By: Terrie Moore Photos by: Rachel Benavides
Your home is where you live, and life is messy. Why not eliminate that panic when your guests ask to use the facilities and keep them out of your private spaces by incorporating a half bath into your home?
Staples of a half bath, or powder room, include a toilet, sink, mirror, good lighting, and a silent vented exhaust fan. Powder rooms are often small, in the center of the home and lacking natural light. It’s the perfect opportunity to make a dramatic statement with a dark color and reflective metallic wallpaper on the ceiling. Painting all the walls, trim, and cabinets the same color feels stylish, and adding sparkling hardware and engaging original art elevates interest.
Now, let’s get it set up. If you haven’t already, make the switch to paper towels. Don’t ask, just do it. Reaching for a towel and grabbing a damp one is what nightmares are made of. Add a fragrant room spray and Poo-Pourri, the “before you go” toilet spray, and you’re almost done.
Even great parties sometimes go in unexpected directions, and it’s better to have supplies and not need them. Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet filled with feminine hygiene products, bandages, alcohol wipes, acetaminophen, toothpicks, mouthwash, hair spray … any items your guests may need. It keeps them happy and you undisturbed. After all, isn’t that one of the principles of being a good host?
TIPS & TIDBITS
1. The term “powder room” dates back before indoor plumbing, when wig-wearers ducked into hall closets to powder their headwear.
2. Keep extra rolls of toilet paper nearby so you aren’t checking the whole night.
3. A trash can in plain sight makes it easy for guests to use.
4. Keep a vase on the counter for clipped branches – only fresh, never faux.
Get the Look:
“Onyx” Paint Benjamin Moore
Light Fixtures and Hardware Restoration Hardware
Phillip Jeffries Wallpaper SquareFoot Design Studio
3D metal art piece from Alexis Hunter Interiors
Sydney Hale Room Spray, Belgium Plaster Art Piece, Silver Cups Wildflowers
