Why Coloured Bathroom Suites are Back in Fashion

Have you noticed that colour is subtly starting to creep back into bathroom design?

When we were renovating our home a few years ago, we gleefully ripped out the old 1970s turquoise bathroom suite we inherited when we bought the house. It was tired and dated, and definitely not the look we were aiming for. But several of the builders and tradesmen we worked with commented on how sought after some of the old coloured bathroom suites now are on eBay and other resale platforms.

Ours was far from being a historical treasure, and we were very happy to see it finally thrown into the skip! But it did make me wonder – are some of us perhaps getting a little bored of white?

Coloured bathroom suites were common throughout much of the 20th century. In the 1970s and 80s colours like avocado and peach were hugely popular, and further back still in the 1930s shades like shell pink, jade green and buttery ivory were often seen in art deco style bathrooms. Coloured ceramics only really started to disappear in the 1990s when most people began opting for white, perhaps mindful of estate agents’ advice that a neutral bathroom would help make their home more saleable. 

A new bathroom can be a significant investment and most homeowners continue opt for timeless designs that will endure changing trends. However, an increasing number of designs are now available in a range of different colours. This is particularly true at the higher end of the market where people have the budget to make a real design impact with different materials and finishes. 

The Resurgence of Coloured bathroom Suites

The story of coloured bathroom suites is a fascinating journey through design history.

Originating in the post-World War II era, coloured bathroom fixtures emerged as symbols of luxury and innovation. The 1950s to the 1970s were marked by an explosion of colour in interior design, reflecting the era’s optimism and newfound love for experimentation. Avocado greens, baby blues, and even vibrant pinks and purples graced bathrooms, turning them from purely functional spaces into expressions of personal style and the prevailing cultural zeitgeist.

This trend, however, began to fade as the 1980s ushered in a return to more conservative and neutral design choices. The bold colours of the past gave way to the subtlety of whites and creams, aligning with the minimalist and more universally appealing aesthetics that dominated the late 20th century. For decades, this neutral palette reigned supreme, a safe choice for both homeowners and designers.

The Modern Twist: A Reimagined Palette

Fast forward to the present day, and coloured bathroom suites are enjoying something of a renaissance, albeit with a modern twist.

Today’s resurgence isn’t simply a replication of the past – it’s more of a refined reinterpretation for contemporary tastes, with palettes leaning towards subdued, sophisticated tones. Think earthy taupes and olives, or elegant greys – colours that promise longevity and timeless appeal. The use of matte finishes and high-quality materials like natural stone and composite materials adds a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Instead of overwhelming the space with colour, today’s designs often feature a single statement piece – a striking freestanding bath, a bold sink, or a coloured toilet – set against a more neutral backdrop. This approach allows for flexibility in design, making it easier to update the look without a complete overhaul.

Coloured baths: A Centrepiece of Luxury

A freestanding bath is the pinnacle of modern bathroom luxury. More than just a functional element, it is a sculptural piece that will set the tone for the entire room and transform the bathing experience into an elegant ritual.

Coloured freestanding baths offer a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. While freestanding baths themselves hark back to the classical era of claw-foot tubs, the infusion of colour brings a contemporary edge, making them relevant and appealing in today’s design landscape.

Design Tips

If you’re thinking of incorporating a coloured freestanding bath into your bathroom here are a few tips:

1. Balance with Neutrals: If you opt for a bold-coloured bath, balance it with neutral tones in the rest of the room. This contrast will make the bath stand out without overwhelming the space.
2. Consistent Colour Themes: Alternatively, pick up the colour of the bath in other elements of the room, such as towels, accessories, or wall art, to create a cohesive look.
3. Play with Textures: Combine different materials and textures in your bathroom design. For instance, a matte-finished coloured bath can be complemented with glossy tiles or natural wood elements.
4. Strategic Positioning: Place your freestanding bath in a spot where it becomes the focal point, perhaps under a skylight or facing a window with a view.
5. Lighting Matters: Use lighting to enhance the bath’s presence. Soft, ambient lighting can accentuate the colour and form of the bath, adding to the overall mood of the space.

Popular Colours and Materials

This new bathroom design trend brings with it an array of colours and materials to choose from. Some popular choices include:

• Deep, Rich Colours: Colours like burgundy, forest green, and indigo add a sense of luxury and depth to the bathroom.
• Neutral Tones: Shades of grey, taupe and beige, and off-white provide a subtle touch of colour without overpowering the space.
• Earthy Tones: Colours like terracotta and olive bring warmth and a natural feel to the bathroom.
• Soft Pastels: Gentle hues like blush pink, sky blue, and mint or sage green offer a light, airy feel, perfect for smaller bathrooms or for creating a spa-like ambiance.
• Bold Black or Grey: For a dramatic and sophisticated look, a black or dark grey bath can be incredibly striking.
• Materials: Beyond colour, the material of the bath also plays a crucial role. Acrylic and fibreglass offer a modern look and are lightweight, whereas cast iron or stone resin baths add a luxurious and timeless feel.

Coloured Bathroom Sinks: A Subtle Yet Bold Statement

In bathroom design, the sink often plays a secondary role to more prominent features like the bath or shower. However, a coloured sink can be standout feature that significantly enhances the room’s overall aesthetic.

Coloured sinks offer a unique opportunity to infuse personality and style into the bathroom without the commitment of larger fixtures. They can be a subtle nod to creativity or a bold statement, depending on the chosen hue and style.

Pairing Coloured Sinks with Countertops and Fittings

Achieving a harmonious look with a coloured sink involves thoughtful coordination with countertops and fittings. Here are some key considerations:

1. Complementary Colours: Choose a sink colour that complements or contrasts effectively with your countertop. For instance, a deep navy sink on a white marble countertop creates a striking contrast, while a pastel-toned sink might harmonise with natural wood.
2. Consistent Design Language: Ensure that the style of the sink aligns with the overall design theme. A sleek, geometric sink suits a modern space, while a more ornate design pairs well with traditional decor.
3. Fittings and Fixtures: Select taps and fittings that complement both the sink’s colour and style. Brushed metals work well with understated sink colours, while polished finishes can accentuate bolder choices.
4. Texture Play: Mixing textures can add depth to the design. A smooth, matte sink contrasts beautifully with rough, natural stone countertops, for instance.

Modern Coloured Bathroom Suites: Blending Function and Style

In today’s design landscape, a bathroom is no longer just a utilitarian space; it’s an integral part of the home’s character, a personal retreat that merges aesthetic appeal with functional practicality.

Key to this blend is the thoughtful selection of colours and materials that endure the rigours of bathroom environments—humidity, water exposure, and frequent use—without compromising on style. High-quality materials with durable finishes ensure that the beauty of coloured fixtures remains intact over time, while innovative design features enhance usability and comfort.

Crafting a Cohesive Colour Scheme

Selecting a cohesive colour scheme for your bathroom will enable you to create a space that feels more harmonious. Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Start with a Base Colour: Choose a primary colour that resonates with your style. This colour will set the tone for the suite and can be used in key fixtures like the bath or sink.
2. Add Complementary Shades: Introduce secondary colours that complement or subtly contrast with your base colour. These can appear in tiles, wall paint, or accessories.
3. Consider the Mood: Different colours evoke different moods. Cool tones like blues and greens create a calming effect, while warmer shades can add coziness and energy.
4. Maintain Balance: Ensure that the colours are balanced throughout the space. Too much of one colour can overwhelm, while a well-distributed palette creates visual harmony.

Balancing Colour with Other Elements

Integrating colour into a bathroom goes beyond the fixtures and fittings. It’s about creating a cohesive look that ties all elements of the room together:

1. Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in how colours are perceived. Natural light brings out the true hue of colours, while artificial lighting can be used to enhance or soften the colour scheme.
2. Tiles and Wall Finishes: Choose tiles and wall finishes that complement the suite’s colours. Consider texture and pattern as well, as these can add depth and interest to the space.
3. Accessories and Accents: Towels, mats, art, and decorative items are excellent ways to introduce colour. These elements can be easily changed to refresh the look without major renovations.
4. Harmonious Integration: Ensure that all elements of the bathroom, from the fixtures to the fittings and accessories, work together to create a space that is aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.

As we move into 2024, we’re definitely beginning to see a subtle yet significant shift away from stark whites to softer, more nuanced shades within bathroom design. Whether gentle pastels or earthy neutrals, this return to colour infuses warmth, texture and a quiet elegance into the modern bathroom.

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