As we look ahead to the second half of the year, some might have had a robust list of home improvement projects that they wanted to tackle, but time, finances and creativity got in the way. So, what is a wallet friendly project you can complete before the end of this year with minimal difficulty? Consider a powder room design refresh.
Whether it’s called a guest bathroom, half-bath or powder room, this functional space may be one of the most highly used spaces in any home by family, friends and visitors. And while it’s the most highly used space, the power room is also one of the smallest spaces in a home ranging from an average size 20 square feet, while older homes have some as small as 11 square feet.
Since the powder room is a smaller space, the amount of money budgeted to transform this room should not break the bank. Consider all or some of these design revisions:
- Paint a bold color for maximum impact
- Install decorative wallpaper
- Update floors with accent tile or LVT
- Replace lighting
- Add a new framed mirror vs. builder grade mirror
- Provide new vanity to increase storage while adding interest
Most powder rooms are the least customized space within a home, in many instances they have basic builder’s grade fixtures and finishes installed because builder’s focus on kitchens – because kitchens sell homes. So, if you are on a budget start with this smaller space and infuse personality, while also coordinating your design ideas with the home’s overall architectural aesthetic. Modern homes should have a bathroom with modern undertones, but in more traditional designed homes, there can be more flexibility with the design ideas.
Wallpaper vs. Paint
Wallpaper, though a more permanent decision than paint is having a resurgence. Wallpaper is priced by square foot and prices vary based on manufacturer and requires installation. Whether you select a whimsical floral scene, vertical stripes, a graphic print, or grass cloth for texture, wallpaper is a game changer and provides a lot of bang for your buck- elevating a boring bathroom space to an Instagram-able moment. If paint is the direction you choose, have fun with your color selection and be daring. For example, if you like red but would never use that color in your living or bedroom room use your powder room as an opportunity to showcase to use red. Also, when painting in any bathroom it is strongly suggested to use an eggshell finish, which is wipeable and cleanable.
Finish Selections
In bathrooms, finishes are used on faucets, drawer pulls, towel bars, light fixtures and mirror frames, etc. Finishes can vary from polished chrome, oil rubbed bronze to matte black and many variations in between. The most common used finishes are polished chrome and brushed nickel, which are perfectly fine and safe choices. But if you decide to expand your choices, consider brushed bronze, or matte black. Finish selections can be used throughout the bathroom space and consider mixing finishes based on preference and design.
Final Touches
Flooring, lighting, vanities and mirrors…every bathroom requires them, but what does yours say about your home and personality. In a powder room – space will always be an issue, but storage and style does not have to be compromised. Select vanity styles that provide drawers or shelves vs. pedestal style sinks. Make a reasonable investment here, a vanity should be considered as a long-term furniture selection. With flooring consider ceramic, porcelain or LVT (luxury vinyl tile) with interesting patterns and finally lighting should not only be functional but impactful with sconces, backlit mirror or recessed lighting as architecture and conditions permit.
A powder room is an opportunity to really infuse some whit & whimsy and inspire your guests visiting your home. Take chances, use unexpected color, add texture and personality without breaking the bank, this could be the start of something very beautiful!
