A half bath can be a great asset to any home. If nothing else, it’s nice to have that extra amenity when there are multiple people in the house. But have you ever thought about making it more than just a convenience? In our travels through homes, we’ve encountered some very cool half baths! Take a look through some ideas and examples and then brainstorm your own half bath transformation!

Try a new style

Maybe you love a certain design trend, but don’t want to overhaul your decor in a larger living space. Test it out in your half bath! This is the ideal space to dabble in something new, usually at a lower price point than a larger space would require. We love the industrial look & feel of this half bath that South Shore Lead Agent, Katie Gerstel, stumbled upon while showing properties to a client.

Make it bold

Bring in that fun color that you wouldn’t dare apply to a more prominent wall. Seek out unique elements - a funky mirror, a cool piece of artwork, even an animal print hand towel. Try something different, like installing your subway tile in a vertical pattern rather than horizontal. This is your chance to have fun!

Embrace your home’s personality

Does your home embody a particular style or period? Carry that through into your half bath! Use period pieces and include decor that ties the concept together. The half bath pictured on the right graces a historic home in Bedford, MA, so it’s only fitting that it would include a stately vanity and wall-mounted washboard!

Embark on a total overhaul

A long-time friend and partner of our team knew the half bath in her new home needed some love. The before version of the windowless bathroom had sunshine yellow paint with a wallpaper border, linoleum floors and the door swung into vanity. They toyed with the idea of swapping the toilet and vanity, but that would be costly, and the door would then swing into the toilet. Simpler fix to that problem? Swap the door so it opens out instead of in! To refresh the dark and dated room, they made the following updates:

Added wainscoting to the bottom of the walls
Applied wallpaper to the top
Installed hardwood floors to match the rest of the house
Replaced the toilet, vanity, sink, faucet, mirror & light fixture
Painted the door

And what a transformation!! The end result is a fresh and fun powder room that will surprise & delight their guests, and provide a little joy for them as well. Check out the before & after photos: