8 Wildly Stylish New Powder Rooms
Pros share design details and tips from positively pretty and personality-driven small bathrooms
If you’re remodeling your home, start with the powder room. “It’s the quickest turnaround for seeing impactful results,” designer Dawn Rothenbacher says. “This keeps you motivated to continue to do the next space.” Plus, updating a powder room can be downright fun. It’s a room where you can do something bold that reflects your personality. And the sheer joy of watching that come together can set a positive tone for the rest of your remodeling project. For some inspirational jumping-off points, check out these fun and fashionable powder rooms.
2. Bold and Gold
Designer: Leigh Robinson and Jamie Tronzo of Maddox & Rose
Location: Jeffersonville, Indiana
Size: 35 square feet (3.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients wanted a modern and moody powder room with sleek design features and some fun pops of pattern,” designer Jamie Tronzo says. “We didn’t have a large space to work with, so we were intentional with the details we added to each little space.”
Tronzo uses Houzz Pro software to help manage design projects. “We use Houzz Pro for everything from proposals to procurement and budgeting,” she says. “It has made our lives so much easier and way more organized.”
Special features. “We used cabinet-grade plywood to build a ledge and box for the vessel sink to sit on and then used a high-gloss polyurethane to add durability,” Tronzo says. “Because it was such a dark space, we used polished brass on the light fixtures and plumbing fixtures to make everything pop. We also paid special attention to the P-trap and drain because it was so visible in this design.”
Designer tip. “Using a full wall of patterned tile added a special feature without overwhelming the space or making it feel smaller,” Tronzo says.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
Designer: Leigh Robinson and Jamie Tronzo of Maddox & Rose
Location: Jeffersonville, Indiana
Size: 35 square feet (3.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients wanted a modern and moody powder room with sleek design features and some fun pops of pattern,” designer Jamie Tronzo says. “We didn’t have a large space to work with, so we were intentional with the details we added to each little space.”
Tronzo uses Houzz Pro software to help manage design projects. “We use Houzz Pro for everything from proposals to procurement and budgeting,” she says. “It has made our lives so much easier and way more organized.”
Special features. “We used cabinet-grade plywood to build a ledge and box for the vessel sink to sit on and then used a high-gloss polyurethane to add durability,” Tronzo says. “Because it was such a dark space, we used polished brass on the light fixtures and plumbing fixtures to make everything pop. We also paid special attention to the P-trap and drain because it was so visible in this design.”
Designer tip. “Using a full wall of patterned tile added a special feature without overwhelming the space or making it feel smaller,” Tronzo says.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Rock Star
Designer: Christina Simon of C|S Design Studio
Location: Bumpass, Virginia
Size: 42 square feet (3.9 square meters); 5 feet, 3 inches by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This room was part of a new custom home build and the homeowner wanted a refined rustic retreat feel in this space, using unique natural materials,” designer Christina Simon says.
Special features. Travertine stone veneer. Custom cherry vanity with onyx glaze and a Virginia Mist granite countertop in a leathered finish. Hammered copper sink. Wood-look luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. “We added textural interest in the form of veneer stone, a leathered countertop, wood tones and mixed metals,” Simon says.
Designer tip. “Creating a focal point with the veneer stone on the plumbing wall elevates the space,” Simon says.
Sconces: Menlo Park in Old Silver, Troy Lighting; faucet: Rook in Venetian Bronze, Brizo; sink: Laguna, Native Trails
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Designer: Christina Simon of C|S Design Studio
Location: Bumpass, Virginia
Size: 42 square feet (3.9 square meters); 5 feet, 3 inches by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This room was part of a new custom home build and the homeowner wanted a refined rustic retreat feel in this space, using unique natural materials,” designer Christina Simon says.
Special features. Travertine stone veneer. Custom cherry vanity with onyx glaze and a Virginia Mist granite countertop in a leathered finish. Hammered copper sink. Wood-look luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. “We added textural interest in the form of veneer stone, a leathered countertop, wood tones and mixed metals,” Simon says.
Designer tip. “Creating a focal point with the veneer stone on the plumbing wall elevates the space,” Simon says.
Sconces: Menlo Park in Old Silver, Troy Lighting; faucet: Rook in Venetian Bronze, Brizo; sink: Laguna, Native Trails
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4. Tropic Treasure
Designer: Katie Newcomb of Kith & Kin Interior Design
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 38 square feet (3.5 square meters); 6 feet by 6 feet, 3 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners love color and wanted a vibrant, joyful space,” designer Katie Newcomb says. “The powder bath is part of a larger project and a place we could go bold, which we were happy to do.”
Special features. “We kept the original flooring but everything else was new,” Newcomb says. “The teal sink and the wallpaper are the stars of the show, and everything else ties it together super well.”
Designer tip. “Paint the ceiling,” Newcomb says. “In a small space with a bold design, a white ceiling would just be distracting. We painted the ceiling the same color as the board and batten to let the wallpaper shine.”
Wallpaper: Aralia Leaves, Walls Republic; sink: San Francisco in turquoise, Concretti Designs; bone inlay mirror: West Elm
Designer: Katie Newcomb of Kith & Kin Interior Design
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 38 square feet (3.5 square meters); 6 feet by 6 feet, 3 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners love color and wanted a vibrant, joyful space,” designer Katie Newcomb says. “The powder bath is part of a larger project and a place we could go bold, which we were happy to do.”
Special features. “We kept the original flooring but everything else was new,” Newcomb says. “The teal sink and the wallpaper are the stars of the show, and everything else ties it together super well.”
Designer tip. “Paint the ceiling,” Newcomb says. “In a small space with a bold design, a white ceiling would just be distracting. We painted the ceiling the same color as the board and batten to let the wallpaper shine.”
Wallpaper: Aralia Leaves, Walls Republic; sink: San Francisco in turquoise, Concretti Designs; bone inlay mirror: West Elm
5. Cute in Coral
Designer: Cathy Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Size: 37 square feet; (3.4 square meters); 5 feet, 3 inches by 7 feet, 1 inch
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted a fun, playful, statement powder room,” designer Cathy Cherry says.
Special features. Coral vanity with gold faux bamboo framing and Carrara marble countertop. Coral vinyl wallcovering. Brick flooring in a herringbone pattern.
Designer tip. “A monochromatic color palette can make a small space feel bigger than it really is,” Cherry says.
Vanity: Chinoiserie sink chest in coral with a Carrara marble top, Ambella; wallcovering: St. Thomas in coral, Thibaut
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Designer: Cathy Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Size: 37 square feet; (3.4 square meters); 5 feet, 3 inches by 7 feet, 1 inch
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted a fun, playful, statement powder room,” designer Cathy Cherry says.
Special features. Coral vanity with gold faux bamboo framing and Carrara marble countertop. Coral vinyl wallcovering. Brick flooring in a herringbone pattern.
Designer tip. “A monochromatic color palette can make a small space feel bigger than it really is,” Cherry says.
Vanity: Chinoiserie sink chest in coral with a Carrara marble top, Ambella; wallcovering: St. Thomas in coral, Thibaut
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6. Leap of Leopard
Designer: Dawn Rothenbacher of Roth Design
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Size: 42 square feet (3.9 square meters); 6 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted more of an exciting experience when walking through her home, each space leaving a lasting impression,” designer Dawn Rothenbacher says. “She loves exotic animals and had an inspiration picture with these particular colors, so we started there. She didn’t want a boring beige box.”
Special features. “The Schumacher Iconic Leopard wallpaper is the showstopper for this space,” Rothenbacher says. “The fact that we applied it to her 10-foot ceiling as well made it even more of a wow factor. Light and plumbing fixtures were sourced in a lacquered brass to prevent tarnishing. The mirror was an antique the homeowner had in storage.” A leopard print trash bin complements the wallpaper.
Designer tip. “Never forget your ceiling,” Rothenbacher says. “People think about the walls and floors but never the untapped potential of changing the ceiling color or pattern. This is where the drama lives. A powder room has a short amount of time to make a lasting positive impression. I also recommend people starting with the powder room when renovating. It’s the quickest turnaround for seeing impactful results. This keeps you motivated to continue to do the next space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Most people get scared of wallpaper behind a toilet, sink or on a ceiling,” Rothenbacher says. “The best solution is to hire professional installers. When spending money on expensive designer wallpaper, you don’t want to waste your money with mistakes due to lack of experience.”
Paint color: Cloud White by Benjamin Moore
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Designer: Dawn Rothenbacher of Roth Design
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Size: 42 square feet (3.9 square meters); 6 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted more of an exciting experience when walking through her home, each space leaving a lasting impression,” designer Dawn Rothenbacher says. “She loves exotic animals and had an inspiration picture with these particular colors, so we started there. She didn’t want a boring beige box.”
Special features. “The Schumacher Iconic Leopard wallpaper is the showstopper for this space,” Rothenbacher says. “The fact that we applied it to her 10-foot ceiling as well made it even more of a wow factor. Light and plumbing fixtures were sourced in a lacquered brass to prevent tarnishing. The mirror was an antique the homeowner had in storage.” A leopard print trash bin complements the wallpaper.
Designer tip. “Never forget your ceiling,” Rothenbacher says. “People think about the walls and floors but never the untapped potential of changing the ceiling color or pattern. This is where the drama lives. A powder room has a short amount of time to make a lasting positive impression. I also recommend people starting with the powder room when renovating. It’s the quickest turnaround for seeing impactful results. This keeps you motivated to continue to do the next space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Most people get scared of wallpaper behind a toilet, sink or on a ceiling,” Rothenbacher says. “The best solution is to hire professional installers. When spending money on expensive designer wallpaper, you don’t want to waste your money with mistakes due to lack of experience.”
Paint color: Cloud White by Benjamin Moore
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
7. Feisty Florals
Designer: Kristi Patterson of Grace Hill Design
Location: Independence, Minnesota
Size: 36 square feet (3.3 square meters); 6 by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a fresh update to their dated powder bathroom,” designer Kristi Patterson says.
Special features. “The use of a traditional floral wallpaper allowed us to bring in many colors with blues, greens and pops of pinks, oranges and purples,” Patterson says. “The house has a lot of blues and whites, so we wanted a vanity in a rich forest green to ground the room. It’s a lacquered linen vanity, which is extremely durable and has a Carrara marble top with an unlacquered brass faucet.”
Designer tip. “Go bold with your wallpaper,” Patterson says. “A powder bathroom should show your personality and style. It’s a small risk, and yet the color palette can be a jumping-off point for other spaces in the house.”
Wallpaper: Indienne Jacobean, Thibaut
Designer: Kristi Patterson of Grace Hill Design
Location: Independence, Minnesota
Size: 36 square feet (3.3 square meters); 6 by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a fresh update to their dated powder bathroom,” designer Kristi Patterson says.
Special features. “The use of a traditional floral wallpaper allowed us to bring in many colors with blues, greens and pops of pinks, oranges and purples,” Patterson says. “The house has a lot of blues and whites, so we wanted a vanity in a rich forest green to ground the room. It’s a lacquered linen vanity, which is extremely durable and has a Carrara marble top with an unlacquered brass faucet.”
Designer tip. “Go bold with your wallpaper,” Patterson says. “A powder bathroom should show your personality and style. It’s a small risk, and yet the color palette can be a jumping-off point for other spaces in the house.”
Wallpaper: Indienne Jacobean, Thibaut
8. Teal Appeal
Designer: Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions
Location: Sudbury, Massachusetts
Size: 29 square feet (2.7 square meters); 4 feet, 10 inches by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners had a small pedestal sink in a nondescript powder room with a tiled floor,” designer Jodi Swartz says. “They wanted an elegant French-looking console sink or vanity in addition to wainscoting and a deep saturation of color. Not afraid to wallpaper, their chosen print drove the design.”
Special features. Console sink. Gold finishes. Floral wallpaper. Dark teal wainscoting (Navy Masterpiece by Benjamin Moore). Oak flooring.
Designer tip. “By choosing a paint color that complemented and drew out a color from the background of the wallpaper, the paper blended beautifully,” Swartz says. “And by raising the wainscot, the amount of print in the wallpaper did not overpower the room.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Terminating the wainscot higher than the sink itself, we had to get very creative with hanging the mirror while wrapping the wainscot under the mirror and above the sink,” Swartz says.
Sconces: Bristol, Visual Comfort; wallpaper: Bush Baby in Teal and Ochre, Cole & Son
Your turn: What’s your favorite tip for creating a fun powder room? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Designer: Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions
Location: Sudbury, Massachusetts
Size: 29 square feet (2.7 square meters); 4 feet, 10 inches by 6 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners had a small pedestal sink in a nondescript powder room with a tiled floor,” designer Jodi Swartz says. “They wanted an elegant French-looking console sink or vanity in addition to wainscoting and a deep saturation of color. Not afraid to wallpaper, their chosen print drove the design.”
Special features. Console sink. Gold finishes. Floral wallpaper. Dark teal wainscoting (Navy Masterpiece by Benjamin Moore). Oak flooring.
Designer tip. “By choosing a paint color that complemented and drew out a color from the background of the wallpaper, the paper blended beautifully,” Swartz says. “And by raising the wainscot, the amount of print in the wallpaper did not overpower the room.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Terminating the wainscot higher than the sink itself, we had to get very creative with hanging the mirror while wrapping the wainscot under the mirror and above the sink,” Swartz says.
Sconces: Bristol, Visual Comfort; wallpaper: Bush Baby in Teal and Ochre, Cole & Son
Your turn: What’s your favorite tip for creating a fun powder room? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Browse bathroom photos
Find a bathroom remodeler
Shop for your bathroom
Designer: Emily Thull of McDonald Remodeling
Location: Apple Valley, Minnesota
Size: 23 square feet (2.1 square meters); 4 feet, 7 inches by 5 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This bathroom was my very own,” designer Emily Thull says. “The space used to be a three-quarters bathroom, and with some space plan changes during the remodel there was not a need for a shower anymore. The shower was eliminated, and the room became smaller to allow for a quainter space. I have always wanted a powder bathroom, a wow space that is unexpected and surprises guests. A dedicated space like this is the perfect opportunity to pull out the stops. I wanted to include all the things — as much as I could cram within the space; color, texture, pattern — to create an interesting and cozy space that prompts a reaction.”
Special features. Custom walnut vanity with Calacatta Monet marble countertop. Floral wallpaper. Dark gray ceiling and millwork (Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams). Vintage mirror painted to coordinate with the space. Porcelain tile flooring.
Designer tip. “Have fun and take risks,” Thull says. “Staying safe on too many design decisions is not as rewarding as leaning into your true self. Work with a professional for their expertise on coordinating the finishes and selections so the space is cohesive and not overwhelming.”
Wallpaper: Nympheus in Sunset, GP&J Baker; faucet: Broderick in champagne bronze, Delta; sink: Verticyl, Kohler; pendant light: Sofia, West Elm; porcelain floor tile: Dolmix in gray, Ceramiche Keope
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