5 Amazing Powder Room Makeovers

Risky business Turquoise trim? Juicy lemons? Bring ’em on! Lively patterns or big colors won’t overwhelm a tiny room as they might a large one. But do remember this rule of thumb: If you have bold or busy walls, calm them with neutral floors (and vice versa).

 Side show A wall-mount corner sink (or any petite model tucked in this spot) can allow you to shift a room’s layout or open up what little space you have. Using a peg or hook versus a towel bar saves space, and an off-center mirror keeps things informal and playful.

“Powder rooms are spaces to be daring—almost anything goes!” says designer Sarah S. Larson. Less square footage means less intimidation, less expense—and more fun. We found all these rooms on Instagram, and have added the talented people behind them to our follows. You should too.

Meet the Designer SARAH S. LARSON Co-owns Twetten’s Interior Design in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Spirit Lake, Iowa. Adds a vase of flowers for a pre-guest refresh. @twettens.interiordesign

Smokin’ Mirror “Show off your personality!” says designer Bria Hammel. Swap a blah frameless mirror for a shapely one with a stylish finish. Go big, to bounce light and make the room seem larger and brighter.

Meet the Designer BRIA HAMMEL Founded Bria Hammel Interiors in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Sneaks in personality with affordable antiques store art. @briahammelinteriors

Counter Weight Pedestal sinks have trended lately, but don’t dismiss a vanity. Just choose one with character. Here, reed panels and an arched backsplash lend a traditional vibe, especially paired with botanical wallpaper and twin sconces. “Every powder room needs great mood lighting,” designer Heidi Woodman says.

Meet the Designer HEIDI WOODMAN Leads Haus Love Interiors’ design team in Indianapolis. Has a soft spot for quirky, creative powder rooms. @hauslove

Dark Matter Be real: White walls will never make a 3x5-foot room look big. Instead, embrace jewel-box intimacy. Designer Jennifer Bunsa chose this hand-painted Porter Teleo wallpaper to get more textural depth than she would have with flat paint.

Meet the Designer BRIDGETT COCHRAN Co-founder of Porter Teleo wallpapers in Kansas City, Missouri. Always lights a Trapp candle (also from KC) before visitors arrive. @porterteleo

Light Switch Crystal chandelier with shiplap? Sure! A surprise element is good. Or as Sara Noble, whose firm designed this room explains, “Oversize lights are like chandelier earrings paired with your best jeans. It adds sparkle to the outfit.”

Twist and Shout Knobs and pulls are quick-change artists, like throw pillows in a living room. If your vanity is dated, a quart of paint will let the new hardware shine.

Meet the Designer SARA NOBLE Owns Noble Designs in Leawood, Kansas. Will never say no to statement wallpaper. @nobledesigns

Not ready for a full bathroom facelift right now? We hear you. Try a mini upgrade instead. 

Barr-Co Soap and Lotion Luxurious, oatmeal-enriched products, made in St. Louis. In various scents. Search for "Hand and Body Caddy." $44. khallstudio.com

Stationery Studio Guest Towels Paper is a germ-free alternative to cloth for these times we're in. This Chicago biz customizes towels with monograms or witty messages. From $36 for 50. thestationerystudio.com

Aimee Wall Mirror Available in gold or rubbed bronze, this Art Deco-style steel-framed mirror measures 38x24 inches. $170. target.com