Having an extra half bath for guests is a great thing, even if it is a very, very small powder room.  A powder room really only needs two things to function: a toilet and a sink. This doesn’t mean that you should leave the room with only the functional necessities. Even the smallest powder rooms can benefit  from good design. In fact, because of its small footprint, the powder room can be turned into a jewel box with a few design tricks.

This powder room has good bones that make the foundation for great design.  A smaller size toilet is a must for a tiny powder room. The pedestal sink also takes up less visual space with its narrow base.  The one downside is the pedestal sink does not provide any storage. Luckily, in a powder room you don’t need a lot of storage. A small decorative box or basket on the floor could hold extra toilet paper and soaps.

The dark tile floor helps make this powder room feel larger.  The white fixtures pop against the dark floor.  But why stop with white walls?  Because powder rooms are not rooms you spend a great deal of time in, they are perfect places to be a little bold with the wall décor.  Wallpaper is a great way to make a powder room feel special. Go bold with pattern or paint color in a powder room.

A big mirror or mirrors on opposing walls can make a powder room feel larger. An interesting pendant light or chandelier is also the perfect jewel box touch for these tiny rooms.

With all the moisture that comes with a bathroom you might think that you can’t do wood in the bathroom. This isn’t necessarily the case.  Having a fan that vents outside can help control humidity in the bathroom. Plus there are woods that are engineered and treated to withstand a bit of moisture.

Wood and laminate floors can be used in the bathroom. To protect them from moisture you’ll want to use a bathmat and wipe up any spills and splashes.  Wood and laminate are not as water resistant as other materials commonly used for bathroom floors like tile or vinyl.  Knowing how to take care of wood floors in wet areas can prolong the look and life of your investment.

Some woods are more moisture resistant than others. Teak for example is a wood that is commonly used outdoors and on boats.  Using teak as a wood floor or counter top in a bathroom is a great way to add wood to the bathroom.  Some treated and engineered woods intended for outdoor use on decks, railings or docks can also be used in wet areas like showers and around the tub. Doing your research before you install can save you time and headaches if the material is not what you need.

Wood can also be used on the vanity. Using a stone or solid surface counter on top of a wood vanity gives you the look of wood with the strength of stone. A great look for the bathroom.

The master bathroom should be more than just a functional space. It can be decorated to be an oasis from the stress and demands of the rest of the day.  Choosing a style for the master bath should reflect the design of the rest of the master suite and your personality.  You may want to create more of a spa feeling or a romantic feeling in the master bath.

If you have a more traditional master bedroom, you’ll want to continue that style into the bathroom. Using luxury materials can give your master bath an elegant feeling. This master bathroom has both the high end fixtures and luxury materials one would expect in a master bathroom. The deep soaking tub is a must in today’s master bathrooms.  These tubs can be free standing or built in. The separate shower stall should be equally as luxe with a rainhead shower head and multiple body sprays.

Luxury materials like marble, granite and porcelain tiles are great choices for the master bathroom.  These can be applied to walls and tub surrounds as well as the floor.  Adding a few soft bath mats around the room give your bare feet a cushioned place to stand. Heated floors are another luxury in the master bath.

A valance or blinds are important for privacy if you have a large window in the master bathroom.  Choose a material that can stand up to moisture if you do put curtains in the bathroom. Outdoor fabrics are great choice because they are water resistant.