The Powder Room
The name originally arose in the 18th century for a small closet-like space in the house, where guests could go to have their wigs re-powdered, containing essentially a chair, mirror, and perhaps a vanity. As wigs faded from fashion and chamber pots and wash basins appeared, the room remained a convenience for guests to use, without encroaching on the private areas of the house. And the powder reference has lasted, becoming the delicate euphemism, “I need to powder my nose.” We now also refer to the “half bath” as one that does not contain a tub or shower. These are often found in a hall, home office, or utility area, but the powder room is traditionally located near the home’s entrance.
Serenity. Photo by William MacCollum.
A Design Favorite
In the 35 years we’ve been serving residential clients, they have consistently wanted their powder room to be a fun and fanciful experience for their friends. They have seen it as a place where they can splurge on bold tile or extravagant wallpaper. It can be a jazzy surprise for an audience of one, or a luxurious, restful oasis.
Serenity. Photo by William MacCollum.
Architects and interior designers really enjoy powder rooms too, as these spaces are usually small, maybe windowless, and near the entry of a home, so often have to be tucked cleverly into the overall design. And due to the contained size and purpose, they’re a chance to make dramatic, exciting choices in materials, textures, lighting, fixtures, and details.
The many powder rooms at our Serenity house feature crisp LED accent lighting, often in colorful shades, textured wall details, and modern floating sinks. Wall graphics, like those found in the home’s guest bedrooms, feature on the wall of the powder room near the home’s luxury car gallery.
Serenity. Photo by William MacCollum.
Serenity. Photo by William MacCollum.
Serenity. Photo by William MacCollum.
Serenity. Photo by William MacCollum.
At Bundy Drive, minimalist designs are paired with richly textured wall details, and at Benedict Canyon, a clean modern style meets luxury.
Bundy Drive. Photo by Simon Berlyn.
Bundy Drive. Photo by Simon Berlyn.
Benedict Canyon 2023. Photo by Anthony Barcelo.
At Summtridge Drive a mirror of high-polished stainless steel, stainless steel cabinets, and white agate sink and backsplash complement a marble wall mural by artist Alex Turco that’s enhanced with colored LED accent lighting.
Our Laurel Way powder room features shimmering tiles, pendant globe lighting, and a rectangular standing sink with floating vertical faucet.
The luxury minimalist style of our Summit house powder room features triple height stacked slate tile walls, which add texture and interesting plays of light. A cylindrical sink, standing faucet, and matching toilet add to the striking modern design.
Summitridge Drive. Photo by Anthony Barcelo.
Laurel Way. Photo by Art Gray Photography.
Summit House. Photo by William MacCollum.
Large form chocolate brown tiles by Ann Sacks set against a white square-cut sink create a luxury, textured experience in the guest bathroom of our Trousdale house.
Hopen Place combines sleek mirrors with a luxury chandelier lighting fixture, and white ultra-modern sink, faucet, and toilet.
And in the powder room of our 9288 Sierra Mar house in the Hollywood Hills, one is surrounded by warm, shimmering tiles from Ann Sacks, which create a custom luxury feel.
