Add a touch of class to your powder room
Upscale faucets can make a big difference quickly with little fuss
Since most powder rooms are on the main floor, close to the kitchen and entertaining areas, paying close attention to details is a sure way to make a lasting impression. And because a powder room (or “half-bath” as it’s sometimes called) doesn’t require a bathtub or shower, the smaller footprint means it’s the perfect room to splurge on key pieces and luxury items that make a bold statement.
Want to renovate your powder room in time for the holidays? Most projects — whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals — can be completed between a weekend and three weeks, as long as you leave the plumbing and electricity where it is and simply replace the main pieces (toilet, sink and faucets).
Here are some tips to follow to create a custom loo that reflects your personal style, with suggestions to fit mid-range and higher-end budgets.
TAP INTO NEW FAUCETS
Ask what the simplest way to add a touch of class to the powder room is and Christina Kempinski, showroom manager at Robinson Bath and Lighting Centre in Edmonton, will tell you it’s all about the faucets.
Sink hardware, including taps and faucets, gets more use than any other bathroom feature and yet is often the most overlooked item. Current trends include hands-free faucets and soap dispensers, while wallmounted copper fixtures or sleek chrome sink mounts can add artisanal or modern touches.
Mid-range: Kraus Arcus singlebasin faucet in oil-rubbed Bronze, $149, at the Home Depot.
High-end: Grohe Allure chrome lavatory faucet, $769, at Lowe’s. Visit Grohe.com to find a retailer.
GO POSH WITH PORCELAIN
If you thought all toilets were created equal, spend an afternoon perusing a bath showroom and you will soon discover the latest innovations — ranging from space-saving wallmounted options to dual-flush and low-flow tank systems. You can even get automated toilets and flush plates installed directly into the wall.
Explore sink options from copper bowls and vessel sinks to wallmounted units with under cabinets. Choosing a vanity with a built-in sink can be a space and time-saving option as they are modular and easy to install.
Mid-range: Martha Stewart Living Seal Harbor 30-inch vanity in Sharkey Gray with vanity top in Alpine White, $399. American Standard Cadet 3 dual-flush toilet, $239. Both available at the Home Depot.
High-end: Kohler Persuade Curv white toilet with seat, $479, ( Kohler. ca).
DETAILS ADD DRAMA
Forget builder’s beige and make an impression with deep colours, bright wallpaper or custom tiles. Add a decorative mirror or a vanity with built-in lighting. Also, a dimmer switch or in-floor heating sets the mood and pampers your guests.
Granite is a luxurious option for countertops, or source Tyvarian bathroom surfaces, a manufactured countertop that looks like natural stone. In a small space, a dramatically and even impractically shaped chunk of stone will wow guests.
Mid-range: Tyvarian bathroom surface $80 per square foot. Available at the Home Depot
High-end: A-grade granite counter tops typically start at $100 per sq. ft.
ACCESSORIZE AMPLY
Splurge on a half-dozen small but luxurious bars of soap displayed in a glass candy jar, a canister filled with high-end, one-use makeup remover pads, or a beautiful bottle of diffuser sticks. Display them tidily on a pretty tray.