As recently as the mid-1970s, about half of new homes only had one bathroom. Now, despite shrinking household sizes, 80% of new homes have two or more bathrooms. House hunters love to see a home listing with a “.5” in the number of bathrooms because it signifies that the home features a desirable half bath.
Having a half bath allows your master bathroom to remain a private sanctuary. There’s no need to have guests traipsing through your bedroom or upstairs if there’s another loo nearby. Skip the tub and shower: all they really need is a room with a toilet, sink and mirror, which is the definition of a half bath or powder room. These small spaces are perfect for showing off a bit of personality and design without breaking the bank. Here are some creative ideas for how to decorate your powder room.

A Beachy Option
Create a beachscape with bright ocean colors like those used in the 2016 HGTV Dream Home on Merritt Island, Florida. Whether you live near the seaside or just wish you did, these crisp tones and white cabinetry work beautifully with the Compel Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet with Touch2O.xt Technology.

Half Bath Blues
Here’s another more subdued play on the nautical theme, also from the 2016 HGTV Dream Home. To get this look, use various tints and hues of your favorite color, and consider adding an accent wall in tile. The typically smaller size of a powder room will mean that a little tile goes a long way, which will save you money. If your half bath décor is mostly from one color family (blue in this case), consider adding a pop of a contrasting color (like the flower on the sink).

Sleek Gray and the ADA
A considerate host makes every effort to accommodate his or her guests. Incorporating universal design by adding a few ADA compliant grab bars around the bathroom is a very thoughtful way to make your visitors comfortable. The ADA products are stylish and can provide subtle assistance while also serving as towel bars and tissue-paper holders. As a bonus, they look fantastic in this sleek monochromatic powder room.

Go Bright, Go Bold
If you dream of a house painted in vivid colors but aren’t quite ready to go wild, consider painting your half bath a bright color. As one of the smallest rooms in your home, it will be easy and inexpensive to change if you decide you don’t love it. Feel free to let your half bath be a bold expression of your personality, and opt for something like this playful Behr paint in “Asparagus.”