Making a splash

As the smallest, most separate room in the house, the powder room presents the interior designer with an opportunity to break away from the decor in the other public spaces and make a quite separate statement.

This powder room, part of a whole-house design by architect Jim Fraerman and interior designers Anne Kaplan and Bruce Goers, is a good example. Fraerman provided the starting point, with a curved feature ceiling. In turn, Kaplan and Goers accentuated this form, with orange walls contrasting the white ceiling.

"We wanted the space to be surprising for guests," says Kaplan. "So we chose colors and pieces mostly on their own merits. The result is like walking into a small sculpture gallery."

The vanity is a repurposed antique dresser, with a Basaltina stone countertop. Two antique French mirrors and a mid-20th century French wall lamp add to the eclectic feel.

"Perhaps the most surprising feature is underfoot," says Goers. "The porcelain floor tiles have a finish resembling that of worn leather."

Story by: Trendsideas