Comfortable Guest Baths

Indulge your guests with thoughtful details and stylish accents.

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Paint the Ceiling

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Designer Matthew Bees painted the ceiling of this powder room a deep aubergine color to coordinate with the wallpaper.

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Accent with Antiques

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Two oversize glass-front cabinets found at an antiques store hang above these 1900s pedestal sinks.

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Include Plenty of Storage

A built-in cabinet ensures that guests can find extra linens and toiletries. If space allows, include a hamper for used linens.

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Provide Ample Light & Mirrors

Always include good lighting and a mirror in your plans for a guest bath. The main feature in this bath is the charming oval-shaped window. Mirroring the wall around the window does double-duty--reflecting natural light and providing plenty of room for touch-ups

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Make Space for Toiletries & Styling Tools

A little bit of counterspace is greatly appreciated in a guest bath. Always make sure you have a grounded outlet next to the vanity for a curling iron or straightener.

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Give Colored Grout a Try

Charles Walton IV / styling Todd Childs

Dark gray grout gives this tile installation a sense of age and unifies the room with its chic black accents.

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Provide Balanced Lighting

Use a pair of sconces to provide even light on either side of the mirror.

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Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme

Keep your color scheme from becoming overwhelming by playing with different variations of the same color in a small space.

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Get Creative with Storage

Photos by Jean Allsopp

Use modular pieces like shelves and baskets to add storage. Open shelving–painted green–provides decorative storage. Baskets and shelves hold hand towels and soaps in this space.

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Play with Contrast

This otherwise light bathroom is anchored by a black pedestal tub and a black granite countertop.

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Break Up Wallspace with Wood

Here, wood paneling covers two-thirds of the wall. A gray wash finish is paired with a deeper chocolate-stained ledge for a rustic look.

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Don't Be Afraid to Change Directions

Photo: Roger Davis

These slick white subway tiles laid in horizontal rows play off of the vertical stripe of the beaded board above.

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Paint It Black

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,

Painted black trim adds a bold finish to the classic black-and-white look of this guest bath.

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Add a Pop of Color

Photo: Lucas Allen, Styling: Elizabeth Demos

White tile and plumbing fixtures are always classic. Pair them with a trendy wall color. A subway tile wainscot and apple green walls brighten this bath.

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Try a Stylish Skylight

An attic is often a great found space for an addition. Adding a skylight to this space takes advantage of the roof slant to provide ample light and a rustic view.

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Stay Flexible with Accessories

Are you indecisive with color? Design a neutral bathroom and accent it with colorful accessories that can easily be changed with your color whim.

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Double Your Vanity

Make your guest bath comfortable for couples and install a double sink or vanity.

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Install Wallpaper

Graphic wallpaper is ideal for a small space and a fantastic way to make a statement in your guest bath.

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Put Out Fresh Flowers

Welcome guests by placing a few cut flowers on the vanity.

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Go Rustic

Wrap your guest bath in wood for a rustic and inviting feel. The walls, cabinets, and built-in bench in this bath look clean and cohesive with a coat of whitewash.

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Monogram in Multiple Colors

Make sure that you have enough hooks for multiple guests to hang their towels. Using different monogram colors will help guests identify which towel is theirs.

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Add a Little Sparkle

Add a little glamour with a crystal accented light fixture and luxurious materials like marble countertops.

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Make Guests Comfortable

Provide amenities for your guests like a bathrobe and plentiful towels.

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Add Privacy with Window Treatments

Install easily adjustable window treatments for your company’s privacy and comfort.

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Make the Space Seem Larger

A cabinet vanity could overwhelm this tiny room, but matching the cabinet color to the wall color and mirrored cabinet doors help the room feel more open.

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