A powder room might be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but it plays an important role. It is usually the bathroom guests use, and often the only one they see, which makes it the ideal place to make a lasting impression. At the same time, it needs to function well and feel connected to the rest of the home. Local designer Amanda Hamilton shares her approach on how to design powder rooms in a way that feels thoughtful, intentional and slightly unexpected. Here are three ways to make these small spaces stand out.
Dramatic departure
Powder rooms are one of the few places in a home where stepping away from the overall aesthetic actually works. Because they are used briefly, there’s latitude to focus on mood and experience, rather than uniformity.
“Given that no one is lingering in there very long, you have permission to create an experience — a deliberate departure from the rest of the house,” says Hamilton.
This can be done in many ways, such as using dark, moody colours in an otherwise light and airy home, complete colour drenching with bold shades, or using a wallpaper or material that does not appear anywhere else. The goal is to surprise guests in a way that feels intentional.
But, even with this contrast, the space should still feel connected. Hamilton refers to small design cues that subtly tie the room back to the rest of the house.
“The direction may shift, but it still speaks the same design language. We intentionally weave subtle elements from the rest of the home into the powder room, so the contrast feels curated, not chaotic,” Hamilton says.
Achieve this contrast and continuity with sculptural mirrors, expressive stone, bold fixtures and statement lighting.
Commercial approach
Another way to elevate a powder room is to think about it in the context of a polished boutique hotel. “We treat powder rooms like mini hospitality suites: intimate, immersive and designed to surprise,” Hamilton says.
That might mean creating thoughtful amenities for guests. A place for fresh flowers, curated art pieces, and custom millwork that discreetly hides everyday essentials all contribute to a boutique-hotel feeling. And, because storage needs are minimal, vanity and lighting choices can be more expressive.
“I love a floating vanity or one with a decorative, sculptural leg in a powder room. These details instantly elevate the space,” Hamilton says.
Similarly, a singular pendant or sculptural wall-mounted fixtures can feel more like art than utility. Of course, function still matters. Sightlines, ventilation and flooring choices all need to be considered so the space works just as well as it looks.
Permission to be bold
Powder rooms are a great place to take design risks. With limited daily use, bold choices tend to feel less overwhelming and more impactful.
“You don’t spend much time in a powder room, and the footprint is usually small, so the risk is low and the reward is high,” Hamilton says.
This is where vivid colours, dramatic wallpapers and strong patterns and textures really make sense.
“Powder rooms are the perfect canvas for drama — spaces where saturated hues, oversized motifs or tactile finishes feel at home. It’s where we encourage clients to embrace the unexpected and let their design alter ego have a little fun,” Hamilton says.
Plus, there’s freedom in knowing that bold choices need not be permanent.
“If you decide to go bold or lean into something more trend-driven, and you tire of it in three to five years, the ‘renovation’ is usually as simple as swapping wallpaper or updating a light fixture. It’s far easier and far less costly than undoing a bold move in a kitchen or dining room,” Hamilton explains.
Ultimately, a powder room is a low-stakes place to take design risks. Treated thoughtfully, it can be one of the most memorable rooms in the home.
