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Comfortable Guest Baths

Comfortable Guest Baths

June 08, 2011

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Indulge your guests with thoughtful details and stylish accents.

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Paint the Ceiling

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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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Comfortable Guest Baths

1 of 25

Paint the Ceiling

1 of 25

2 of 25

Accent with Antiques

2 of 25

3 of 25

Include Plenty of Storage

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Provide Ample Light & Mirrors

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5 of 25

Make Space for Toiletries & Styling Tools

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6 of 25

Give Colored Grout a Try

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7 of 25

Provide Balanced Lighting

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8 of 25

Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme

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9 of 25

Get Creative with Storage

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Play with Contrast

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Break Up Wallspace with Wood

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12 of 25

Don't Be Afraid to Change Directions

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Paint It Black

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Add a Pop of Color

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Try a Stylish Skylight

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Stay Flexible with Accessories

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Double Your Vanity

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Install Wallpaper

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Put Out Fresh Flowers

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Go Rustic

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Monogram in Multiple Colors

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Add a Little Sparkle

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Make Guests Comfortable

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Add Privacy with Window Treatments

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Make the Space Seem Larger

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