5 Ways to Splash Color in Your Bathroom Remodel

Welcome to the revolution! It’s time to liberate your bathroom from the dull and mundane. Bathrooms often get overlooked in the grand scheme of home design, but no more! Especially if you’ve lived with a builder-beige bathroom from the 90s, and are considering an upgrade–you’re ready for some color!

A bathroom remodel is more than just a facelift; it’s a transformative journey that can turn your utilitarian space into a vibrant sanctuary. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself virtuoso or prefer the guiding hand of a professional designer to handle the countless decisions for you, let’s explore the thrilling possibilities of color that can breathe life into your bathroom.

1. Go Bold with a Statement Wall

The idea of a statement wall has long been confined to living rooms and bedrooms, but why not bring the drama into the bathroom? Imagine walking into your personal haven greeted by a burst of color that sets the tone for your entire bathroom experience.

Choosing the right color is a personal adventure. Feeling adventurous? A daring deep teal or a sassy coral could be just the ticket. Prefer a serene atmosphere? Soft pastels or muted blues might be your go-to. When selecting the wall for this grand transformation, consider the one opposite the door – the prime spot for a dramatic entrance effect. And if you’re really up for a change, go for the ceiling to take it up a notch!

Tips for Choosing the Right Wall:

    • Natural Light: Consider the amount of natural light the wall receives. Darker colors may thrive in well-lit spaces or set the moody tone you seek, while lighter shades can open up smaller bathrooms or hit that zen note.

    • Adjacent Colors: Take note of the colors in your bathroom – from fixtures to tiles. Your statement wall should complement, not clash. Or if you’re going for a full makeover, let this wall be your jumping-off point.

  • Color Psychology: Keep in mind the psychological impact of colors. For example, reds and oranges evoke energy, while blues and greens are calming.

blue orange bathroom accent wall

Design by: Mat Barnes

bathroom arch niche behind tub

Design by: @lindyegalloway, Photo by: @shadedeggesphotography

2. Modernize with Colored Fixtures

In the realm of bathroom design, fixtures are the unsung heroes. Often, we settle for the practicality of easy-to-clean or warmth of metals. But why not inject some personality into your bathroom remodel with colored fixtures? It’s like choosing the perfect accessories to complete an outfit – they tie everything together.

Colored fixtures are a design trend that’s gaining momentum. Imagine a matte blue sink as the focal point of your vanity or glossy red shower handles, adding fun to your daily routine. Mix and match these fixtures with your chosen color scheme for a harmonious blend of style and function.

Tips for Mixing and Matching Fixtures:

  • Consistency is Key: While variety can add interest, maintaining a consistent finish theme (e.g., all matte black or brushed nickel) ensures a cohesive look.
  • Consider Your Palette: Choose fixtures that complement or contrast your overall color scheme. A bold color palette might benefit from subtler fixtures, while neutral tones allow for more adventurous choices.
blue basin sink

Source: Kast Concrete Basins

Red Shower Fixtures

Design by: Frances Merrill, Photo by: Laure Joliet

3. Accentuate with Tiles and Backsplashes

Tiles, the unsung prima donnas of bathroom design, are here to take center stage. Accent tiles and backsplashes offer an opportunity to infuse your bathroom with color, pattern, and texture, turning it into a masterpiece.

Strategic placement is crucial. Picture a burst of color in the shower, creating a focal point that transforms your bathing ritual. Or envision a vibrant backsplash behind the sink, turning a daily task into a visual delight. It’s like creating a work of art, one tile at a time, where your bathroom becomes the canvas. Another route is to select a contrasting grout color, it now can be found in every hue in the rainbow.

Tips for Choosing Tiles and Backsplashes:

  • Coordinate with Fixtures: Ensure that your tile choices complement your fixtures and overall color scheme. The goal is a harmonious blend.
  • Play with Patterns: Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns. Subtle geometric designs or intricate mosaics can add depth and visual interest. You can even work with the cut or direction of simple tiles to create interest.
  • Consider Maintenance: Opt for tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, especially in high-traffic areas like the shower.
blue tile backsplash bathroom

Design by: Studio Plumb @studioplumb

blue shower tile

Design by: Swoon Inside @swoon_inside, Photo by: Margaret Austin

red tile shower wall and multicolored shower floor tile

Design by: Banyan Bridges @banyanbridges

4. Set the Mood with Creative Lighting

Ah, the magic of lighting! It can turn a bland bathroom into a vibrant oasis. Don’t underestimate the power of well-placed lighting fixtures to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Consider the impact of lighting on color perception. Experiment with different fixtures and placements to find the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. And if you’re feeling adventurous, dive into the world of colorful LED lights. Picture bathing in the soothing glow of a soft blue or a calming lavender – it’s like having a spa day in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Tips for Creative Lighting:

  • Layered Lighting: Combine different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, for a well-rounded effect.
  • Dimmer Switches: Dimmers are a must! Install dimmer switches for adjustable lighting levels, allowing you to switch between bright and cozy atmospheres.
  • Highlight Key Areas: Use lighting to accentuate key areas, such as the statement wall, artwork, or my fave – under-cabinet soft-glow lighting!
undercabinet lighting

Design by: Leone Interior Designs

bathroom sconces

Source: Dutton Brown

bathroom sconce

Source: Dutton Brown

pendant lighting

Design by: House of Nomad

5. Accessorize with Color

Accessories are the unsung heroes of any design endeavor. In bathroom design, towels, mats, and a small bud vase or art are your bathroom’s accessories – the finishing touches that bring it all together.

Choosing these elements wisely can infuse life into the space. Towels in vibrant hues, mats with bold patterns, and artwork that speaks to your aesthetic can transform your bathroom into a curated haven. Even bathroom storage can join the color party. Why settle for dull cabinets when you can have vibrant, eye-catching storage solutions?

Tips for Accessorizing with Color:

  • Coordinate Colors: Ensure that your accessories complement the overall color scheme. A cohesive palette ties the entire bathroom together.
  • Experiment with Textures: Mix and match textures to add depth and visual interest. A plush, colorful rug or textured towels can elevate the sensory experience.
  • Functional Color: Consider the functionality of your accessories. Towels, mats, and storage can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
marble shower

Design: Dama & Wood, Photography: Rikki Snyder

red and black bathroom

Design: Chango & Co., Photo by: Sarah Elliott

A bathroom remodel isn’t just a practical endeavor; it’s a creative expression of your style and personality. Embrace the colors, let your creativity run wild, and turn your bathroom into a masterpiece. After all, who said bathrooms can’t be the life of the house party?

Get started on your bathroom makeover with our Bathroom Remodel Blueprint!

From identifying your unique design style to materializing your vision, this workbook provides an organized and stress-free path towards crafting your dream bathroom.

And if you like the idea of a bathroom overhaul, but this all sounds overwhelming, we would love to work with you to guide you through the process and handle the heavy lifting for you so that you can be left to enjoy your finished space. Check out our Services page for more information on how we can help you. 

Your personal sanctuary awaits – let the colors do the talking!