A powder room, also known as a ‘half bath’, can be both a functional and aesthetically exciting feature of a home. These small, sparsely outfitted rooms serve as a bathroom or “freshening up” room for guests and usually contain just a toilet and a bathroom vanity, although features like bathroom stands and vanity chairs may also be included. Many modern-day powder rooms are added onto homes as part of the homeowner’s remodeling project.  Here are some powder room design considerations when planning a powder room remodeling project.

Space and location

A powder room is by custom a small room. Common locations for powder rooms include large closets, small unused rooms, beneath stairways, and under eaves.  At the same time, not just any small space will do. Usable space may be limited by the location of doorways and the location of windows can compromise privacy. You want the powder room to be in a sufficiently private area, but close enough to the entertaining area so that guests can quickly and easily access it. Also, a power room should not be so cramped that being in it feels awkward or suffocating. Figure out ahead of time exactly what you want in your powder room and if the existing space can accommodate it.

Design scheme

Once you know what features you want to have in your powder room, you can move on to thinking about the aesthetics of the room― the décor and style. Consider what type of sink and faucet style you want, whether you’d prefer wallpaper or wood paneling, what kind of ceiling and wall fixtures you want, and what type of flooring would finish off the whole effect. Many interior designers recommended keeping a powder room’s design scheme in line with the adjoining rooms; however, an aesthetically distinctive powder room design that showcases a homeowner’s personality is the current trend and can provide a pleasantly surprising experience for your guests.

Extent of renovation

Because a powder room is such a small room, adding one to your house should be done with as little disruption to the house’s structure as possible. If you are like most people then you want your remodeling project completed with as little inconvenience to your daily life and with as little expense as possible. As a rule of thumb, small changes are better than big ones. So while installing a sink and faucet is expected, if a certain fixture calls for complicated plumbing or is going to cause unnecessary architectural problems, then it may be best to forgo that detail and save yourself the hassle and extra expense. Remember, you may not be able to have your powder room exactly as you envisioned it, but by working with what you have, you can create a satisfying result.