Providing a powder room adds to your guests' convenience and also shows that you care. Keep in mind some key aspects when you do up your little space, writes Swati Kapur
Considering how much we love to be hospitable and provide our guests with conveniences, it is important that there is space for a powder room at home. A powder room placed in the main floor of the home is a practical answer to this; it also works as a second washroom for family members.
Typically a small bathroom with a WC and a sink are what make for good powder rooms. However, depending on your usage and space, you may like to install a shower cabin as well. Do it any which way, just keep in mind to not overdo or miss out on any of the utilities.
Since most powder rooms are small spaces, it's just wise to first plan out the design and then go shopping and installing the faucets. Because this room will have the maximum traffic per square foot area, it's advisable to opt for relatively deep colours.
People usually will use it to wash hands and get fresh, and since it's a small space there are chances of the wall getting soiled. Deep colours usually make the space look small but then a light ceiling colour or wall mirror can make up for it. Wallpapers too are good for this room as they can be changed often. A reflective material can help lighten up the room too. Earthy tones and natural materials can also help keep the space feeling open and fresh.
The faucet is an important element in powder room design, as it can really help solidify the room's style. Choose from a traditional-style faucet, a streamlined one or a modern faucet to highlight the concept or theme of your powder room.
Make sure the faucet design goes well with the overall design and doesn't stand out.
Vessel-type sinks are particularly popular, and come in a variety of styles that complement all periods of design. They are also available in a wide range of materials, from marble and glass to stainless steel, bronze and vitreous china.
Maximise space by using a pedestal or wall-mounted sink. For extra space and storage, consider a petite vanity.
There are stores that have offer vanity boxes for storage and display.
Mirrors are important in any bathroom and a powder room is no exception. It's a great place for guests (and residents) to take a quick last look before leaving the house and also helps make the tiny room look larger.
"My powder room is a tiny space we have managed to carve out for ourselves; therefore a wall mirror adds a sense of space to it and is also a utility space for guests," says Ashima Trikha from Delhi.
Consider a one-piece toilet that lends your bath a furnished look. Some models have built-in water efficiency; another popular feature is sound modulation for more discreet flushing or a soft lid. "To avoid disturbances, we've installed a no-noise WC as our powder room is just next to the living room," adds Ashima.
Hard wood floors are popular, so are materials such as granite and marble for an upscale look. Perhaps run the same floor material from the hallway into the powder room to create a natural flow.
Ceramic tiles are good and add a gentle feel to the room. Alok Goel, CEO, Nitco Ltd says, "Nitco offers a huge range of tiles to choose from that can render a sense of space even to small rooms. Choose from the international styles of tiles to bring alive a typical setting or look." Because the room is to be used just for a little while and mostly to wash up, a basin light would do. However, if you do have a need for more lights, a soft glow bulb will lend a pleasing effect.
Be consistent
When it comes to design and look, your powder room shouldn't stand out from the rest of the house. If your home style is contemporary, use modern materials such as laminate or designer woods.
If you've used a lot of greens all around the home, a stick or two in the powder room will do. Devika Shastri from Mumbai has a keen sense of design and has picked up elements from around the world to do her little house. Her not-so-small powder room speaks the same.
"I have a small zen statue and small tapestry in the powder room to give it the same look as the rest of the home," says Devika. If space allows, go for a Mediterranean, Italian, French, Tuscan or Tudor look in your powder room. After all special guests need to be treated specially.
The powder room, though small, makes a big statement about you and your home. With a little thought and imagination, you can make sure it's speaking your distinct tone.
Add-on checklist
*If you can, do provide a small slab to place purses, keys, etc.
*Keep the room clean and avoid over-decorating or inundating the room with personal objects.
*Small towels and a tissue box are a good idea. Not every one likes embroidered and fancy towels; so keep it simple.
*Hand soap in a pretty jar is a great thing to have in a powder room.*Hand cream too is a kind way to let your guests know you care.
* A small bowl or vase full of fresh flowers adds instant ambience and colour to your tiny room. Simple long sticks are brilliant.
*Aroma is essential so perhaps have a flickering candle or a liquid vaporising essence tucked in a corner.
*If you want to really pamper your guests, then do keep a mouth fresh, cotton swabs, mints and bite-sized chocolates.