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Lavatory. Restroom. Powder room. Loo. Toilet. Water closet. Half bathroom. Full bathroom. Shared bathroom. Guest bathroom.

Whatever you call it, in every home is a central or common bathroom that serves a wider range of people than any other bathroom in the house does.

So why not make a statement out of the common bathroom?

Wall mounting isn’t just for showerheads and tub faucets. Some of the most sleek bathroom designs feature wall-mounted faucets for sinks and wall-mounted cabinets. You can even wall mount the toilet or washbasin.

The beauty of wall-mounted bathroom elements? They allow more of the surface area of your beautiful tile floors to shine.

They also create an airy, roomy feeling that can make a small powder room seem bigger than it is. In addition, they make cleaning easier and you don’t have to think as much about water damage or scuffs on cabinetry trim or molding.

Add bold stone and tile

In the common bathroom it’s fun to create wow factor with tile and stone combinations or even to choose a bold color for the cabinetry.

Consider contrasting materials for the floor and the counter. For example, a light quartz, marble or granite counter with specks of color in it will contrast beautifully against a dark, solid color floor.

Likewise, if you choose a gray-toned luxury vinyl plank (LVP) on the floor, the counter, cabinetry and even the sink can really pop.

A higher and deeper washstand

Whether out of convenience or to keep contaminants out of the kitchen, in many households the sink or washbasin in the common bathroom or powder room is the one most often used for handwashing.

Consider a washbasin that appears to sit atop the tile or stone counter or wall mount a sink with a colorful accent shelf next to it. You may be surprised that this type of basin is as functional as it is stylish, given that drops or splashes of water land in the deep sink rather than onto the counters.

A number of options for higher sinks or washstands can add contemporary style or a farmhouse chic look to the bathroom. By taking advantage of wall-mount options, the counter and sink can sit several inches higher than a standard cabinet height, adding an extra bit of convenience.

Got kids, grandkids, dogs or messes? Consider the double- or triple-wide sink or designer wash tub, which might even include more than one faucet.

Available in a number of materials including ceramics and coated metals in bright colors, these sinks double as wash tubs, ideal for handwashing, pet bathing or pre-treating bulky items of laundry without having to kneel at the bathtub.

Placing frequently reached-for items on shelves above a toilet isn’t always the best idea, given the likelihood of them landing in the toilet bowl. But it’s a great place for artwork, tile art or shelving that can hold items such as succulents or decorative knickknacks.

Consider continuing variations of tile designs from the floor up along the wall behind the toilet. For instance, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) — a common upgrade in new construction homes — is even appearing on accent walls.

On a small section of wall, consider setting the LVP on an angle or perpendicular to the line of the floor planks.

If the common bathroom features wall-mounted appliances and fixtures, with open space under them, ask your builder’s designer about corner cabinetry installation.

A tall corner cabinet can extend almost to the ceiling and provide all kinds of storage space. Another option is an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet, both in the same corner, with a vanity-style counter atop the lower cabinet.

Brushed nickel and brushed brass won’t go out of style anytime soon. But for the powder room or other frequently used bathroom, why not make a splash with matte black faucet fixtures.

Towel rods or hooks and switch plates in the same matte black can create a modern, industrial look, as can mixing things up by adding cabinet and drawer handles or pulls in a complementary finish such as brass or bronze.

Consider, too, a framed mirror that picks up on the colors of the bathroom’s solid surfaces, including your chosen tile, marble or woods.

For even more of a design punch, consider painting the corner cabinet a bright color that contrasts with the stone and tile work in the room.

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