Part 4- Designing Your Bathroom Like a Professional: Insider Tips to Create a Designer Look

Welcome to the next installment in our series on designing your bathroom!

This week, we’re diving into the vibrant world of colour and how it can dramatically enhance the atmosphere of your space. Choosing the right colour palette is crucial in creating a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but also feels inviting and relaxing.

Remember, colour doesn't have to be limited to just the paint on the walls; it can also be expressed through tiles, the colour of your vanity unit, and even accessories like lighting and decor.

From understanding how light influences colour perception to exploring the best shades for your bathroom style, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to select hues that bring your vision to life. Let’s get started on making your bathroom a true reflection of your style!

Project: Lady of the Manor. A dark painted vanity unit against neutral walls and ceiling. Note how I brought the paint on to the ceiling for a cosier feel.

1. Light Direction Matters

• The quality of light, the time of day, and even the season can dramatically influence how we perceive colour in a space. This makes it tricky to anticipate how your chosen paint will look once applied. One effective strategy for outsmarting unfavourable light conditions is to consider the orientation of your bathroom.

• South-Facing Rooms: These rooms are often bathed in warm light from morning to evening, making them among the easiest to decorate. When choosing colours here, you can be more adventurous, as the warm light enhances almost any palette.

• North-Facing Rooms: In contrast, northern light tends to accentuate the cooler tones in colours. If you're using lighter shades in these spaces, it's wise to steer clear of anything with a green or grey undertone. Instead, opt for yellow-based colours like Farrow & Ball’s New White, or White Tie, which help to bounce light around the room and create a more inviting atmosphere. Adding a mirror can also amplify natural light, brightening up the space.

• West-Facing Rooms: West-facing spaces receive cooler light in the morning but bright, warmer light in the afternoon. Think about when you plan to use the room most—if it's during the latter part of the day, warm tones will complement the bright light beautifully.

• East-Facing Rooms: These rooms enjoy sun in the morning, which can create a cheerful and uplifting environment. However, as the day progresses, the light turns cooler and more muted. Consider your usage patterns; if you often use the bathroom in the morning, choose colours that can harmonize with this bright morning light while still looking appealing in the softer evening light.

By taking the orientation and lighting conditions into account, you can make a more informed decision about your paint colours, ensuring your bathroom feels bright and welcoming at all times.

Project: Lady of the Manor. Colour was introduced in this bathroom through the soft pink tiles in the shower.

Project: All the Views. Rub a dub dub, let’s paint the tub!

As we wrap up our exploration of bathroom colour schemes, I hope you feel inspired to select hues that truly reflect your style and enhance the ambiance of your space.

We are nearing the end of this series, next week, I’ll be sharing the final part, where we’ll discuss all things finishing touches to bring your bathroom design together.