A powder room is the unsung hero of the home. It is the room most guests see, and it has become a workhorse recently as we are all frequently washing our hands every day. It is a hardworking room, for sure, but that does not mean you should think of it as only functional. I love to design powder rooms that pack a design punch! In fact, a powder room is my most-liked photograph on social media for my design firm.

Because they are small spaces, these are fun rooms for experimentation or flights of fancy that you might not dare try in other areas of your home. If you have always wanted to try a bold color or a fabulous wallpaper, this is the room to make those dreams come true. Here are my top five design ideas to bring the “pow” to your powder room!

Rock Those Walls

When guests open the door to a powder room, you want them to gasp at the drama contained in that small space, and the walls are the place to do that. Use the gorgeous bold pink you have always loved, or try a stunning wallpaper pattern (even on the ceiling). In my Greenbrier project, I used Farrow & Ball Lotus wallpaper to make a statement. Powder rooms do not contain a tub or shower, so it is a great space for wallpaper because there is no major humidity.

Light it Up

There is a very important rule about bathroom lighting, and too often builders do not follow it when creating a new home. You should never have a single bathroom light directly over your head. It throws shadows over your face and is not flattering to anyone at all! In a bathroom created by a designer, you will see lights on either side of a mirror as well as an overhead light. That helps throw the proper light onto your face and those of your guests. In this bathroom I designed, I brought in custom brass sconces as well as an overhead pendant chandelier. It is a sophisticated look that will make your guests feel like royalty! And speaking of looking your best, it should go without saying that you need a good mirror in this room, too. It can be a statement piece or a supporting player to the room’s design. But either way, it should be large enough for your family and guests to see themselves properly.

Consider the Vanity

I do not often use freestanding sinks in a powder room – if you do, then you have very little to no storage! Instead, I like to use vanities that are unique and can hide all the extra items you need for a bathroom. You can use a regular vanity from a store and update it with color or with fantastic hardware. You can have something custom-created for you by a local artisan (I love to do this). Or you can use a piece of furniture and have it reworked to serve as a vanity. That is what I did in my university project with a fantastic chest that features brass inlay. Add a marble counter and the right plumbing and you have a unique piece that your guests will talk about. I love how it looks with the grasscloth wallcovering from Schumacher; the pattern is called Acanthus Stripe.

Bring the Bling

Remember when I said that a powder room was one of my most-loved photographs online? It is a small space with a lot of drama. The reason it resonates is due to three factors: the art on the wall, the dark backdrop, and the hand-painted gold leaf gingko leaves. That bit of bling stops people in their tracks! Those walls also prove that you can go dark in a small space without fear. I used the gold leaf to actually create a glow within this jewel box of a room as the leaves reflect the light from the chandelier and inset lighting. The muted gold frame complements the wall art, as well. You should definitely use art in a powder room! There is no fear of moisture ruining framed pieces, so use them as focal points when you have an extra wall without a window or fixtures. All of these elements add up to the “bling,” or the perfect details in a room that really make it a work of art in itself.

Make it Modern

I am not referring to a style category when I say “modern.” I am talking about embracing newer technology and ideas for bathroom fixtures! For example, many people have become far more conscious of germs in our homes. So consider a toilet that flushes with a wave of your hand, or touchless faucets to keep things clean. You may think that fixtures like plumbing, knobs, and hardware are not the “fun” parts. But you would be wrong! There are so many gorgeous designs out there, including this unique Elements collection from Watermark Design Studio that I used in my own powder bath. That circle of marble on the counter is actually what controls the water from the faucet. I love the chic and sleek look! Research some of the fantastic designs available for fixtures to add gorgeous accents to your powder bath.

Using these tips, you can create a room that will make handwashing much more exciting. And you will be ready to welcome guests back into your home with a fabulous and functional space.