29 Apr Top 10 Alternative hues to White for your bathroom – Spring 2014

The all-white bathroom is a familiar design icon—white walls, marble vanity top, gleaming porcelain, plush white towels. But this minimalist palette leaves many people wanting more.  Colors can help invigorate you in the morning, relax you in the evening, or simply make you smile at any time of the day. Here are 10 inviting spaces with a range of hues, from pale and ethereal to dark and dramatic, make their mark.

Straw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The peaceful quality of pale straw combined with white is undeniable. Elegant details in this serene setting include thick ceiling molding, glass knobs on the vanity, and a corner cabinet. The valance, upholstered ottoman, and bath towel carry the straw color around the room.

Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown walls create a cozy feeling in a bathroom but can run the risk of feeling too dark. To find the right balance, choose a light-to-medium shade like this one and balance it with white on floors and woodwork. The crystal chandelier adds a playful touch to the space.

Periwinkle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cheerful blue-purple as fresh as the flower itself, periwinkle is a fun color to use in the bath. The claw foot tub underscore this room’s cottage charm. A single, bold work of art looks stunning against the colorful backdrop.

Navy Blue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At once traditional and a bit unexpected, navy blue makes a strong statement in the bath. Ample use of white keeps the dark color from overpowering the small space. The striated marble vanity top and tiny tile pattern on the floor add texture to the scene.

Caramel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delicate details like an etched glass mirror and a crystal chandelier reflect the easy elegance of this powder room’s caramel-and-white palette. A pedestal sink and brass accessories keep the look simple, allowing the walls to command full attention.

Sage Green

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The soft sage chosen for this bath recalls the beauty of the great outdoors. White tiles and warm wooden floors complement the color of the walls. The narrow band of green tiles around the room adds a pleasing accent.

Gray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shades of gray from pale fog to deep charcoal are widely used in American homes today. The sophisticated appeal of this color family is apparent in this master bath, where light-gray walls set the tone.

Peach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only does the color peach look beautiful when it’s combined with white, the hue also casts a warm glow over the skin, enhancing one’s complexion in the mirror. Fresh flowers—especially an arrangement that coordinates with the colors in the room—are always a pretty touch in a bath.

Sky Blue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The inspiration for the tranquil blue walls of this master bath came from the view outside the window. The color also complements the old-fashioned details of the room, including the fixtures, subway tile, and marble-topped wooden vanity.

Lavender

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are endless choices for nearly white paint colors that have a hint of another hue—like this ethereal lavender—making them a good option for anyone who just wants to turn up the volume of a white bath ever so slightly. A playful pattern on the Roman shade and towels in a deeper shade of purple add a bit of whimsy to the room.