You might be wondering what all the fuss is about with powder rooms? What are they and why do you need one? Turns out they're not a new invention, simply a chic way of looking at an age-old convenience in your home.
A powder room is a smaller, second bathroom usually situated adjacent to your living area and without a shower or bath included in the space – essentially a toilet and vanity for quick visits and touch-ups – as you would use it at the theatre or a restaurant.
Perfect for avoiding loo queues in a busy household, guests can also use a bathroom without trekking through your entire home – which means it pays dividends to have it looking lovely at all times, and to give it a little decorating love. In the same way you can tell a lot about a restaurant from its rest rooms, often forgotten in terms of decorating, your powder room is a space your guests will remember more than others – good or bad - so it's important to give it proper attention.
Herringbone 'Bianco Carrara' marble mosaic tiles pack a tactile punch in the powder room of this Spanish-style home in bayside Melbourne. Photographer: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green
3 TIPS TO A PERFECT POWDER ROOM
1. HAVE FUN WITH IT
Go all out with your decorating by bringing in wallpaper, statement tapware, generous mirrors and a fabulous light fitting. In this small space you can afford to splash out a little.
2. ADD PERSONAL TOUCHES
A pot plant, candle, pretty dish to pop rings in whilst washing your hands, and your very best handtowels are all essential elements to add a little luxury and make your powder room shine.
3. GIVE IT CONSTANT ATTENTION
Keep a stash of cleaning cloths and products handy in your powder room. Guests to your home will almost certainly visit it and as it's such a small room a quick brush, flush and wipe down is all it takes for a lovely lasting impression.
Curves appeal in this petite yet chic powder room, with a custom mirror designed by Smith + Levine, in this beautiful Victorian period home in Mosman. Photographer: Simon Whitbread