What makes a good small bathroom design? Aside from a bathroom’s layout, lighting, and accessibility, colour is an important factor when it comes to creating the desired vibe for your small bathroom.
Think about other bathrooms you’ve walked into before. Chances are, the owners have used colour strategically to evoke a certain atmosphere – from a soft, earthy palette at a day spa, to opulent jewel tones in an expensive hotel bathroom.
Whether you’re a complete beginner at interior design or want a deeper understanding of colour theory, here’s a quick primer on the basics and some trending colour schemes to get you brainstorming for your small bathroom design.
How different colours impact your mood
Colour has long been used to influence our state of being. From art therapy to food advertising, different colours can inspire certain emotions depending on where and how it is applied.
For example, red can turn up the energy and sense of warmth in a room, but it can also make a room feel smaller.
Green, which recalls thoughts of nature, can feel relaxing and even refreshing – an ideal colour to use in environments like a hospital where healing and revitalisation is desired.
As you might have guessed, blue is generally associated with feelings of calm and trust, whereas yellow is a bright and punchy colour that injects positive energy and optimism into a space.
Of course, the look and feel of your bathroom can be augmented depending on what exact tint, shade, or tone you choose, and how you mix it with other colours.
Ideas for building your small bathroom colour palette
The first thing you’ll want to decide is, how do you want your bathroom to make you feel?
Do you want it to be an energising space to get ready in the morning, or a calming environment where you can enjoy a long soak in your bathtub and rest your eyes?
Next, there are a few different ways to pick and pair different colours into a combination that is pleasing to the eye:
- A complementary colour scheme, where you choose colours that lie opposite to each other on the colour wheel.
- An analogous colour scheme, which consists of colours that are closest to each other on the colour wheel.
- If you’re willing to experiment more, you can try a tetradic colour scheme, which combines two sets of complementary colours.
- For a simpler yet just as impactful look, you can try a monochromatic colour scheme which uses just one colour in various tints, shades, and tones.
When it comes to applying your chosen palette to your bathroom, you don’t have to go all out and paint all the walls yellow!
To avoid overwhelming the eye or hurting your chances of selling your home in the future (some colours can make your bathroom difficult to photograph), you can add pops of colour here and there with a feature wall, tiling, or small decorative objects.
On the other hand, if you want to stick with neutral colours, you can keep things interesting by experimenting with different textures and materials to create some contrast, such as marble tiles or brass tapware.
If you’re not really sure what colour combinations are in vogue right now and want something fresh, here are some of the most popular bathroom colour schemes right now:
Serene blues and greens
The modern bathroom is more than a utilitarian space; it is an oasis for relaxation, a private room to pamper oneself after a long day. Why go out again when you can recharge in the comfort of your own bathroom?
Transforming your bathroom into a spa is a popular trend amongst homeowners today, and using colours like cerulean and jade green can help create this soothing atmosphere.
High-contrast black and white
Neutral colours like black, white, and gray will never go out of fashion, and they can make a big impression when applied in a monochrome scheme or used to highlight features like tapware and patterned tiling.
Soft pinks and earthy colours
Millennial pink had its biggest moment in the 2010s, but it’s not looking like today’s millennial homeowners are getting tired of it any time soon! Combined with earthy brown and beige tones, this palette adds a feminine touch to the bathroom.
Alternatively, if you want to create a boho-style bathroom, you can also mix these colours with wood-look tiles, rattan furniture, and indoor plants for a cosy space with a little more character.
Want a professional opinion? Talk to the experts in small bathroom renovations
Got a vision in mind for your small bathroom but not sure how to pull it all together? The team at WA Assett can help create something specially made for your living requirements and aesthetic tastes.
Our Perth bathroom designers at WA Assett can cast their eye over your current bathroom and provide recommendations on everything from colour, tiling, and tapware, to more practical considerations like storage and accessibility.
To book a free in-home consultation, get in touch with our friendly staff here.
