Bathroom Color

Introduction

Courtesy of the Alessi Dot bathroom

Color in the bathroom can be subtle, but going bold is also an option.

Coming up with a color scheme in the bathroom contains plenty of variables: paint, plumbing fixtures, flooring, countertops and cabinets all factor into the equation. When remodeling or starting from scratch, you can coordinate your colors from the ground up; if you’re just trying to inject color into an existing bathroom you can get out the paint rollers, or just accessorize.

“I see plenty of people that add color with items like shower curtains or towels—things that can be easily changed but still make the bathroom look completely different,” says Mark Karas, a certified master kitchen and bath designer and the 2008 Vice President of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Another way to add a visual element is through texture. Texture adds contrast and interest to your bathroom surfaces. Think of texture in both tactile and visual terms. The texture of some materials becomes apparent when you feel it. Others have strong patterns or designs that create visual interest. A good design will typically mix three to four textures in the bathroom. 

For those that plan on doing more extensive color updating in the bath, the following sections will discuss popular color schemes, provide color planning tips, and layout the basic principles of a color wheel.