The powder room is the perfect place to flex your creativity and have fun. Beyond the must-haves (think toilet, sink, mirror and lighting), this small space lends itself to big style. It is the perfect spot to explore design options within its small proportions, which means any finish or material will come at a lower cost. Plus, with limited exposure to the home’s main living areas, any bold design choices are well-controlled.
When designing a powder room, try to treat it as a hidden treasure to be discovered by your guests – unexpected, amazing, and reflective of your personality. Here are some ways to infuse character into a powder room.
Bold paint and wallpaper
One of the quickest ways to inject personality into a powder room is by splashing on a bold paint or fun wallpaper. Deep, rich hues are perfectly on trend, such as emerald-green, navy blue or daring black, to create a sense of drama. Dark colours bring depth to the space, making it feel cosy and intimate. Alternatively, consider a vibrant wallpaper with a bold pattern, such as a geometric or abstract print to create a focal point and evoke a sense of luxury. Enhance visual impact by complementing the wallpaper with a dramatic stone tile or countertop.
Tile trends
Tile is a long-term investment, so if you’re not sold on a quirky colour or material, experiment with shape and scale. Consider a playful pattern layout on the floor or accent wall. Size-wise, try a micro-mosaic tile in contrasting colours. Or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, large-format tiles featuring unique textures can create a visually striking effect. The powder room is a place where you can be more daring with your choices, so embrace unconventional shapes and arrangements to make a statement.
Vanity ideas
Upgrade your powder room vanity as a style piece or to serve a design purpose. Mirrored or reflective surfaces can enhance the sense of space, while fluted or otherwise detailed vanity bases can create a sense of glamour. Regardless of the specifics, you can’t go wrong with luxury. A bold marble choice, perhaps an integrated marble sink, can elevate the space and create that “wow” factor.
Sink or float
Sink styles vary, from undermount to our favourite go-to, an integrated model in the same material as the countertop. Be informed of the pros and cons of each style. Sinks also come in a variety of materials, such as glass, ceramic and stone. Choose wisely, since this fixture is often the first thing you see when you enter the space. Pair it with a stylish faucet to complete the look. A standout sink not only serves a practical purpose, but sets the tone for the entire room.
Statement lighting
Lighting is critical for function, but it’s also the jewellery of the space. A unique pendant light or eye-catching sconces can elevate the room’s ambience and highlight focal points, such as the vanity or feature wall. Focus on interesting shapes, textures or finishes. Experiment with placement for visual interest, ensuring the room is well-lit without sacrificing style. A well-chosen lighting fixture can be a focal point in and of itself.
Leave a lasting impression
The powder room is an often-overlooked room. Embrace this opportunity to make a bold statement, leaving a lasting impression for all the right reasons.
Pro-tip
Choose your sink and faucet together to ensure they are compatible. Faucet height, depth and position impacts splashing. Consider the sink’s shape and depth relative to the faucet, before installation. Buyer be aware: Moving a faucet can be costly.