New This Week: 11 Perfect Powder Rooms
Bright wallpaper, stylish vanities and pattern-happy tile add up to big design in these small bathrooms
If you kept a jewelry box as a child, you know the impact such a small space can have when you open the lid to find rings, bracelets and necklaces with colorful stones and in various metals — and even that special photograph taped to the underside of the lid. Similarly, a powder room has the same power to create something big inside a small space. Here, 11 powder rooms show how a colorful vanity, bold wallpaper and patterned tile can create a special moment when you or your guests open the door.
Other special features. Custom handmade Italian floor tile installed in a random pattern. Jungle-print wallpaper on the ceiling. “It has lively monkeys and exotic plants,” Carpluk says. “It draws the eyes up, creating an interesting and playful moment for guests.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “To save on precious space, the powder room was designed to have a wall-hung toilet installed,” Carpluk says. “The contractor made exploration holes in the wall before demolition and found no pipes in the wall to impede the installation. After the walls were removed, we found an elbow of a large pipe that was not visible during exploration. We explored options of moving the pipe, but being a 120-year-old home, the cost and hassle of moving the pipe was not worth it. In the end, the design did not suffer.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “To save on precious space, the powder room was designed to have a wall-hung toilet installed,” Carpluk says. “The contractor made exploration holes in the wall before demolition and found no pipes in the wall to impede the installation. After the walls were removed, we found an elbow of a large pipe that was not visible during exploration. We explored options of moving the pipe, but being a 120-year-old home, the cost and hassle of moving the pipe was not worth it. In the end, the design did not suffer.”
2. Plant-Print Perfection
Designer: This was a collaboration between the homeowners and general contractor Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction
Location: Phoenix
Size: 30 square feet (2.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Remove floor-to-ceiling mirrors and drop the ceiling from 14 to 9 feet to create a better sense of privacy.
Main feature. Custom plant-print wallpaper. “It really gave warmth to the space,” general contractor Brad Leavitt says.
Other special features. Midtone wood vanity. Detailed octagonal mirror.
Designer tip. “The furniture vanity is always a must in a powder bath. The vanity chosen really fit the space perfectly and complemented the wallpaper,” Leavitt says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “Because this was a historic remodel, the existing bathroom was so small,” Leavitt says. “There was just not a lot of space. It was a real challenge to coordinate all of the installs of the materials. We elected to finish the tile first, then the baseboard and then the wallpaper. The vanity and plumbing was the last piece to be installed.”
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Designer: This was a collaboration between the homeowners and general contractor Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction
Location: Phoenix
Size: 30 square feet (2.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Remove floor-to-ceiling mirrors and drop the ceiling from 14 to 9 feet to create a better sense of privacy.
Main feature. Custom plant-print wallpaper. “It really gave warmth to the space,” general contractor Brad Leavitt says.
Other special features. Midtone wood vanity. Detailed octagonal mirror.
Designer tip. “The furniture vanity is always a must in a powder bath. The vanity chosen really fit the space perfectly and complemented the wallpaper,” Leavitt says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “Because this was a historic remodel, the existing bathroom was so small,” Leavitt says. “There was just not a lot of space. It was a real challenge to coordinate all of the installs of the materials. We elected to finish the tile first, then the baseboard and then the wallpaper. The vanity and plumbing was the last piece to be installed.”
Shop for single-sink vanities
3. Jungle Joy
Designer: Nicoló Bini of Line architecture
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 36 square feet (3.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. This is the home of actress sisters Cara and Poppy Delevingne. For this powder room, which was updated as part of an overall house remodel, they wanted a powder room that would channel a fun juxtaposition of the beauty of Los Angeles and the beauty of Mexico.
Main feature. “I think the juxtaposition between the glamorous wallpaper reminiscent of the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Arts and Crafts style of the sink and toilet makes this bathroom design work,” designer Nicolo Bini says.
Other special features. Three mirrors shaped like flower petals. Bamboo chandelier (not shown).
Designer tip. “I suppose there is a certain confidence that goes with putting a very loud wallpaper in a small space and juxtaposing it with colors and patterns that work because they do not work together,” Bini says.
Designer: Nicoló Bini of Line architecture
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 36 square feet (3.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. This is the home of actress sisters Cara and Poppy Delevingne. For this powder room, which was updated as part of an overall house remodel, they wanted a powder room that would channel a fun juxtaposition of the beauty of Los Angeles and the beauty of Mexico.
Main feature. “I think the juxtaposition between the glamorous wallpaper reminiscent of the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Arts and Crafts style of the sink and toilet makes this bathroom design work,” designer Nicolo Bini says.
Other special features. Three mirrors shaped like flower petals. Bamboo chandelier (not shown).
Designer tip. “I suppose there is a certain confidence that goes with putting a very loud wallpaper in a small space and juxtaposing it with colors and patterns that work because they do not work together,” Bini says.
4. Bow Tie Boldness
Designer: Ashli Mizell
Location: Philadelphia
Size: 28 square feet (2.6 square meters)
Homeowner’s request. “Masculine, clean and classic with an edge,” designer Ashli Mizell says. “This was a complete renovation, so each element was tailored to suit the owner. This included raising the standard counter height and base of the vanity to accommodate a taller gentleman, as well as making sure the material selections felt authentic to his tastes across the board.”
Main feature. “The desire for masculine and graphic was the driver, and as such, we started with the handmade floor tiles,” Mizell says. “They reminded me of a tuxedo bow tie but with a punk rock twist.”
Other special features. Handmade wall tiles. Custom vanity. Large slab countertop. “The graphic juxtaposition of the materials feels clean but interesting, and the handmade and craft-like quality of the floor and wall tile bring the warmth needed to make it approachable,” Mizell says.
Designer tip. “Layering all available surfaces with tile and texture creates a richer experience,” Mizell says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had to reconfigure the custom vanity to accommodate a drain pipe that was immovable, as there was a pitch issue when installed,” Mizell says. “Perseverance was the key to getting it done.”
Floor tile: Tabarka Studio; vanity: Boland Woodworking
Designer: Ashli Mizell
Location: Philadelphia
Size: 28 square feet (2.6 square meters)
Homeowner’s request. “Masculine, clean and classic with an edge,” designer Ashli Mizell says. “This was a complete renovation, so each element was tailored to suit the owner. This included raising the standard counter height and base of the vanity to accommodate a taller gentleman, as well as making sure the material selections felt authentic to his tastes across the board.”
Main feature. “The desire for masculine and graphic was the driver, and as such, we started with the handmade floor tiles,” Mizell says. “They reminded me of a tuxedo bow tie but with a punk rock twist.”
Other special features. Handmade wall tiles. Custom vanity. Large slab countertop. “The graphic juxtaposition of the materials feels clean but interesting, and the handmade and craft-like quality of the floor and wall tile bring the warmth needed to make it approachable,” Mizell says.
Designer tip. “Layering all available surfaces with tile and texture creates a richer experience,” Mizell says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had to reconfigure the custom vanity to accommodate a drain pipe that was immovable, as there was a pitch issue when installed,” Mizell says. “Perseverance was the key to getting it done.”
Floor tile: Tabarka Studio; vanity: Boland Woodworking
5. Navy Knockout
Designer: Heidi Féliz-Grimm of Martha O’Hara Interiors
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 39 square feet (3.6 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This bath also serves as the clients’ pool bath, so while we wanted to make sure the room looked beautiful, we also needed it to be durable,” designer Heidi Féliz-Grimm says. “This included large pullout drawers for storing bathroom essentials, as well as a nearby linen cabinet for larger necessities like pool towels, toilet paper, etc.”
Main feature. Custom cabinet painted in Needlepoint Navy by Sherwin-Williams.
Other special features. “The wallpaper’s subtle orange and blue tones are a blend of our clients’ preferences,” Féliz-Grimm says. “She preferred warm orange hues; he was especially drawn to blues. Our design palette became a perfect marriage of both colorways throughout their home.”
Designer tip. “I added legs to the vanity to make it look more like a furniture piece and [to have it] sit off the floor so you can see the herringbone floor tile all over,” Féliz-Grimm says.
Sconce: Halo in brushed brass, Robert Abbey; builder: Olson Defendorf Custom Homes
Designer: Heidi Féliz-Grimm of Martha O’Hara Interiors
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 39 square feet (3.6 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This bath also serves as the clients’ pool bath, so while we wanted to make sure the room looked beautiful, we also needed it to be durable,” designer Heidi Féliz-Grimm says. “This included large pullout drawers for storing bathroom essentials, as well as a nearby linen cabinet for larger necessities like pool towels, toilet paper, etc.”
Main feature. Custom cabinet painted in Needlepoint Navy by Sherwin-Williams.
Other special features. “The wallpaper’s subtle orange and blue tones are a blend of our clients’ preferences,” Féliz-Grimm says. “She preferred warm orange hues; he was especially drawn to blues. Our design palette became a perfect marriage of both colorways throughout their home.”
Designer tip. “I added legs to the vanity to make it look more like a furniture piece and [to have it] sit off the floor so you can see the herringbone floor tile all over,” Féliz-Grimm says.
Sconce: Halo in brushed brass, Robert Abbey; builder: Olson Defendorf Custom Homes
6. Chevron-Starring Showstopper
Designer: This was a collaboration between the homeowner and remodeler Shai Reb of Karma Remodel & Development
Location: Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
Size: 33 square feet (3 square meters); 5½ by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. Relocate the laundry area to a bedroom closet and create a small guest bathroom in its place.
Main feature. “I think that the chevron-pattern tiles in the back make this room pop,” remodeler Shai Reb says.
Other special features. Raw-wood vanity. Wall-mounted faucet.
Designer tip. “I think that the simplicity of it sells the room,” Reb says. “Very basic elements, but they work together.”
Designer: This was a collaboration between the homeowner and remodeler Shai Reb of Karma Remodel & Development
Location: Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
Size: 33 square feet (3 square meters); 5½ by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. Relocate the laundry area to a bedroom closet and create a small guest bathroom in its place.
Main feature. “I think that the chevron-pattern tiles in the back make this room pop,” remodeler Shai Reb says.
Other special features. Raw-wood vanity. Wall-mounted faucet.
Designer tip. “I think that the simplicity of it sells the room,” Reb says. “Very basic elements, but they work together.”
7. Midcentury Masterpiece
Designers: Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design and Robin Adams of ArcWest Architects
Location: Lakewood, Colorado
Size: About 25 square feet (2.3 square meters); 4½ by 5½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “The overall theme of the home design was midcentury modern style meets Colorado rustic vibes,” designer Katherine Schroder says. “The powder room, sitting at the front of the house off of the entry, was one place we wanted to have a cool moment that really showcased the theme.”
Main feature. Bold blue-and-white wallpaper in a print resembling stems and leaves.
Other special features. Lavender painted ceiling (Sleepy Hollow by Benjamin Moore). Sleek wood vanity. Gold accents.
Designer tip. “One thing that helps the space look more dynamic is the use of different shapes, [via] the rectangular vanity, the triangles in the vanity legs and the oval leaf shapes in the wallpaper,” Schroder says. “Try to create interesting lines in a space. It’s more fun to look at.”
Mirror: Kenzo, Uttermost
Designers: Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design and Robin Adams of ArcWest Architects
Location: Lakewood, Colorado
Size: About 25 square feet (2.3 square meters); 4½ by 5½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “The overall theme of the home design was midcentury modern style meets Colorado rustic vibes,” designer Katherine Schroder says. “The powder room, sitting at the front of the house off of the entry, was one place we wanted to have a cool moment that really showcased the theme.”
Main feature. Bold blue-and-white wallpaper in a print resembling stems and leaves.
Other special features. Lavender painted ceiling (Sleepy Hollow by Benjamin Moore). Sleek wood vanity. Gold accents.
Designer tip. “One thing that helps the space look more dynamic is the use of different shapes, [via] the rectangular vanity, the triangles in the vanity legs and the oval leaf shapes in the wallpaper,” Schroder says. “Try to create interesting lines in a space. It’s more fun to look at.”
Mirror: Kenzo, Uttermost
8. Fashionably Fragmented
Designer: Deanna Charron of Habitat Studio
Location: Alberta, Canada
Size: 30 square feet (2.8 square meters); 5 by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted a statement powder room that would surprise their guests and make them smile when they walked into the room,” designer Deanna Charron says.
Main feature. A thin sheet of Nero Marquina marble cut into irregular fragments and installed around center points in which bullets were inserted to make it appear as if the wall had shattered after being shot. Each exposed edge of marble was carefully covered in gold leaf to emphasize the pieces. “It’s completely one of a kind and even more showstopping in person,” Charron says. “It undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the design.” The tile feature was custom-designed and installed by River City Tile.
Other special features. “Playing off of the bespoke tile feature wall, an angular pendant light in brushed gold furthered the glam theme, along with a matching Nero Marquina marble countertop, warm natural walnut vanity with an open shelf feature, polished concrete floors and the geometric gold-and-black wallpaper,” Charron says.
Designer tip. “The biggest advice is to just take the leap and go for it,” Charron says. “Don’t be afraid to go bold in a powder room. It’s the perfect space to focus on a theme, go dramatic and experiment with playful design.”
Wallpaper: Risky Business 2, York Wallcoverings; vanity: custom, Redl Kitchens
Designer: Deanna Charron of Habitat Studio
Location: Alberta, Canada
Size: 30 square feet (2.8 square meters); 5 by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted a statement powder room that would surprise their guests and make them smile when they walked into the room,” designer Deanna Charron says.
Main feature. A thin sheet of Nero Marquina marble cut into irregular fragments and installed around center points in which bullets were inserted to make it appear as if the wall had shattered after being shot. Each exposed edge of marble was carefully covered in gold leaf to emphasize the pieces. “It’s completely one of a kind and even more showstopping in person,” Charron says. “It undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the design.” The tile feature was custom-designed and installed by River City Tile.
Other special features. “Playing off of the bespoke tile feature wall, an angular pendant light in brushed gold furthered the glam theme, along with a matching Nero Marquina marble countertop, warm natural walnut vanity with an open shelf feature, polished concrete floors and the geometric gold-and-black wallpaper,” Charron says.
Designer tip. “The biggest advice is to just take the leap and go for it,” Charron says. “Don’t be afraid to go bold in a powder room. It’s the perfect space to focus on a theme, go dramatic and experiment with playful design.”
Wallpaper: Risky Business 2, York Wallcoverings; vanity: custom, Redl Kitchens
9. Punch of Pattern
Designer: Michelle Jefferson of AB Design Elements
Location: Paradise Valley, Arizona
Size: 35 square feet (3.3 square meters); 5 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. Update a small powder room with new plumbing fixtures, layered lighting, more pattern and a soft color palette.
Main feature. Plenty of pattern. “The space really came to life with the addition of these bold, graphic shapes, which included custom hand-baked tiles that line the entire vanity wall [and] large, shaped concrete tiles covering the floor,” designer Michelle Jefferson says. “The graphic nature of these tiles, paired with a very chic color palette of creams, sands and washed blacks, really made this space feel fresh and modern while still preserving a touch of Spanish character.”
Other special features. “One of my favorite features in this powder room is the wall-mounted sink,” Jefferson says. “The detailed sink design with its antique-style legs really added charm to the room. It also helped us create the more open feel the client was looking for, because it’s a space-saving design.”
Designer tip. “The powder room originally had a large built-in closet that broke up the room and made it feel very small,” Jefferson says. “While it is always hard to remove storage options from a space, the decision to eliminate the existing drywalled cabinet really did open up the room and make the space feel grander.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the tile was going in, we wondered if maybe the two patterns would be too much for this small space. But once it was grouted, the surrounding walls [were] painted and the plumbing fixtures were added, we felt good about the visual punch of the patterns and color contrast of the tiles,” Jefferson says. “It felt unique and stylish, and not safe, which was our goal.”
Designer: Michelle Jefferson of AB Design Elements
Location: Paradise Valley, Arizona
Size: 35 square feet (3.3 square meters); 5 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. Update a small powder room with new plumbing fixtures, layered lighting, more pattern and a soft color palette.
Main feature. Plenty of pattern. “The space really came to life with the addition of these bold, graphic shapes, which included custom hand-baked tiles that line the entire vanity wall [and] large, shaped concrete tiles covering the floor,” designer Michelle Jefferson says. “The graphic nature of these tiles, paired with a very chic color palette of creams, sands and washed blacks, really made this space feel fresh and modern while still preserving a touch of Spanish character.”
Other special features. “One of my favorite features in this powder room is the wall-mounted sink,” Jefferson says. “The detailed sink design with its antique-style legs really added charm to the room. It also helped us create the more open feel the client was looking for, because it’s a space-saving design.”
Designer tip. “The powder room originally had a large built-in closet that broke up the room and made it feel very small,” Jefferson says. “While it is always hard to remove storage options from a space, the decision to eliminate the existing drywalled cabinet really did open up the room and make the space feel grander.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the tile was going in, we wondered if maybe the two patterns would be too much for this small space. But once it was grouted, the surrounding walls [were] painted and the plumbing fixtures were added, we felt good about the visual punch of the patterns and color contrast of the tiles,” Jefferson says. “It felt unique and stylish, and not safe, which was our goal.”
10. Victorious Vanity
Builder: Eric Guidobono
Location: Northville, Michigan
Homeowners’ request. A comfortable, warm family entry bath to coincide with the casual transitional style of the rest of the remodeled home.
Main feature. Console vanity with marble top and brass rails.
Other special features. Mirror frame resembling a Moorish keyhole or horseshoe arch. Plant-print wallpaper. Teal painted door frame casing.
Builder: Eric Guidobono
Location: Northville, Michigan
Homeowners’ request. A comfortable, warm family entry bath to coincide with the casual transitional style of the rest of the remodeled home.
Main feature. Console vanity with marble top and brass rails.
Other special features. Mirror frame resembling a Moorish keyhole or horseshoe arch. Plant-print wallpaper. Teal painted door frame casing.
11. Game-Changing Graphics
Designers: Diana Tidswell and Kristina Eustace of Kresswell Interiors
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Size: About 30 square feet (2.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Add personality to an already functional and modern powder room.
Main feature. Graphic wallpaper featuring an inkblot design.
Other special features. Portrait of the homeowners’ dog. “Once the wallpaper was chosen, we recommended a print of the homeowners’ dog, and lo and behold, our clients had already ordered one, so it was meant to be,” designer Diana Tidswell says.
Designer tip. “When we use a bold wallpaper, our tip is usually to keep the artwork monochromatic and simple,” Tidswell says. “There are of course exceptions to this rule, but in this case, the reason we had suggested a photo of the homeowners’ dog was because we knew it would add drama and be the perfect personal touch. Also, it would be a great way to add those touches without having the room feel too cluttered or overly busy.”
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Designers: Diana Tidswell and Kristina Eustace of Kresswell Interiors
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Size: About 30 square feet (2.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Add personality to an already functional and modern powder room.
Main feature. Graphic wallpaper featuring an inkblot design.
Other special features. Portrait of the homeowners’ dog. “Once the wallpaper was chosen, we recommended a print of the homeowners’ dog, and lo and behold, our clients had already ordered one, so it was meant to be,” designer Diana Tidswell says.
Designer tip. “When we use a bold wallpaper, our tip is usually to keep the artwork monochromatic and simple,” Tidswell says. “There are of course exceptions to this rule, but in this case, the reason we had suggested a photo of the homeowners’ dog was because we knew it would add drama and be the perfect personal touch. Also, it would be a great way to add those touches without having the room feel too cluttered or overly busy.”
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Find a bathroom designer in your area
Shop for your bathroom
Designer: Joshua Alan Carpluk
Location: Back Bay neighborhood of Boston
Size: 20 square feet (1.9 square meters); 4 by 5 by feet
Homeowners’ request. Transform a dated powder room into an inviting and engaging space by maximizing the small footprint and adding a punch of style.
Main feature. Custom green vanity. “As the design developed, there was a great dark green vanity from the inspiration board that kept standing out as the driving element of the design,” says designer Joshua Alan Carpluk, whose clients found him through Houzz. “We knew we needed a special custom piece to anchor the design, so we commissioned the vanity with organized drawer storage, custom lacquer paint and custom brass hairpin legs.”
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