A powder room design can make a powerful statement and set the tone for an entire home. This week we’re highlighting three stunning powder rooms that truly pack a visual punch. From bold wallpapers to unique lighting and unexpected materials, these powder rooms showcase creative ways to transform a small space into something special. Keep reading for an inside look at three of our favorite powder room reveals perfect for making a big impact.
Punchy Powder Room #1: Dynamic Damask Wallpaper
This first bold powder room design makes a dramatic entrance with its dynamic damask wallpaper. The powder blue and white motif has an eye-catching oversized pattern that immediately draws you in. Paired with glossy navy built-ins, brass accents, and marble herringbone tile floors, this glam space is all about the wallpaper wow factor.
Key Elements That Pack a Punch
- Statement wallpaper – Rather than paint, the focal point is the vibrant Les Indiennes damask wallpaper from Pierre Frey. Its large scaling adds movement while the blue and white palette keeps things fresh.
- Sleek built-ins – Built-in cabinetry framed with brass offers handy storage while providing high-contrast pops of deep blue against the wallpaper.
- Herringbone marble floors – Laid in a chevron pattern, the marble tile floors add another layer of visual interest with organic detailing. The soft grey veining ties in nicely.
- Brass accents – Pops of unlacquered brass show up on the mirror frame, sconces, and plumbing finishes for a glitzy touch. The warm metal plays off the cool wallpaper colors.
Tips for Recreating This Look
To recreate the dynamic style of this punchy powder room, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose an oversized wallpaper pattern with plenty of presence. Florals, geometrics, or abstract designs all work beautifully.
- Contrast the wallpaper with cabinetry or built-ins painted a deep, saturated hue. Navy blue makes a great option.
- Incorporate natural materials like marble or travertine tile to complement the bold wallpaper.
- Don’t be afraid to mix metal finishes like unlacquered brass and chrome for extra glam.
- Include brass lighting and accents to tie everything together with a shiny, luxe vibe.
Punchy Powder Room #2: Retro Black & White Tile
For our second standout powder room, it’s all about the tile. A retro black and white checkerboard floor makes a bold graphic statement. Paired with additional black accents, it creates a punchy vintage vibe.
Key Elements That Pack a Punch
- Retro checkerboard tile – The star of this space is the graphic black and white tile laid in an oversized checkerboard pattern. It immediately catches your eye.
- Crisp black built-ins – Sleek floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinetry coated in high-gloss black paint provides contrast and adds storage.
- Vintage-style lighting – Ornate sconces and a statement chandelier with black accents and exposed bulbs create moody ambiance.
- Patterned wallpaper – An understated graphic black and white wallpaper echoes the checkerboard floors without competing.
- Black framed mirror – A statement circular mirror rimmed in matte black pops against the wallpaper while tying into the color palette.
Tips for Recreating This Look
To get the punchy retro vibe of this black and white tile powder room, keep these pointers in mind:
- Use a graphic black and white tile laid in a bold pattern like checkerboard or herringbone.
- Add built-ins or cabinetry coated in high-gloss black for an eye-catching sheen.
- Incorporate black metal lighting fixtures and accents for moody contrast.
- Opt for subtle wallpaper with a coordinated palette of black, white, and metallics.
- Frame mirrors and art in matte black to let them stand out against busier walls.
Punchy Powder Room #3: Regal jewel Tones
Rich jewel tones give this third standout powder room its regal punch. Navy built-ins anchor the space while amethyst velvet wallpaper sets the scene. Pops of gold and white marble finishes things off with elegance.
Key Elements That Pack a Punch
- Majestic velvet wallpaper – The crowning jewel is the deep amethyst velvet wallpaper adding dimension through its lush texture. The regal color is eye-catching.
- White marble surfaces – A marble herringbone backsplash, hexagonal floor tiles, and waterfall countertop provide an organic contrast while exuding luxury.
- Navy blue built-ins – Matte navy cabinetry offers handy hidden storage and grounds the space. The deep hue coordinates.
- Metallic brass accents – Gold mirror framing, sconces, and plumbing fixtures add glitzy pops that shine against the velvet wallpaper.
- Feminine lighting – Faceted sconces and a petite chandelier with crystals and gold detailing play up the glam vibe.
Tips for Recreating This Look
To capture the punch of this regal jewel-toned powder room, remember these tips:
- Use a rich, saturated wallpaper like velvet or damask in a hue like emerald, sapphire or amethyst.
- Choose marble, especially in soft whites, for countertops and backsplashes to exude high-end style.
- Ground the space with built-ins or cabinetry in a deep tone like navy that coordinates with the wallpaper.
- Add shiny metallic accents and lighting in brass, gold or champagne finishes.
- Select feminine lighting like crystalline chandeliers for a dose of opulence.
Design Considerations for a Powder Room
Now that we’ve explored three on-trend powder rooms packed with eye-catching style, let’s discuss some key design factors to keep in mind when planning your own punchy powder room makeover.
Selecting Wallpaper vs. Paint
One of the first decisions you’ll want to make is whether to use wallpaper or paint for your powder room walls. Here are some things to consider:
- Wallpaper makes a bolder splash, adding texture, pattern and color. It works especially well in small powder rooms.
- Paint tends to give a cleaner, more understated look. It can act as a rich neutral backdrop for other features to pop against.
- Wallpaper requires more precision to install correctly on a small scale. Pre-pasted options are easiest for DIY application.
- Paint is typically more budget-friendly and lets you change up colors more frequently if desired.
Choosing Tile Floors
The flooring sets the tone for a powder room, so select tile wisely. Keep these tips in mind:
- Smaller mosaic tiles can make the space feel busy and cluttered. Opt for larger tiles.
- Neutral natural stone comes across as timeless and elegant.
- Bold patterns like graphic black & white or geometric add excitement underfoot.
- Glossy tiles reflect light and enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
Incorporating Storage
While tiny, a powder room still requires storage for extra toilet paper, hand towels, and other necessities. These options maximize space:
- Floating wall shelves provide display space without cluttering the floor.
- Built-in cabinetry or shelving makes the most of unused areas.
- Furniture-style cabinets like armoires conceal items while providing closed storage.
- Under-sink organizers neatly arrange plumbing and supplies out of sight.
Selecting Lighting
The right lighting adds ambiance and visual flair. For powder rooms, look for:
- Sconces that frame the mirror and provide perfect task lighting.
- Pendants or chandeliers that make a glam style statement.
- Dimmer switches allowing you to set just the right mood.
- Beautiful bare bulb fixtures for an edgy, vintage vibe.
Accessorizing the Space
The finishing accessories pull the whole powder room together. Consider:
- Framed artwork, fresh florals or sculptural objects to personalize.
- Luxurious guest towels and hand soaps that align with your style.
- A tray or catch-all dish to corral small items like jewelry.
- Candles, greenery and other layers of texture for visual interest.
5 Top Trends For Powder Rooms
Now that we’ve covered the essentials on designing a powder room with punch, let’s look at some of the hottest trends to incorporate in 2023 and beyond.
1. Sculptural Wallpaper
From 3D geometric patterns to flocking and mural-style prints, sculptural wallpapers make the ultimate style statement. These dimensional designs add flair through texture and visual intrigue.
2. Bold Black Accents
Black finishes are having a major moment in powder rooms. Matte black faucets, floor tiles, built-ins and lighting add modern edge with punch. Especially striking against white backdrops.
3. Vintage Glamour
The return of all things retro and glam means powder rooms are the perfect place to add a touch of Hollywood Regency. Ornate mirrors, metallic details, marble and geometric tile speak to the trend.
4. Mood Lighting
Create ambiance with lighting that sets a vibe. Sconces, pendants and chandeliers from brass to glass make a decorative statement. Dimmers allow you to control the mood.
5. Organic Textures
Natural textures like rattan, wood, greenery and stone add organic contrast against sleek surfaces. These materials bring warmth and soothing natural style to powder rooms.
Inspiring Powder Room Makeovers
For a closer look at stunning powder room makeovers packed with on-trend style, here are three real-world examples sure to provide inspiration.
1. Glam Geometric Makeover
This outdated pink and grey tiled powder room received a fresh glam makeover with:
- Matte black accents including the mirror frame, sconces and plumbing finishes
- New black and white geometric floor tile laid in a graphic herringbone pattern
- Crisp white paneled built-ins flanking the sink and toilet for storage
- Large rosette-shaped brass pendants as the crowning lighting detail
[Before and after photos: drexelheritage.com]
The contrast of textures and patterns gives this small space an elevated, punchy new look. The black and white scheme is elevated with metallic accents.
2. Bohemian Chic Makeover
A dated builder-grade powder room was completely transformed with:
- Colorful woven jute wallpaper featuring a global-inspired print
- A rustic wood floating vanity with marble herringbone backsplash
- Vintage-style brass sconces and round mirror for rustic flair
- Pops of plants and rattan accessories for organic texture
[Before and after photos: laurelberninteriors.com]
The earthy and feminine vibe of the new bohemian scheme packs visual interest through the mix of colors, textures and patterns.
3. Modern Traditional Makeover
This formerly uninspired powder room got a face lift with:
- Navy shiplap paneling on the walls and ceiling for texture
- Marble hexagon tile floors and marble subway surround behind the sink
- A curvaceous floating vanity for modern appeal
- Metallic chrome and glass pendants for contemporary sparkle
[Before and after photos: studio-mcgee.com]
The powder blue vanity and metallic accents keep this navy and white space feeling fresh rather than nautical. The mix of traditional and modern elements blend seamlessly.
Answering Common Powder Room Questions
If you’re considering a powder room redesign, chances are you have some questions. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked:
How big should a powder room be?
- For just a toilet and sink, 30-40 square feet is sufficient, but bigger is better for comfort. Building codes vary on minimum sizes.
What should go in a powder room?
- At minimum, a toilet and sink. Consider adding storage like shelving or cabinets, a mirror, artwork and decorative lighting.
Is wallpaper practical in a powder room?
- Yes, wallpaper works extremely well in powder rooms. The small space lets bold prints and patterns make a splash. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid moisture issues.
What flooring is best for powder rooms?
- Tile is the most popular choice for its water-resistance, easy cleaning and stylish look. Marble, slate, terrazzo and even vinyl tiles are options.
Should I get a pedestal sink or vanity?
- Pedestal sinks save space while vanities add storage. Floating vanities are a great middle ground. Consider the existing plumbing configuration when deciding.
How do I add storage to my small powder room?
- Floating shelves, wall cabinets, built-in cabinetry around the toilet and freestanding furniture-look cabinets all maximize space for storing necessities.
What type of lighting works best in powder rooms?
- Sconces, pendants, and chandeliers make the biggest impact in small powder rooms. Install dimmers to control ambiance.
Conclusion
With creative wall treatments, stylish tile, punchy color palettes, and loads of character, powder rooms offer the perfect opportunity to have fun with daring design. As these trendy makeovers and design tips illustrate, you need not have a large bathroom to make a huge impact. Keep bold wallpaper, retro tile, and rich jewel-toned palettes in mind as you envision your own powder room packed with panache. With the right tile, lighting, storage solutions and accessories, even the smallest powder space can be transformed into a room that truly packs a visual punch.
