Thursday, July 2, 2009

Colors For Bathrooms

Selecting the right colors for a bathroom can make or break this room.


Bathrooms are typically a small space within a home and choosing the right color combinations for this room can be complicated. When a space is smaller, using bold colors may seem like a bad idea, but with the right combination, they can be incorporated. It is also possible to choose colors for bathrooms that will help evoke a design theme for this space and make it a relaxing getaway.


Neutral/Earth Tones


The most common colors for bathrooms fall into the neutral/earth-tone category. These colors typically include sand, beige, cream, white, tan and darker browns. This can give a relaxing feel to the room and can help make a small space look bigger. Unfortunately, it can also make a room feel too "beige." To combat this, when using neutral colors, consider adding a splash of contrasting color for visual interest. This can be accomplished by simply adding a vibrant plant in the room, or by accessorizing the room with boldly colored towels and linens.


Bold Colors


Bold colors can quickly make a cramped space feel even smaller, but when used in the right amounts they can have their place in a bathroom. Consider selecting white walls with a vibrantly colored border around the middle of the room. Bold colored floor tiles can also instantly add vibrance to any bathroom. If you are concerned about space issues, consider using bold colors only in accents around an otherwise white room for a contemporary feel.


Masculine Colors


Design themes can help designers select colors for bathrooms. For a masculine bathroom, choose dark cabinets in tones of either black or dark brown. Wall colors can be white or ivory and metallic accents such as cabinet handles, mirrors and bathroom accessories can be brought in to finish off the look. Other masculine design colors include dark navy blue or vibrant red.


Feminine Colors


A feminine-styled bathroom will typically have lighter colored cabinetry. For example, a French country design would be ideal for a feminine bathroom. Cabinets could be done in a warm peachy/pink/ivory tone, and pastel-colored accessories brought in to further the design theme. Walls and flooring can be done in muted tones. These warm colors have the added benefit of complimenting most complexions and evoking the relaxed feeling of a sanctuary.

Tags: colors bathrooms, accessories brought, bold colors, design theme, small space