In the world of bathroom design, neutrals are often chosen for wall tiles and flooring to be just that – neutral. Concerns about the re-sale value of a property or doing what seems easiest have led to an epidemic of grey and white bathrooms. But now people are beginning to think differently.

Neutral doesn’t have to mean the tones of a 1980s suit or the charcoal grey of school trousers. Neutrals can be warmer and more inviting. Softer tones can easily be paired with wood accents and select elements of bold colour to create a harmonious bathroom, which if done tastefully will do nothing to negatively impact a home’s value.

What are the new neutral trends for bathrooms?

Warm, neutral shades such as beige, taupe, sage green and blush pink are the new neutrals for bathrooms. They create cocooning sanctuaries and flattering light effects. These neutral colours can be used on tiles, as the painted wall colour, on floors or painted vanity units.

Will this trend stand the test of time?

As interior design website curatedinterior.com says of using neutrals in bathroom design,

“It’s a timeless decorative choice because people will always be attracted to modern simplicity and designs that make them feel relaxed and calm.”

How can I use neutrals in my bathroom design and still create an interesting bathroom?

Colour-washing your bathroom in one neutral will do nothing more than the ubiquitious look of white and grey. Using different materials and pattern is key to creating a neutral bathroom which still has an interesting and appealing design. For example you can select different tones of your chosen neutral to use on the floor, walls and furniture. You can use different materials to add texture such as a slate effect shower tray or a concrete basin. And you can incorporate pattern with neutrally-toned tiles to create visual interest.

What provides contrast with a neutral bathroom colour scheme?

You can use select elements of a bold colour to offset your neutral bathroom. Tones such as emerald green and midnight blue can be used on the floor, or a black edged shower screen and/or black taps could be added for contrast. Warm wood tones work well with neutrals and add a natural, artisan look to the room. In bathrooms this can be achieved with wooden vanity units, wood-effect porcelain tiles on the wall or floor, or even the finishing touches such as a wooden set of hooks on the wall, additional wood furniture or accessories.

Can I still use grey in my bathroom?

Yes, dove grey in particular is a beautiful soft tone that will continue to be widely used. If you feel drawn to using grey, think about the texture or the pattern of the tile you are using. Look at matte tiles to softly bounce the light around the room, and seek out more unusual tile shapes such as hexagons or scallops to add visual interest. There are many tiles with grey in their pattern that work well for floors. Light grey can also be used beautifully in marble tiles, which can sate your desire for a white/grey neutral, while bringing a stimulating pattern to your space.

Light grey can be combined successfully with a range of accent colours too, choose tones of pink for an energising lift, or head into opulent territory using jade or emerald green. Using blues with grey can give a calming nautical feel.

I want to have white sanitaryware, how can I use warmer neutrals in my bathroom design?

It makes sense to have a white toilet, beyond this you can decide how much white you’d like in your bathroom. Even a white sink can be housed in a wood veneer or colour painted vanity unity to bring it into the neutral colour scheme. Alternatively, you can switch the combination and choose a white vanity with a coloured concrete or terrazzo sink to sit atop, to be the centrepiece of your bathroom. (I used a pink sink in my teenage bathroom design here.) Shower trays are now available in as many neutral shades as you can think of, so white doesn’t have to be the only choice. You can choose a colour such as slate to blend with your flooring choice, or select an off-white to work with your tile choices. (I used a black slate tray in my tropical bathroom seen here.)

I’m not confident to stray from a white bathroom suite with grey tiles, what can I do?

You can call me! Using colour appropriately to the taste of the client is at the core of my design philosophy. My interior design service for bathrooms will uncover your preferences and give me a base to gently nudge you into the direction of trying something new. The end result will use colour and pattern to give you an inviting bathroom to enjoy using every day.