How to choose a colour scheme for the bathroom

There are plenty of things to think about when redoing a bathroom. The bathroom suite needs to suit the size of the space, as well as your style preferences. You also need to choose showers, taps and bathroom accessories to go in the space.

Your colour scheme is also an important consideration. The shades you choose for the walls, tiles and towels will bring a lot of character to the room and could be the difference between creating a relaxing sanctuary, a modern vibrant space or a more traditional decor.

So, how do you choose a colour scheme for your bathroom? Well that depends on your preferences and the type of look you want to create.

The rule of three

While great colour schemes can have more than three colours, three is a good number to start with. Choose a neutral, a rich colour and an accent. The neutral should be used the most - aim for about 70 per cent of the room. The rich colour should be used around 20 per cent of the time and the accent should just be used to add an occasional pop.

Think about colour relationships

Analogous colours - those that are located in a similar part of the colour wheel, such as greens and blues - are ideal for creating a calming setting. If you're looking to create a more energetic appearance, opt for complementary colours - those on opposite sides of the colour wheel, like purple and yellow.

Look for inspiration in nature

Nobody is better at creating a stunning colour palette than Mother Nature, so if you're having trouble coming up with a colour scheme, think about the colours found in nature. For example, a beach scene would feature sand, ocean and sky - pale brown, dark blue and bright blue.

Consider dark colours

Bathrooms typically have a bright and light colour scheme, so if you want to do something a little different with the space, opt for darker tones instead. Deep red, chocolate brown or dark green are all great options, even in tiny bathrooms, and they can be balanced with white trim to make the room feel bigger.

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