Powder-room pizzazz

THESE DECORATING IDEAS WILL HELP TAKE YOUR SMALLEST SPACE FROM DRAB TO FAB!

Words CAROLINE BOTTING

Colour caution need not be an issue in a powder room – it won’t take long to change it if your passion for, say, passionfruit hues wanes! Pink, bold jewel tones and even black and gold can all grace the walls here to stunning effect.

These rooms often have low light, which allows you to be daring with colour, says Dulux colour expert Davina Harper. “Why not do something exciting on the walls such as a deep blue, like Dulux Mercer or Lake Mangamahoe? You could also go with some subtle warmth such as gentle pink Dulux Dunedin,” she suggests. When adding colour, Davina says to keep in mind that warmer hues work well with fittings in brushed brass or copper, while cooler colours are well suited to black, brushed titanium or brushed nickel tapware.

Even small details, such as toiletries, plush hand towels in matching colours, a scented candle and indoor plants, can all help make this pint-sized room feel more inviting. With space at a premium, house these on a small, strategically placed shelf.

Bring in glamour and designer punch with tiles – full accent walls and patterned floors are great options to boost the wow factor.

If the budget is limited, half-wall tiling from the sink to the ground is an option to bring visual interest. On even smaller budgets, make the pièce de résistance the splashback, a place where guests have a moment to pause and admire the details. Tiles in metallics and jewel tones lend a luxurious feel, while marble has timeless appeal. Tiling the space in all black or red gives a daring and dramatic impact, and geometrics add a modern vibe.

Artificial flowers – sitting in water to look even more convincing – make a low-maintenance styling hack