Powder rooms are ideal locations for expressing personal style. Here, Debra May Himes designed a bow-front wall-mounted vanity with straps of iron topped with an under-lit onyx countertop and apron. She further mixed materials by adding an art-glass vessel sink and wall-mounted oil-rubbed bronze faucetry.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN IDEAS SOAR IN SMALL SPACES

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a powder room as “a lavatory in the main living area of a house.” For many homeowners, though, a powder room is much more. It is a space to let design style soar, where creative ideas can be exhibited for all to see. We talked with Carmen Anderson of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery; Debra May Himes of Debra May Himes Interior Design & Associates, LLC; and Linda Van Lith of Tierra del Lagarto to find out the newest trends in a powder room’s five main components—the vanity, sink, faucetry, lighting and mirror.

VANITIES

The vanity is the most important element to consider in a powder room’s design, according to Himes. She suggests choosing a vanity first and fashioning the rest of the space around it. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Furniture-style piece by Cole & Co. that replicates an antique and offers ample storage.

• Size. “Don’t limit yourself to something that is the perfect size—choose a piece you really like,” advises Van Lith. (See “Vanity Fair” below for Van Lith’s tips on altering the size of a piece to fit a smaller or larger space.) She notes that many homeowners prefer to personalize a powder room by repurposing an antique table, dresser or buffet, rather than using a traditional vanity. The height and size of Indian dowry chests make them ideal choices, too, and many feature raised ledge tops that can be embellished with tile or marble, she adds.

• Style. Vanities are available in three main styles: floor-standing, wall-mounted and pedestal. While most will measure approximately 24 inches deep or smaller, each style has its own benefits, says Anderson. A traditional floor-standing design can provide storage in the form of drawers and cabinets, or create the illusion of space if it features an open tablelike design. For a Contemporary look, try wall-mounted vanities, many of which incorporate shelves or storage areas beneath their sinks. Consider a pedestal design if you are tight on space or desire a sculptural piece. Anderson cautions, however, that pedestals do not offer storage areas; but she says this can be remedied by recessing a shadow box in the wall to serve as a cabinet.