Thanks to its tiny footprint, and the fact that so little time is spent in them, the powder room is a perfect place for taking big decorating chances – chances you might not dream of taking elsewhere. Busy patterns, bold colours, and sparkling accents are perfectly suited to these intimate spaces. So ‘wow’ your guests and showcase your design savvy with a powder room dressed to impress.

Consider Custom

In today’s “ready-to-wear” market you don’t need to wait for custom cabinets and vanities. A broad selection of stylish freestanding units is readily available, from Wayfair, to Home Depot to high end plumbing suppliers. However, if you want something special and one-of-a-kind, consider a custom unit like this one from Urban Reclaimed.

Add Character

For instant “one-of-a-kind” personality use an antique piece of furniture as a vanity and have a sink dropped in. But be absolutely sure about your decision – once you’ve altered the piece there’s no going back.

Go for Gold

Traditionally, silver-toned hardware (chrome or brushed nickel for example) has been the safe choice for powder rooms, but if you want to add some decadent drama with a gold faucet, this is the place to do it.

Indulge!

Because of their small stature, powder rooms are the perfect place to indulge in expensive materials. On average it only takes about two rolls of wallpaper to cover a wall so you can splurge on something grandiose. (Obviously you need to measure your room first).

Sumptuous Sconces

In large bathrooms you need more light, but in powder rooms sconces will often suffice. A sconce on either side of a mirror is a better option than a single sconce mounted above. Not only does it create a nice sense of symmetry, it won’t cast shadows over the face of the person looking in the mirror.

Make it Fit

Don’t try to squeeze things that don’t fit into a narrow space. Sconces can be hung on side walls and vanities can be custom fit to size. And make a narrow space feel wider with a horizontal wall treatment.

A few more tips for the perfect powder room…

• Install dimmer switches on light fixtures. Adjusting the light can instantly and dramatically alter the mood of the room.
• Luxury soaps and lotions are a special treat for visitors. Look for beautiful packaging and containers that will compliment your room’s décor.
• Everything a guest might need, from extra towels to soaps and tissues, should be kept in plain sight. The last thing you want is for visitors to be searching for a place to dry their hands.

Image credits

Feature image courtesy of McGillivray Entertainment / Moving the McGillivrays; #1 Office of Architecture, photo by Matthew Williams; #2 Urban Reclaimed / Scott the Carpenter; #3 Rikki Snyder ; #4 John McClain Design; #5 Duet Design Group; #6  Lucy Interior Design; #7 Wright Design