This powder room by Interior Solutions makes the most of a small space. Each drawer in the walnut vanity was cut to fit around the plumbing pipes, making storage more efficient than a typical vanity with cupboard doors. A granite countertop with a dramatic three-inch profile was carried down the edge of the vanity to bring more texture into the space. It’s teamed with a shiny Kohler Ladena Sink and a tall Kohler Margaux chrome faucet. Hanging pendant lighting from Schonbeck Crystal flank the sink and are far more interesting than the typical vanity bar, says Teresa Cain of Interior Solutions.

Photograph by: submitted, for North Shore News

The powder room is defined as a half-bathroom with a sink, toilet and mirror and is typically located on the main living area associated with the more public to semi-public areas of the home.

Because of its small size the powder room can be relatively straightforward and inexpensive renovation project for anyone wanting to make some refreshing changes to their home. And designing it can be fun.

The powder room is a perfect place to infuse some design pizzazz. It’s a small space that wants a big voice to express drama and excitement. Here are a few design tips to make the powder room the expressive room it should be.

– Embrace the intense. Don’t be afraid to use strong, dark colours or a daring wallpaper for the walls. The added punch will add interest and surprise.

– Create a furnished look. Think about purchasing a one-piece toilet or a wall-mounted variation. Have the toilet appear more like a piece of furniture rather than as a utilitarian plumbing fixture.

– Treat the sink as objet d’art. Vessel-shaped sinks have become very popular theses days coming in all sorts of shapes and materials and they have the wonderful effect of transforming a regular household item into a piece of sculptural art.

– Make the counter shine. The counter your sink sits upon should also play its role. I would suggest a counter with lots of glitter and polish. Recycled glass is an interesting option as is granite, marble or quartz.

– A mirror to reflect it all. You can extend a mirror across the breadth of the room or place it creatively within the space but think about the mirror as a device to make the powder room dynamic and alive.

– A floor for a sophisticated space. The flooring for a powder room should also reflect its character as a special place. Natural stone tiles, granite and marble are popular choices these days as they add that extra level of fine finish. Another popular and successful trend is to use a hardwood floor in the powder room, often carried in from a hallway or an accompanying room.

– Add drama with light. Attaching vanity lights to wall mirror can create beautiful reflective effects within the powder room while adding under counter lights can add a level of sophistication and mood to the space. I’ve even used a pendant light in a powder room on one occasion to great success. Be creative with your lighting. And don’t forget the dimmers.

– Keep your style in sync. Above all make sure the style of the powder room is in keeping with the rest of the home. A nice modern faucet and sink will look totally out of place if incorporated into a traditionally decorated home. Choose a decorative palette appropriate to the style of your home and then let your imagination take over.
The powder room is a small room that demands a big voice. Take some chances, have some fun and create a dramatic room that talks loudly about your home.

Kevin Vallely is a residential designer in North Vancouver. His website is www.vallely.ca.

– Kevin Vallely

© North Shore News 2011