Whether you love where you live or you’re dreaming of something better, one thing remains constant – sometimes the basics just aren’t good enough. Adding conveniences might seem like an unaffordable luxury, but it’s definitely possible to get the features you want without breaking the bank.

Take the modern bathroom, for example. The standard, three-item full bath contains a sink, a commode, and a bathtub/shower. But this “standard” setup can come with a lot of variations – walk-in showers, sinks without the vanity, seats of varying heights. At the end of the day your bathroom, like every room in your house, powder room needs to be functional. So today we’re highlighting some simple ways that you can achieve function, whatever that looks like to you.

Step One: Maximize Your Layout

First things first – when you’re thinking about updating your bathroom (or building a new one), the most critical item on your list is space. Whether it’s a tiny half-bath or a jumbo en suite, thoughtful planning is critical to getting the most out of the area you have available. When it comes to the actual construction, the term used in bathroom building is “wet walls” – the number of walls that have plumbing lines run through them and can accommodate the necessary appliances.

It’s simple, therefore, that a powder room with one “wet wall” is both the easiest and cheapest type of bathroom to install; however, it’s also the most limiting, since all of your bathroom necessities that require running water have to be along the same wall. Thinking in advance about the layout of your bathroom will help you avoid costly changes down the road, so a smart plan should always be in place before the first piece of pipe is even purchased.

Step Two: Light It Up

Taking on the challenge of building a new bathroom isn’t just about installing new appliances, running new pipe lines, and adding a fresh coat of paint. It’s about considering all the different uses that the room will see over time. And when it comes to the powder room as a place of preparation – morning and nighttime hygiene rituals, makeup application, hair styling and grooming, etc. – one key feature is often left out: light.

A general rule to remember is that your mirror is the anchor of your lighting scheme. While lots of room types are lit from the ceiling, installing sconce lights to either side and/or a vanity strip above can give you the light you need to complete your daily self-care without the struggle of harsh shadows or poor lighting.

Step Three: Slippery When Wet

Tackling the flooring in your bathroom is perhaps one of the toughest balances between form and function. Stone, ceramic, and even marble tiling are top choices for appearance – but opting for high luster finishes can be a dangerous stroll down luxury lane as these surfaces become extremely slippery when wet. Going with a honed finish – an unpolished, even surface – provides the traction needed to alleviate slipping risks, while still giving a nicer look than a vinyl laminate or other budget choices.

Step Four: Add Some Flair

Ready to add some style to your bathroom? If you want to get that island spa feeling, consider natural stone tiling and floor to ceiling glass to give your shower. Or maybe you’re looking for a tasteful, conventional approach – which you could achieve by pairing marble finishes with deep, rich hardwoods.

Whatever your personal decorating and design style, it’s possible to incorporate your preferences for form without sacrificing function. Custom-designed vanities and cabinets, spot lighting to accentuate decorative elements or architectural features, and technology-enhanced amenities can all go a long way toward taking your bathroom to the next level.