Powder Rooms Designed to Delight your Guests

Of all the rooms in the house, the powder room affords us the opportunity to throw caution to the wind and have some fun with a space. Their diminutive size coupled with the fact that they are generally tucked out-of-the-way means you have permission to take some risks. These powder rooms prove that embracing the unexpected is a no-fail way to create some drama and create a one-of-a-kind space.

Unusual Pieces

This powder room designed by Tiffany Eastman is chock-full of design ideas. A large Venetian mirror lends the room some gravitas while the slender lamp and ceramic dog add interest to what might otherwise be a forgettable space. Also, take note of the clever ring for holding the hand-towel on the front of the vanity.

Photograph by John Gould Bressler

Hung plates on a wall are common in the kitchen or dining room, but this is the first time I’ve seen them on the bathroom walls. I love the interest these plates bring to the room and how they play off Farrow and Ball’s Drawing Room Blue.

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

Float-It

This sophisticated powder room with a floating vanity demonstrates what happens when “Down East Meets Downtown.” Floating vanities are on-trend, and a powder room is the perfect spot for them since storage space is not at a premium like it is in a home’s main bathrooms.

Photograph by Eric Roth

Power of Color

The powder room of this Federal style Beacon Hill townhouse demonstrates the power of color when it comes to designing a dramatic room. This is the place to try that Hermes orange or midnight black you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t like it—don’t worry—it’s just a can of paint!

Photograph by Bruce Buck

Go for Wallpaper

This photo is one of New England Home’s most popular photos on Pinterest. My guess it is because of the double-whammy of showing off the iconic Imperial Trellis wallpaper by Kelly Werstler, and the stunning turquoise color. The small-scale of a powder room makes the cost of designer wallpaper a bit easier to swallow—so why not go for it?

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

Try Vintage

Don’t underestimate the power of bringing vintage pieces into a powder room (or any room for that matter). The cupboards in this powder room were salvaged from the home’s original pantry. Combine these with the rustic floors and dark walls and you have a home-run.

Photograph by Michael J. Lee