A Little Pizzazz

Powder room trends display a little something extra.

Story by Tracy Dickinson
Featured in Spring 2025

Small doesn’t have to mean unassuming. Today’s powder rooms are proof of that. Despite their size, these spaces have become a showplace for many homeowners to play with design and decor.

“I like to call them experiment rooms,” says Woodharbor’s Jammie Pekarek. “They’re a great place to try something you might be hesitant to do elsewhere in the home.”

Will Hipwell of Moehl Millwork says, “When planning a powder room, homeowners should focus on creating a functional, stylish space that balances aesthetics and practicality. You want the design to work for guests and be easy to maintain. But powder rooms can also allow for a little more creativity since they aren’t as heavily used.”

Whether it’s an experiment with color, material, or style, this little canvas can have a lot of pizzazz.

Color

Tina Noel of The Kitchen and Bath Company says, “The powder room is a great place to add a bit of the whimsical and play with color. Dark shades that might be too much in other living spaces are fun to use in a powder room—colors like navy, green, or even black can make quite a statement.”

“Deep hues like navy, charcoal, or forest green, especially if paired with metallic accents in brass, gold, or copper, can make the powder room feel both luxurious and intimate,” says Hipwell.

“If you want to add elegance, you can’t go wrong with color,” Noel says. “Color, color, color. It can really change the look and feel of a space. And those dark, moody colors make quite a statement.”

Choosing a rich color for the paint and for accent elements is a simple way to bring some drama into the space without dominating the design or breaking the budget. Hipwell suggests bringing that dramatic color in via an accent wall, which makes a statement without overpowering the room.

“Because the space is smaller, it can cost less to play around with trends in a powder room,” says Pekarek. “It’s still important to choose a style you’re comfortable with, but it’s less risky to step outside of your usual here.”

Material

If there’s a consistent trend when it comes to powder rooms, it might be variety. Homeowners are opting for anything from minimalist, natural materials to bold, glamorous finishes.

According to Pekarek, “We’re seeing an increase in the use of natural materials such as stone, textured tile, and wood accents. Homeowners are bringing some of those spalike features from the master bath into the powder room.”

Hipwell says that can range from repurposed materials to natural greenery. “Reclaimed wood, barn wood, and stone accents bring a rustic, outdoorsy feel,” he says. “Adding indoor plants to other natural elements like a wood vanity with stone countertop gives the space warmth and texture.”

He says there’s a trend toward using more-sustainable materials, like bamboo and recycled glass, especially for eco-conscious homeowners.

At the other end of the spectrum from natural minimalism, statement colors and designs are also popular.

“Gone are the days of small print wallpaper,” Noel says. “Today’s wallpapers tend to have large, flowing prints to make a statement on the walls.”

Hipwell says, “Patterned tiles and floral or geometric patterns of wallpaper create interest in a smaller space like a powder room.”

Style

“Not everyone wants big, bold designs,” Pekarek says. “So even if a homeowner wants to try something different with the powder room, you want to make sure it’s still something that suits their style.”

With those bold colors and patterns, selecting a vanity and lighting with simpler lines can keep the space from feeling chaotic. “Mid-century modern styling works really well with vibrant colors and patterns,” says Hipwell. “Retro-inspired elements like floating vanities and angular lines have a chic, timeless look.”

“The style of the vanity can help determine the selections for the rest of the space,” Noel says. “A furniture-style vanity with legs creates a more rustic, farmhouse look, while a floating vanity can provide a more modern or contemporary feel.”

Accent items whether it’s high-end sculptural lighting or industrial-style fixtures, shiplap trim features or mixed metals and glass finish off the look. Floating shelves and hidden storage provide a clutter-free design.

“One feature that’s often overlooked is the door,” says Hipwell. “The powder room is the perfect place to use a frosted glass or sleek, minimal panel door. Given the smaller space, this is a way to add light flow with an elegant touch while still maintaining privacy.”

He adds, “Thoughtful choices in materials, lighting, and storage are maximizing both design and function.”

With all that pizzazz, the powder room is no longer that unassuming space tucked down the hall. Let it add a little something extra. •

Resources

• Tina Noel The Kitchen and Bath Company
• Will Hipwell Moehl Millwork
• Jammie Pekarek Woodharbor