Our powder bathrooms are getting more of a workout than ever before with all of the hand washing we’re doing. But this room isn’t just a functional space - it’s the perfect place to experiment with design ideas. Since it’s a small room that’s closed off from more public spaces, you can try bolder colors and dramatic details. And once we’re able to welcome guests into our homes again (I cannot wait!), you can have a wow-worthy room that they’ll love. Here are my 5 top design tips for this tiny-but-mighty space!

1. Watch Those Walls

In a small space like a powder room, you can make a huge impact by using a dramatic wallpaper or a very bold paint color on the walls. A super-chic look can literally cause a jaw-drop when someone opens the door! And there’s no worry about humidity in a powder bath since there is no tub or shower to create moisture issues. The powder room above happens to be in my own home, and I love how the metal finishes pop against the gorgeous blue wall covering.

2. Vanity Is a Good Thing

Vanity can be a good thing when you’re talking about the sink base in a bathroom. And this is another way to create a moment of surprise in this space. As you look through all of the photos I’m showing you on this post, you’ll see custom cabinetry, floating marble vanities, freestanding sinks, and regular cabinets that have been updated with custom color. Think outside the box for your own powder bath’s vanity - but also consider how you use the room. If you need the storage, then don’t go for a freestanding or floating sink that won’t have any doors or drawers.

3. Light & Bright

Not all powder rooms are lucky enough to have a window, so the right lighting is especially important. When considering what lights to use in this room, I like to include sconces on either side of a mirror when there’s enough space on the wall for that. Why? Because lights directly over your head are not at all flattering. It’s better to have light cast on your face from each side when you’re powdering your nose.

4. Mirrors with Interest

Speaking of mirrors, I like to select something more than just a plain square for a powder room. Depending on what you decide to do on your walls in this room, the right mirror can either be the star of the show or a gorgeous supporting player. For example, in the room I designed above, I used a mirror with a little bit of an nail head edge to balance the super-sleek and chic room design.

5. Fun with Fixtures

People often think that the plumbing and fixtures in a bathroom are the boring things to talk about, but new technologies and designs have changed all of that. You could have a touchless faucet or toilet in the powder room, which would cut down on germs from visitors or your kids. Or you can look for better-crafted designs that are far from what you’d find at Lowe’s or Home Depot. In the bath above, you’ll see a gorgeous hammered sink from Thompson Traders, the company I partnered with for my own metal kitchen and bath collection you can see here. Those special sinks, faucets, and other fixtures add gorgeous detail to a functional space.

Use these ideas to create a wow-worthy powder room in your home. Or give us a call - we love to design stunning spaces in our clients homes!

All the best,

Kara