There’s a certain level of planning involved in hosting an event – even a modest one. But while time might be spent refining the menu, finding enough chairs or checking if the festoon lighting still works, there’s one room in the house that is too often an afterthought. Forget about it at your peril.

Because there comes a moment at any successful social event where someone is compelled to ask: can you tell me where to find the toilet? While a successful party will have guests enjoying themselves in clusters throughout the house – even in the kitchen – the toilet (and bathroom) is the one room in the house where it is almost guaranteed they will be on their own. And whether you like it or not, it’s where you’re most likely to be judged.

Designer Michelle Viret says for most guests, it’s not a matter of looking for fault, but in the quiet of the bathroom, it’s a moment to pause.

“Without the distraction of conversation, people really notice the details,” she says. “Because they are on their own, they will notice how organised the space is. It’s a moment to reflect on the standards of the whole home.”

Here is how to make a good impression, according to the experts.

Do a deep clean

In the haste to prepare the rest of the house for partygoers, it’s easy to leave cleaning the bathroom until last — or even forget about it altogether. Start by dusting (or vacuuming) the space and then wipe down all surfaces with your preferred cleaner. It’s worth going over every wet surface with a dry cloth to prevent streaks.

Given guests will be spending most of their time in the bathroom there, focus on ensuring the toilet is spotless and that the sink and vanity mirror sparkle. Empty and clean the bathroom bin, if you use one, and restock the supply of toilet paper. Viret says you don’t want to be too clever about where to find spare rolls.

“It’s great to tuck things away but giving them a clue where to look for more toilet paper is helpful,” she says.

If you have more than one bathroom, or a separate powder room, and time is short, it’s perfectly fine to direct guests to one bathroom and keep the others closed. You’re still entitled to a little privacy.

Clear the clutter

Nothing downgrades a bathroom faster than a collection of toothbrushes, used makeup and pill bottles on the vanity. Ditto for fake flowers and dead plants. Interior designer Karen Akers says a clutter-free bathroom is the No.1 way to have a positive impact on the space.

“Ensure you have enough storage in the bathroom – this allows for clear bench-tops and reduces clutter, which is always a good first impression,” she says.

Viret agrees.

“Everyone loves a floating vanity but if storage is not considered in the bathroom, everything can end up on the benchtop,” she says.

Multi award-winning designer Darren Genner from Minosa Design says streamlined storage has always been a key part of design consideration, but it has become more sophisticated in recent years.

“We are minimising our use of drawers [in our clients’ bathrooms] but where we are doing drawers, we are adding power points inside so appliances like hairdryers can stay plugged in. That way there’s no need to take the whole thing out to use it.”

Genner goes one step further with benchtop design, suggesting eliminating one of the most popular features in contemporary bathroom design – twin basins.

“Everybody thinks they need a double basin because there are two people using one space,” he says. “But why do they need it? She might say: ‘I need to do my hair while he shaves’. But that’s not another basin they need, it’s a bigger mirror.

“In our view, you need a bigger bench for functions like hairstyling or electrical equipment. Two basins take up that space.”

Go all out on design

In for a penny, in for a pound, as the old saying goes. If you have a separate loo, or powder room, Genner says it’s an opportunity to knock yourself out style-wise in a contained space.

“It is an opportunity to do something really creative as a juxtaposition to the house,” he says.

Choose a bold wallpaper, paint the room a strong colour you love, hang a statement mirror or install a statement sconce light. Given you can close the door on it, it’s a low-stakes environment to express your style – and give your guests something to talk about.

Create a sensory experience

For most people, bathroom lighting is all about function, but there is a case to be made for setting the mood with lighting, especially when you have guests over.

Genner says a sensor light takes the guesswork out of finding the switch in an unfamiliar bathroom or powder room, especially as the evening wears on. As a kinder alternative to guests, swap out cold blue lightbulbs that are less than flattering for warmer globes.

If you’re really adventurous, Viret says candles can be an easy alternative in the bathroom, and a romantic option for a bathroom that might have seen better days.

If you’re looking for a quick update, Akers says you can’t go past scented handwash and fresh towels.

“Towels are the answer and an easy way to beautify your place a whilst adding personality. Ensure they all match, all the time,” she says. “Invest in a good quality and looking room spray and hand wash – these items give a sensory experience that your guest will remember positively.”

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