Guest Bathroom Chic: A Space They Won't Forget

Are you a fan of hosting?

Even with a spacious living room, cozy couches, and a luxurious coffee machine, there's one more element that adds true comfort: the guest bathroom.

Guest bathrooms provide visitors with their own space without encroaching on family privacy. While often more important for the host, it’s sometimes even more vital for the guest.

This small room in the house doesn't have to be dull or uninspired. In fact, given its unique characteristics, its design carries significant weight.

The advantage of a guest bathroom compared to a full bathroom is that it doesn’t suffer from shower humidity issues, opening up a wide range of design possibilities. Walls don’t need to be fully tiled – they can feature wallpaper, special paints, micro-topping, or even wood.

So, how do we start designing?

Sanitary Fixture Placement

Typically, the space is very limited, so it's crucial to position the fixtures ergonomically to allow comfortable movement.

Try experimenting with the placement of fixtures like the toilet and sink, exploring options beyond the conventional.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Design

Generally, a bathroom doesn't need to be entirely white. It can (and in my view, should) be more daring in color. For guest bathrooms, darker hues add warmth and a touch of luxury to the design.

Black offers a striking impression, either in subtle accents or a whole wall, while combining other colors can convey a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

It's important not to overdo it to keep the space from feeling overwhelmed.

Covering walls can be done using fabric or wallpaper. If you prefer more durable materials, options like ceramic tiles, porcelain, or micro-topping are available, all depending on your chosen style and desired ambiance.

For flooring, consider using the same material as the living room. Often these two spaces are close, and uniform flooring creates a cohesive look.

Sanitary Fixtures

Fixtures and metals (faucets, towel racks, toilet paper holders) are critical for the perfect design mix.

Today's market offers a vast range of toilets, from basic to designer options. Choose one that matches your design style.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Ensure all metals match in color; if you select a gold faucet, ensure the towel rack, cabinet handles, toilet paper holder, and lighting are also gold.

Tip: Pay attention to the faucet size relative to the sink you choose. A large faucet may splash excessively, while a small one might make handwashing difficult.

Countertops - The Icing on the Cake

Given the limited space and few design elements, focus particularly on the area beneath the sink. Choose an option that best complements your design style. Wood offers warmth, while stone exudes luxury.

If space allows for a cabinet below, invest in it. It can store extra toilet paper, towels, etc., so guests won’t have to ask if they run out.

Tip: If selecting a stone countertop, consider crafting the sink from the same material, integrating a water slope in one direction to further elevate the room's design.

Lighting

Lighting is another critical element in designing the guest bathroom. Of course, a central light source to illuminate the space is necessary. Additionally, consider other lights to create a pleasant ambiance, like under the sink. Mirrors can include integrated lights, or low wall lighting beside the toilet (using low voltage to remain on all night without disturbing sleep).

Opt for warmer light tones.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Mirrors

Guest bathroom mirrors come in various shapes: square, round, semi-circular, etc. You can have illuminated, centralized, framed, or frameless options. The key is for guests to see themselves, ideally from at least half-body length.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Styling

Wall niches can significantly enhance the space, accommodating useful items or decorative pieces.

Don't forget soft towels and fragrant soap – voilà, a luxurious guest bathroom experience!

(Photo: shutterstock)

Tammy Rotenberg is an architect and interior designer. For questions and feedback: office@tammyrotenberg.com