The powder room, also referred to as half bath, guest bathroom or downstairs loo, usually contains just a basin/vanity and a toilet. Often overlooked, it is in fact the perfect place to inject your personality and add some wow factor. In recent years designers and DIYers have recognised the potential of this tiny room and have been treating it as the jewel of the home. Take a look below for powder room design tips and inspiration.
Statement Wallpaper
A powder room is the ideal spot to use some statement wallpaper. That bold, patterned paper that you love, but are worried might overwhelm in a larger room, will really make your powder room come alive. Wallpapering a small space such as this is an inexpensive and effective way to deliver some high drama or whimsy.
Dreamy Blues
The simple white accents, wood shelf and modern basin perfectly offset the highly patterned floral wallpaper in the this powder room by Jeff King and Company. You can see how the colour scheme is influenced by the connecting room (seen in mirror). Also incorporated is another powder room trend; asymmetric design. The sink and mirror are located to one side of the vanity whilst a pendant lamp hangs above the other.
Of course I had to include a flamingo powder room! This gorgeous textured paper from Artewalls contrasts beautifully with the simple white subway tiles and marble sink. Other elements to consider are the mirror, lighting and hardware. Here we see statement mirror and lighting, an alternative to the asymmetric design in the first image. In such a small place it is probably best if all your metals are the same. Brass fittings pack a strong, glamorous punch.
Fresh, contemporary perfection. The geometric print wallpaper and blue and white colour scheme is accented gorgeously by the statement bronze fittings and mirror. A little splash of yellow brings it alive. Simple, but very effective.
Glamorous + Bold
High drama is being served in this glamorous powder room. The bold, polished brass fittings stand up to the exotic Lotus wallpaper from Farrow and Ball. This makes quite a statement. The eastern feel created by the paper and mirror is complemented by the ornaments on the cistern. A little touch of rose in the picture frames softens the look. It is worth pointing out here that if you go for a highly patterned paper, make sure the floor is plain. 😉
This glamorous, bold powder room feels quite feminine with the curves in the mirror and pink peonies. The strong, straight lines of the marble and stainless sink is softened by the natural wicker basket full of towels. Here we can see statement mirror and lighting to full effect.
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Dark Drama
Don’t be worried about going to the dark side with your powder room design. As the space is, usually, very small then white is not going to help size perception. Instead, embrace the darkness and create something warm and cozy.
Here is something a little different. The Moroccan style fretwork wall panels create an intimate, exotic vibe and hide imperfect walls whilst allowing in light. Incense sticks, brass hardware and tassels help make the small space feel opulent. Very atmospheric.
Dark drama, contemporary style. All the elements are carefully composed here. The sconces highlight the wallcovering as well as the glass sink mounted on a beautiful, varnished slab of natural wood. Polished chrome fittings and a bowl of air plants complete, but do not compete with, the look.
Black + White
If colour is not really your thing, then you can still deliver some serious drama with a black and white scheme. Considered neutrals, you can create a strong look using them together for the contrast of light and dark. Brass, gold or copper are good metals to use to stop it feeling too cold.
Beautiful powder room design using floral wallpaper by Ellie Cashman. . The romantic floral paper is given an urban edge by the subway tiling and black door. This look could work equally well in the city or countryside, neither the wallpaper or the tiles overwhelm. Here the metal finishes have been mixed with brushed brass for the taps and lamp fitting, black for the mirror and lampshade and chrome door handle and visible piping. This room can handle the mix in metals because of its neutral colour scheme. As black is considered a neutral then black hardware will normally mix well with any other metal.
This powder room has been cleverly put together by Gordon Weima. The basin and pendant lamp are offset creating interest. Layering the marble countertop, on top of the wood, gives depth to this tiny room and the full width mirror reflects the patterned wall, adding to the illusion of space. This pattern could have been a little overwhelming if used on all the walls as the space is so narrow, especially reflected in that mirror. Statement brass fittings provide a bold finish.
In this industrial chic bathroom, by Tamara Magel, the chunky marble sink is highlighted beautifully by the black walls. Brass hardware brings warmth to what, otherwise, could be quite a cold, stark room.
Going Dotty
And finally, a fun, dotty powder room. Whimsical and girly, the crazy walls are offset by a simple pedestal sink, a circular mirror and a blush towel. Strong, black tap and lamp fittings bring a touch of masculinity to this vintage style space.
Do you feel inspired to give your powder room a makeover,…..or is yours already the jewel of your home? XO
