Half baths are one of our favorite rooms to design, since they provide the opportunity to go a little over the top. If you love flashy floors, saturated colors, conspicuous chandeliers, wild wallpaper, and animal print, and you want to put them all together, the powder room (or half bath as it is also called) is the place to do it. Not that we’re necessarily recommending that – minimal and monochrome are fine too – but you get the idea.

Since entertaining season is around the corner (the holidays will be here sooner than you think!), now is a good time to start planning your powder room refresh. So where do you start?

Start with a statement sink

A half bath consists of just two fixtures: the toilet and the sink, so the sink should be a focal point. Since the average powder room is just 20 square feet, most people opt to forego a vanity in favor of a pedestal, or a ledge topped by a vessel sink. A vanity is not out of the question, however. Just make sure that it’s a showstopper and does not overcrowd the space. Try a converted desk or chest of drawers into unique bathroom vanity.

Include touches of tile

And by touches, we mean tile everywhere. Floor to ceiling tile is a look we love. Not only is it visually stunning, it is also easy to clean. Since you’re dealing with such a tiny space you can be a bit more adventurous with your finishes, and a bit more free with your budget. Need some ideas? You can go for the ultimate luxe look and clad the walls and floor in marble, add some sparkle with iridescent glass tile, or make the space feel larger by laying the tile out in a chevron pattern.

Layer in lighting

Many half baths are carved out of found space in a floor plan – created out of a closet, for example, or hidden under the stairs. For this reason they tend to have little to no natural light. Wall sconces and a chandelier will brighten up the space, make it functional, and add another layer of drama. If you can’t handle a windowless room, and your layout allows, try installing a skylight. The room will be flooded with natural light for most of the day, which will make it feel larger and more comfortable.

Maximize with mirrors

Nothing makes a room feel larger – and more dramatic – like mirrors. You will need one for over the sink. We recommend straying away from the standard medicine cabinet, and instead sourcing one that has unique etching, an interesting shape, or a vintage frame. If possible, incorporate a full length mirror as well, since this is the room that you and your guests will use to help you make sure you’re presentable.

Add accents and accessories

Decorative accessories are the “extra” in the word extraordinary. Even if you “go basic” elsewhere in your home, the powder room is the place to kick everything up a notch. You’ll need:

• Luxurious linens – high-thread-count hand towels, monogrammed if possible.
• Fine-milled soaps – subtly scented and generously proportioned.
• Facial tissues – super-soft, and stored in a tissue holder.
• Candles and/or aroma diffusers – make being in the powder room a multi-sensory experience.
• Greenery – use faux florals if that is your preference, or try a few stalks of bamboo for a zen feel.
• Canisters – store cotton pads, Q-tips, etc. in elegant containers.
• Wastebasket – splurge on a beautiful one.
• Art – Since unlike a full bath the powder room is not a wet room, a single statement piece or a gallery wall of your faves will be practical as well as beautiful.
• Do it for the ‘gram

Optics are everything. Visualize your space as an “after” photo that could be featured on one of those popular interior design Instagram feeds. Commit to a color, a texture, a print, a design style, or a trend, and then weave it unapologetically throughout the room. If you’re someone whose home is always full of guests, then make it gram-worthy, and ready to be featured in lots of bathroom selfies. Not into Instagram? That’s ok. The key is to make the space beautiful and eye-catching for you.

One last thing: sight lines are important. If you’re one of those people who leaves the bathroom door open between uses, and the room is visible from the rest of the house, make sure that the decor is not too visually disruptive.

Need some additional tips or expert advice? That’s where we come in. We can help you design a new half bath from scratch, or remodel your existing one. Contact us today to get started.

Incorporate Decluttering Into Your Daily Routine

It may sound obvious, but it’s hard to stay organized in a small space when you have a lot of stuff. Making decluttering a part of your daily cleaning routine is vital if you want to stay tidy. Kickstart your organizational journey with a massive decluttering effort. After that, institute some rules for yourself. For example, one item in, one item out. Any time you bring something new into your home, you must get rid of something else. Also, spend at least 10 minutes every day getting unneeded items out of your home. The best part is that it doesn’t cost you a thing to start decluttering and making your space more breathable.

Think Vertically

Architecturally, how does a big city pack so much stuff into a relatively smaller surface area? By going vertically, of course. This concept can also help you in your small space. Apartment Therapy suggests “filling the space on top of the refrigerator with wire bins, mounting baskets on the wall, or placing a shelf with baskets in a corner.” You can also install cheap shelves from floor to ceiling wherever you want. Stores like Bed, Bath, & Beyond have stylish bins, shelving, and baskets. As a bonus, you can regularly find coupons, sales, and cashback deals to minimize the investment.

Prioritize Built-In Storage Space

In a small space, any piece of furniture that doesn’t also offer some sort of storage is a waste. For example, a TV stand/entertainment center should have drawers and cabinets aplenty. Your bed should have pull-out drawers underneath. Your coffee table or ottoman should open up to reveal extra storage space for blankets or pillows. Look for discounts and savings at stores like Crate & Barrel when looking for smart furniture for your small space.

Load Up on Baskets

If clutter is contained, is it even really clutter anymore? Not really, according to most. A home will look and feel more organized if every item has a place — even if that place is just a wicker basket or wooden bin. Bins and baskets are both cheap and stylish if you know where to look. Whether you want plastic, wood, clear, white, or metal — there is something for you.

Invest in Hooks for Inside and Outside Your Closets

Combining the general principles of making sure everything has its own storage space and thinking vertically will lead you to one elegant, extremely low-cost solution: hooks. Wallspace — both inside and outside of your closets and shelving — is mostly unused real estate. While a framed photo next to your front door looks nice, some cool brass hooks to hang your coats, bags, and umbrella are more practical. Check out some decorative door hooks that can go anywhere. If you’re smart, you can be practical, savvy and stylish at the same time.

The smaller the home the more valuable every single square inch is when it comes to storage, organization, and living space. By investing in some inexpensive storage aides and being smart when selecting furniture and decorative items (emphasizing function just as much as form), you can truly maximize any space. But before you do that, remember this: there are no tricks or tips to make a super-cluttered home organized. You must first declutter, downsize, and make some tough but necessary choices about what you choose to hold on to.

1. Clear the Clutter

You’ll be surprised what a big difference you’ll see just by throwing out what you don’t use.  Or you may just find that some items just don’t belong in that space.  Once you are done with this process you’ll probably notice your backyard space looks just a little bigger too.

2. Container Gardening

The idea of using container gardening creates an all year round colorful design. Dress up your garden with gorgeous potted plants.

3. Add a Swing

Think swings are just for kids? Think again. A swing will not only add a beautiful touch to your patio but it will add health benefits as well. Swinging is good for your mental health, balance, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and it helps to burn calories. So have that glass of wine and swing away.

4. Paint the Fence

Add curb appeal to your backyard by painting the fence. Shades of blues look beautiful all year round.

5. A Bird Feeder

Adding a bird feeder to your backyard has a lot more benefits than just feeding birds, it’s relaxing.  Choose a bird feeder that best fits your style and remember the food you purchase is the birds you’ll attract.

6. Lights

Don’t forget that lighting is the magic to the show. Adding string lights or a simple chandelier will add the last sparkle your backyard needs to welcome your guests and start the show.

It makes sense to consider replacing a tub with a shower for a number of reasons. Showers use far less water than bathtubs, and save on associated energy and water costs for that reason. They’re also usually quicker to use, and can be fitted with luxury features such as non-slip tiles and benches.

Also, showers are more “user-friendly” for an aging population. Tubs can be difficult for older adults and people with injuries or disabilities to get in and out of, whereas easy-entry shower stalls are much more accessible.  As millions of Baby Boomers reach retirement age, these trends should only continue to rise in popularity.

Deciding WheN TO DITCH THE TUB

Renovating your bathroom is a great home investment, but before you take the plunge and rip out that tub, give this decision some careful consideration.

First, consider use. How much use does your tub really get? If you have small children, tubs are much easier than stalls, of course. If you only have one bathroom available and your kids are under the age of 8, you might want to hold off on the project until they’re older.

Most homeowners are also concerned about resale value before making substantial changes to bathrooms and kitchens, and that’s wise. After all, your home is also an investment, and it’s only prudent to avoid making changes that can lessen its value.

Tubs are just “expected” by some home buyers, and there’s no getting around that. But the lack of a tub might not be a detriment to a later sale. It depends on your market and what buyers are willing to accept. In an area with a high demand for housing and a limited supply, a home that lacks a bathtub will still sell, all other things being equal.

One way to preserve your options in resale value is to keep one tub somewhere in the house. A shower-only house can be a tougher sale down the line. But if you have two or more bathrooms available, by all means exchange one of those tubs for a bigger and more luxurious shower stall.

Finally, look carefully at the cost. The least expensive options — shower stall kits — start at $200 but can rise in price dramatically, and that’s before you hire a contractor, adjust your water lines, remove the tub, or modify surrounding flooring.

If you have the budget, we’d strongly encourage you to hire a licensed, experienced contractor, especially if you’re planning to put in a curbless shower (as we discuss below). If you tackle this one on your own, expect to spend at least a full weekend at it.

How Big a Job Is It to Exchange a Tub for a Shower?

Simple one-to-one conversions — that is, taking out a tub and installing a shower stall in the same space — are fairly simple if you’re working with a tub in a recessed alcove. Taking out a tub will leave a working space of approximately five feet in length and anywhere from 30 to 34 inches on average deep. That’s more than adequate for a roomy shower stall. The water lines shouldn’t need much adjustment, so the total project won’t be terribly complex.

But if you’ve got a freestanding tub, or one located beneath a window (which isn’t uncommon) you’ll have a slightly tougher — and more expensive — job ahead of you. You may need to relocate water supply and main lines, and that could add several hundred dollars to the budget.

Space needs should be reviewed carefully. Modern building codes require a shower floor space, or shower pan, of at least 30 inches square, which should make the removed-tub space sufficient. But some industry standards suggest a minimum of at least 36 inches square, in which case you’ll have some overage if you’re working with a standard tub footprint.

You’ll also need a height clearance of at least 80 inches, and at least 15” (preferably 18”) of space should remain between the side of the toilet and the side of the shower wall. And, of course, if there’s a swinging door entrance into the shower stall, you’ll need to make sure it completely clears any possible obstructions such as cabinetry or fixtures.

What Kind of Shower? 

One of those popular choices among homeowners who are ditching the tub and moving to shower-only baths is the walk-in shower. These designs offer both ease of use — especially for an aging homeowner — and a more modern, streamlined aesthetic that conveys a sense of luxury.

Another consideration in choosing to replace a tub with a shower is whether to select a stall with or without a curb.

Many stalls feature a curb — a “lip” usually constructed out of tile that protects the rest of the room’s flooring by acting as a little dam for the water before it drains through the floor. A curbless shower stall uses a shower pan that’s flush with the rest of the floor of the bathroom, without that lip.

While curbless stalls do look more modern and are definitely trending in popularity these days, they’re also more difficult to install correctly, often requiring adjustments to the existing floor height and adding to the project cost.

So if you think you’d like the curbless option, review your options with your licensed contractor carefully, and seek their input and recommendations.