The owners of a renovated Ottawa bathroom drew inspiration from an unexpected source: a lobster-themed print they already owned, titled Le Homard Saint-Malo.
“That’s the best kind of starting point,” said Kate DuBois, co-founder and principal of Studio Alter. “Something real, already in their life, that guides the design.”
A family bathroom built for kids—and color
DuBois and her business partner, Xenia Rose, lead Studio Alter, a firm specializing in transforming ordinary spaces into thoughtful ones. Their latest project was a Jack-and-Jill bathroom linking two bedrooms for the family’s four boys. The request included durability, character, and a timeless feel that would grow with the children.
“They wanted color, but nothing that would feel childish in a few years,” Rose explained. “It was exactly the kind of project we enjoy.”
The redesign covered every aspect, from layout adjustments to construction oversight. Studio Alter selected materials, managed contractors, and ensured the vision stayed on track. “Seeing the final result is always rewarding,” DuBois said.
Custom details and a playful palette
The first detail that stands out is the butter-yellow vanity, built by House of Fine Carpentry. Its turned legs, from Pretty Pegs, give it a refined, furniture-like appearance. Above it, wavy blue-grey mirrors from HVS Home introduce a gentle sense of motion without overpowering the room.
The team also created custom wallpaper through Spoonflower, featuring hand-drawn swimmers and beach scenes. It pairs with deep red beadboard wainscoting below, separated by a marble trim tile from Calacatta Tile. A red sconce from Triple Seven Home completes the color scheme, unifying the bold choices.
Mixing red, yellow, dusty blue, and a busy wallpaper required precision. “We carefully planned where each color appeared and how the materials worked together,” the designers said. “The goal was richness, not clutter.”
The clients’ confidence in the process helped avoid common setbacks. “They had a clear sense of what they wanted,” DuBois and Rose noted. The finished bathroom feels both lively and sophisticated—a cheerful escape that could belong in a sunny coastal town, even in Ottawa’s climate.
The space was designed to adapt as the boys grow. Durable finishes and strong colors ensure it will last, but the real magic lies in the small choices. The vanity’s yellow contrasts with the red sconce, while the wallpaper’s swimmers appear to drift above the wainscoting. These elements turn a practical room into one with personality.
Hidden ceiling touches often enhance interiors, but this project shows inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes, it’s already part of the home.