The powder room is often an understated and forgotten space within a home. This modest room is usually small and within close proximity to the homes main traffic flow and with so many visitors passing by its door weekly it's important to give this space the attention it deserves when it comes to design.
It may not feel as important as the master bathroom or guest bathroom but think again! This tiny space is often one of the most used rooms within a home. With that said because it's not the primary bathroom it's important to create a budget for enhancing the room that allows the end result to be glamorous without the price tag of a full remodel.
As a designer I have discovered my own path to creating a stunning makeover in a powder room on a budget and I have broken it down into five main categories. The five areas of my focus are lighting, mirrors, paint, flooring and accessories. Let's take a look at each one.
Illumination consideration is one of my favorite areas to focus on (full article on illumination coming next week) in all my designs. So often overlooked and almost never given the same attention as cabinets and tile this one area of consideration can turn any ordinary room into something eye-catching with a relatively low price tag. If your budget only allows you one upgrade I would strongly consider adding a unique light fixture, suspended lights or sconces to your space. Often times there is no need to update or move electrical so a simple swap out of fixtures may be possible. Lighting designed for bathrooms have come along way and the designs that are now available are so eye-catching often this one fixture can become the focal point of the room.
Like the light fixture the mirror you add to your bathroom can make a huge statement and add to the over all feel the designer is trying to create. Gone are the days of one size fits all and in its place is a plethora of shapes, sizes, finishes, and themes.
Paint is inexpensive, gives instant gratification and with some creativity paint can turn a tired old room into a fresh modern space. Getting creative by using multiple colors or experimenting with sheens is one way to achieve glamour. Going dark and moody can make the space dramatic while going light and white can make it feel bigger and inviting. Want to step it up a notch, try using techniques that will give the appearance of the room having wainscoting or washed out barn wood. The possibility that paint offers is truly endless.
Like paint the possibilities are endless. My two favorites floor updates include using tile or luxury vinyl floor throughout the space. Tile is available in every shape, size, color and pattern imaginable. Want to create flare try adding in hexagon tile, plank, Spanish inspired, cement or patterned products. Want less commitment? LVF flooring installs quickly, is available in many sizes, colors and patterns and can be changed out easily if your style needs change over time.
Often times when individuals are unhappy with their powder room they assume a change in cabinetry and counters is the only solution to updating the look. While in many cases this will help to modernize a space in many others the quick fixes like lights, mirrors and paint can give the home owner all the impact they need. When more is needed though a great place to turn for low-budget high impact design is the accessory! I often use accessories to create a fresh look and to change the space. Take the floating shelf, it's available in many sizes and stains, it can be rustic or modern, it's easy to hang and brings style to any bathroom. Rugs, towels, towel bars, flowers, candles and wall art are all great to use to enhance the over all look and glam factor of the space.
Powder rooms may be small and the budget to glam them up might be small as well but with a little creativity most powder rooms can be turned into something worth talking about!
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