A common dilemma when embarking a bathroom renovation, is choosing the color of paint to use on the walls. Current trends are leaning towards colors that calm and sooth, such as warm greys, soft beiges, earthy greens and watery blues. However, there are a host of darker, brighter shades that can showcase a vibrant, show-stopping bathroom. So how does one determine the best choice for their room?
Firstly, determine the overall feeling you would like to create in your space. Do you want a dramatic, eye-catching room, or are you looking for more of a peaceful, spa-like oasis? Next, take cues from other key elements in the bathroom. Fortunately, paint is one of the last components of any renovation. Consider the tile, countertops, flooring, cabinets, accessories and even lighting. These key elements can direct you towards a suitable palette for the walls. For example, choosing a color already featured in your floor or shower tile will help pull the room together. It needn’t be the same color intensity as the tile, but in the same color family. A softer, quieter version of the tile color you wish to accentuate will give your room lasting appeal.
Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most popular bathroom color choices is white. Offering a sense of cleanliness and spaciousness, there are many lovely shades of white ranging from those with cooler, blue undertones to warmer, creamier shades. White walls will not compete visually with other components of your bathroom, but keep in mind that most fixtures (such as toilets and sinks) are also white. Consider either balancing the room with a similar, monochromatic hue, or accent the fixtures with an intentionally different shade of white for added interest.
Gray has become the “go to” neutral in recent years. It gives a sense of balance and calm to any room, and goes well with white fixturing and most tiles. I have recently discovered a Benjamin Moore color called “Revere Pewter”, which tends towards a brown/grey but changes depending on the lighting in the bathroom. It is particularly lovely when paired with white trim.
Of course, beige is another relaxing, timeless neutral, allowing you to easily inject a variety of accent colors by using accessories such as towels, rugs or toiletries.
If you want to add a little more drama or excitement to your room, opt for a soft green or a watery blue tone. Magnolia Home Paint (by Joanna Gaines) offers excellent choices in “mineral green” or “stoneware pieces”. It is interesting to note that recent studies have shown that homes with blue bathrooms tend to sell faster and for more money, than those painted with other hues!
Whatever color you choose, the right shade can help create the bathroom retreat of your dreams. Have fun, experiment, and remember, it’s only paint!
