Colour: Beyond White and Grey in Bathroom Design
For years, we’ve always known white and grey as the safe, go-to choices in bathroom design -timeless, neutral, and universally appealing. But in 2025, things are changing. Homeowners are becoming more adventurous with their interiors, and bathrooms are no longer an exception.
From earthy tones to dramatic brights, today’s bold bathroom colour ideas are all about injecting personality, warmth, and creativity into one of the most private rooms in your home.
As passionate designers who love to explore different ideas, the Creative Interiors team work closely with clients to craft custom bathrooms that combine striking design with practical longevity. If you’re ready to rethink your colour palette, our guide below will help you explore vibrant bathroom design trends, including how to use colour tastefully without losing that elegant, curated feel.
Why Move Beyond the Safety of Grey?
There’s no denying the calming appeal of grey and white, but in many homes, these once-contemporary palettes can now feel a little tired. The growing trend is for bathrooms that with a personal, expressive, and warm touch – spaces that energise you in the morning and help you unwind at night.
A new wave of bathroom design is embracing rich colours, earthy pigments, and standout accents – often with a nod to nature or nostalgia. Bold doesn’t mean brash; it’s about thoughtful combinations, saturated tones, and subtle contrasts.
Bathroom Colours and Trends for Summer 2025
- Earthy Ochres & Warm Clay
Inspired by Mediterranean tones and natural materials, warm terracotta, rusty orange, and soft clay hues are becoming a staple in bathroom design. They pair beautifully with brass or bronze fittings and bring a relaxed, earthy vibe that’s both timeless and bang on-trend for bathrooms this year.
- Deep Greens & Olive Tones
We’re seeing green have its moment in interiors, currently, and it’s no surprise it’s found its way into bathrooms too. From forest green panelling to soft sage walls, these hues create a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere while still feeling contemporary.
- Navy, Ink & Indigo
Deep blues have long been a classic for kitchens, and now they’re making their way into bathrooms. These colours add drama without being overwhelming and work particularly well on cabinetry, vanity units, or feature walls when paired with light stone or marble.
- Dusky Rose & Blush
A softer way to introduce colour, muted pinks and blush tones are subtle enough to feel sophisticated but bold enough to make a statement. Pair with matt black hardware or brushed gold for a fresh update.
- Moss, Mustard & Plum
These vintage-inspired colours are great for those wanting a mid-century or eclectic aesthetic. Think painted half-walls, colourful vanity units, or standout tilework.
Let’s look at adding a Little Colour with Tiles, Paint & Fittings
You don’t need to commit to painting all four walls in burnt orange to bring bold colour into your bathroom. Sometimes, a more subtle approach can be even more effective.
Statement Tiles
Bold patterned or coloured tiles can add visual impact while still being easy to maintain.
- Zellige tiles in rich emerald or navy
- Terrazzo with flecks of colour
- Colour-blocked metro tiles laid in herringbone patterns or vertical stacks
Use them to zone specific areas like the shower or behind the sink.
Painted Walls & Panelling
For a quick and relatively low-cost refresh, painted panelling or a colour-drenched ceiling can be transformative. Opt for matt, moisture-resistant paints in warm, inviting tones, and pair them with natural textures for contrast.
Coloured Sanitaryware & Fittings
We’re also seeing a move away from traditional white basins and baths. Blush pink sinks, sage green tubs, or navy-blue vanity units are now available from leading suppliers-and they make an immediate impression.
Even smaller accents like taps, radiators, mirrors and handles can add subtle pops of colour that elevate the entire space.
Balancing Vibrant Shades with Timeless Elegance
Using bold colour doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or longevity. The key lies in balancing strong visual elements with materials and layouts that will stand the test of time.
Use Colour to Zone Spaces
In larger bathrooms, you can use colour to visually break up the space. For example, a soft green zone for the bath and a deeper tone in the shower creates interest without overwhelming the room.
Keep the Layout Classic
Stick with tried-and-tested layouts and classic shapes for larger items like baths and sinks. Then layer colour through surfaces and finishes—these can be updated more easily in the future.
Introduce Texture
Pair colourful surfaces with tactile materials—think reeded glass, fluted cabinetry, or brushed stone—to soften the impact and add depth. This works especially well when combining glossy and matt finishes for a modern yet organic look.
Feeling inspired?
If you’ve been playing it safe with whites and greys but looking to switch it up, now is the time to explore the world of colour. With the right guidance, a well-placed statement shade or vibrant tile pattern can bring energy, character, and warmth into your bathroom – without compromising on timeless style.
At Creative Interiors, we take a collaborative approach to every bathroom design. Whether you’re after a bold reinvention or a subtle introduction of colour, we tailor our recommendations to your lifestyle, taste, and home.
Contact Creative Interiors and enquire today.
You can also take a virtual tour around our showroom here.
