Give Your Powder Room Personality

By Irisinteriors @IrisHoulihan

The often overlooked powder room is actually an excellent place to break a few of your design rules. It’s like a bonus space, perfect for making guests feel welcome. People spend a few minutes in the room and there’s no need to consider issues such as a shower or bathtub. Take the opportunity to make a statement, as it’s a room that can stand-alone. Turn your powder room into a place to reflect your boldest decorating whims in a fun, artistic way. When decorating the space consider the following:

Color Scheme:

Designed by Iris Interiors LLC.

Because the powder room is typically a smaller space, many people shy away from dark or bright colors. However, it’s a hidden gem where an aesthetic that may not work in a living room, for example, can come to life. When designing this powder room, the lack of humidity and limited size made wallpaper an affordable and realistic alternative to painting. The bold, damask wallpaper adds an air of luxury.

Photo via Tumblr user: The Bohemian Girl.

Paint a vivid color. The dark purple gives this Moroccan-style powder room a romantic ambiance. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even try your hand at stencils to create an elaborate pattern.

Photo via New Ravenna Mosaics.

Bring color in through the details, such as a tile backsplash or this incredible ikat glass mosaic.

Toilet, Sink, Fixtures, and Furniture:

Photo via Decor Pad.

Choose a toilet, sink, fixtures, and hardware that complement your color scheme. For a small powder room, a pedestal sink can save space. Not sure about the lack of storage? Consider adding a fabric skirt to the sink or filling a basket with rolled towels.

Designed by Jamie Herzlinger.

Extra room? A vanity provides storage space. Add a piece of furniture for a luxe look.

Accessories:

Photo via House Beautiful.

Plush hand towels, rugs, and pretty amenities tie a design together. The mirror is also a major focus. Try something ornate, unusual, over-sized, or even a grouping of small mirrors. The mirror above is truly unique, as it is covered in an antique Italian window grill.

Available via Shop.Iris-Interiors.com.

You can even surprise guests with a gallery wall showcasing your favorite artwork.

Lighting:

Photo via Apartment Therapy.

You want to have enough natural and artificial light so that guests can touch up their makeup and do other quick bathroom tasks. Incorporate an unexpected chandelier (photo above), flank a mirror with wall sconces, or hang pendant lights. A dimmer switch will allow you to adjust the brightness to your needs.

What ideas do you have for your powder room?