7 Bold New Powder Rooms
Small but mighty, these powder rooms prove daring color, pattern and texture can shine in compact spaces
A powder room offers the perfect opportunity to step outside your home’s usual style and make a statement. Because these small, often windowless spaces are used mostly by guests, they invite bold choices — dramatic wallpaper, moody paint, sculptural vanities or shimmering finishes that might feel too daring elsewhere. Here, designers share how they embraced color, pattern, texture and creative detailing to turn these compact spaces into unforgettable design moments.
2. Vibrant First Impression
Designer: Yamini Hingorani of Yamini Designs
Design-build firm: A. Perry Homes
Location: Lake Forest, Illinois
Size: 36 square feet (3.3 square meters); 6 by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a custom-built home, and from the very beginning our clients and their interior designer, Yamini Hingorani, had a very special vision for this room — often guests’ first stop of the tour,” says Anthony Perry, president of design-build firm A. Perry Homes. “They wanted this space to give guests an explosion of color. The powder room is adjacent to the front entry but nicely tucked behind a vestibule, which accentuates the drama even more.”
Special features. Waterfall mural grasscloth wallpaper (Waterfall in Lush Jungle on Venetian Glass Glam Grass, Phillip Jeffries). Floating Noir Blanc marble vanity with antique brass wall-mounted faucet (Secant, Newport Brass) and handmade glass vessel sink (Positano in Bianco, Native Trails). Seeded crystal sconces in an aged brass finish (Cinema, Modern Forms).
A. Perry Homes uses Houzz Pro software to manage projects. “We are active Houzz Pro users,” Perry says. “We utilize features such as client collaboration tools, which allow clients to save and organize all of their inspirational imagery throughout the design process. Houzz is also one of our greatest platforms to showcase our work, giving clients the ability to view every project we’ve completed to date. It has proved to be a great lead source, almost being an extension of our website.”
Millwork and ceiling paint: Vermont Slate, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Yamini Hingorani of Yamini Designs
Design-build firm: A. Perry Homes
Location: Lake Forest, Illinois
Size: 36 square feet (3.3 square meters); 6 by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a custom-built home, and from the very beginning our clients and their interior designer, Yamini Hingorani, had a very special vision for this room — often guests’ first stop of the tour,” says Anthony Perry, president of design-build firm A. Perry Homes. “They wanted this space to give guests an explosion of color. The powder room is adjacent to the front entry but nicely tucked behind a vestibule, which accentuates the drama even more.”
Special features. Waterfall mural grasscloth wallpaper (Waterfall in Lush Jungle on Venetian Glass Glam Grass, Phillip Jeffries). Floating Noir Blanc marble vanity with antique brass wall-mounted faucet (Secant, Newport Brass) and handmade glass vessel sink (Positano in Bianco, Native Trails). Seeded crystal sconces in an aged brass finish (Cinema, Modern Forms).
A. Perry Homes uses Houzz Pro software to manage projects. “We are active Houzz Pro users,” Perry says. “We utilize features such as client collaboration tools, which allow clients to save and organize all of their inspirational imagery throughout the design process. Houzz is also one of our greatest platforms to showcase our work, giving clients the ability to view every project we’ve completed to date. It has proved to be a great lead source, almost being an extension of our website.”
Millwork and ceiling paint: Vermont Slate, Benjamin Moore
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Textured Luxury
Designers: Jessica Warren and Amanda Tarango of Baker Design Group
Location: Spring, Texas
Size: 47 square feet (4.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients’ needs, wants and goals were to modernize the space; create a luxurious, dramatic feel; and honor original architectural details,” designer Jessica Warren says.
Special features. “A handcrafted wallpaper with a large-scale, textural pattern works beautifully within the room’s small footprint and tall ceilings, adding visual depth without overwhelming the space,” Warren says. “The metallic finish introduces a dramatic, luxurious quality. To maintain a cohesive, monochromatic palette, the trim and ceiling were painted in a coordinating hue (Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams).”
The vanity is a custom ebony-stained cabinet with a quartz countertop and a round beige opaque glass sink.
Designer tip. “We leaned into this powder bath’s challenges — tall ceilings and tricky angles — by embracing a darker, monochromatic palette,” Warren says. “The deep tones grounded the room and minimized awkward proportions. To elevate the space and keep it from feeling heavy, we layered in pops of gold. That subtle shimmer catches the light, creating a dramatic yet elegant atmosphere — perfect for homeowners wanting both boldness and sophistication in a smaller space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Midway through installation, our wallpaper installer informed us that we didn’t have enough paper to complete the project,” Warren says. “Since the wallpaper was handcrafted and would take six to eight weeks to remake, waiting wasn’t an option. As a quick solution, we sourced a stunning glass tile for the vanity wall — and in the end, we think it turned out even better that way.”
Wallpaper: Ginza in Granite, MDC; backsplash tile: Brook in Stacked Twilight, Soho Studio; sink: Whist opaque glass in Doe, Kohler; sconces: Copenhagen in vintage brass, Corbett collection, Hudson Valley Lighting; mirror: Vault, Uttermost; hardware: Dayton in champagne bronze, Miseno
The 10 Most Popular New Powder Rooms Right Now
Designers: Jessica Warren and Amanda Tarango of Baker Design Group
Location: Spring, Texas
Size: 47 square feet (4.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients’ needs, wants and goals were to modernize the space; create a luxurious, dramatic feel; and honor original architectural details,” designer Jessica Warren says.
Special features. “A handcrafted wallpaper with a large-scale, textural pattern works beautifully within the room’s small footprint and tall ceilings, adding visual depth without overwhelming the space,” Warren says. “The metallic finish introduces a dramatic, luxurious quality. To maintain a cohesive, monochromatic palette, the trim and ceiling were painted in a coordinating hue (Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams).”
The vanity is a custom ebony-stained cabinet with a quartz countertop and a round beige opaque glass sink.
Designer tip. “We leaned into this powder bath’s challenges — tall ceilings and tricky angles — by embracing a darker, monochromatic palette,” Warren says. “The deep tones grounded the room and minimized awkward proportions. To elevate the space and keep it from feeling heavy, we layered in pops of gold. That subtle shimmer catches the light, creating a dramatic yet elegant atmosphere — perfect for homeowners wanting both boldness and sophistication in a smaller space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Midway through installation, our wallpaper installer informed us that we didn’t have enough paper to complete the project,” Warren says. “Since the wallpaper was handcrafted and would take six to eight weeks to remake, waiting wasn’t an option. As a quick solution, we sourced a stunning glass tile for the vanity wall — and in the end, we think it turned out even better that way.”
Wallpaper: Ginza in Granite, MDC; backsplash tile: Brook in Stacked Twilight, Soho Studio; sink: Whist opaque glass in Doe, Kohler; sconces: Copenhagen in vintage brass, Corbett collection, Hudson Valley Lighting; mirror: Vault, Uttermost; hardware: Dayton in champagne bronze, Miseno
The 10 Most Popular New Powder Rooms Right Now
4. Botanical Brightness
Designers: Amanda Hauser and Gabriella Lanzo of Butter+Velvet
Location: Boonton Township, New Jersey
Size: 40 square feet (3.7 square meters)
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner wanted to update the powder room to a brighter, more transitional style that had elements that reflected the nature that surrounds the home,” designer Amanda Hauser says.
Special features. Whitewashed walnut vanity with a Taj Mahal quartzite countertop. Botanical wallpaper. Champagne brass hardware and faucet. Woven Roman shade. “The original powder room was more traditional; it felt dated and dark,” Hauser says. “We felt a bold, patterned wallpaper would update the space, along with lighter wood tones, texture from the woven Roman shade and mixing gold and black metals.”
Hauser and her design firm use Houzz Pro for all of their design projects, she says. “We regularly rely on tools like the Selection Boards and Mood Boards, both of which were especially helpful on this project. The Mood Boards, in particular, allowed our client to clearly visualize how all the design elements would come together in their space. Houzz Pro continues to be an essential part of our process from concept through completion.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to go bold in a small space,” Hauser says. “Using a vibrant, patterned wallpaper in a small powder room can give the space that wow factor that will impress your guests.”
15 Powder Rooms With Fabulous Wallcoverings
Designers: Amanda Hauser and Gabriella Lanzo of Butter+Velvet
Location: Boonton Township, New Jersey
Size: 40 square feet (3.7 square meters)
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner wanted to update the powder room to a brighter, more transitional style that had elements that reflected the nature that surrounds the home,” designer Amanda Hauser says.
Special features. Whitewashed walnut vanity with a Taj Mahal quartzite countertop. Botanical wallpaper. Champagne brass hardware and faucet. Woven Roman shade. “The original powder room was more traditional; it felt dated and dark,” Hauser says. “We felt a bold, patterned wallpaper would update the space, along with lighter wood tones, texture from the woven Roman shade and mixing gold and black metals.”
Hauser and her design firm use Houzz Pro for all of their design projects, she says. “We regularly rely on tools like the Selection Boards and Mood Boards, both of which were especially helpful on this project. The Mood Boards, in particular, allowed our client to clearly visualize how all the design elements would come together in their space. Houzz Pro continues to be an essential part of our process from concept through completion.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to go bold in a small space,” Hauser says. “Using a vibrant, patterned wallpaper in a small powder room can give the space that wow factor that will impress your guests.”
15 Powder Rooms With Fabulous Wallcoverings
5. Classic Blue and White
Designer: Melanie Giolitti
Location: Palos Verdes Estates, California
Size: 22 square feet (2 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Updated fixtures. A blue-and-white color scheme. Marble flooring.
Special features. Custom vanity by designer Melanie Giolitti with a Carrara marble top. Carrara marble and black dot basketweave pattern flooring. Carrara marble baseboards. Inky navy blue ceiling (Stiffkey Blue, Farrow & Ball). White beadboard, chair rail and crown molding (White Dove, Benjamin Moore). Paisley print wallpaper (Kerala Paisley in Delft, Schumacher). Vintage bamboo mirror.
Designer tip. “Consider a shaped vanity to address tight spaces and clearances,” Giolitti says. “In this instance, the door to the exterior was in close proximity to the vanity wall. A rectangular-shaped vanity would be too shallow to make it functional.”
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Designer: Melanie Giolitti
Location: Palos Verdes Estates, California
Size: 22 square feet (2 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Updated fixtures. A blue-and-white color scheme. Marble flooring.
Special features. Custom vanity by designer Melanie Giolitti with a Carrara marble top. Carrara marble and black dot basketweave pattern flooring. Carrara marble baseboards. Inky navy blue ceiling (Stiffkey Blue, Farrow & Ball). White beadboard, chair rail and crown molding (White Dove, Benjamin Moore). Paisley print wallpaper (Kerala Paisley in Delft, Schumacher). Vintage bamboo mirror.
Designer tip. “Consider a shaped vanity to address tight spaces and clearances,” Giolitti says. “In this instance, the door to the exterior was in close proximity to the vanity wall. A rectangular-shaped vanity would be too shallow to make it functional.”
7 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
6. Moody Hotel Vibe
Designer: Brandon Hall of BHA
Location: River North neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 45 square feet (4.2 square meters); 6 by 7½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a moody powder room that functioned well as the visitors’ powder room — something that felt like it could be in a hotel,” designer Brandon Hall says.
Special features. “What made this room is the Porcelanosa Liem Black Nature tile,” Hall says. “This large-format tile was the right solution to bring the mood and the durability. We had the general contractor custom-fabricate the vanity out of the same tile and match the paint color to the tile, which tied the space together. A Visual Comfort Joni wall sconce, Kohler brushed gold fixtures and a Kohler Capsule mirror helped to complete the picture.”
Designer tip. “We focus early on in our design process on what the story is that we are trying to tell,” Hall says. “Figure out that story and then use that as the guide for the space. Also, editing is as important as anything else.”
Project photography: Ryan Mcdonald
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Brandon Hall of BHA
Location: River North neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 45 square feet (4.2 square meters); 6 by 7½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a moody powder room that functioned well as the visitors’ powder room — something that felt like it could be in a hotel,” designer Brandon Hall says.
Special features. “What made this room is the Porcelanosa Liem Black Nature tile,” Hall says. “This large-format tile was the right solution to bring the mood and the durability. We had the general contractor custom-fabricate the vanity out of the same tile and match the paint color to the tile, which tied the space together. A Visual Comfort Joni wall sconce, Kohler brushed gold fixtures and a Kohler Capsule mirror helped to complete the picture.”
Designer tip. “We focus early on in our design process on what the story is that we are trying to tell,” Hall says. “Figure out that story and then use that as the guide for the space. Also, editing is as important as anything else.”
Project photography: Ryan Mcdonald
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
7. Masculine Mountain Edge
Designer: Baylie Weeks of Tribus Interior Design
Location: Cashiers, North Carolina
Size: 48 square feet (4.5 square meters); 6 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner was excited to pack a punch into their powder room, as it is off the foyer of their mountain home,” designer Baylie Weeks says. “The overall theme was masculine, moody and bold.”
Special features. “The goal was a seamless design,” Weeks says. “The faucet, vanity and trim are all a bronze finish to coordinate with the wallcovering, which is the star of the space. The sink and countertop are made from the same concrete material for a casual, masculine feel in this mountain home.”
Designer tip. “The industrial-style vanity takes up minimal space in the small powder room,” Weeks says. “Customizing a unique vanity rather than building a visually heavy cabinet allowed the wallpaper to be the focal point.”
Wallcovering: Oak Filigree in Charcoal/Bronze, Sanderson; countertop and sink: concrete stone in Earth finish, Native Trails; vanity: custom in oil-rubbed bronze, Palmer Industries; mirror: Arteriors; trim paint: Urbane Bronze, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Baylie Weeks of Tribus Interior Design
Location: Cashiers, North Carolina
Size: 48 square feet (4.5 square meters); 6 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner was excited to pack a punch into their powder room, as it is off the foyer of their mountain home,” designer Baylie Weeks says. “The overall theme was masculine, moody and bold.”
Special features. “The goal was a seamless design,” Weeks says. “The faucet, vanity and trim are all a bronze finish to coordinate with the wallcovering, which is the star of the space. The sink and countertop are made from the same concrete material for a casual, masculine feel in this mountain home.”
Designer tip. “The industrial-style vanity takes up minimal space in the small powder room,” Weeks says. “Customizing a unique vanity rather than building a visually heavy cabinet allowed the wallpaper to be the focal point.”
Wallcovering: Oak Filigree in Charcoal/Bronze, Sanderson; countertop and sink: concrete stone in Earth finish, Native Trails; vanity: custom in oil-rubbed bronze, Palmer Industries; mirror: Arteriors; trim paint: Urbane Bronze, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Jen D. Hutchison of B&B Custom Builders
Location: Grosse Ile, Michigan
Size: 47 square feet (4.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. This powder room is part of a custom-built spec home. “We wanted the powder room to be something notable for guests, but with timeless bones to not limit the appeal too narrowly,” designer Jen D. Hutchison says.
Special features. “Some of the features that made this space hit our goal started with custom window casing and baseboards painted with a sprayer application of Sherwin-Williams Mineral Gray in a satin finish,” Hutchison says. “The wallpaper is from England, made by Rebel Walls in Swan Pond Blue. The combination of those two features, brought together with the hardwood white oak matte flooring and beautiful custom cordless flat Roman shade, created our first layer. The Lilac marble floating sink vanity with backsplash began as a sketch and was then made to life by Smyrna Marble in Turkey.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to go for it in a small space,” Hutchison says. “Choose one item that is a loved feature as your starting point. Keep the bones like the trim and floors timeless and try to avoid trends. Every detail is a design opportunity. Even a hook or cabinetry knob makes a huge impact. That simple choice can make or break a room.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Sometimes challenges become the best part,” Hutchison says. “This space had the challenge of a window directly over the vanity. Instead of blocking the window with a ceiling- or countertop-mount mirror, the solution was a narrow pivoting mirror to the right and to balance the visual weight by placing two spaced wall sconces to the window’s left side.”
Swivel mirror: Arhaus; faucet: Litze, Brizo; lights: glazed small sconce, Arteriors; project photography: Diana Paulson of Linea Photo
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