Typically the primary bathroom on the main floor of your home, the powder room or water closet is one of the smallest functional spaces you may have. Consisting of just a commode and sink in terms of fixtures, the powder room is often overlooked for its design potential. The advantage to this smaller room is that your remodeling budget can sometimes stretch further to create a unique and impactful design that you and your guests can find joy in. Here are a few ideas for creating a memorable powder room.
Reflect Your Family’s Interests
Think of the powder room as an opportunity to let your guests know what you and your family like through the colors, materials, and details you include. If you enjoy elegant dinners out, include opulent features in the hardware and lighting that mimic that environment. If you enjoy camping and hiking, use reclaimed wood or cabin-style cabinet hardware. Love the beach? Select a Caribbean color for the walls and look for shell-like details in the countertop material.
Go in for the Trends
If you’ve got an eye on trendy styles but aren’t sure about using them in larger spaces, the powder room can be your canvas. Go with tried-and-true staples for the commode and sink, but then finish the room with that popular style you’ve always wanted to try out. Maybe you’re interested in shiplap or wallpaper? Try that out in the powder room rather than other rooms it may not work as well in. Wondering if you really do like brass hardware? Give that a shot with the vanity hardware or lighting. Use this small-scale space to experiment with some of those ideas you’ve saved on Instagram.
Create a Jewel Box Space
Using deep, bold colors and glittering metal finishes like polished brass, gold, or nickel can create a lovely and unexpected effect in a small powder room. Sometimes, an overhead light fixture can create a pattern play of shadows that has a similar impact. Like stepping inside a jewel box, lighting and color can create an atmosphere in the bathroom that dazzles and impresses just by stepping inside and flipping on the light switch.
Highlight a Showpiece Element
Sometimes we get our heart set on a specific material or fixture that isn’t the right choice for a master or hall bath. This might be a special vessel bowl sink, an eye-catching wall covering, an antique light or mirror, or a rare natural stone countertop material. A powder room can be the ideal place for this type of item. This also applies to specific thematic design concepts that require unusual fixtures that would be awkward in any other space.
Make Sure It’s Practical
While we're aiming for a visually stunning powder room, practicality should not take a back seat. Ensure that the design caters to the needs of all the people who will regularly need to use it, including accessibility considerations. Think about how much floor space may be needed, if younger kids will need to use the space often, and whether older users may need a handrail. A well-designed powder room can seamlessly combine aesthetics and utility for an enjoyable experience.
As you think about creating an impact with your powder room design, remember that this space is a canvas awaiting your personal touch. Your family has unique personalities, and your powder room should be an extension of this individuality and taste. You can get away with a lot more in the small water closet than you can in most other areas of the home, so have fun and make an impact in this practical space.
