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Tiny powder room can make a big impression

Very often, the powder room bath is the tiniest room in your house. Yet this traditionally minimal space can become one of your most alluring attributes, no matter how small.

The powder room is a wonderful opportunity to try out a zippy new color of paint or a daring wall covering without worrying that the entire house must follow along in that same style.

After all, what is the worst that can happen? You will have to spend time and energy repainting? If you test out the paint before hand or get a large sample of wallpaper, there should be few surprises anyway.

The other positive about trying out a daring idea in the little room is that it won't cost a prohibitive amount to accomplish. If your room is something like 4 feet by 5 feet, you can afford to install a substantial crown molding because you just need 18 lineal feet. Or you might consider installing a chair rail molding and a better baseboard than you have in the rest of the house.

Additionally, you might consider spending a little bit more on the sink that will be used by most visitors to your home.

Thankfully there are dazzling choices in sinks available in very petite sizes these days. Be careful if you are shopping online instead of at a showroom and get out a tape measure as you peruse the choices.

Take the time to see if there are samples available from the vendor you are considering so that you won't be surprised by a particular finish. Read the fine print! From traditional porcelain pedestal sinks to a contemporary design like the one pictured here, you can find amazing choices in small sizes. "The Wave" from Stone Forest is only 14 inches by 17.5 inches. It is 32 inches high and made of natural Basalt stone so it has a substantial presence.

Often in a limited space you are better served to use a pedestal design or a sink that hangs off the wall.

European bathroom designs, which are generally smaller than our typical U.S. variety, depend on the cantilever-style sink. When one can see the floor flowing below an element, the little room appears larger visually. It's a good trick to remember when choosing the individual elements of your decor.

Pedestals can be made of wood, natural stone in a variety of geometric shapes, iron and porcelain. They hold a vessel sink between 14 and 20 inches.

Remember that when you use a style of sink that demands the faucets come out of the wall instead of mounted on the sink top, you will need to provide a method of controlling splashing on the wall. You will want to either select eggshell paint that can handle water or install tile, natural stone or a water resistant wall cover. Look at vinyl wallpapers.

Another element that can add personality in the powder bath is the choice of light fixture. Despite being a tiny area, you still can create a dreamy lighting result by noting how a fixture will disperse light.

Consider thin, elegant wall sconces. Look at fixtures that are ADA compliant because they are about 4 inches deep at the most.

Another idea is to use a ceiling fixture that will filter the light through a pierced shield and create a cool light pattern in the room. Each element chosen should be special and unique in order to coax the most drama out of the room.

Pay extra for a special mirror, perhaps something totally different from the rest of your home bathrooms. Don't be afraid to buy something at a vintage store or at an antique mall. It should be something fun and sassy, or something much more elegant than the utilitarian bathrooms in the house.

Even something as insignificant as a purse hook might add some character to a powder bathroom. Take your time selecting a towel ring or the toilet paper holder.

• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.

© 2014, Creators.com

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