throughout the bathroom. The classic detailing elevates the narrow space and reinforces the home’s traditional charm. Simultaneously, it gives a custom-built finish that makes this powder room feel anything but builder-basic.
The paneling runs about halfway up the wall, adding a sense of scale and proportion. It also helps protect the walls from everyday wear.
Compact Fixtures
The fixtures we chose were compact (a need of the space) but still so stylish!
Kohler Fixtures from Brooklyn
Every plumbing fixture and accessory in this space was selected for functionality and quality. All were sourced from the Kohler Signature Store in Brooklyn, our go-to for bath fittings.
- The toilet features a sleek and modern silhouette that tucks perfectly into the corner without taking up unnecessary space.
- The compact rectangular sink is wall-adjacent. It allows more room to move while offering practical function for hand washing.
- The single-lever faucet, toilet paper holder, and wall sconce are all polished chrome. They tie the whole palette together and reflect the light beautifully.
Mirror and Styling Details
We chose an oval mirror to contrast the vertical lines of the paneling while softening the clean angles of the sink and walls. The mirror’s shape helps elongate the space, guiding the eye upward and visually “opening up” the narrow footprint.
Above the toilet, we installed a minimal floating shelf, perfect for a small plant or candle. For those looking to add warmth and character to small spaces, J Thomas Home offers custom, made-to-order shelves in real wood and a variety of finishes. Though subtle, this shelf adds personality without clutter.
Why Powder Rooms Matter (Especially in Staten Island Homes)
In neighborhoods like Port Richmond, where many homes, despite their generous floor plans, were built with just one main bathroom, a powder room is a true lifestyle upgrade. Especially so for this home, where there was only one bathroom located upstairs. The powder room on the first floor adds comfort for guests, everyday convenience for the homeowner, and long-term value to the property.
By introducing this compact but well-designed space near the entryway, we brought greater functionality to the home without needing a major footprint expansion. It’s a smart solution that makes daily living feel smoother. And more complete.
Final Thoughts
This Staten Island powder room might be petite in size, but it’s packed with purpose! By converting a closet into a fully functioning guest bath, our client now enjoys an elegant space that blends into the home and welcomes guests in style.
At CRAFT by Anika, we specialize in bringing intention to every corner of the home, even the smallest ones 😉
If you have a coat closet, laundry nook, or underused corner you’ve been eyeing, you’re closer to having a powder room than you think. We’ll help you bring it to life; let’s get in touch!
