Interior Designer Lilse McKenna gave this bathroom the tropical treatment with Cole and Sons wallpaper and fresh Weezie towels. We loved the space, so we chatted with her to get all of the details on sourcing.
Lilse, tell us a little about yourself!
I live in Brooklyn and have an office in NYC. I have worked in interior design for almost a decade; first with Lindsey Coral Harper, and then with Markham Roberts. I started my own firm in the summer of 2017. I can’t believe it has already been three years!
We adore this bathroom! What can you tell us about the design process?
We renovated this house, which is my parents’ house, before they moved in. This was one of the rooms we completely gutted. I’m pretty sure it had a pink bathtub when we started! We decided it was a good opportunity for wallpaper because it is a small space where the paper could really envelop you. It is a guest bath, which is always a good opportunity to use a bold pattern!
Speaking of wallpaper, lets get to sourcing!
Wallpaper: Cole & Son Palm Leaves in Pale Blue
Towel Bar: Restoration Hardware Chatham Towel Bar in Polished Nickel
Weezie Pick: Green Piped Starter Pack with Prince embroidery in green thread
Sconce: Vaughan Octagonal Wall Light in Polished Nickel
Mirror: Restoration Hardware Classic Wall Mirror in Polished Nickel
Faucet: Waterworks Highgate Lavatory Faucet with Metal Cross Handles
Towel Ring: Restoration Hardware Chatham Towel Ring in Polished Nickel
Silver Cup on Sink: Waterworks Canter Tall Tumbler
Weezie Pick: Tullie Patterned Short Robe
Tile: Carrara White Marble Mosaic Tile with Black Dots
We love the wallpaper and fabrics you source for your clients. What are your go-to brands?
I love sourcing from all over the globe, but recently find myself constantly drawn back to Carolina Irving Textiles, Robert Kime, and Sister Parish Design.
Beyond what is included in this bathroom - what are 3 other go-to sources/items you often use in bathroom spaces?
- I love a bathroom with a wood floor. I’ll often paint them with a satin floor paint from Benjamin Moore, or in older houses, I’ll use antique heart pine with a sealant to protect it from water damage. It is warmer than stone or tile on your feet, and instantly adds charm and age to a space.
- Waterworks is one of my go-to resources for beautiful faucets and shower fittings. Their Easton collection is particularly timeless.
- When I am looking for inspiration for a bath, I often turn to Michael Smith’s Michael S. Smith: Kitchens & Baths and Gil Schafer’s The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now. Both books feature so many beautiful baths, and helpful notes on the materials used to create them.
Looking for more stories on sourcing? Check out these Source & Tell featured with Gen Sohr of @pencilandpaperco and GordonDunning Interiors.
