From pops of brightness to colour-drenching or turning it all the way up to 11 with eclectic maximalism, there is a growing trend for making a colourful statement in the bathroom and allowing some personality to shine through.

This growth has been driven by a number of factors, including social media offering endless inspiration, along with a rise in homeowners choosing to ‘improve-not-move’, and make their spaces truly their own. Additionally, the bathroom is no longer seen as a purely functional space, but a room in which to specifically relax and re-energise. 

Manufacturers have very quickly cottoned on to this drive towards personalisation and now the choice is massive, making it more appealing still.

In terms of the longevity of the trend, our contributors agree that its probably here to stay, with Sophie Harrold, director at Surrey-based Simply Bathrooms, noting that “the era of homes being all-white blank canvasses is well and truly behind us…”

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Case study // Adam Wollerton, Bathroom and Kitchen Eleven

The brief:

My clients are a retired couple who really wanted to inject colour and feel uplifted in their bathroom. They felt the existing space (pictured top) lacked personality and didn’t inspire the joy they wanted. The room felt too large to them and separated, which in turn made the room feel cold. So, they wanted a scheme that still felt spacious, but connected the areas of the room across the space. 

Products:

We used GSI Ceramics, Axor Brassware, Zehnder Radiators, Domus Tiles (patterns), Saloni tiles (grey tiles), a Matki shower screen, and Little Greene paint.

Why were these products specified?

I chose to focus on quality in the space and knowing that the feature tiles and colour were to be the main event, I opted for high quality fittings from Axor and Matki, in polished chrome. A special finish such as brass or bronze here may have just over complicated the space. The client preferred the brightness and sleekness of the chrome, and loved how this still allowed the colourful patterned tiles to be the main focus. The Matki Eauzone screens are some of the most frameless we sell, supported by strong wall profiles giving the sleekest of walk-in shower designs. The stainless steel Zehnder radiator offered both storage and a decent heat output above the bath, too, for drying towels.

What inspired your design decisions? 

I achieved the brief by introducing a pattern that featured colours I could then use elsewhere in the room. The blues and pinks in the shower feature tile, for example, I then carried onto the vanity unit areas around the basin, the pattern tiles above the bath, and then painted the walls in the other corner of the room – bringing a sense of synergy across this larger space. Removing the aged tiles and glass brick shower area instantly increased light and space in this room.

I chose to repurpose our clients’ vanity area but to give it a facelift using Little Greene paints that specifically matched the colours of the patterned tiles. Our clients wanted a bright and vivacious space, but one they were still able to relax in. 

Using soft blues and pinks gave warmth and gentle pops of colour, while the stronger, dark pattern of the wet room area provides a nice contrast and makes a statement. I specifically planned the layout of the patterns around the bath to feel balanced, and allowed for features such as the recess for storage and feature lighting, the wet room for a seamless look and to be able to focus on the feature tiles.

How do you determine what colours will go together, particularly if there are a few in the mix? 

This is generally going to be client led, I would say. As a designer, I put together schemes and depending on each client, the process will always be a bit different. Some clients may say they like pink, for example. Starting with tiles, I would look into what variations on pink we have, and then I’d add in furniture that tones well with those tiles, and then paint, and then add brassware, and so on. I would also say that, unless you are looking for a maximalist vibe, you will often want a naturally toned or neutral base tile to team with a pattern or coloured tile. So that would be my first step! Find the feature, find the complementary tile, and then layer up! 

Give us your thoughts on the final design…

If I could summarise this design, I’d say it was architecturally colourful. With sleek lines, a modern look, but with all the quirk of a colourful bathroom. Combining statement colours with more muted natural notes brings balance to the space; all the while using geometric patterns that transcend a date stamped ‘fad’, and offering a fun, enjoyable, and practical space executed to the highest quality.

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Case study // Sophie Harrold, Simply Bathrooms Ltd

The brief:

This bathroom previously (pictured top) felt dark and uninspiring, which had a negative impact on the client’s mood in the mornings. She said: “it was making me feel so depressed every time I opened the bathroom door!”. With upcoming renovations planned for the property, the bathroom was prioritised as the first space to be revitalised. The client wanted it to be bright, uplifting, and filled with personality to contrast the slightly featureless aesthetic of their 1990s home. To achieve this, we opted for a fresh and modern approach while keeping fixtures and fittings contemporary to match the home’s era. 

Products:

We used Ca’ Pietra’s Rialto Terrazzo and Foundry tiles, plus Tunstall in fluted white and fern to tie together all the colour combinations together. We used a fluted white wall-hung vanity unit by Saneux, brushed brass fixtures from Coalbrook, a custom-made Spark & Bell light, Drench Crittall-style screen, and a recessed mirror cabinet.

Why were these products specified?

Instead of matching tones rigidly, we worked with tonal contrasts, such as two greens with yellow undertones, to add depth and interest. This playful approach avoids a “matchy-matchy” look and feels sophisticated yet unexpected. I try to use more unexpected colour combinations within our bathroom designs, the less obvious choices can really elevate the space.

The pink concrete basin and light subtly draw out the pink tones in the terrazzo tiles, creating cohesion, while the wall-mounted fixtures and mirrored storage cabinets keep the room open, while layered textures prevent it from appearing stark.

The brass fittings add warmth and elegance, standing out beautifully against the greens and pinks. I always consider brassware shades alongside tiling to ensure they complement the overall aesthetic and that it adds value to the design. 

This was a small space so we kept to a brushed brass screen, brassware, mirror and towel rail – however a great tip when working with colour is to sometimes split the metal colours within a space. We will sometimes bring in matt black or white when working with brushed brass to soften the aesthetic or prevent it from being overly glam if we want a more rustic feel.

Why should designers embrace colour?

Colour has the power to transform moods, and create focal points. Designers shouldn’t be afraid to use it, even in small or windowless spaces. As seen in this bathroom, bold colours can replace natural light by adding vibrancy and personality.

As designers, we bring a deep understanding of trends and the expertise to use colour effectively, helping customers achieve a cohesive and impactful look in their bathroom designs. While a bold, colourful space may appear effortlessly put together, it requires meticulous planning and a strategic approach to ensure balance and harmony. By guiding clients through the process, we can help them make confident choices and create bathrooms that feel both visually stunning and perfectly tailored to their personal style. 

Give us your thoughts on the final design…

The final design feels joyful and inviting, transforming what was once a dark, dreary space into one brimming with personality. The balance of colours, textures, and brass accents creates an uplifting atmosphere that doesn’t shy away from boldness. It’s a perfect example of how colour and thoughtful design can bring life to small or challenging spaces. This room had no window so we created boxing – added a statement-coloured wall light, beautiful marble and wrapped the wall colour around to create a nice focal point beside the vanity area – colour can be a real asset in the absence of a window.