The homeowner wanted a formal powder room, and Sarah Harper, the architect, was able to fit a portion of it under the stairs toward the front of the home. This is ideal for a couple of reasons: First, it’s a great way to utilize an odd space that has limited other possibilities. But more importantly, a powder room should be located so that when the door is opened, a guest doesn’t see the toilet from a nearby room. With this layout, someone sitting in the formal living room would have a view of the vanity and mirror rather than the toilet. The powder room is also far away enough so that sound won’t travel into the more formal living and dining areas. Finally, the powder room is not right off the kitchen as it was before—an option very few people like.