Accents

Powder Room Panache

Ready for guests? As the party season nears, these two designers share their tips for making one of the most frequently used spaces pretty — and practical.

Tanya Zager Chisholm

2465

AK Design & Accents

Who: Armina Kasprowicz, ASID, is a Rochester Hills-based award-winning designer who, for more than a decade, has created harmony between function, aesthetics, comfort, and lifestyle in her designs. Kasprowicz’s clients appreciate her eye for quality and respect her attention to detail, and they value the time and expertise it requires to execute a masterful design. With regard to her design philosophy, the designer says, “Interior design is much like a masterpiece painting; it’s highly personal and multilayered, and should evoke a strong feeling of appreciation.”

Inspiration Reflection: A simple, yet beautiful, mirror with an interesting textural pattern set the design tone of this elegant powder room in a Rochester Hills home. “The mirror was the inspiration for the room,” Kasprowicz says. “Then we opted for a mixture of materials to create a powder room that exemplifies modern simplicity.”

Info: 248-853-6387, akdesignandaccents.com

“A powder room is a place (where) you can really design something a little different. Consider a bold color or texture, or go for a patterned wallpaper.” — Armina Kasprowicz

Tray Bien: Bone gray tray (for linen towels), $155, Restoration Hardware, Somerset Collection, Troy. “Thoughtful accessories,” Kasprowicz says, “always create an inviting space for guests.”

Pretty Pewter: Apothecary pewter accessories — soap dispenser, $119, Restoration Hardware, Somerset Collection, Troy

Clearly Gorgeous: Clearlight orb, Barbara Barry/Global Views, $198, AK Design & Accents. “I love how the light creates shadows,” Kasprowicz says.

Barbara S. Bell Design

Who: Designer Barbara S. Bell received a Bachelor of Science, Master of Architecture, and Master of Urban Planning — all with honors — from the University of Michigan. After working with other firms, the Bloomfield Hills-based designerwent out on her own in 2003, and she recently won a first- place Detroit Home Design Award for kitchen design. Her philosophy: “From traditional small-town main streets to larger urban infill projects, one common theme remains: People want to feel a sense of belonging. People want to feel a sense of ownership and pride over the spaces in which they reside.”

Info: 248-703-2664, bsbdesigns.com

Mesh With Modern: “The goal for this powder room,” designer Barbara Bell says, “was to create a sleek and modern look for homeowners Meagan and David Tessler that is crisp, inviting, and clean for guests, yet still ties in with the modern industrial interior design of the rest of their Birmingham home.” Of note: the eclectic Kaiser Suidan jack created by Kaiser Suidan Next Step Studio & Gallery, Ferndale (nextstepstudio.com). “There are several more jacks hanging on a second-floor wall.”

“With a door swung open against a wall, and direct access to the main foyer, a powder room can sometimes give one of the first impressions of a home.” — Barbara S. Bell

Light the Way: Spillray wall sconces, Y Lighting, $389/ea., Barbara S. Bell Design. “These are simple,” Bell says, “and can transition between two styles (the house has a farmhouse exterior/ industrial interior).”

On Tap: Grohe Essence Widespread (three-hole basin) Faucet in chrome, $479, Advanced Plumbing, Walled Lake. “This is modern and sleek,” Bell says, “in keeping with the industrial design of the home.”