Categories
Design & decor

Bathroom paint colour ideas

Choosing the right bathroom paint colours is important for creating an inviting, soothing, and functional environment. In this guide, we’ll look at a variety of bathroom paint colour schemes to help you transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of comfort and style.

11 bathroom paint colour ideas 

1. Serene and creamy white

a white bathroom basin
Cream-coloured walls give a modern and minimal ambience | Source: iStock

Ideal for minimalist or contemporary aesthetics, as well as those wanting a clean, airy space, white paint brings a timeless elegance to the bathroom or powder room. It creates an illusion of space, making it one of the best paint colours for small bathrooms while also providing a versatile neutral backdrop for various decor styles. 

To enhance this colour, complement it with touches of natural textures like rattan or bamboo for warmth.

2. Bold black accents

Do you want a bold and dramatic design for your bathroom walls? Black paint creates a striking contrast against lighter wall colours, making a powerful design statement. 

Pair this colour with sleek, modern chrome or stainless steel fixtures and accessories to emphasise its best features. You may also consider incorporating wall painting techniques like geometric patterns or graphic artwork to amplify the contemporary aesthetic and balance the darkness with pops of vibrant colours or metallic accents for visual interest.

3. Subtle grey elegance

Grey is one of the modern bathroom paint colours perfect for creating a sense of understated sophistication. It’s softer than a bright white, yet emanates classic features. If you dislike bold colours but don’t want to stick with white, go with a soft grey. You may also consider layering multiple shades of grey to add depth and complexity to this colour.

4. Energising earthy greens

a white bathtub against a green wall
Give a touch of luxury with green | Source: iStock

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want an organic vibe in your bathroom, wall or tile colours ranging from soft sage to deep shades of forest green evoke a connection with the outdoors. Incorporate natural elements such as wood, stone, or rattan in the decor if you want an earthier vibe. 

You may also contrast the richness of the green tones by using white fixtures and accessories and adding bursts of lively colours such as mustard yellow or terracotta for visual flair. To complement the natural motif, consider using botanical prints or leafy plants.

5. Playful blush pink

If you enjoy a touch of romance and softness in your surroundings, you might love playful blush pink as your bathroom paint colour! Adding white accents and floral prints to your bathroom walls adds warmth and femininity to the space and can be further elevated. 

6. Electric violet

With electric violet, you can display allure and edgy sophistication for your bathroom. This vibrant and bold shade makes a powerful statement on its own, allowing the rest of the bathroom decor to remain minimalistic. Pairing electric violet with sleek and simple furnishings such as a mirror, towel rack, and pedestal sink creates a striking contrast that highlights the intensity of the colour.

7. Calming coastal blues

dual-toned bathroom walls with a large mirror
Bring the aquatic vibes with blue | Source: iStock

Are you looking for a seaside-inspired hideaway? Coastal blue bathroom paint colours, reminiscent of the ocean and sky, can create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere! 

For a beachy vibe, accent this colour with natural materials like driftwood, seagrass or shells. Pair with white or sandy beige for a light and airy look, and add navy or blue for depth and contrast. To complement the beach motif, consider using nautical elements such as rope detailing or striped patterns.

8. Golden hour orange

One of the warm paint colours you can use for the bathroom, orange hues, brings a vibrant energy to the space, similar to that of the golden hour when the sun casts a beautiful glow. These hues create a flattering cast when you’re dressing up, regardless of the hour, making these the suitable bathroom vanity paint colours. Incorporate white or cream to balance the orange tones and add soft lighting fixtures or candles to create a sense of freshness. 

9. Lemony yellow

With the bright and cheery colour of lemony yellow in your bathroom, you may enjoy a comfortable warmth all year round! This brilliant colour evokes a sense of enthusiasm and vibrancy in a space, that reminds of sunny days and citrus groves. 

This colour palette, combined with alabaster and slate grey, strikes a perfect blend of freshness and sophistication. You may enhance this colour palette with Mediterranean-inspired details like Spanish tile floors and traditional clawfoot tubs.

10. Sun-scorched terracotta

a bathtub against terracotta walls
Make it cosy with terracotta | Source: iStock

Terracotta can be used on bathroom walls to bring a rustic and earthy charm to the space. You may combine this with other earthy, clay-hued tones to create a coherent colour scheme, or you may add matte black accents to contrast the warmth of the terra cotta. Include tribal-patterned decorations to reinforce the desert vibe, providing texture and visual interest to the space.

11. Bold crimson red

Red paint or tiles, particularly in bold shades like crimson, are not for the faint of heart, yet they communicate strength and confidence. Despite its intensity, crimson red has a more universal tone, appealing to a broader spectrum of tastes. Pairing this passionate colour with natural components like wood or stone gives it a more grounded feel, moderating the red’s intensity while keeping its energy presence in the space.

4 tips when selecting a bathroom colour scheme

Consider lighting

Take into account the natural and artificial lighting in your bathroom when selecting paint colours. Lighter hues can help brighten up a dark space, while darker colours can add depth and drama to a well-lit room.

1. Think about size

Lighter colours can make a small bathroom feel more spacious, while darker colours can make a large bathroom appear cosy and intimate. Consider the size and layout of your bathroom when choosing paint colours.

2. Coordinate with fixtures and accessories

Coordinate your paint colours with the existing fixtures, tiles and accessories in your bathroom for a cohesive look. Choose colours that complement rather than clash with the existing elements in the space.

3. Test before you commit

Always test paint colours on a small section of the wall before committing to a full application. Colours can look different once they’re on the wall, so it’s essential to see how they look in your specific space.

4. Consider maintenance

Keep in mind that bathrooms are high-moisture environments, so choose paint finishes that are durable and easy to clean. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are ideal for bathrooms as they resist moisture and are easy to wipe down.

Transform your bathroom with colour

Selecting the right paint for bathroom walls and tiles is an exciting opportunity to express your style and create a space that reflects your personality and taste. Whether you prefer calming neutrals, bold jewel tones or vibrant hues, there’s a perfect paint colour out there waiting for you!

If you’re unsure where to start your next bathroom makeover, consider hiring a professional painter who can help bring your vision to life. Your bathroom can become a sanctuary of style, comfort, and relaxation with their expertise and guidance!


FAQs on bathroom paint colour ideas

What is the best colour to paint a small bathroom with no natural light?

Choosing light and airy colours that can help brighten the space is best. Opting for soft whites, pale greys, powder blues, light beiges, or pale yellows can make the room feel larger and more inviting by reflecting more light. These colours create a sense of openness and freshness, enhancing the overall ambience of the bathroom. 

Do you need special wall paint in the bathroom?

Yes, it’s recommended to use special wall paint designed for bathrooms. Bathrooms are typically high in moisture and humidity, which can lead to issues like mould, mildew, and peeling paint if regular wall paint is used. 

Special bathroom paint formulations are designed to withstand these conditions better, offering features such as mould and mildew resistance, moisture resistance, and easy cleaning. Look for paints labelled as “bathroom paint,” “kitchen and bath paint,” or “moisture-resistant paint” to ensure durability and longevity in your bathroom.

What paint colour goes with grey tiles in the bathroom?

Grey tiles in a bathroom can be complemented with various colours to create a coherent look. Choose soft white for a clean, timeless look or cool blues like aqua or navy for a relaxing spa setting.

Warm neutrals like beige or taupe can warm up the space, while modest greens give a natural and peaceful accent. Consider testing paint samples to find the perfect match for your specific shade of grey tiles and personal style preferences.

Categories
Real estate & moving

7 quick ways to add value to your home

If you’re looking to put your house on the market, or you simply want to update the look of your abode without spending a fortune – rather than thinking big renovation projects and interior design makeovers, it’s useful to think on a more micro level. There are multiple simple and budget-friendly ways to increase the value of your home to have it appear more desirable, with the help of a few experts.

1. A splash of paint

Just like fashion trends, interior wall paint colours can change. Painting the walls can lift the whole mood and atmosphere of your home while appearing in-style and modern. If you’re happy with the colour, but your walls are starting to look tired, a fresh coat can make the world of difference in making your home feel shiny and new.

Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Redesigning the colour scheme of your walls, while still keeping in mind your current decor, can completely transform the look and feel of your home without spending a fortune.

2. Update your outdoor space

With summer having just arrived, us Aussies love our outdoor living areas – socialising with mates, Sunday barbeques with family and even to relax by ourselves from time to time. Adding a deck to your outdoor entertaining area can exude a laid-back and modern atmosphere, facilitating any occasion. Hiring the right expert to install and design your decking will certainly increase the value of your home, and the main positive is that decking can sometimes be one of the more budget-friendly options for outdoor living areas.  

Another outdoor aspect is the garden. Arranging a garden clean-up is simple, and it can do wonders to your area. Clean-ups by themselves are effective, but they can also provide a blank canvas for adding any shrubbery or trees, which are definitely expected to lift the overall impression of your home.

3. Clean your carpets

Hiring a professional to deep clean your carpets is a cheaper option than replacing your flooring all together, and it can still increase the value of your home. Most of us tend to vacuum our carpets, without much regard for the hidden dirt that has accumulated over the years that we can’t see. Experts can transform your carpet to appear brand new, which not only makes a difference in the look of your carpet, but also the smell within your home.

4. Kitchen upgrades

Rather than renovating the whole space to increase the attractiveness and value of your house, consider the smaller details that can really lift the design of your kitchen. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, think of replacing cupboard doors or handles. Or perhaps you’re willing to spend a little more on improving your kitchen area; consider replacing kitchen benchtops.

5. Change the light switches

Something so simple as changing the light switches can make a difference in the eyes of potential buyers of your home, or even just the impression of your friends if you’re not looking to sell. The installation or upgrade of light switches is one of the cheaper services that electricians provide. Standard white switches can tend to look yellow over time, usually only noticed when they are replaced. Head to a hardware store and perhaps opt for coloured or metal switch plates instead of a standard white switch to spruce up your home in a subtle way.

6. Bathroom updates

The bathroom is often the easiest room in the house to look dated. Luckily, there are a few simple tweaks you can do to give it a fresh feeling. Firstly, install some new shower screens for an instant lift. If the old one is looking ugly or cloudy from all those years of use, a new shower screen will deliver a fresh, beautiful look. You can go for one that is fully frameless or semi frameless, and you have plenty of different glass options for the screen.

Source: Visualising Interiors

Adding a new vanity is another good option for the bathroom. Putting in a new one could give you more storage, or just make for a fresher look from the older and scarred one that already sits in there. Don’t forget, you need a vanity that’s got plenty of storage and easy access, and one that has enough sink space for everyone who’s going to use it. Figure out what type of material is best for the bench top, and figure out how big it has to be before you construct anything. You can also explore adding in a heated towel rack, new towels and bathmats or a mirror de-mister.

Finally, it’s worth considering resurfacing the bathroom. This is a good, superficial makeover that does a lot of good. If you have chipped, tired or ugly tiles, resurfacing could make for an efficient answer to your problems. Contact a professional and see what they could do. With a little bit of work, your new tiles will give the whole room a fresh, charming look.

Contact local bathroom renovation experts

7. Add a skylight

Skylights bring natural light into your home, reducing the need for artificial light and energy usage. A home that has lots of daylight appeals to home to buyers because it makes the home seem warmer and brighter. It also requires much less energy to keep it attractive and liveable.

Different types of skylights

Skylights come in many different shapes and sizes, from rectangular to circular and diamond-shaped to triangular. They can use either glass or plastic glazing that is: flat, arched, domed or pyramid shaped. Tubular skylights are another option; these can even be funnelled through a building or down to different storeys of a home.

You can have a fixed or openable skylight, depending on your tastes. Fixed skylights have to stay in place and can’t be opened — they serve solely as a source of light. Openable skylights can be opened whenever you like by using either a manual turn or a motorised control to open the pane and help ventilate your home. These can increase your energy efficiency even further by creating a cooling source, which will also increase your home’s value.

Skylights do have to be well-insluated to make sure that they are not letting in extra heat — with the sun beating down directly on them all day, this can be a problem in summer months. It’s a good idea to find ones that offer insulation that surrounds the skylight and that also use glazing to stop heat from penetrating. Blinds are also a good idea so that on extra sunny or hot days you can screen off the light from the skylight.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

Budget bathroom renovations

The bathroom is an essential area of your home. If you are selling your home, it is also one of the most important rooms that a potential buyer will consider when making a purchase decision. Budget bathroom renovations can add value to the selling price of your home.

What is the average cost of a budget bathroom renovation?

The cost of a bathroom renovation can be anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. This depends on the extent of the renovation and the materials that you choose. The national average in Australia is $20,000. We are going to focus on the budget range of these figures and how you can get the most value from your expenditures when it comes to the final sale price.

Modern bathroom with marble wall tiles, timber basin and shower/bath.
It’s the small things that can have a big impact on your bathroom renovation / Source: ESTEEM Constructions

Benefits of a budget bathroom renovation

There are several ways that you can benefit from affordable bathroom renovations.

  • Aesthetics. Aesthetics add to the perceived value of your home. If your bathroom looks old and outdated, then the potential buyer will see this as a future expense. They will expect a discount based on the perceived work that they will need to do.
  • Added value to your home. A bathroom that looks like it has been maintained gives the impression that the mechanical and plumbing systems are on good working order, too. This adds value to your home because there are no obvious significant repairs that will need to be done soon.
  • Cost-effective cheap bathroom renovations. When you are selling your home, the idea is to make renovations that will cost less, but that will add significant value to the house. The first impression when someone walks into the space has a substantial impact on making this work. Walk into your bathroom and focus on the first thing that draws your attention. This tells you where to begin.
New honeycomb tiled shower with two shower heads.
A newly renovated bathroom can add serious value to your home / Source: Origin Bathrooms

How to renovate your bathroom on a budget

If your budget is on the smaller side of the average range, then there are certain things that you will not be able to do. For instance, you might not be able to replace walls, ceilings, do major plumbing or get a new shower installed. However, there are a few things that you can do to improve the aesthetics of your space.

Walls

The walls are one of the first things that most people see when they walk into a bathroom. They are at eye level, and if your walls have seen better days, it will not give a good impression. There are several ways to improve your bathroom walls to give your bathroom the lift that it needs.

  • Tiles. New tiles give your bathroom a fresh, clean look. There are a wide variety of tiles available. When choosing tiles, be sure to pick ones that are consistent with the fixtures and vanity. You can look on the Internet for plenty of cheap bathroom tile ideas and ideas for bathroom tile designs on a budget.
  • Paint. Paint is the most popular of all of the choices for redoing walls. It is quick and easy, and it can instantly refresh a bathroom that looks tired. You can also carry the colour throughout the entire design with accessories.
  • Wallpaper. Wallpaper can give the bathroom a big “WOW!” factor. There are hundreds of different patterns from which to choose. Suppose you do not want to put wallpaper throughout the space. In that case, you might select one wall or area, such as behind the bathroom mirror and vanity to create a focal point. This is one of the best cheap bathroom wall ideas.

Flooring

The bathroom flooring takes a lot of abuse. It can become dull and damaged over the years from water and wear. Replacing your flooring is essential when trying to attract buyers. Here are a few bathroom flooring ideas on a budget that will give the room the feeling of being well-maintained.

  • Tiles. Tiles offer the most variety of styles and sizes. You can choose tiles for both the walls and floors that match for a consistent look.
  • Vinyl. Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and practical. You can choose from vinyl sheeting or vinyl tiles. This can give your bathroom a quick update.
  • Floorboards. Floorboards are popular in many styles. The best part is that in many cases, you can use the original flooring in the bathroom. However, if you get new ones, be sure to get boards that have been treated for wet environments. Also, be sure to use several coats of a good sealer on them, whether they are the originals or new.
  • Concrete. Concrete, specifically polished concrete is a popular option for industrial and modern bathroom designs. You can lift up the old flooring and expose the concrete underneath. This is a cheap way to give your bathroom a modern and trendy look.

Lighting

The right bathroom lighting can change the mood of the space instantly. Also, the lighting can make the area feel open and airy. Here are a few bathroom lighting ideas to make your bathroom look brighter and more spacious.

  • LEDs. LED lighting adds a brightness that you cannot get with incandescent bulbs. You can get strips to place along with your mirrors or LED bulbs for your lighting fixtures. They also take less power and are cheaper in the long run.
  • Pendant. A unique pendant lamp can give your bathroom a feature that makes it unique. When choosing a pendant light, make sure that it is a design that can withstand the steam and heat.
  • Downlights. These are the most common type of bathroom lighting. There are many styles available, and you can find a style that fits your needs perfectly. They are often one of the more inexpensive lighting options.

Fixtures

The bathroom fixtures can make a big difference in the appearance of your bathroom. The little details can often be replaced inexpensively, and they can make a significant impact. Here are a few simple bathroom ideas on a budget that you can do quickly and cheaply.

  • Reuse and Recycle. Sometimes, you can reuse or recycle the existing fixture, fittings, and furniture. You might be surprised what a good cleaning and a little bit of paint can do.
  • Replace the little things. Replacing the taps, doorknobs, curtain rods, handles, and drawer pulls on the vanity are little things that can make a big difference.
  • New Vanity. Getting a new vanity will stand out and make a significant impact. It can make the bathroom look like it has had a complete makeover. You can take your bathroom from old and outdated to fresh and modern with one small improvement.
Modern dark tiled bathroom with dark fittings.
Fixtures can add real impact to your budget bathroom renovation / Source: ESTEEM Constructions

DIY

Certain parts of your budget bathroom makeover can be considered DIY. For instance, you can often paint, wallpaper, and install new tiles yourself. Also, things like replacing the vanity can usually be done by yourself. However, knowing where to draw the line and on your capabilities can save you money because you will not have to hire a professional later to fix your mistakes.

Where will you need assistance?

Although you can do many things on your own, sometimes, it is best to hire a professional. It is suggested that you do not attempt any parts of the project that require a licence, are dangerous, or that would void a homeowner’s warranty. Here are a few areas where you should hire a professional.

Contact local bathroom renovation experts

  • Plumbing. Plumbing is an area that requires a licence. If you make a mistake, it could cause a leak and affect the structural components of your bathroom. Also, there are specific drainage and sewer requirements that must be met. This is one area that is best left to the pros.
  • Electrical. Unless you are a licenced electrician, you should never attempt to do the electrical work yourself. The risk of fire is too significant, especially in a wet environment.
  • Building. It would help if you did not attempt to renovate the structural components of your bathroom. If you need new structural members of your flooring, inner walls, ceiling, or door frames, you need to hire a licensed and experienced professional. If your bathroom had water damage in the past, then you need to hire someone who can get the job done right to protect you from liability in the future.