How to Design the #1 Guest Bathroom

October 21, 2022 | Andray Shcherban

Entertaining guests can be exciting or stressful depending on how much space and privacy everyone in the house has access to, whether they’re staying a while or just passing through.

Having a guest bathroom that is beautiful and functional can make your guests feel more at home.

Making guests feel welcome is essential, and creating a distinct guest bathroom may be the way to go.

What does your dream guest bathroom look like? Luxurious? Modern? Bold?

Designing or remodeling a guest bathroom can be fun. Choose between a full or half bath and pick countertops, guest bathroom design, and other specific guest bathroom remodel ideas that fit your vision.

Perks of having a guest bathroom include:

What is a Guest Bathroom?

A guest bathroom is commonly referred to as a half bath or powder room. They are usually located near the entry of a house and only have a couple of the main components of a standard bathroom— a toilet and sink.

It’s helpful to think of guest bathrooms as hotel bathrooms, functional but fun, without all the pressure of a master bath.

Why Consider Remodeling Your Guest Bathroom?

modern guest bathroom with big white sink and countertop

Oftentimes, guest bathrooms tend to be a lower priority when it comes to remodeling projects, but updating your guest bathroom can add to your home’s value. Imagine being a guest in your own home, would you come back?

A few reasons to upgrade your guest bathroom design include:

Creating the best guest bathroom is easier than you think, and it can be as uncomplicated or as involved as you’d like. Adding a fresh coat of paint or remembering common toiletries guests may forget is a great way to revitalize the space.

MOSAIC TILE

grey and white mosaic tiles in a bathroom in south carolina

With so many colorful tile options to choose from, you can create a custom design that’s uniquely yours. Get imaginative with mosaic tile, from flowers to stars and everything in between.

Mosaic ideas:

BACKLIT BATHROOM MIRRORS

backlit long bathroom mirror with wood on the walls and white sinks

Backlit mirrors generate a striking sophisticated look because they appear as if they’re floating away from the wall behind them, creating a mysterious effect that front-lighted mirrors are unable to match.

If you’re looking for subtle and functional lighting that doesn’t require separate light fixtures, an illuminated backlit mirror would be a great choice.

Not to be confused with lighted mirrors, both backlit and lighted mirrors have lights but the placements are different. Backlit mirrors have lights behind the mirror while lighted mirrors have bulbs on top or underneath the surface of the glass.

The benefits of installing a backlit mirror:

High End Fixtures

bathtub with white rectangular tiles and black fixture

High-end bathroom fixtures for faucets, toilets, sinks, tubs and showers are practical items you need for a space to actually function.

Depending on which look you’re going for will determine which finish you go with. For example, oil-rubbed brass looks rustic while high-shine brass and nickel look sleek and futuristic. Besides finishes, texture, shape and size all matter when creating a luxurious look.

Here is a list of premium materials to consider for the sink:

For the tub:

Shower:

Standard toilets are typically constructed from a porcelain base, but consider going a little fancier with eco-friendly low-water options or a toilet and bidet combination with heated seats.

Luxurious faucet styles:

Sophisticated sink design fixtures:

Common sink shapes are usually oval, round and rectangular. 

Lighting Fixtures:

gold lights hanging from the ceiling

From vanity to ceiling, choosing the right fixtures can really create a welcoming and meditative guest bathroom that works together to help set the mood and style. Curated lighting is key to making your powder room both fashionable and functional. 

Select high end fixtures for a sleek and modern choice, or bath bar lights for bright, contemporary, even light to complement any vanity. 

Over the mirror and bathtub, you’ll still need ceiling lights particularly if you don’t have a great deal of natural light coming in. Recessed lighting is another practical choice for bathrooms, but it won’t quite give you the stylish look of high-end lighting. Instead, consider flush and semi-flush mount lights to create an impressive impact.

A few fresh ideas on classic finishes:

The goal is to keep the light soft and prevent excess glare while creating a sleek feel.

Vanity lighting is the go-to for most bathroom mirrors. Small pendant lights offer a certain elegance when installed, while metal and fabric tend to have directional light that can point downward allowing you to see throughout the room clearly. 

For a bold look, try a chandelier over the tub, which will illuminate the room while making it feel elegant and mysterious. A single-tier crystal chandelier or a sleek gold metallic will add a gorgeous touch to your guest bathroom.

Installing one over a freestanding tub can make your bathroom look super-luxe. Be sure to make sure it’s high up enough to avoid any potential electrical problems. Your builder or electrician should know up-to-date codes— typically, the bottom of any pendant or chandelier should be at least eight feet above the tub or higher. You shouldn’t be able to touch any part of the fixture.

Plants

Plants breathe life into any space. Place a few air-purifying plants throughout the room — inside the shower, along the windowsill, or hanging from the ceiling to create a sense of calmness. 

Plants in the bathroom thrive in humid warm conditions, so be sure to consider the natural environment of a plant. Bathroom plants also absorb excess moisture and purify the air, in addition to elevating the space for a zen-like experience.

One unique decorating idea that will give your bathroom a tropical and contemporary ambiance is by hanging plants in the shower. Feng shui plants can add positive energy to your guest bathroom.

Conditions in bathrooms differ significantly in terms of temperature and humidity; be sure to assess your guest bathroom’s conditions accordingly. That being said, for rarely-used bathrooms that aren’t especially humid, try more low-maintenance houseplants. 

Art/Wallpaper

wallpaper on the wall in a modern bathroom

Displaying eye-catching art in your guest bathroom is an easy way to add panache. Just be sure to evaluate the dimensions and think about the type of mood you’d like to evoke. 

Open shelving is another great way to display decorative items like candles, flowers and other motifs that add to the design. Pictures and mirrors heighten the sophistication of a bathroom. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate so go for whatever you think will help create an ambiance you will enjoy.

There are a lot of options to choose from with decorative wallpaper. Greenery and nature have a calming effect, and installing botanical imagery is an excellent way to create a gentle atmosphere. Contrasting patterns, on the other hand, like bold jewel tone colors, pair well with herringbone tile or a deep blue for a cozier feel.

Bathroom decor adds character to your remodel or renovation. Adding small hand towels rolled up in a basket or stacked on a shelf, can quickly complement your decor and enhance the overall aesthetics of the space.

Marble Countertops

marble sink with patterned wall

How well does marble really hold up in your bathroom? While marble has a reputation for being testy, it’s still very much a classic and luxurious material. Homeowners have valid concerns wondering if it will be too high maintenance for their bathroom countertops. 

Marble may not be the best countertop for high-traffic bathrooms like your master bath or kid’s bathroom because it’s softer and more porous than other natural and engineered stones like granite and quartz but it does make it a great choice for a guest bathroom.

Marble has benefits that make it a useful bathroom countertop material, like heat resistance—you’ll never have to worry about leaving your flat iron resting on the countertop again. 

Marble should always be cleaned with a mild, non-abrasive, and non-acidic cleanser to help protect it from wear and tear.

Cabinets

Cabinets are an important part of a guest bathroom remodel. Here are a couple things to keep in mind when planning:

Consider going vertical to maximize space. A tall cabinet can easily store a bevy of items from toilet paper to towels. Installing drawers in the bathroom has also become increasingly popular over the years, providing easier access for items stored under the sink. It’s convenient to have all your essentials in one easily accessible place.

For a stylish bathroom cabinet, opt for frosted glass or flemish frosted glass panels to keep personal items private.

Recessed medicine cabinets add storage without losing space, while semi-custom cabinets offer a more tailored fit. Rest assured with so many styles, colors and glazes to choose from you’ll create a one-of-a-kind guest bathroom.

Ready to Save on Your Next Guest Bathroom Remodel? 

At Kamanski Construction, we have over 30 years of experience remodeling bathrooms and whole homes.

We believe in quality work done right and making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible— if you need help designing or remodeling your guest bathroom, let our highly skilled team of designers and contractors help you create the most beautiful guest bathroom of your dreams. Contact us today! 

Check out our portfolio. Questions?  Give us a call at 864.800.9912 or drop us a line. Start your project today!