10 Ways to Perfect a Powder Room

There's no excuse for a boring sink in this room. At every price point, you can find all-in-one pedestals, stylish countertop vessels or space-saving wall-hung options (even miniscule corner sinks for the tiniest space).Trend-forward basins come in unique materials, such as metal, marble, glass, organic stone and even petrified wood. Because this bath doesn't get a lot of use, you can install materials here that you would never consider for daily-use bathrooms. Wear and tear will be minimal, of course, so upkeep of stylish (but possibly less waterproof) materials will be a breeze.

Usually you can at least tuck in a narrow parsons table, a mini bookshelf or a couple of wall shelves here. Any of these make the room feel less bathroom-y and more furnished, and give you a place to display personal accessories.

Select a furniture-look cabinet or pedestal to fit your style and define the decor. For instance, a fabric-skirted treatment says cottage. For an upscale traditional look, try a mirrored base cabinet. Go modern with a sleek leg style or organic with a live-edge wood top. Or get creative by converting a piece of vintage furniture or covering an old vanity with glued-on seashells.

Overscale wallpaper or bold paint colors work here because of the "confined" wall area. You can make a statement in this room you might be hesitant to make in a larger room.Limited wall space means expensive designer wallpaper or a professionally done custom faux wall treatment is affordable. You can also safely use fabric or grass cloth because there are no worries about moisture.

This compact area requires less material, meaning relatively little cost. Try premium wood, mini tile patterns or exotic laminate looks.

Choose a decorative mirror with a unique frame, shape, size or finish for star power. Or cover an entire wall with one sheet mirror to visually expand the space.

You'll need less tile, so pop for a more expensive version to get a one-of-a-kind, designer look. Create a custom backsplash or embellish a wall.

Options such as wall-mounts, single handles, high arc or waterfall offer new looks. Or just choose a different finish. If you coordinate to the existing faucet hole configuration, replacement is a weekend do-it-yourself project.

Reflect the overall style and finishes of other design elements in the room when replacing lighting. Choices abound for over-the-mirror fixtures. A ceiling mount begs for a pretty mini chandelier, and sensuous sconces flanking the mirror can add stand-out style. Use low-watt bulbs, dimmers or accent lamps on the counter to create a soft, flattering ambience for guests.

Choose luxurious towels and smart towel bars and rings. Showcase a small collection of perfume bottles or other items on shelves. Hang collected art or family photos. Group pretty amenities, such as candles, soaps, embossed paper hand towels, a water glass, and a plant or vase of flowers, on a stylish tray.