Embracing the unexpected in bold design.

Mar 45 min read

Buckle up, be brave with your bathroom design. It's for you.

Who says you can't rock bold colours in the bathroom?

Our recent enjoyable endeavour in Bournville (previous blog) was a refreshingly-styled and well-planned project inspiring this article. When it comes to bathroom designs, many people unconsciously lean towards subdued colours, opting for shades of white, grey, or beige. These neutral tones often prevail as they evoke cleanliness and simplicity, and let's be honest they're safe and they work. However, there is a world of vibrant hues waiting to be embraced out there! Seek out bold and vibrant colours, and allow your inner style to peek out. You could transform a typical pleasant bathroom idea into a stunning and invigorating sanctuary, a 'wow' space. Let’s break away from the ordinary for a moment and explore how you can incorporate striking shades into your bathroom design.

The shift in masculine design

The concept of masculinity in design is gradually evolving. Worldwide it seems more people are pedalling away from the stereotype of grey, finally! (sorry!) and opening up to pushing boundaries past even 'dark grey'

Let's kick off those stabilisers and bring in strong and unexpected colour palettes that reflect personal style and individuality! With experienced guidance from a good company (cough!) it can be a fruitful adventure. The bathroom, the functional space that it is, can often be overlooked in dramatic home design, but we feel it should showcase bold choices in ways that not only highlight personal taste, but also evoke a powerful ambiance.

The days of barren and simplistic bathrooms designed solely for functionality are numbered. We're joining the fight! Using good colour and style thoughtfully, you can redefine that bathroom space, and create an environment that’s both dynamic and conducive to relaxation. How else should you start your day?

Choosing the right colours

When thinking about incorporating bold and statement colours into a bathroom, it's important to find a balance. Too much colour can simple overwhelm the senses, and put Austin Powers to shame, while too little will just fizzle out short of the desired impact. Here are a few colour suggestions that resonate well in masculine spaces:

Deep Navy Blue: This colour exudes sophistication without feeling overwhelming. It pairs seamlessly with whites and metallics, making it a versatile choice for cabinetry and accents.
Forest Green: This rich hue can provide a calming effect, reminiscent of nature. Use it on an accent wall or in tile patterns to bring the outdoors inside.
Charcoal Gray: While still somewhat neutral, darker greys can add depth and texture to your space, making it feel more rugged and inviting. Matt shades especially.
Bold Black: When used correctly, black can add an element of luxury and drama. Consider black fixtures or accents alongside lighter coloured tiles to create a striking contrast.

By combining these colours with textures, patterns, and materials like stone, wood, or metal, you can create a truly unique space.

Eye-level view of a modern bathroom featuring navy blue accent walls and sleek wooden cabinets — A modern bathroom with navy blue walls and wooden fixtures creates a sophisticated atmosphere.

Creating accents with colour

Once you've chosen your bold palette, the next step is to consider how to implement it. Colour doesn’t always have to blanket the entire bathroom. Instead, you can create stunning focal points through various clever choices:

Feature Walls: One of the simplest ways to make a bold statement is by painting one wall in a dominant shade. For example, a deep green wall can create a cosy feeling without overwhelming and enclosing the space.
Coloured Fixtures: Consider investing in a unique sink or bathtub in a different finish. A copper tub or a teal sink can become the focal centrepiece of your bathroom.
Textiles and Accessories: To dip your toe in the shallow end, strong colour can also enter the space through towels, rugs, shower curtains, and artwork. These items are easy to change, so they can keep your bathroom feeling fresh and are safer to be more daring.
Tile Patterns: Use distinct tiles for a splash of colour. Maybe only on one wall if fully tiling and a calmer, complimentary partner across the rest. Geometric patterns and strong tile designs can bring visual interest while still maintaining a unique aesthetic.

Striking design whilst keeping in in control is key.

Balancing bold colours with neutral elements

While it's exciting to scoot down the eccentric aisle, balancing colour and style with neutral elements is essential to prevent the space from feeling chaotic. Neutral tones can act as a foundation that allows the bold colour statements to shine.

For example, if your chosen colour is a vibrant orange, using soft beige or white on the other walls and fixtures can help tone things down and control the visual emphasis. This approach creates a harmonious look while still allowing some daring choices to stand out.

A common method to achieve balance is through the ratio of colours used. For instance, consider a 70-30 split: 70% neutral colours focusing on walls, flooring, and fixtures, and 30% vibrant colours used in accessories, artwork, or a single statement wall.

A beautiful tile choice, but importantly notice the plainer tiles in the reflections that balance the proportions.

A brave and more dominant proportion of colour that really works.

Lighting your statement bathroom

'Power is nothing without control.' I always remember that slogan from a billboard advert for trainers back in the day. Good lighting is imperative to drape your choices in the right amount, and shade of light. You have to get this right. Whether you choose natural or artificial sources, it’s crucial to ensure that your bathroom is appropriately lit.

Natural lighting works wonders with bold colours, transforming their vibrancy throughout the day. If your bathroom doesn’t have windows, integrating layered lighting, including recessed lighting and wall fittings, can cheat you to an inviting atmosphere.

Thoughtful warm lighting in a windowless room can achieve you sanctuary.

For a touch of drama, coloured and dimmable LED lights can emphasise the brave choices you’ve made, allowing you to create different moods depending on the time of day or occasion. Orange light setting on Halloween? absolutely!

A careful tightrope walk of colour-lighting implementation to keep the garish accusations at bay.

Conclusion: Your Space, Your Rules

If you feel the urge to stand up and express personal style and challenge those norms, then arm yourself with a good company (cough cough!) that cares about your vision and make it happen. There’s no need to shy away from ideas that resonate with you. Instead, embrace the unexpected, and let your personality shine through.

Remember, your bathroom should be a reflection of who you are—a space that makes you feel good every time you step in. So why not ditch the drab and dive into creativity? With the right colours, accessories, and balance, you can create a stunning bathroom that stands out and feels uniquely yours. Serious neighbour-envy!