Guest bathrooms (or the otherwise known powder rooms) are one of those areas at our home we don’t use that often, which is why we often decorate them grossly, or pay little attention to their functionality.

Nevertheless, a friend comes over or a party is being held, and we cringe each time people ask if they are allowed to use it.

This should at least make us reconsider our guest bathroom decorating ideas, and think whether there are affordable changes we can implement to make it more pleasant.

The reason why most of us opt for poor powder room décor is that we want to keep the place usable for other purposes as well.

More often than rare, we use them as storage rooms where we hide all clutter we don’t need, and realize how difficult it is to restore their original functions only when forced to it.

Image source: EURO Design Build

Long story short, we neglect them for years, and they end up looking nowhere close to a modern powder room.

It is because of this that we decided to inform novice homeowners that there is a way to make a personalized and modern powder room that won’t cost a fortune, and won’t become any less stylish as years go buy.

Here are some awesome tips and modern guest bathroom ideas:

Things to keep in mind

Image source: Stiff and Trevillion

Guest bathrooms will be used by all of you guests, which is why you should select only those powder room ideas that will create a positive and relaxing impression.

If the available space is limited, this may turn into a challenging experience, but that shouldn’t discourage you from enhancing your hospitality – there are many powder room decorating ideas off the price, and they don’t require that much effort to execute.

The basic setting: Keep the bathroom as clean as possible, because this is the first thing each visitor will pay attention to.

Pick items that are easy to clean, and match them with the rest of your interior. If you have an overall theme back home, make sure the guest bathroom goes well with it.

The details: Try to make it as bright as possible, so that visitors will find it welcoming and relaxing.

When choosing paint ideas for guest bathrooms, narrow the list down to open, airy, and bright wall shades that contrast your drab and brave accessories.

In terms of decoration, pick items that grab attention, and make visitors wish to have a bathroom like yours.

Options

Image source: Locati Architects

As creative as you are you can’t find a design solution that suits everyone easily, which is why we selected few universal guest bathroom ideas to share.

That’s true – your guest bathroom won’t be the most used room you have, but it will become the central area as soon as a visitor rings the bell. Instead of scrambling around to redesign it last minute, start reorganizing it step by step.

Keep it clean

Image source: Allen-Guerra Architecture

Even when not using it, keep the powder room squeaky clean. If you don’t want to do it, you can always think of a professional service that can handle it for you.

Consider oversized mirrors

Image source: Drummonds Bathrooms

Even when not on a budget, most of us go and pick the smallest possible above-sink mirror for the guest bathroom, aware of the fact there is nothing glamorous or specific about it.

The mistake doesn’t help with small spaces and makes the bathroom look even more crowded than it already is.

That’s why we suggest buying a classy oversized mirror that will create an illusion of space, and will be super easy to move to another room when not used.

In order to make it even more beautiful, think of framing it with painted molding or handy pivot, ideally painted in a color which will suit the rest of the décor.

Another great tip is to use no-fog mirrors on the internal side of the shower cabin to let users shave while they are bathing.

Ensure some breathing space

Image source: Spinnaker Development

Let us guess – you only thought of designing a guest bathroom when realizing there is some extra space around that doesn’t really have a purpose.

That space, however, is very small, and tends to become cluttered with time. What you can do instead is to skip adding all possible objects to it, keeping countertops clean, and adding flexible storage solutions.

Make it visually attractive

Image source: jamesthomas Interiors

You wouldn’t believe how powerful small details are when it comes to decorating guest bathrooms – your visitors will be charmed by your fresh and colorful towels placed in clean racks and baskets, in particular, if you cared enough to buy highly absorbent Turkish ones.

Changing the towels’ color will be enough to transform the looks of an otherwise neutral and dull bathroom.

The essential utilities for your visitors

Image source: Keir Townsend

Note that guests don’t usually bring all of their hygiene products and belongings on the road, and they will expect a collection of essentials by hand when spending the night at your place.

Make sure they feel welcomed by providing travel-size shower gels, toothpaste, soap, shampoos, and conditioners, which can easily be found in any store and don’t cost a fortune.

Note that you may have poor eyesight or disabled guests, so make the bathroom suit their needs too. At the end of the day, guests won’t remember how fussy or fancy your belongings were, but that they were practical and satisfied their needs.

Get ready for last minute requirements

Image source: http://drsarchitect.com/

Together with the basics, think of items travelers usually forget to pack, including toothbrushes, razors, and cotton balls. Make sure they will have such by hand so that they won’t get frustrated or feel shy to ask.

Store and display items in a creative way

Image source: TAHAR DÉCOR

The best possible scenario is to pick a theme that matches the rest of your décor, but a limited-size guest bathroom won’t always allow you to do it.

Inside, you have to focus on making things practical, and arrange basics in a way which will allow the guest to move freely.

That’s why it is vitally important to display toiletries in a smart and unobtrusive way, and hide extra items where they are not visible, but still intuitive to find (a toilet paper drawer under the sink, for instance).

What is really popular at the moment is to arrange items in fancy baskets, and place those on the countertop for visitors to see them.

A plush bathmat and a modern rubber curtain won’t cost an arm and a leg, and they will show your visitors you care about their comfort. The last impression you want to create is that the bathroom has seen better days.

Display artwork

Image source: James Patrick Walters

Who said artistic bathrooms are not for guests? You can always bring an attractive print inside, put murals on the walls, or decorate with cute accessories to make the space visually stimulating.

Not even the basic belongings have to be boring – with the variety of stylish rug patterns out there, you can absolutely skip a neutral and boring one.

Turn faucets into focal points

Refreshing will be easy with a new and shiny faucet, a process that doesn’t take more than few hours. Ideally, go for the metal that complements your hardware and you will obtain a serene and streamlined effect.

The magic of red

Image source: David Howell Design

Currently, warm reds are the most popular shades for transforming guest bathrooms and making bold statements, but only if applied with care.

You can implement it in many different ways, as for instance large abstract art pieces, towel sets, mirror frames, and so on.

Accessories

Image source: David Wilkes Builders

Accessories are the cheapest and easiest way to make your guest room more pleasant ad welcoming, especially if you’re a creative person with few sleek vanity ideas in mind.

Sometimes, it will be enough to replace a waste basket or a soap dish, or add a soft shower mat to obtain a spa effect.

The trick here is to choose beautiful pieces and arrange them in unexpected ways, and that includes even essentials, such as mouthwash, shampoos, conditioners, etc.

Let spring come inside

Image source: Harrell Remodeling, Inc.

Is there a cheaper way to refresh a guest bathroom than flowers? Small containers with delicate steams, plants, or vases full of fresh roses will be enough to make your powder room look friendly and spectacular!

Extras you can consider

Image source: Lompier Interior Group

If you want and have the possibility, you can always make your guest bathroom look fancy and memorable.

We suggest hanging sea sponges, offering special collection of brushes and bath salts, or playing music to make guests feel as if they were in a5-star hotel.

At the same time, these items don’t have to break the bank, as long as you know where to buy them.

Scented candles for romantic settings

Image source: Reaume Construction & Design

Who wouldn’t remember a pleasant vanilla or sandalwood scent while showering? Add some candles, and you can be sure visitors will adore using your bathroom!

Go for some antique shopping

Image source: Chris Snook

A great way to ensure a chic guest bathroom is to equip it with eclectic antique pieces, as for instance oversized mirrors and gold-framed portraits.

The process can end up being more expensive than usual, but it is definitely one of the best comfort tricks for those that can afford it.

Ending thoughts

Image source: H3K Design

Guest bathrooms are in important hospitality moment that can make or break the impression people have of you, regardless of whether they’re visiting for a day or longer.

Instead of turning it into a storage room and running around to fix it, decorate it accordingly and preserve it in good condition.

When it comes to decoration, use hotels and B&Bs for inspiration, and make sure guests have everything they need to feel welcomed. Try to make the place as modern and beautiful as possible, but dot lose focus from usability.

Showcase of impressive bathrooms

A bathroom design will need to meet your needs. Some people enjoy this room updated where others just like it left the way they found it. It is up to each individual as to how they want this room to look.

If you are one of those people who want to make a statement there are many things that you can change. The bathroom can be updated with new fixtures, basin, tub, tiles, lighting, flooring, and other things that stand out. Here are some ideas that will make your bathroom more noticeable.

Many people like their bathroom decorated in their own personal style. You may enjoy a more modern look with fine lines, colors that are monochrome, with fancy granite counter tops, tub and sink. A contemporary design in a bathroom may be decorated in colors such as black and white. This type of design draws attention and helps to open up the space.

If your idea of a bathroom design is more on the luxurious side, there are ways that you can design your bathroom to work for you. You may decide to use fancy linens and updated light fixtures to make the space have the feeling of being luxurious. Select items carefully to decorate your bathroom so that you can get the special look that you are after to meet your particular needs.

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