The question
I'm looking for a cabinet for the powder room of my Craftsman-style home. Do you prefer a pedestal or a cabinet? I like the look of a pedestal, but I prefer to hide a garbage can (however stylish) under the sink.
The answer
The original proponents of the Arts and Crafts period employed toilet paper, as far as I know, and would have been compelled to hide it. In that era, household goods weren't commonly exposed. A typical Arts and Crafts cabinet would be simple and utilitarian, rendered in dark-stained wood with details similar to Mission style and drawers large enough to house the toilet paper and conceal the garbage.
For a perfect balance of function and beauty, look for a cabinet-style sink with long legs and three deep side-by-side drawers beneath the vanity. (Ask the plumber to bring the water pipes out from the wall instead of the floor; it's always more fun to guess where the water supply originates.) Personally, I'm just not a fan of a pure pedestal, as it leaves little room for a dish with soap − and where do you lay out the hand towels? As for what to do with the wastepaper basket, my rule is the same for any bathroom: Put a lid on it.
Follow architect and interior designer Dee Dee Taylor Eustace on Twitter: @ddtaylorddd. Have a design dilemma? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.