I'd replace the mirror with a framed one, mount a painting over the medicine cabinet (that way you still have the storage), remove the overhead lamp and replace it with a small table lamp.

Absolutely get rid of the large wall mirror. I think that's what's really making it feel bathroom-like. Replace the outdated lighting.

I agree with Comicgeek that you should remove the existing mirror and replace it with a framed one. Please remove the laminate counter, almost anything would be a better option (even just a piece of wood from the hardware store, cut to fit the space, would look better). I would suggest opting for more of a built in desk look with a drawer or some sort of option for under counter storage. and better lighting will go a long way toward making it feel less like a bathroom.

I agree the frameless mirror makes it look moor like a bathroom vanity, but it's still a gorgeous size and I would take advantage of that by buying decorative framing and just gluing the pieces around the edge to fake a framed mirror. Maybe gild it even.

Also, hiding bathroom accessories, or placing them in non-bathroom type containers. And I would definitely bold a bold wallpaper covering in the nook area. I think the counter looks fine but maybe you can attach a table cloth or covering to it. I think it would very elegant to have it draping down, kind of like a skirt, and then put a vanity stool. I would also switch the outlets out to ones that blend into the wall. Nothing says bathroom like mid-height outlets.

Finally, accessories with items that you may find on a vanity, but not necessarily in a bathroom. Photos, candles, keepsakes...etc.

I agree the medicine cabinet is great to keep. If you don't use the mirror on it you might consider covering it with a framed custom print or framed poster so that it become art.

You could also replace the laminate with a piece of granite, marble, etc. That small of a piece would not be expensive at all.

*moor? yeah, ya know what I mean

Also, what kind of light fixture do you have? It's difficult to see from the photo.

Also, I can't tell what type of light you have, but it looks like it might be florescent or one of those linear lights. I would swap that out for a small chandelier, or any other decorative light that matches the style of you bedroom.

again, sorry for all the types....I actually re-read it, but I'm getting ready for work..or I should be! Damn AT is addicting!

I would get rid of the medicine cabinet, if your replacing the Formica top, then you might as well get some drawers put in. A nice framed mirror will help, and a less contractor like lighting also helps make it cozy and more room like.

I'd take out the counter altogether and buy a nice chest of drawers or storage chest with a decorative top (faux marble?). Then you can replace the flat mirror with a framed/decorative style and it will look less "bathroomy" overall, while providing the same functionality (and more storage). I'd get rid of the mirrored door on the medicine cabinet and consider replacing it with a custom door that could hold your jewelry (like a framed screen/corkboard). Definitely replace the overhead light - you could install a great little chandelier or pendant instead.

If it were my space (and how I wish I had this kind of space!) - wood counter (love stone counters, but I think marble or granite could still read "bathroom"), sweet pendant light, framed mirrors, and either paint or paper a pretty pattern on the walls to set it apart. Not sure it would make sense with that doorway to the right, but one of those small wire chairs with the tufted seat cushion could look really cute. If no chair, then a fabric skirt for the counter to provide some hidden storage underneath.

I'd use a nice dark wood for the counter top. That's something you'd almost never see in a bathroom and, in combination with having a framed mirror, would look really classy. I agree on the dark/deep colors or bold wall paper for the walls. Also, a really luxurious ottoman-like seat would be awesome in that space.

If you can change the whole countertop for a wood thing would be better... and put some wide moulding around the mirror.... get a table lamp (just to make it more bedside table like) and the light fixture move it from the wall to the ceiling... get rid of the second side mirror and paint the walls in a color of your choice (they are small so you can go wild)... something with drawers under the counter will also help you rid of the bathroom feel.

You could tweak it to make it look more like a wooden table and framed mirror. Painting, adding a few pieces of wood to make a frame and simulate legs. I think that would be much classier.

...or just put a pair of doors!!! You erase the problem at the root... and get a few square feet of closet space!! :)

I'm with skyesong and Erika I, I think a dark wood top would look beautiful there, and would seriously help it look less bathroomy. You could add a fancy chair or ottoman, and then with a picture mounted over the medicine cabinet and a frame on the large mirror (or swap the large mirror out for a smaller framed mirror) the space would seriously look like it was never intended to be part of a bathroom. A little pendant or chandelier would also be really nice.

Mcintire has the right idea. Start thrifting for the right size chest or dresser and get rid of the counter. You would have so much more storage this way that you could get rid of the medicine cabinet entirely. Relace the large mirror with a decorative one. Then just display baubles or costume jewelry on the top of the chest. Gorgeous lighting will make all the difference as well.

If you decide to replace the laminate with stone, go to a local place (as opposed to a big box place) and ask to see the remnants--you will save an enormous amount (when we replaced two small sections of our kitchen counter, we went with a remnant and saved around 80%).

for the place to appear as a special nook, the vanity could be replaced with a real piece of furniture (small wooden desk, etc.). the front mirror and lights could be updated. if you want to keep the storage of the side mirror but don't need the mirror function itself, you could alter the mirror's surface for something more visually pleasing (e.g. gold frame with a painted chalk board surface, collage, etc).

What an opportunity to make a jewel box of a space! Strip out the bath stuff. Depending on how you want to use the space, replace with a dresser/chest or a vanity table. Go wild with paint or wallpaper. Find a fab tablelamp for lightening or do a little chandelier. This could be an awesome accessory moment.

Definitely do a framed mirror and paint the wall the mirror will be on. If you are going to replace the counter, maybe some butcher block/wood to make it seem more furniture-like. You can leave the medicine cabinet, but you don't need it to have a mirrored surface, so replace it. I suggest not just changing it out for a cabinet door because it will still look like a medicine cabinet. You could paint the wall and the door the same color so it blends in or do cork with a frame, or frame it and make the front into jewelry storage. You need a nice light that's not from the bathroom section, like a mini chandelier or something.

why is that entire nook not a shelving unit yet?

the entire thing needs to be shelving... either with adjustable heights or designed so the fixed heights are helpful with most things. some baskets or some areas with drawers. done.

Definitely convert it to a glamourous (to you) make-up and accessories area! I didn't read through all the comments, so forgive me if I repeat anything :)

-Replace or frame out the vanity mirror. I would add the big "hollywood" lights, but that's just me
-add a stool or bench so you can use it as a vanity table
-if you replace the counter material, pick something luxe - you're only buying a tiny piece so splurge!
-rip out the medicine cabinet and use pretty baskets/boxes for storage instead

How do you need the space to function? If storage is the main thing, I'd do as others have suggested and rip out the countertop and put in a chest of drawers, wardrobe, or shelves with storage boxes. If it were my space, I'd put in a desk and floating shelves -- because it would meet a need in my life. I'd start with function first. Ask yourself, what do I need this space to provide for me? The rest will follow.

Repalce the laminate counter with an old style dresing table or makeup table. Preferably in dark wood. Not only does it eliminate the cold sterile bathroom feel of the counter, but it would give you more storage too. Maybe you could get rid of the medicine cabinet then.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the wonderful suggestions! I have lots of closet space in the room, so I'd like to keep it as a vanity area. I have a small stool to refinish so that's part of the plan. I love the ideas of framing the mirror and painting the space. Its the only part of the room that does not have the high angled ceilings, so I'm somewhat committed to keeping the room color, but didn't think of painting just the vanity area, which is pretty manageable without ladders and the like.

The laminiate is going. I love the idea of dark wood. Would butcher block be too kitchen-ish? Or maybe I'll splurge on a nicer material.

You've given me lots to think about, so thank you!

I would replace the large mirror with a framed one, paint the back wall (where the mirror is) with a different color and put a piece of glass on top of the counter with some interesting image (pictures, fabric, something) under the glass. Also, off set the perfume tray to one of the sides so it doesn't remind you of a sink. Would put a table lamp and get rid of the ceiling/hanging lamp.

Do you read the blog Young House Love? They re-vamped an awkward vanity like that so it fit in better with their bedroom space. Ditched the medicine cabinet and backplash, new mirror and paint, etc. Checking out what they did might provide further inspiration.

I would add a new framed mirror (also get rid of that side mirror), a fun vanity skirt, paint the walls and use a large tray as the centerpiece on your vanity counter top.

I bet you could find an old table top to cut to size for the counter. Personally, I think marble would be beautiful and elegant. I have a marble table in my bedroom. It's not necessarily for bathrooms and kitchens only. A rectangular chandelier would look primo above an oval mirror.