Duravit UK’s Martin Carroll explains how bathroom design has evolved from functional to artistic, with homeowners embracing bold colours, luxurious furnishings, and unique wallpapers.

When planning a bathroom scheme, colour is a key consideration. No longer limited to classic white, colour can be used in a bathroom in multiple ways to create the desired mood.   

A subtle layered tonal scheme can evoke the tranquil feel of a spa, while a vibrant combination of colourful patterned wallpaper with a bold suite can be energising and dramatic. Additionally, colour has a home in a minimalist scheme, such as introducing a pop of colour with a bold bath as the focus in an otherwise neutral space.

The Vitrium range is one such example of how this can be achieved. The furniture and washbasins with their simplicity of form are ideal as a bold, colourful focal point, having the aesthetic effect of an artistic sculpture.

When designing the range of colour-saturated cabinets, units, toilets and baths, Christian Werner considered how colour works in the bathroom, what impact it has on the products and what value colours communicate. 

He felt that it was important that colours work on their own, while harmoniously interacting with each other, enabling them to be used as an accent in addition to the formation of an interior theme. This creates a presence without dominating the space, and provides a warm contrast to wood, stone surfaces, concrete or matching tiles. This considered approach can be followed by the self-builder when designing their own bathroom space.

“Colour determines how we perceive a product,” he explains. “It’s an emotion because everyone responds to it differently. Multiple colours create a kind of colour resonance, something that ideally creates a harmony. And colours for an interior should never be considered in isolation, but rather in the context of the entire space. The green, blue, cinnamon and neutral range of matt colours helps transform the bathroom into a favourite room.” 

When choosing bathroom products and furniture in a bold colour scheme it may be wise to select clean and unfussy shaped pieces. In this instance products whose forms take inspiration from simple geometric shapes are ideal. A minimalist console vanity unit combined with a matching colour round or square above-counter washbasin can work well whether placed against a vibrantly patterned wallpaper wall, tiles, or as a focal point in a more understated scheme, creating either a rich, dramatic atmosphere or a simpler, graphic look with personality.

BRASSWARE

Another element that can be used to create colour accents in the bathroom, or to compliment and complete a colourful scheme is brassware. Metal elements including showers, taps, handles and towel holders are now readily available in a wide range of colour choices such as golds, bronzes, blacks, coppers and rose gold, in addition to polished or brushed textures.

Colour in the bathroom is not limited to creating a bold statement or an exotic atmosphere. A tranquil architectural aesthetic can be achieved with a more restrained palette. For example, finishing the bathroom with accentuating chrome or black brassware works well for self-builders who want to produce a more relaxing, subtly coloured bathroom. Phillipe Starck designed his Sivida collection to include chrome and diamond black brassware and a balanced and gentle colour palette of tone-on-tone pale green, white and dark grey.  

“It is a very essential design but with the colourful twist of life. Pale green, white and dark grey can create duo combinations that fit all environments,” explains Philippe Starck. “It is elegant, joyful and functional for our everyday life.”

The use of colour is a great way to inject personality and atmosphere into a bathroom. It can be challenging to choose a colour scheme so it’s essential to take a step-by-step approach.
Initially decide on the feeling you wish the room to create and from there you can go on to select furniture and sanitaryware in colours that suit, followed by accessories and wall coverings to bring the scheme together.

Martin Carroll is MD at Duravit UK