Good things come in small packages. 

That’s the attitude to take when designing a powder room. Used mostly by guests, the little space is a perfect place to make a design statement. Wallpaper is a natural go-to, but a bold splash of solid colour is just as effective. While taking your design flight of fancy, don’t forget the room’s primary purposes. Good lighting and a mirror are necessities; then add elements that pamper, like luxury towels and soaps, and extra tissue and a basket of toiletries under the sink. For inspiration, here are four fab spaces that wow.

SUBLIME SPA

Two sculptural onyx columns subtly highlighted by light strips create soothing symmetry in this spa-like sanctuary. The pale wood vanity and floor paired with soft creams and whites keeps the look minimalist, but also indulgent. The gleam of reflective surfaces adds just the right amount of sparkle.

PURPLE REIGN

Guests are guaranteed to return to the dinner table with something to talk about after visiting this loo. An envelope of purple – the colour of royalty – is a bold gesture, matched by the show-stopping bucket-shape stainless steel sink that’s integrated into a huge silver-leaf-finish baroque style mirror. The effect is rich, luxurious and unforgettable.

HAUTE HUES

Animal prints are always in fashion, but the green-and-black colour way of this stunning wallpaper achieves the mix of classic and au courant that fashion lovers crave. The chic mirror doubles its impact. Don’t forget to accessorize: a gold-and-glass étagère styled with fresh blooms, reed diffusers and a candle brings a garden of “scentual” delights.

PATTERN PLAY

A sense of play matched by a sense of style turned this darling powder room into a tiny treasure. The blue chintz wallpaper was beautiful enough, but pairing it with a leopard print on the ceiling is a genius move. Artwork ties the two together. In decorating, a touch of the unpredictable is welcome, indeed!