Bathrooms have changed a lot over the years. The room still serves the same function – it’s where you start the day, after all. But everyone now recognizes that how you design the space can affect your mood and feelings for the rest of the day. Some bathrooms feel warm and inviting, others will help you start the day on the right note.

The colours you choose for the bathroom play a prominent role in creating the overall atmosphere. While materials (tile or stone?) and decor (mirrors, bench, etc.) contribute to the end result, colour matters so much in a small area like the bathroom. Even if you don’t change anything else in the bathroom, repainting the walls with a new colour can be a great summer project. It can transform a dated bathroom or change the way you feel when spending time there.

Before selecting a colour palette

Before you dive into picking colours, keep a few things in mind. Perhaps the most important is to know what kind of room you want. Some people want a relaxing space where they can let go of stress. Others prefer a bathroom that will energize them for the day ahead. Bathrooms can be spa-like zen retreats, luxurious powder rooms, or playful rooms for kids’ bath time. Depending on the purpose, you may want to look into light pastels, bold jewel tones, or bright primary colours.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour for bathrooms. The small space means you can try out a bold colour scheme that would never fit in a large living room. Since bathroom doors are generally closed, you don’t have to worry about matching the exact style to the rest of the house either. A large, open floor plan with living, dining and kitchen needs to look cohesive. But a bathroom that no one sees until they open the door? You can indulge your creative side as much as you like here. 

Since bathrooms tend to be smaller areas, don’t go overboard with colours. One primary colour with one or two accent shades is plenty for most bathrooms. Remember that your bath products, towels, and other accessories will also bring in some colour so it’s best to keep it to 2 – 3 shades. 

Colour trends for 2022

If you’re looking for a change of pace from the same old bathroom you’ve been looking at for the last few years, then this year’s colour trends provide plenty of inspiration. From warm earthy tones to pale blues, from soft greens to bold black, there is an option for every design style.

Warm, earthy tones

Whether your bathroom gets lots of sunlight or not, warm earthy tones like terracotta or taupe will make the room look inviting. Instead of the default greys or white, these tones welcome you into the space and invoke a feeling of coziness. Earthy tones abound in nature, so you can use natural materials like stone to complete the overall look. A vanity in natural wood colours can look stunning against a beige or even white background.

Cool blues

Many of us continue to work from home and want to create areas that are calm and promote mental health. In this case, soft blues work very well. Light teal or aqua colours can make your bathroom feel like a beach or lakeside, especially if you have white trim. If you like the concept of outdoor bathrooms but just can’t make it work, then try painting the walls and ceiling a sky blue to evoke a similar feeling. 

Natural and organic greens

Green is a great colour to create a soothing ambiance as it’s associated with greenery and nature. Paint all the walls in cool greens such as eucalyptus, seafoam, or celadon to create a soothing atmosphere. Warm greens like sage, olive, or moss work well if you’re able to add some natural plants to the room by hanging some pots or on a windowsill.

Bold blacks and charcoal greys

The general rule of thumb for small spaces has always been to use light colours and avoid dark shades. But bold colours like intense black or deep charcoal greys are making their way into the bathroom. For a modern look, pairing midnight black with bright white can create a sophisticated bathroom that’s perfect for a small powder room or even a large master bath. If you prefer less contrast, you can try softer blacks that lean more towards grey. Pair it with ivory or eggshell white to create a cozier feel.

Jewel tones

What if you want a glam or luxurious bathroom? Then you might want to try intense shades of blue, purple, or green on the walls. These jewel tones might not work in a large space but can be just right for a guest bath or powder room. These colours work even better if you have bath fixtures in metallic finishes like gold, rose gold, or bronze.