Powder Room Pizzazz

Extra wow is finding its way into new guest bathrooms

Powder rooms have gone kaleidoscopic. As one of the rooms most likely to be seen by visitors, the guest bath has become a showcase.

In new homes being built across the United States, 84 percent will have one or more guest bathrooms, according to a recent consumer study by Moen, maker of top-end bath and kitchen fixtures. And guest bathrooms present an opportunity for homeowners to experiment with a different or more lavish style.

“San Diegans want powder rooms to be jewel boxes,” says Michael Borrelli of Borrelli Design + Cabinetry, who heads the local chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “Homeowners want their guests to say, ‘Wow.’ That’s why they’re being bold in their design choices, especially in colors and top-of-the-line fixtures.”

Nina Closser of Nina Closser Interior Design agrees: “People today want luxury in their bathrooms, including powder rooms. Luxury means more space, finer materials, wilder lighting and details you’d find in luxury hotel baths.”

Here are some planning tips and this year’s favorite design trends for boosting the style quotient of your guest bath

CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY STYLE features clean lines within a neutral color palette— shades of gray, brown, taupe, cream or pure white. Wood tends to be either very light or very dark. Vivid accents—a wall in a bold color, modern art or bathroom accessories—are the latest way to create a modern sensibility.

GLASS BOWLS or art vessels used as sinks and lit from beneath are hot right now, according to Borrelli. Paneling the wall behind the sink with a top-grade furniture veneer makes these glass or marble bowls “pop” from the surface. Glass and porcelain tiles are also increasingly popular. Both pair well with high-end stone countertops such as marble, granite or limestone.

JEWELRY TRENDS dictate which metal finishes will be popular, and silver has been king for several years. Nickel and stainless-steel finishes also give an up-to-date look. Nickel fixtures in particular, whether brushed or polished, add warmth.

USE A LIGHT-COLORED FLOOR. A dark or warm color absorbs light and visually raises the floor, making the room feel smaller, while light colors help to diffuse light evenly, adding brightness.

BRING IN NATURAL LIGHT with a skylight, window or glass-block wall.

DIFFUSED ARTIFICIAL LIGHT eliminates harsh shadows. Both track lighting and recessed spot lighting have a low profile that’s perfect for a small space. In floor lamps or fixtures, splashes of color can unite a design theme.

KEEP VENTILATION QUIET. Choose an exhaust fan with the lowest sound rating. Sounds seem louder in a small space.

BUILD IN CONVENIENCE. Well-designed cabinets easily turn the powder room into a storage area for bathroom supplies, from tissue to toiletries.

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