Dive into Bathroom Bliss: Phaedra Brown’s Dreamy Design Tips!


Design & Decor | PUBLISHED 09.17.24 | Tam Tran
A spacious bathroom with a black clawfoot tub, floral curtains, a Persian-style rug, and a large white sink.  | BRG

Welcome to another exciting edition of our design spotlight! Today, we whisk you away to the most fabulous bathroom you ever laid eyes on … thanks to the incredibly talented and ever-charming Phaedra Brown.

Known for her eclectic style and obsession with color, Phaedra’s home is the embodiment of an English country cottage layered with whimsy and luxury—and we are giving you an insider look into her bathroom design secrets. This bathroom is a haven of charm, full of vintage treasures, thoughtful touches, and bold statements that will have you swooning for days.

So, get ready to take notes and prepare to be inspired because this is not just any bathroom—this is bathroom bliss, Phaedra style!

Vintage Rugs, Meet Luxury Bath Mats

When asked about her show-stopping vintage rug that boldly runs the length of her bathroom, Phaedra explained why she thinks it’s the perfect touch for the space.

"I love using a vintage rug in a bathroom. It helps the space feel less utilitarian. Our primary bath is extremely large and it also helps warm up the space. I also use a separate bath mat so the rug is not getting wet."

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For those of you who might not want to take the plunge with a full-size rug, Phaedra has a brilliant alternative up her sleeve: heated tile floors or a quilted bath mat, preferably one of those luxurious splurges from D Porthault! Who knew warmth could be so stylish?

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Vanity Magic: Antique Meets Modern

Phaedra’s bathroom vanity setup is all about blending practicality with charm. She has a stunning vintage chest of drawers that adds depth to the all-white surroundings while being an incredibly functional piece.

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But it’s not just about the aesthetics. Phaedra’s love for organization shines here too! She artfully displays useful items in pretty vintage containers atop the chest, with items like mouthwash in a chic decanter and daily contacts hidden in a blue and white box.

It’s all about adding luxury to the everyday!

Her pro-tip for mixing antique pieces into your bathroom? Make sure the piece has room to shine without looking crammed and that the drawers or doors function smoothly. This way, your design remains not only beautiful but functional, too.

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All About Lighting: Layered and Luxe

When it comes to lighting, Phaedra believes more is more!

"I think it’s important to have multiple sources of light in a room and anything in the ceiling should be an accent, not a primary source of light."

She prefers vintage lighting but isn’t afraid to mix in new pieces for the ultimate layered look.

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Her space is illuminated by stunning wall sconces flanking the mirror, casting a warm and inviting glow. But if you thought she stopped there, think again!

One of the key elements of her design is the gorgeous blue and white statement chandelier hanging in the center of the room, featuring delicate fabric shades, with porcelain Delft pieces on the chandelier itself. It’s a whimsical yet luxurious touch that ties in the blue tones found throughout her decor. Talk about a statement!

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Phaedra suggests using dimmer switches and wiring your lighting separately so you can easily control the mood — bright when you need it, cozy when you don’t.

And don’t forget her secret weapon: a small lamp in the bathroom for a little extra glow. Her plans to install outlets behind every toilet in her Maine house to keep the "glow game strong" are pure genius!

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Shower Elegance: All in the Details

Phaedra’s frameless glass shower enclosure keeps the space feeling open and airy while letting her beautiful shower tile be the star of the show. She advises avoiding a header on the glass if possible and suggests keeping the glass height moderate.

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As for towel bars?

Skip the door-mounted version and keep the focus on the tiles. And boy, does her custom blue and white tile mural deserve the spotlight, with elegant patterns that elevate the space to new heights of sophistication.

The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Now, let’s talk about the finer details — the ones that take this bathroom from stunning to absolutely jaw-dropping.

1. Framed Botanical Prints:

Above the stunning brass tub fixtures are six perfectly arranged botanical prints in dark wood and gold frames. These delicate artworks bring an earthy, vintage touch to the space, grounding the luxury with natural beauty.

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2. Blue and White Accessories:

Scattered throughout the bathroom are exquisite blue and white accents, from a dainty soap dispenser on the sink to a garden stool inside the shower, chosen in lieu of a shower niche, which holds blue dispensers for shampoo and conditioner. These pieces effortlessly tie into the blue tones in the towels and tiles, creating a cohesive and fresh look that’s both timeless and chic.

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3. Gold and Brass Fixtures:

Let’s not forget the brass faucets, towel racks, and tub fixtures. These warm metallics contrast beautifully with the cool blue palette while adding an unmistakable touch of opulence. Every detail gleams with elegance, making it impossible not to fall in love with the luxe vibe.

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Black Rock Galleries Picks: Phaedra’s Must-Have Vintage Finds

You know we cannot leave you without a curated list of treasures! Phaedra’s design is all about mixing old and new, and she’s handpicked her favorite Black Rock Galleries auction and store finds so you can recreate this luxurious look at home.

Here are her most recent top recommendations:

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1. Pair Elegant Silvered Iron Twin Light Sconces

2. Two Vintage Tramp Art Inlaid Boxes

3. Very Fine Chinoiserie Decorated Vitrine Cabinet

4. Custom Mahogany Federal Style Beveled Mirror by Wayne Pratt & Co.

5. Antique Tribal Wool Prayer Mat

6. Fine Semi-antique Banded Burl Wood Bow Front Chest

7. Set Of Four Silverplate Candlestick Lamps

Each of these vintage pieces is filled with charm and ready to take your bathroom (or any space!) to the next level of elegance.

Meet Phaedra Brown

Phaedra Brown, a self-professed lover of color and pattern, is a powerhouse of interior and garden design. While she has no formal training, her passion for creating warm, inviting spaces and her love for flowers and vintage finds make her a standout. Her home is her personal design laboratory, filled with her layered English country cottage-inspired aesthetic.

Phaedra’s Instagram, @houseandgardendog, is a must-follow if you love color, design, and the occasional sneak peek of her adorable Westie, Wellie. Oh, and did we mention Wellie was named Pet of the Month by Southern Living Magazine? You read that right—this dynamic duo is already famous!

Phaedra’s bathroom is a perfect reflection of her design philosophy: mixing vintage with modern, practical with pretty, and always, always with a dash of color.

So what are you waiting for? Get inspired by Phaedra’s incredible design tips and start transforming your bathroom into a dreamy escape!

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