A wonderful convenience and a game-changer for the comfort and efficiency of the modern family home, a powder room is now considered a must-have in new builds. People are squeezing them into renovation plans anywhere they can. More than that, there are plenty of powder room ideas you can steal for any small bathroom. These can help with layout, efficiency and design ideas and inspiration you may not have thought of!

What is a powder room?

A powder room, also known as a half-bath, is a smaller bathroom that normally consists of a toilet, basin and mirror. These are often communal bathrooms. Depending on whether you have a small powder room or a more generously sized one, they can include joinery and additional storage. Since they are small spaces, designers recommend going big and bold on decoration. Think luxe wall lights, patterned wallpaper and high-quality stone inclusions. With less square metres to cover, you can decorate with a more expensive material without breaking the bank.

1. Classic powder room design

While colour is often introduced to rooms in soft furnishings, this powder room, proves that fixtures can be centrepieces, too. Lauren Mahoney, creative director of Studio Trio (and homeowner of this abode), chose The Water Monopoly ‘Rockwell’ basin in Willow Green from The English Tapware Company for its pastel hue. This is paired with Lee Jofa’s ‘Inisfree’ wallpaper in Inlet, sourced through Elliott Clarke. “It’s stylised, fresh and brings green, yellows and pale ice blues,” she says. Brass accents in the basin stand, tapware and the Hudson Valley Lighting wall light perfect the palette.

2. Small powder room ideas

Powder rooms, by design, aren’t large. But some have stricter size constraints than others. A great small powder room idea is the simple reminder that colour and pattern don’t need to envelop to make an impact. Even a restrained palette can create a showstopping effect. Here, Dulux Lexicon Quarter coats the walls and cabinetry for a fresh and neutral base that makes the powder room feel expansive. This understated style allowed Kate Bath, interior designer at Blue Tea Kitchens & Bathrooms, to let the natural vibrancy of the Styled In Stone Calacatta Viola marble shine.

The lashings of burgundy and plum in this material elevate the scheme alongside the X-Bond Microcement splashback from Alternative Surfaces. As Kate explains, “I kept it quite simple, with a focus on the vanity area and a few key decorative elements. This gives the small space some personality and intrigue.” (For more of this house, check out the main bathroom and kitchen).

3. Modern powder rooms

Form and function marry effortlessly in this powder room. Curved silhouettes serve a dual purpose thanks to Louise Spicer, creative director of Onefour Interiors. “Soft lines in smaller spaces feel more inviting,” explains Louise, who adds that these curved fixtures offer cohesion with the rest of the home. Three Lighting Republic ‘Orb’ wall lights from Light Co sit beside a custom mirror. Since powder rooms don’t require the amount of storage often needed in larger bathrooms, Louise made use of a freestanding, sculptural Parisi ‘Seed’ basin. Fibonacci terrazzo tiles lead up the wall, culminating in a ledge for soap and toiletries. This offers a clean line beneath the hero material of the space, the Arte ‘Gioco’ wallpaper in Ginger from Unique Fabrics.

4. Bold design inspiration

If bold colour makes you nervous, heed Aaron Wong’s advice. The principal designer of Alexander Pollack Design says of powder rooms, “my approach is to overwhelm the senses… in a good way. The powder room is perhaps the best space to go hard as it’s small and little time is spent in there.” With low stakes, why not have fun? Here, Aaron took inspiration from across the world. Lewis & Wood ‘Tribal’ wallpaper, sourced through Elliott Clarke, commands attention, enveloping the space in a textured print with a subtly weathered appeal. Small pops of red warm the scheme, complemented by rattan textures in the mirror frame and the handle of the ‘Nile’ wall sconce in High Patina Brass, both sourced through Cromwell. For styling, Aaron suggests a chic soap dispenser.

5. Sculptural styling features

Colour doesn’t need to be bright and bold to be impactful. Earthy tones cocoon this powder room by Danielle Victoria Design. “The palette features golden amber tones and brings a pleasant, calming effect to the space,” shares Danielle Bonello-Dunsford, founder and principal designer. “They evoke a sun-baked, clay-inspired aesthetic – subtle, organic and grounded.” ‘Casablanca’ tiles in Straw from Surface Gallery envelop the walls, laid in a herringbone pattern for texture. The joinery finish was colour-matched to the tiles in Dulux Pony Tail. Contrast comes in the form of the Caesarstone Organic White benchtop and ‘Loop Slim’ round basin from Candana. The shape of the basin speaks to the Lighting Republic ‘Orb’ mirror wall lights while the bench mount adds sculptural appeal.

6. Powder room patterns and materials

If you prefer muted colours, try playing with pattern in your powder room, as Polly & Co Interiors did. “My client wanted a soft and feminine feel with a boldness of pattern but not colour,” explains principal designer Polly Gillman. “Soft green and grey hues were the starting point.” This came in the form of the Princess White quartzite benchtop. Tiles and wallpaper reflect these tones and add visual interest from the floor to the ceiling with the powerful patterns they create. Geometric designs cover the floor thanks to Carrara and Thassos honed marble tiles, laid in a parquet pattern. These were sourced from Tile Scope, as was the Carrara stone tiled wainscoting, laid in a kitkat style, which draws the eye up to the ‘Travelers Palm’ wallpaper in Stone, sourced through Milton & King.

7. Gilded hardware and accessories

Every palette starts with just one piece. A vintage brass mirror, complete with intricate detailing on the frame, was the cornerstone in this powder room, created by Stritt Design & Construction. Interior designer Janette Stritt built upon this with Brodware ‘City Plus’ tapware in Brushed Nordic Brass and Thomas O’Brien ‘Bryant’ wall sconces in Hand-Rubbed Antique Brass from The Montauk Lighting Co. These details were contrasted with dark, moody tones for a scheme Janette describes as “a sophisticated feel with a contemporary edge.” The dramatic monochrome ‘Trees’ wallpaper in Deep Petrol by UK illustrator Katie Scott, sourced from Ferm Living, is impactful in the small space. “We love the whimsical representation of the botanical kingdom,” says Janette.

8. Powder room lighting

Sculptural silhouettes and swathes of colour create impact but balance is key. Striking the right note is something Leigh Boswell, principal designer at Highgate House, does well. “We kept all of the hard finishes in a timeless, classic palette – beautiful marble, classic joinery and elegant fittings,” she says. From there, the fun begins. The hand-printed etched ‘Pineapple’ wallpaper from Soane, in Cream on Indigo, instantly adds drama to the space, alongside the ‘Finley’ mirror, from Highgate House. This was chosen for its sculptural quality, with a distinctive ornamental arch, but the silver finish also ties in with Zucchetti ‘Bellagio’ tapware in Chrome, supplied by Elite Bathware & Tiles, and the Hudson Valley Lighting ‘Ruskin’ sconce in Polished Nickel, supplied by Highgate House.

9. Traditional and decorative

Each element of this powder room was driven by one decorative style: chinoiserie. Studio Trio creative director Lauren Mahoney chose the handpainted De Gournay ‘Earlham’ wallpaper in Emerald Green dyed silk as it adds botanical patterns while drawing on the Taubmans Dapple Grey finish on the Steven Shell ‘Grosvenor’ vanity. These tones are complemented by custom Surface Gallery tiles, laid in a Cabochon pattern. Accents of brass create warmth, including the ‘Barton’ bath sconces, positioned on either side of the Regency Distribution mirror, sourced through James Said. Lauren says of the mirror, “The indented shape draws your eye up.” With a silhouette reminiscent of pagodas, it also suits the chinoiserie scheme. A vase of greenery is the final flourish. (Tour the rest of the home here).

10. White on white design ideas

This is a tiny space but painting it all white makes it look bigger. The choice of built-in cabinetry for the above-mount basin takes up as little room as possible, doesn’t encroach on the limited circulation space and maximises storage underneath. Herringbone marble mosaics echo a larger version in the main bathroom and the circular mirror avoids the space looking too boxed in. Black detailing in the mirror frame, tapware and door handles punctuate throughout.

11. Dark and moody palette inspiration

The most ingenious powder room ideas are born of necessity. The wall-hung vanity in this powder room cleverly uses the space with an inset moulded basin. A tall arched mirror reflects light into the space and goes right to the tiled skirting, giving the illusion of space. The real masterstroke, however, is that it provides a backdrop for the wall-mounted tapware and waste trap underneath, so it doubles their design impact without taking up extra space. Mottled grey terrazzo floor tiles add just enough interest to offset the moody tones of the chic, navy-painted walls.

12. Sophisticated monochrome powder room

Black tells the story here in Shaynna Blaze’s rescued country house. The tiles, mirror and tapware are dramatic but the elegant black pedestal that takes centre stage. The round mirror takes advantage of smaller wall space and centres the focus above the round basin. At the same time, a tiny shelf holds the necessities, whilst a statement-making pendant light swirls overhead.

13. Powder room wallpaper inspiration

In a tight space, nothing makes a bigger impact than floor-to-ceiling wallpaper. Your powder room is just the place to let loose your design dreams. The powder room ideas brought to life in this Sydney beachside new build give guests a moment of design appreciation in the moment of contemplation and counting the keys in the pattern make for a fun conversation starter over dinner.

14. Hamptons style powder room

The careful layout makes this powder room work beautifully. Situating a wall sconce so close to a mirror could seem cramped, but a powder room can embrace intimacy. VJ panelling beneath heavily patterned wallpaper adds interest with minimal interruption. There’s some careful design at play here – the moulding of the tapware mount echoes the mirror frame and both speak to the dado rail. All of the metals are brushed chrome for a cohesive look.

15. Powder room art ideas

A visual feast, this powder room is just one of the many rooms in this Federation restoration that are awash with colour and pattern. Flipping conventional powder room ideas on their head, patterned tiles are used as wallpaper would usually be seen. This leaves the walls free to act as a gallery space for collected artworks. A neatly framed, tiny basin shows there’s no need to compromise functionality for show-stopping decorating ideas. A round rattan mirror forms part of the gallery arrangement.

The post 15 bold powder room ideas to flex your design muscles appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Recreating the look and feel of a hotel bathroom in your own space doesn’t require a high price tag. With a curated range of bathroom products from MyHomeware, Australia’s leading supplier of high-quality and affordable bathroom products, you can make practical updates that improve the space’s feel and function without going over budget.

Here are five ways to give your bathroom a luxe refresh that won’t break the bank.

A framed shower screen that adds structure

Swapping in a framed shower screen gives the bathroom more definition. This separates the shower area clearly without closing off the room, which helps the layout to feel more intentional.

For a more luxe finish, opt for a frame in gold, grey, or black from a trusted bathroom supply store. These options pair well with almost any tile style, and can help elevate the overall look.

A stone-look vanity top that feels high-end

Updating the vanity top is an easy way to lift the space, especially if your functioning vanity feels quite dated. A stone-look finish in white or pale grey can add a premium feel while also helping the room feel brighter and more open.

You can also select subtle patterns such as marble or speckle to bring in texture without overdoing it. Keep the surface clear so the finish stands out and the result feels more refined.

A compact vanity with premium detail

Smaller bathrooms can still feel premium with the correct layout. A narrow or corner vanity helps free up floor space while also offering enough storage to keep the benchtop free of clutter.

For a more refined feel, go for black, timber-look, or white finishes that are all available through discount bathroom supplies collections. This is a smart way to add contrast and structure without stretching your budget.

A dual shower that feels hotel-level

You don’t need to remodel the whole bathroom to bring a hotel-style upgrade. With a dual shower system, you can benefit from both comfort and flexibility. The overhead gives you full coverage for a more comfortable shower, while the handheld offers control for quick clean-ups.

Choose a finish that complements your vanity and tapware to keep the look premium. Chrome suits a classic style, while gold or black adds contrast in a more modern space.

A back-to-wall toilet with a cleaner look

Switch to a back-to-wall toilet to give your bathroom a more modern feel. It hides pipework, cuts down on cleaning, and suits compact spaces. Pair it with a soft-close seat and matching bathroom accessories such as a toilet roll holder, hand towel hook, or soap dispenser to finish the look without going over budget.

Style your bathroom like a hotel for less

Creating a luxurious bathroom doesn’t always mean spending big. With the right upgrades, you can achieve a high-end finish that works within your budget.

Ready to refresh your space? Search “bathroom stores near me” and find MyHomeware. Shop online or visit in-store to start your upgrade.

The post 5 luxe bathroom updates that won’t break the bank appeared first on Home Beautiful.

6 small bathroom design ideas to steal

1. One room can be more functional than two

Small bathroom design ideas rely on good spatial planning. Kate increased the footprint of this space by demolishing the wall, turning two bathrooms into one.

2. Try a sliding pocket door

Once the two rooms were combined into one space, Kate moved the doorway and added a sliding pocket door. This was a serious space saver.

3. Be reserved when it comes to tiles

A nib wall hides the toilet, while another delineates the shower. “I used wall tiles sparingly, to make the room feel larger, and emphasised the height by taking them to the ceiling in the shower,” explains Kate. This was achieved with Di Lorenzo ‘Zelij Chalk Gloss’ tiles in White.

4. Utilise recessed storage

The mirror – a custom creation by the joiners – conceals storage in the form of a recessed cabinet, which was made possible when Kate increased the wall depth. Kate ensured the brass trim of the mirror complemented the Rumbled Brass of the Brodware ‘Manhattan’ wall taps and ‘Winslow’ shower rose. A Zest Lighting ‘Ribbed Gold Clear Acrylic’ sconce salutes the scheme.

5. Conceal joinery

The linen cupboard is a sleek addition, thanks to its Dulux Lexicon Quarter polyurethane finish – the same shade as the walls. This has a dual benefit that perfectly embodies small bathroom design ideas: it creates additional storage without making that storage stick out. Beading detail on the cabinetry profiles and Noble Elements ‘Riverstone’ knobs in Bronze beautify this feature.

6. Try classic and minimalist design

We love bold bathroom trends but they’re not for everyone. In smaller spaces, it’s best to keep things simple. “The aesthetic was classic and minimalistic,” shares Kate. This helped to ensure the space didn’t feel cluttered, creating an illusion of spaciousness. The bespoke vanity has a benchtop of Calacatta Viola marble from Styled In Stone, which cascades over the edge to meet the Elton Group ‘Evenex Sincro’ timber-look joinery in Tuscan Oak. Floor tiles are ‘Unique Travertine’ in Silver Minimal Naturale from Di Lorenzo Tiles. X-Bond Microcement from Alternative Surfaces forms the splashback.

Now, the homeowners couldn’t be happier. A spacious shower, a bath to soak in and a clever layout to pull it all together proves that sometimes one bathroom is better than two.

Interior design: Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms, bluetea.com.au

Source book

The Edit: Get the classic bathroom look

01

‘Elysian’ minimal mixer and spout set in Tumbled Aged Brass

$299.80, ABI Interiors

This tapware has an innovative and versatile secret. You can change the finish and handle style of your mixer and spout set after installation, without compromising on waterproofing and existing tiling. This is perfect for those of us who like to update our interiors frequently. That being said, we love how the modern form of the ‘Elysian’ mixer and spout set blends with the more traditional tumbled aged brass finish.

Shop Now

02

Soap dish in Calacatta viola marble

$112 (converted from Swedish Kronor to AUD), Meylon

Calacatta viola marble is the stone Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms used for the top of the vanity in this bathroom. Don’t have the budget to make this stone your benchtop? This soap dish is a much more budget-friendly way to incorporate it in your space. It might seem a bit luxurious to get a soap dish direct from Sweden but this product qualifies for free worldwide shipping so it’s worth it!

Shop Now

03

Observatory Lighting ‘Melanie Replica’ wall sconce in Black

$199.99, Temple & Webster

Wall sconces provide the perfecting lighting for bathrooms as they are very flattering when positioned beside a mirror. They also don’t take up much space, fitting in perfectly with small bathroom design ideas. This metal sconce has a slim, cone silhouette and a black and brass finish which adds a luxe touch. It also can be swiveled to face other directions, leading to increased flexibility. The dimensions are 31.7 cm (H) x 12 cm (W) x 12 cm (D).

Shop Now

04

Tuscan Travertine look tile in Grey

$50/sqm or $72/box), The Blue Space

From The Blue Space’s ‘Tuscan Travertine Glazed Porcelain’ collection, this range of tiles has truly timeless appeal. Durability and style come together perfectly as glazed porcelain is more low maintainence than natural travertine but this tile still has the classic look that travertine provides. It’s available in two other shades: White and Beige. Dimensions are 60 cm x 60 cm.

Shop Now

05

Principle Arc ‘Radius Corner’ stainless steel wall mirror in Satin Brass

$319.99 (was $349), Temple & Webster

All the vintage elegance of brass with modern practicalities and design. The rectangular shape is classic but the curved corners soften the silhouette. The powder coated stainless steel frame is perfect for ensuring your mirror will be a beautiful focal point in any room, but especially above a vanity in your bathroom. The dimensions are 100cm (H) x 56 cm (W) x 2.5cm (D). It weighs 9.7kg.

Shop Now

06

‘Ella’ zellige Spanish ceramic tile in Snow White

$130/sqm or $70/box, The Blue Space

White glossy tiles helped Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms to create the illusion of spaciousness in this bathroom and these zellige tiles are a gorgeous alternative. The square tiles have a gloss finish that creates movement and organic appeal. Zellige tiles, also known as Morroccan tiles, are very popular right now and it’s easy to see why with all that lovely texture they create. These tiles have a thickness of 1 cm, with 10cm (H) x 20cm (W).

Shop Now

07

Kaldewei ‘Oyo Duo’ freestanding bath in Matte White

$10,399, Winnings

This curved, freestanding bath is made from steel enamel, benefitting from the highest German engineering skills. The egg shape is graceful, creating a design that feels harmonious in any bathroom. The soft and gentle curves certainly suit smaller bathrooms as they feel less obtrusive than hard lines. With a central waste, two identical backrests and Japanese porcelain design, this bath truly is a classic.

Shop Now

Be the first to read this story by subscribing to Home Beautiful magazine.

⁠Have it delivered to your door!

The post This small bathroom is brimming with 6 big design ideas appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Planning a bathroom is a delicate balance at the best of times – with everything ultimately fixed into position so there’s no going back. Maximising the use of available space for all the necessary fittings and getting the layout right first time takes careful planning and often the help of a professional.

Designing a small bathroom or an ensuite is no different – that battle of the lust-have vs the must-have items can be overwhelming.

Here are seven ensuites and small bathroom styles that work beautifully.

01

High end luxury

Complete with curves

The owners of this Palm Springs-inspired home in Brisbane were determined to create a high-end luxury hotel feel in their main ensuite bathroom. “I’d seen the curved wall in a project recently and absolutely loved it, so wanted to do something similar,” says owner Rebecca. 

02

Wallpaper wow

Bursting with personality

When it came to renovating the ensuite of her Sunshine Coast cottage, owner Sue couldn’t resist applying Catherine Martin ‘La Palma’ wallpaper. “I loved the brave, dynamic, tropical design,” she says. To complete the look is a vanity from Early Settler and tapware from ABI Interiors. 

03

Timber tones

Instant warmth in a white bathroom

Wondering how to make a white bathroom feel warm and inviting? Add timber. At this sustainable home in Melbourne, the owners opted for a crisp white colour palette punctuated by oak veneer joinery by Skyline Kitchens. Texture has also been added to the room via Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co ‘Kayoborder’ splashback tiles from Academy Tiles. 

04

Spa-like sanctuary

With weathered touches

The main ensuite bathroom of this renovated workers cottage is blessed with a bounty of natural light, but to create a sense of softness, the owners stuck to a restrained colour palette and lightly textured walls. All-new finishes are complemented by weathered mirrors and a collection of handmade ceramics by Brisbane artist Jess Sellinger.

05

Classic Hamptons ensuite

Decorated in seaside hues

Seaside hues decorate every corner of this home on Sydney’s northern beaches. “Living by the beach we are fortunate to be surrounded by the blues of the sea and greens from the coastal shrubs and grasses,” says Janette. The ensuite bathroom is no exception. A shaker-style vanity in Porter’s Paints Newport Blue Half pops against the honed Carrara marble floor tiles.

06

A bathtub with a view

The perfect spot for ‘me time’

Think about the way you want to use your ensuite bathroom. If long, luxuriating baths are your idea of self-care heaven, design the room so you want to spend plenty of time there. It’s what the owner of this stone homestead in central Victoria did, and the ensuite bathroom is one of her favourite rooms in the house. “Our ensuite with the freestanding bath that looks out to the view. It’s absolute heaven having a bath with a glass of wine and a little stand so that I can watch Netflix!”

07

Pared back perfection

Refresh with accessories

Choosing timeless foundational elements will allow your ensuite bathroom to change with the seasons, your mood or current trends. The owners of this heritage home in Melbourne opted for a neutral colour palette in their main ensuite bathroom for just this reason. The vanity is painted in Dulux Silkwort and topped with Volkas from Apex Stone. A freestanding bath (not pictured) is positioned by a window, so you can lie back while bathing and enjoy views out over the valley.

The post 7 of the best ensuites to inspire your next renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

When planning an update, start by creating a floor plan to determine the dimensions you have to work with and what will fit in. Here are seven key design ideas to stretch your space and inject plenty of style.

1. Take stock

Consider who will be using the room, how often and what you need. “If it is a second family bathroom, storage and more durable finishes will be a top priority,” says Darren James of Interiors By Darren James. “If it’s a guest bathroom or powder room, it’s likely to be used less and therefore the focus can shift to creating a more luxurious feel.”

Where space is limited, you’ll need to consider all the angles. “Ensure you allow adequate clearance for bathroom and shower doors and don’t forget vanity unit doors, too,” advises Belinda Geels of Reece. Sliding doors aren’t intrusive and can be pushed back when not in use.

2. Add little luxuries

Smaller proportions can offer big benefits. With less space your budget will stretch further, opening up possibilities for bespoke finishes, designer tiles and bathroom tapware. Luxuries aren’t lost either. Heated towel rails, beautiful accessories and fragrant candles work wonderfully together to create a mini pamper zone. 

If it’s a bathroom just for two, the sense of intimacy can be further accentuated with double shower heads and basins, furniture for bath-side conversations and vanities with personalised features such as smart speakers and LED lighting.

3. Measure up

For a bathroom to be user-friendly and comfortable, factor in sufficient spacing between fittings and fixtures. Use these guidelines as a rule of thumb:

• The standard size of a powder room with a toilet and small vanity is 2m x 1m
• The average size of a small bathroom is 3m x 2m, a standard bathroom 3.5m x 2.5m and a large one 4m x 5m
• At a squeeze, you can fit a shower recess into a 900mm x 900mm space, but 900mm x 1200mm is far more comfortable
• The dimensions of an average bath are 1500mm x 720mm x 400mm deep
• For comfort and ease of cleaning, allow 450mm either side of the toilet
• Ideally, leave one metre between the front of the basin and the nearest wall or other objects
• The minimum distance between the back wall of the toilet and the opposite wall is generally 1500mm however, spacing requirements are influenced by the location of the doorway and position of the toilet.

4. Stylish storage

Investing in good storage will reduce visual clutter, instantly making your room feel bigger, recommends Suzie Dyson of Omvivo. “There is a move towards mini vanities, which hold the essentials without taking over the bathroom,” she says. With everything in its place the space will feel less cluttered and more conducive to relaxing. Mirrors are another great way to create the illusion of more space and brighten smaller bathrooms. 

“In tight spots you always want to ensure accessories offer maximum functionality, and mirror-fronted cabinetry is ideal,” says Belinda Geels of Reece. Full-length mirrors offer real wow-factor, while mirrored tiles are a subtle way to boost reflections, bouncing natural light around the room.

5. Show off the floor

“The more floor you can see, the larger the room will feel, so opt for floating cabinetry and vanities and wall-mounted basins and accessories,” suggests Lee Hardcastle of Enigma Interiors. “If you only have room for a shower, ensure it’s as spacious as possible by creating a wet area with a frameless screen.”

If you have room for a bath, freestanding styles with feet create a feeling of space. When it comes to toilets, in-wall cisterns are the least obtrusive on a floorplan.

6. Choose lighter colours

Choosing tiles in a light neutral palette is a simple design trick to allow walls to recede into the background and enhance the sense of space. “In small areas, keep the majority of the walls and floor neutral so the tiles are not too overwhelming,” advises Berrick Wagstaff of Ceramica Senio. “Stone is always popular, and one of the latest looks is ceramic tiles which look like timber, perfect for floors.”

“If you want a splash of colour, introduce it with feature tiles set behind the splashback or within an alcove in the shower.” Larger format rectangular tiles – either 300mm x 600mm or 400mm x 800mm – are a good choice to enhance the sense of scale. Laid in a brick pattern, they will elongate the room, while they’ll give the illusion of more height if placed vertically.

7. Let there be light

Make the most of natural light with cleverly positioned glazing and skylights, and showcase focal points with a mix of ambient and task lighting. Back-light shelves and vanities with recessed LEDs to add a sense of depth, illuminate the surrounds of mirrors to draw the eye around the room and, in powder rooms, create a striking statement with a feature light.

“Pendant lights can look great but work best with a ceiling height between 2700mm and 3000mm,” advises Darren James of Interiors By Darren James.

The post 7 ways to make the most of a small bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Fear not – with a little forward planning, here’s how you can create a dual-purpose space that seamlessly blends function and form.

1. Conceal appliances

The key to forging a happy marriage between bathroom and laundry is mastering the art of concealment. Guests will never guess the true nature of the bathroom with bulky laundry appliances hidden behind curtains or built-in cabinetry.

Most interior designers suggest running floor-to-ceiling cabinetry along one wall to house laundry items, with the bathroom elements on the opposite side. In a compact room, stick to bench-height cabinetry to avoid making the place feel overcrowded, and if you need extra storage, consider open shelves above to maintain the airy feel.

Store the washing machine and dryer side by side or stacked on top of each other in a tall cupboard – if stacking appliances, choose a front-loading washing machine and install necessary plumbing connections in the cabinetry. If space is very limited, a combined washer/dryer will free up room for more storage.

2. Sort out your storage

The right laundry storage solutions can make even the tiniest laundry stay tidy and help you tackle mountains of washing more efficiently.

Clothes

The last thing you want is for guests to spy piles of dirty clothes or yet-to-be-ironed laundry. Stack neatly folded items in labelled baskets to make it easy to clear the benchtops when you expect visitors, and use the space to display guest towels. Try installing a pull-out basket inside cabinetry to hide dirty clothes, and allocating benchtop space for folding and sorting clean items. Hettich make cabinet fittings for all laundry scenarios, including pull-out baskets and ironing boards. If you have the room, a beautiful freestanding shelf unit or ladder is another way to display guest towels that can also add a splash of colour.

Cleaning products

Pour laundry powders and cleaning products into canisters, and store bits and bobs in wicker baskets to keep clutter under control. “In a guest bathroom, less space is needed for toiletries, so dedicate this space to laundry storage instead,” says Serena. If you have open shelving, keep the look fresh and uncluttered by coordinating accessories. “Invest in a collection of matching caddies or colourful trugs to give the space a visual sense of order,” advises Cathy Player from Howards Storage World. 

3. Decorate and distract

Distract from the utilitarian aspects of the room by making the bathing area beautiful. You can do this by decorating the room with bathroom-loving indoor plants, an elegant flower arrangement or even a vignette of beautiful bathroom products including soaps, lotions, scented candles and perfumes. The idea is to draw the eye away from the laundry. Plush towels and candles will help to create a soothing environment, while an illuminated mirror is a thoughtful touch for guests.

To up the luxe factor, consider a show-stopping shower for your pamper zone. “We always recommend to have one feature piece – a luxurious shower is a welcoming experience for any guest!” says Karine. Ceiling-hung rain showers have the added advantage of keeping the wall clear. Opt for an enclosed shower so water doesn’t splash on drying clothes that might be nearby.

4. Create zones

Customise your laundry space by including a cabinet where you can hang an ironing board and iron from a rack on the inside of the door, or incorporate a shelf for iron storage. Fold-out ironing stations work well in a combined laundry/bathroom, as do table ironing boards you can use on the vanity top. “If opting for a pull-out ironing board in a cupboard, remember to install a powerpoint inside the unit,” advises interior designer Victoria Waters of Victoria Waters Design.

“Often bathrooms don’t have enough hanging space but there are simple tricks to fix this – try over-door towel racks or even extra rails to hook over the shower screen,” recommends Cathy Player of Howards Storage World. A heated towel rail with multiple rungs can double as a drying rack for small items of clothing. You could also try integrating a drying cupboard into your cabinetry so clothes can dry out of view. “Drying racks in full-height cabinetry above a ducted heating vent create a drying cupboard in winter, and beach towel storage in summer,” says designer Serena Elise of White Chalk Interiors.

5. Bring in light and ventilation

Natural light is a boon for laundries but problematic for a combined laundry/bathroom where privacy is a concern. Skylights are ideal as they bathe the area in light and also assist with clothes drying.

If a skylight isn’t an option, position windows close to the ceiling to filter light into the room without compromising privacy, or consider louvred windows, which allow you to control light and air flow.

Make sure you have a high-powered fan to absorb moisture and check your dryer’s ventilation requirements – and avoid dryers that require external vents.

The post How to create a combined bathroom and laundry appeared first on Home Beautiful.