How to Use Colour and Texture in Bathroom Design

Colour and texture play a major role in setting the mood and feel of your bathroom. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a warm, inviting space, the right combinations can elevate your bathroom’s design. Here’s how to effectively use colour and texture to create a stylish and functional bathroom.

1. Choosing the Right Colour Palette

The colours you choose will define the overall look of your bathroom. Here’s how different shades impact the space:

🎨 Light & Neutral Tones (White, Beige, Soft Greys)
✔ Makes the space feel larger and brighter
✔ Creates a clean, timeless aesthetic
✔ Works well with both modern and classic designs

🎨 Dark & Moody Shades (Charcoal, Deep Blue, Forest Green, Black)
✔ Adds depth and a touch of luxury
✔ Pairs well with metallic finishes like brass or matte black
✔ Works best in larger bathrooms or as a feature

🎨 Earthy & Natural Hues (Terracotta, Olive Green, Warm Browns)
✔ Creates a calming, organic feel
✔ Complements timber vanities and stone finishes
✔ Pairs well with matte or textured surfaces

🎨 Bold & Vibrant Colours (Mustard, Teal, Blush Pink)
✔ Adds personality and a unique touch
✔ Best used in moderation (feature walls, vanities, or accents)
✔ Works well with neutral backdrops for balance

Tip: Stick to three main colours in your bathroom design—one dominant, one secondary, and one accent colour.

2. Adding Texture for Depth & Interest

A bathroom with only flat, smooth surfaces can feel cold and sterile. Texture brings warmth, depth, and character to the space.

Ways to Introduce Texture:

🛁 Tiles with Surface Variation
✔ Matte, gloss, or textured tiles create contrast
✔ Handmade-look tiles add depth and uniqueness
✔ Stone-look tiles provide an organic, natural feel

🛁 Natural Materials
✔ Timber vanities or shelving add warmth
✔ Marble or stone benchtops create luxury
✔ Woven baskets and linen towels soften the space

🛁 Feature Walls & Patterns
✔ Herringbone or chevron tiles for a striking effect
✔ Fluted glass for a soft, textured look
✔ VJ panelling or rendered walls for a modern yet rustic touch

3. Mixing Colour & Texture for Balance

🔹 Pair smooth surfaces with rough textures – Glossy tiles with matte vanities, or polished stone with timber accents.
🔹 Contrast light and dark elements – A dark vanity against white tiles, or a soft pastel wall with bold black tapware.
🔹 Use natural tones with raw textures – Earthy colour palettes pair well with timber and brushed finishes.

4. Choosing the Right Finishes

Finishes play a big role in bringing your colour and texture choices together.

✔ Matte finishes – Soft, subtle, and modern (great for tiles, vanities, and walls).
✔ Glossy surfaces – Reflect light and create a clean, polished look (best for smaller bathrooms).
✔ Brushed metals – Tapware in brushed gold, nickel, or black adds elegance.
✔ Raw materials – Timber, stone, and concrete create a natural, high-end feel.

5. Bringing It All Together

The key to a beautifully designed bathroom is balance—too much texture can feel overwhelming, while a lack of contrast can feel flat.

✔ Keep the main elements neutral and timeless (tiles, walls), and introduce bold colours or textures through accents (vanities, tapware, feature walls).
✔ Use natural light to enhance textures—matte finishes absorb light, while glossy surfaces reflect it.
✔ Add soft elements like towels, plants, and accessories to complete the look.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Balanced Bathroom

A thoughtful mix of colour and texture creates a bathroom that feels both stylish and functional. By carefully selecting finishes, materials, and tones, you can design a space that’s both visually stunning and comfortable to use.

At Custom Bathroom Creations, we help you find the perfect balance of colour, texture, and materials to suit your style.

Need expert guidance? Contact us today to start your bathroom transformation!