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36 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | November 2015 Fall Bath Remodeling Report Haefele Design; Santa Monica, CA Besides its small footprint, what are the biggest challeng- es associated with designing a powder room? "Typically a powder room is the only bath a guest will see, so people want it to be memorable and beautiful. You can achieve that with something like a splash of color or unique tile. But since they are small rooms, be careful not to make them too busy, otherwise, they can become chaotic and stressful." What do you fnd most exciting about designing a powder room? "Clients are usually willing to spend a little more money in a powder room. They want to impress their guests so they are more inclined to include elements such as a gold faucet or a special light fxture." What is your favorite design tip for powder rooms? "Keep it simple. Include one unique element so the rest of the features can be a serene backdrop that allows that special item to pop and be the visual focal point." What are some 'must-have' elements to include in a powder room? "Dramatic lighting, texture and color. Because powder rooms are small, they can be cold, so I like to warm them up with lighting, texture and color. Lighting can be as simple as a single pendant hanging in the corner that adds ambience and is fun and playful. It may not necessarily cast a lot of light, but it adds efect. I always like to add a splash of color, too. My personal preference is for blues and greens, but there isn't any rule. With regard to texture, if clients want to use mosaic tiles, I encourage them to use multiple shades of one color to help keep the room calm and soothing." Laurie Haefele designed this custom solid acrylic vanity. Its dark vertical lines complement the geometric shapes of the fooring and wall. Laurie Haefele added a splash of color to this powder room in the way of the dark stained sea grass wallpaper. "The pop of color and texture make this small powder room come to life," she says. "This room has a window, which was nice, and made it easier to use a dark color. The open shelves on the vanity also make the space look and feel larger." The honeycomb tile in this powder bath designed by Laurie Haefele adds interest to the foor. Photos: Mark Loman