Add drama
When it comes to decor, the sky’s the limit – from vanities topped with deeply veined marble, to dramatic, flower-laden wallpaper. “I love using dark colours and lots of pattern in a powder room,” says Ayrton-Grime. “Try pairing burgundy reds and chocolate browns with brass hardware to add warmth, and marble flooring to bring in light. For extra wow factor, I love to add patterned wallpaper, such as leopard print. When cloakrooms lack natural light, embracing darker shades in this way is often the best option, as bright, white walls can feel flat and less inviting.”
Be clever with paper and panelling
The key with wallcoverings is to take a cohesive approach. “I always encourage an ‘all-over’ look,” says Stephens. “Painting or wallpapering the whole space gives a great all-encompassing effect. I use bold florals or botanical wallpapers as they create unexpected visual impact. Remember too that the ceiling is your fifth wall, so consider painting it a strong colour, pulling out a tone from the wallpaper, or even papering it as well as the walls. If you have a window, coordinate the window dressing – use a fun trim or braid to introduce a playful element. If you have no natural light, painting the room in a high-gloss finish allows the light that you’ve added to bounce around, countering darkness.”
A smart option is to paper the upper half of the wall and introduce panelling beneath, with woodwork painted in a bold, corresponding tone. Consider a gloss finish on woodwork to add glamour. For an array of pack-a-punch wallpapers, try Pierre Frey, House of Hackney and Cole & Son. “A cost-effective option is to buy wallpaper from Etsy,” adds Ayrton-Grime, who sourced unusual, quality options there for two of her latest cloakroom renos.