I study the stats for Design Strategies.  I find what visitors are googling to get here extremely interesting.  A consistant keyword phase has been “Half Bath Design”, “Ideas for Decorating a Half Bath”, or some variation of that theme. 

I know why this is such a popular decorating dilemma.  Newly constructed homes tend to have high ceilings but very narrow walls. They feel awkward.  Add to this, I looked through dozens of my decorating books for pictures of Half Baths.  There are none.  It is just too hard to photograph such cramped quarters.  Decorating books show off spacious bathrooms. 

So here are some of my tried and true design strategies for Half Baths:

*Wallpaper.  The best option, in my opinion.  This is a safe place to put a pattern you love, but are afraid to use.  Wonderful wallpaper is expensive, but these spaces require less, so go for it.

*Use a bold color.  Most Half Baths have white or bisque porcelain fixtures that call for added drama.

*Wainscoting looks great in a country casual room.  I once put it from floor to ceiling, much to the chagrin of the contractor.  He fought me tooth and nail, but afterward ended up going home and repeating it in his bath.  This is a true story!

*Glass mosaic tiles can be placed in a large rectangle on the wall behind a pedestal sink, extending beyond the perimeter of the mirror.  Stunning.

*Remove the wall mounted light fixture and replace it with a chandelier.

*A frameless mirror is the design death of a half bath.  Choose something beautiful.

*A towel rod is stupid here.  Who is planning on showering?  Use a hook instead.

*Try one big work of art.

*Please…no fuzzy seat covers or rugs.  And remember my mantra–beware of clutter.