Powder Rooms

Browse helpful information on powder rooms so you can create an elegant bath and preparation space in your home.

A tiny powder room in a San Francisco Victorian is updated with graphic wallpaper and contemporary fixtures.

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A tiny powder room in a San Francisco Victorian is updated with graphic wallpaper and contemporary fixtures.

By: Sean McEvoy

Powder rooms, though small, can be important elements in your home. By adding a few bold, contemporary touches, you can create an elegant and up-to-date toilet and cleanup space in your home.

Half Baths and Powder Rooms

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One of the best ways to retain the elegance of traditional powder rooms while adding some modern touches is by combining vintage and modern textures and materials. For example, seating an elegant but modern porcelain sink on a vintage wooden base is a great way to create a warm, welcoming space that still exudes classic style. Other vintage elements like candlestick-style lamps or traditional sconces can have the same effect—combine these with a bold, ornate mirror frame design in wood or metal.

Since powder rooms are often used by guests and not bound to any other room's design, they're a great opportunity to experiment with bolder colors, patterns and textures. Adding some fun and personality to the powder room can create an unexpected design surprise for guests. Explore the local thrift shop for unique design elements—art, furniture or lighting fixtures—that can make an entertaining or irreverent statement.

Another common feature of powder rooms is wallpaper. Notoriously difficult to install, wallpaper is a natural choice for powder rooms because of their often petite, rectangular design. Feel free to experiment with elegant or bold patterns, and create a space that welcomes guests and family members alike.

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