Downstairs toilet feature wall

[winterflower15]

I really fancy adding a feature wall to our downstairs toilet to make the room more interesting. I like the idea of a navy or dark green wall like the image from Pinterest but my problem is our toilet doesn't have a flat back wall like that.

If you were painting the room would you do the colour just on the bit of wall where the pictures are and below the shelf or would you also do the extra L shape around it?

First of all I would change the toilet for one with a hidden cistern centralised and fitted into the recess with a similar shelf (but lower) and would also incorporate narrow cupboards each side (for loo rolls/cleaning products) and then you could get rid of the little grey drawer unit. I know that's not what you asked but I'd do that first and then decide on the colour / pictures etc.

A concealed cistern is a great nuisance when it goes wrong (it will).

Probably the L shape too!
I also want to do this with ours :)

L shape too I think...

I would conceal the cistern, I will wallpaper all over, I would move the mirror over the loo and get maybe get rid of the pictures.

It’s a small space, go mad, you can afford to use something nice all over.

Concealed cisterns are the worst example of form over function. It would be a complete waste of money and a perfectly good loo.

I'd paint the L too. If you're going dark, the L will be less noticeable anyway as you won't get so much of a shadow on the recessed bit. Because the shadow disappears, you may find that your pictures look like they have been hung a bit off centre though. Although you may also find that because of the shelf it looks fine.

You could always paint the shelf to match, which could look pretty cool. You'd have a much cleaner, pared back look that way

Thanks for ideas.

We've currently got other projects in the pipeline like new windows and a new kitchen so anything other than a fresh lick of paint won't happen. Also with a small boy still to potty train I think sticking with wipeable paint is the best option!

@Rivergreen
Concealed cisterns are the worst example of form over function...

Yes I think we all regret getting rid of that bucket in the corner

Concealed cisterns are the worst example of form over function..

I would disagree. Looks much cluttered, which is always good in a small space and it you get more storage possibilities, on the top.

much less cluttered

Paint the L shape too.

It does look very slick having it concealed.

Rather than making the wall behind a 'feature', what about painting the roof a dark colour, with the colour continued down the wall a bit. Will make the room look wider whereas painting the recess a darker colour will make it look narrower than it actually is. Then have a toning colour lower down. Forest green and mint would look contemporary.

If your into fun stuff you could paint a big splatter of paint on the back walk in a bright colour like orange or raspberry with the sides of the splatter going onto the side walls and even the ceiling if you wished.

Decorate any other walls with multiple small splatters in bright fun colours. Buy multi coloured hand towels.

But then I’m a bit mad....!

And paint that shelf to match the wall and maybe add a couple more and get rid of the ugly grey storage unit next to the loo. What's just in sight to the left of the picture, is it another shelf? Get rid of it as well. And can you get the pipework boxed in?

As the alcove is off centre I wouldn't highlight it but paint the whole wall floor to ceiling. Actually I'd pick a funky wallpaper and cover all the walls, with a piece of clear perspex above the sink.

You could always just paint the alcove, see what it looks like and if you don't like it paint the whole wall. I suspect though becusse it is off centre painting the whole wall will look better.

@Elieza

Big splatter... on the back wall
Might look like someone couldn't make it in time....

Definitely include the L bit.

Ha ha, defo don’t do a lie down yellow or brown splatter lol

Low down.
Stupid fat thumbs.

should I be concerned that not only did I go for a concealed cistern, but I also had it tiled...?

@CountFosco the thing just insight to the left is the light switch, with no window we really can't afford to lose that

Yeah, OK, I'll let you keep the light switch

I think for building regs your light switch should be a light pull i.e. corded. To avoid wet hands and electricity (wets hands from not drying them properly after washing rather than being clumsy) But I'm not up to date on building regs - which is why we still use a Davy Lamp when looking in the gas oven.