When it comes to bathroom renovations, hue is one of the most crucial elements to consider. The hues you choose can set the entire tone and ambience of the space, impacting everything from the perceived size and lighting to the overall mood and style. Whether you’re looking to create a soothing, spa-like retreat or a bold, statement-making design, the strategic use of hues can make all the difference.
Bathroom Colour Considerations
Selecting the right hues for a bathroom renovation requires careful thought and planning. It’s not as simple as just picking your favourite shades — you need to think about factors like the size of the space, the amount of natural light, the existing fixtures and finishes, and the overall aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve. Get it right, and with the expertise of a bathroom renovation company, you’ll end up with a beautiful, cohesive bathroom that you’ll love spending time in.
When selecting hues for your bathroom, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
- Lighting: The amount and type of lighting in your bathroom will have a major impact on how the hues appear. Bathrooms with ample natural light will allow hues to appear brighter and more vibrant, while bathrooms with limited lighting may cause hues to look darker and moodier. Consider both the natural and artificial lighting sources in your space.
- Room Size: Smaller bathrooms can often benefit from lighter, airier colour palettes that help to create an illusion of more space. Darker, richer hues may work better in larger bathrooms, where they won’t feel as overwhelming. Light-reflecting finishes like glossy tiles or polished chrome can also help to visually expand a compact bathroom.
- Existing Elements: Take stock of any existing fixtures, finishes, or architectural elements in the bathroom that you plan to keep. Choose hues that will complement these elements for a cohesive look. If you’re starting fresh with a full renovation, you have more creative freedom to select hues independent of the existing decor.
- Personal Style: Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve — is it modern and minimalist? Traditional and elegant? The hues you choose should align with and reinforce that design vision.
With these key considerations in mind, let’s explore some top hue trends and palettes for bathroom renovations.
Top Bathroom Colour Trends
While classic neutrals like white, grey, and beige will always have a place in bathroom design, there’s been a growing trend towards bolder, more vibrant hue choices in recent years. Here are some of the top bathroom hue trends:
- Earthy Tones: Warm, organic hues inspired by nature — thin terracotta, sage green, mustard yellow, and deep olive — have been hugely popular for bathrooms. These hues create a soothing, spa-like ambience and pair beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, and linen.
- Rich Jewel Tones: Saturated shades like emerald, sapphire, amethyst, and ruby have become increasingly common in bathroom design. These bold, dramatic hues lend an elegant, luxurious feel and make a striking visual statement.
- Soft, Serene Blues: From airy powder blues to deeper, more moody navy tones, blue has always been a classic bathroom hue. The popularity of serene, beach-inspired blues shows no signs of slowing down.
- Two-Tone Palettes: Many designers are experimenting with contrasting hue combinations, using one shade as the primary wall colour and another as an accent — for example, pairing a light, muted green with deep charcoal. This creates visual interest and dimension.
- Pops of Colour: Even if you prefer a more neutral overall palette, incorporating thoughtful pops of hue can add personality and visual excitement. This could be through statement tiles, vanity hues, artwork, or accent pieces.
Using Colour Effectively in Bathroom Renovations
Bathroom renovations have a significant impact on the satisfaction and joy homeowners derive from their living spaces. Most homeowners report increased enjoyment and a greater desire to spend time at home following renovations. This improvement in lifestyle can also contribute to the overall value of the property. Now that we’ve covered some top hue trends, let’s dive into some essential tips for using hues effectively in your bathroom renovation:
1. Consider the Entire Colour Scheme
When selecting hues for your bathroom, it’s crucial to think holistically about the overall colour scheme, rather than choosing a single shade in isolation. Effective bathroom colour palettes typically incorporate 3-5 coordinating hues that work together to create a cohesive, harmonious look.
Start by identifying a few key colours that will serve as the foundation for your palette. This could be neutral like white, grey, or beige that will act as the primary wall colour. Build out the rest of the scheme by choosing complementary accent colours and finishes.
Pay close attention to the undertones in your hues — whether they’re warm (yellow, red, orange) or cool (blue, green, purple) — and make sure they flow together seamlessly. Colour-matching apps and online tools can be incredibly helpful for visualizing and refining your palette.
2. Establish a Focal Point
Just like in any other room, bathrooms benefit from a clear focal point that draws the eye and anchors the design. This could be a statement vanity, a bold tile backsplash, a freestanding tub, or an eye-catching light fixture.
When selecting the colour for your focal point, choose something that stands out from the rest of your palette, whether it’s a vibrant accent colour or a striking metallic finish. This will create visual interest and ensure the space doesn’t feel too flat or one-dimensional.
3. Incorporate Texture and Shine
Flat, matte colours can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional in a bathroom setting. Incorporate different textures and finishes to add depth and dimension to your colour scheme.
High-gloss tiles or vanity finishes will reflect light and create a sleek, modern look. Matte, textured walls or natural stone countertops can provide visual contrast. Mix in metallic accents like faucets, mirrors, or light fixtures to catch the eye and create a luxurious feel.
4. Don’t Neglect the Ceiling
Many homeowners overlook the ceiling when planning their bathroom colour scheme, but this can be a missed opportunity. Painting the ceiling a contrasting colour, like a soft blue or subtle green, can make the room feel more expansive and intentionally designed.
Alternatively, you could clad the ceiling in a patterned tile or wood panelling to add visual interest and texture. Just be sure that whatever colour or finish you choose for the ceiling harmonizes with the rest of your bathroom palette.
5. Consider Lighting Carefully
As mentioned earlier, the type and placement of lighting in your bathroom can drastically impact how the colours appear. Warm, incandescent bulbs will cast a golden glow, while cool, LED lights may make colours look more stark and clinical.
When possible, prioritize natural light by incorporating large windows or skylights. This allows the colours to shine in their truest form. For artificial lighting, use dimmers to control the intensity and create different moods throughout the day.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative
While classic palettes will always have a place, don’t be afraid to get a little more adventurous with your bathroom colour scheme. Experiment with bold, unexpected hue pairings or unconventional accent shades.
For example, you could paint the walls a deep, moody green and accent with pops of vibrant pink or orange. Or balance a sleek, monochromatic black-and-white palette with a striking brass hardware finish. The key is to make sure the hues feel intentional and cohesive, rather than random or jarring.
Summary
The perfect bathroom colour scheme is the one that aligns with your style and makes you feel happy, relaxed and inspired every time you walk in. By thoughtfully considering the lighting, room size, existing elements, and overall aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve, you can craft a colour palette that transforms your bathroom into the luxurious, spa-like retreat of your dreams.
