As a matter of common knowledge, the bathroom has become the new star of the house thanks to renovation and upgrading. It’s no longer a room to keep away from prying eyes, but a peaceful place where we spend time every day, a small shrine dedicated to relaxation and personal care.
There are many furnishing solutions for this specific area of the house; bathroom decorations range from minimal design to the most innovative style, passing through classic style sanitary ware with vintage details or a strong preference for country style that could give rise to a shabby chic bathroom. Consequently, there are different ways of seeing the same environment that recently has become ever more tailored-made thanks to the wide range of sanitary fittings and interior design items offered by the bathroom industry. Compositions, mashups and different influences produce unlimited marketing proposals especially for those who want to customise their bathroom according to their own requirements. There is another way to decorate a bathroom which is very original indeed but not used commonly: a coloured bathroom.
The latest trends show an interest in a simple or vintage style bathroom painted in light shades or in a single solid colour. This trend ignores how interesting and elegant a colourful interior design that differs from the mass bathrooms and moves away from all the styles in vogue could be.
Of course, a colourful bathroom needs to be decorated with good taste and with a passion for contrasting colours. Hence, having a colourful bathroom will be exciting not only because you have created something different, but also because you can fully enjoy all the relaxation that only this special room can provide. If you run out of ideas about "colourful bathrooms", let's look at some options together.
The importance of colours
The first thing that we need to understand in order to create this type of bathroom is that the basis of this concept is to unite functionality and well-being starting from colours. Why use a colour scheme to decorate a bathroom?
Apparently, it seems a foolish question because probably not everyone knows that colours are of primary importance in our lives and that our lives can somehow be influenced by the colours that surround us. The well-known writer and philosopher Goethe sensed that along with living in a welcoming environment, colours were of great importance; so much that one of his most famous works was entitled "The theory of colours". In this book, Goethe tackles this important issue analysing the perception of the colours by the human eye, in direct conflict with the theory supported by Newton and his followers. After centuries, we know very well how this debate ended, but the work of the famous German theorist is essential to reconsider colours from a philosophical point of view – let’s dare from an anthropological point of view – and also to reconsider how they can alter the perception of the surrounding space.
Thanks to this theory we know where the aesthetic function of the various shades derives from and how our daily actions, behaviour or attitudes are positively or negatively affected by colour. For example, blue and its various shades help us to relax; yellow, instead, being a lively and intense colour, facilitates concentration and predisposes people to a good mood, and so on. That’s why colours are of great importance and a careful selection is fundamental to the success of the project: colours do not only reveal what are we, but they transmit information too.
Walls and curtains
When we talk about colours, it is necessary to start from the colour of the walls and curtains.
These are two very important elements, because they are the basis of the "palette" which should be used to decorate the bathroom.
We must, however, make a distinction between small and large bathrooms: this is essential in order to understand how we can play with colours.
Starting from a small coloured bathroom, the best solution is to choose a neutral colour for the walls, such as white, cream or beige. These shades allow light to reflect, having the perception of being in a larger room. Colour comes into play later, for example when the curtains must be chosen. Very heavy or sumptuous curtains must be avoided because they worsen the whole environment. It is much better to choose light and fluttering fabrics for curtains, such as organdie, georgette, chiffon or just a window panel. These kinds of window shades ensure privacy and make the bathroom more pleasant and fresher. However, it is always better to opt for light colours, like orange, yellow, a nice shade of green or a light blue.
A completely different solution is recommended for large bathrooms, especially if we want to create a colourful, modern bathroom.
In this case we can indulge a lot in decorating the bathroom; we can always start from a beautiful bright white for the walls, and then tiling the sanitary area, for example, with shades of grey, anthracite or even black.
An intense, beautiful blue could be proposed for a coloured but less demanding bathroom. Otherwise a beautiful mosaic with its endless shades would be perfect for the shower area. Green is also a very interesting colour, although for those who like to dare, we suggest violet.
Sanitary ware
Certainly, sanitary ware takes the lion’s share in a bathroom. They are the undisputed masters of the bathroom because without them this room would not exist. So, how can we deal with them?
Fortunately, today the market offers a wide range of colourful pieces of furniture able to satisfy everyone's needs and tastes. That’s why some of the Kerasan collections are particularly interesting when we are debating about bathroom fixtures and furnishings.
A perfect coloured toilet, considering shape and dimension, is certainly the one included in the Retro collection. It is available in two colours, glossy black or white; an excellent solution which gives an extra touch of originality and elegance.
As for the coloured Retro toilet, it will be very exciting to play with colours and contrasts between light and dark coloured fixtures as, for example, when a black toilet, a white bidet and the claw foot free-standing bathtub from the same collection in black are mixed and matched.
As for coloured washbasins produced by Kerasan, we recommend those included in the Deco collection: they are truly original and suitable for exclusive bathrooms. Their original patterns which look like real artistic decorations, will furnish every type of bathroom with style and elegance in a triumph of colours.
Interior design items
After having decided which colours to use to decorate the bathroom, including the wall paint and the glaze of sanitary ware, we can switch to interior design items. Here, you can let your imagination take over.
Soap dishes, toothbrush holders, small cabinets, original wall units: it's time to be bold! It is also possible to play with the nuances of the base colour that has been chosen, or to create a dynamism by playing with colours and lights.
However, it is necessary to pay attention to the quantity and proportions in both cases: sharp contrasts may be too aggressive and could affect the main function of the bathroom, the “room of wellness and relaxation". Colours which are too bright, if not used correctly, might become boring in the long run due to their intensity.