One Room Challenge | Week 4: Painting Day
- Katherine Walker
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Now that the dust has literally settled (and trust me, there was a lot of it from The One Room Challenge: Week 3), it was finally time to move on to a more noticeable phase, painting! Last week was all about the messy prep work of skim coating and sanding the ceiling, but this week felt like a breath of fresh air, watching actual color start to bring this jewel-box powder bath to life.
Painting for a Jewel Box Effect
This week was all about painting, and while it might sound simple, the right paint and sheen make all the difference. Because this powder bath is designed to feel like a jewel box, I wanted the walls to have a soft glow that reflects the light slightly instead of a flat finish. I chose a eggshell sheen for the walls, luminous enough to catch the light, but still sophisticated and smooth.
To elevate the finish trim details, I went with semi-gloss on the baseboards and door. The subtle shine creates contrast against the satin walls and gives the moldings that “finished” look, like jewelry outlining a gemstone. It’s a small design choice but any designer will tell you, these decisions completely shift the vibe of a room.
After buying the paint, I gathered my tools and got to work.
Don’t Skimp on Prep & Paint
Before I picked up a brush, I gave the walls one more sanding to make sure the paint would adhere properly. Then it was two solid coats for that rich, even coverage, it’s what ensures your finish looks professional instead of patchy.
Pro Tip:
Buy the good paint. Cheaper brands may look tempting, but you’ll pay for it in uneven coverage, multiple coats, and a finish that just doesn’t hold up. For a small, highly visible space like a powder bath, investing in high-quality paint means richer pigment, smoother application, and durability.
Paint is More than Color
Painting is one of the most underestimated steps in a renovation. Clients often think of it as quick and easy, but the truth is, quality painting requires just as much skill and experience as any other trade. Choosing the right sheen and using high-quality products are what separate a room that feels ordinary from one that feels intentional and layered.
And this is where skilled painters truly shine. They bring efficiency, precision, and years of expertise, cutting in crisp edges, rolling smooth finishes, and knowing exactly how to get that flawless, jewel-box effect. In a small space like a powder bath, where every detail is magnified, a quality paint job makes all the difference.
Inspector Colby reporting for duty, quality control is serious business.
One Room Challenge: What's Next
With the paint complete, the vision is really starting to come to life. Next week is the part I’ve been most excited for, the gold-leaf ceiling! ✨ This is where the powder bath truly begins to take on that jewel-box quality I’ve been chasing from the start. It’s bold, it’s glamorous, and it’s definitely going to test my patience.
Don't miss next week by following along here, on our Instagram and at One Room Challenge, and Apartment Therapy.
If your home could use a refresh or you’re dreaming of creating the perfect powder bath, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s hop on a 30-minute Discovery Call—it could be the start of something life-changing for your space!