Downstairs Cloakroom: How to create the biggest impact in the smallest space.
Downstairs Cloakroom: How to create the biggest impact in the smallest space.
Cloakrooms and powder rooms are fairly limited spaces, which makes them ideal spots to experiment with bold decor. You can really go wild with a wallpaper or fully embrace decorative paint and tiling effects.
The best way to prevent a tiny room looking bland and boxy is by using colour and patterns. This update on a monochrome scheme balances navy and white in a 60:40 ratio so that neither dominates the space, in this cloakroom in the Scandinavian style family home near Cambridge.
We used a strong pattern on the floor; notice we opted for a monochromatic scheme to create a good balance with dark navy walls and a slimmer version of the metro tiles. Don’t be afraid to use dark colours to create a bit of drama.
To save space we installed the WC and the washbasin on the same wall.
We also picked an interesting washbasin, notice the ribbed effect.
Suppliers: Washbasin & tap- West One Bathrooms, WC- Lusso stone; Wall & ceiling finish- Benjamin Moore Paints; Floor and wall tiles: Tech Tiles
Photo by Maciek Platek
Another way you can create a big impact in a small cloakroom is to use bold and beautiful wallpaper, like we did for this very compact space for our clients’ townhouse renovation in Cambridge.
Instead of making a strong statement on the floor, we made it on the wall- Arte Walls’ animal print wallpaper looks incredibly interesting when you’re trying to locate a zebra on the wall. Pattern actually provides depth, tracking the eye into thinking that the space extends beyonds.
In another cloakroom, we used a pattern wallpaper, patterned tiles and panelling; we opted for panelling as this cloakroom is located in a grade listed building and has to match the timeless classic elegance of the rest of this home; a tongue-and groove wall panelling idea visually frames this stylish cloakroom. The choice for a stag pattern wallpaper was made to create a cohesive design language throughout the house; our clients also own a few pieces of artwork featuring deers and stags.
Suppliers: Wallpaper- Sanderson, Washbasin: Victorian Plumbing, Panelling finish:
Farrow & Ball
We clearly love making the statement on the walls, like we did in this new build in Eddington, West Cambridge. Here, we used a geometric pattern wallpaper from Arte walls and some colourful framed artwork from John Lewis. It’s amazing how with a wall finish and a few accessories you can transform a blank canvas and make a real impact.
Eddington Villa Cloakroom
Photo by Maciek Platek
Wallpapers can be also used to add extra depth to the space and create an interesting illusion, like in this cloakroom on the coastal property.
If you’re not a fan of wallpapers, you can chose a slightly stronger wall colour and introduce a colour in artwork; if you have more ample space like in this villa in Eddington in West Cambridge, you can introduce a shelving; remember to fold your towels and add a few plants to create interest. Remember that your cloakroom is a perfect room to display some of your favourite artwork or photos that add interest and reflect your personality
Florey Villa Cloakroom
Photo by Jonathan Bond Photography
Dimensions are very important when planning your cloakroom. The minimum space needed for a cloakroom with a WC and basin is 700mm by 1300mm and this is with a sliding or outward-opening door. Under stair cupboards with sufficient headroom and pantries are potential candidates for conversion. For a compact layout, opt for a close coupled WC that’s less than 650 mm deep. Allow for at least 150mm between the toilet and the wall or basin for comfort. A compact corner basin might be in an option in a small room because it won’t project far into the space. Most designs have a single tap hole or none at all which requires a wall-mounted tap. A sliding or pocket door may free up enough space for a tiny cloakroom. An outward opening door in a small cloakroom can prove 5 tricky and hazardous when the space in question is located in a hallway beneath
the stairs.
Fitted custom designed storage and an integrated WC and washbowl will also help to make a tight space functional, and you should consider building bespoke storage if you’re starting your cloakroom design from scratch. Recessed niches help to emerge the storage into the wall, making it more streamlined, and provide a great spot for plants, candles and display of luxury products.
If you’re afraid of making a bold statement anywhere in the house, a cloakroom could be the place to go wild and experiment. Take is the first step to build your confidence to take greater risks in the rest of your home- unleash your creativity in a small space and try something more daring.
