Adding personality and character to your bathroom design can transform the space into an inviting, vibrant oasis that reflects your unique style. Strategic use of color, texture, patterns, and decorative accents allows you to create a custom bathroom that feels uniquely yours. From bold and dramatic to soft and subtle, here are 15 inspiring ways to personalize your bathroom with color and pattern.
Selecting a Color Palette
Choosing an overarching color scheme is the first step in personalizing your bathroom design. Consider the mood you want to create and how the colors will interact with light. Warm tones like reds, oranges and yellows evoke energy and brightness, while cool blues, greens and purples create a more relaxing vibe. Neutral backdrops like white, beige or gray allow bolder accent colors to take center stage. Define your color palette early in the design process so all elements will work cohesively together.
Complementary Colors
Opting for complementary hues – those opposite each other on the color wheel – ensures visual interest through contrast. Try pairing rich blue walls with orange and yellow accents. Or create an elegant look with purple accents against neutral grays and beiges.
Monochromatic Colors
Using different shades, tones and tints of one color is a sophisticated approach. For example, soft sage green walls with metallic accents, darker green tiles, and pastel green towels. Adding texture and sheen prevents monochromatic colors from becoming monotonous.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious combinations. Try light blue, teal and green for a soothing spa-like feel. Or use vibrant red, orange and yellow for an energizing vibe.
Triadic Colors
Color schemes using three hues equally spaced around the color wheel offer striking visual effects. Examples include deep purple, lime green and tomato red – or seafoam green, salmon pink and sunshine yellow.
Color Blocking
Dividing surfaces into blocks of color adds modern flair. Try bold black walls paired with a crisp white tub surround and pops of chrome. Or bright aqua walls with stripes of muted dusty rose and sandy beige.
Patterns and Textures
Patterns and textural elements add depth and dimension to colored backgrounds. Mix and match patterns in complementary hues for personalization and whimsy.
Graphic Floor and Wall Tiles
From Moroccan fish-scale tiles to geometric mosaics, boldly patterned surfaces make dramatic style statements. Use sparingly against plain backgrounds to avoid overwhelming the space.
Wallpaper and Murals
From tropical motifs to abstract shapes, wallpaper panels and murals conceal boring blank walls. Use removable versions to refresh the look later on. Coordinate with towels, rugs and accessories sporting similar colors or motifs.
Natural Stone and Wood
Natural stone surfaces like marble, travertine or slate exude elegance, as do wood finishes like bamboo or teak. The inherent variation in the patterning prevents a dull uniform look. Match these materials with neutral or earthy color schemes.
Fabrics and Textiles
Soft woven shower curtains, plush bathmats and cozy towels add appealing texture and patterns. Tropical prints, nautical stripes, or floral designs inject personality.
Creative Touches of Color
Beyond just walls, tiles and fabrics, a splash of color on fittings or decorative details personalizes the space.
Colored Plumbing Fixtures
Today colored toilets, bathtubs, faucets and sinks come in a rainbow of hues from bold crimson to pastel pink. Metallic sheens like oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel also add personality.
Painted Vanity
Jazz up a budget vanity by painting or staining it an unexpected color. Try robin’s egg blue, charcoal gray or mint green for a customized look. Change the color later for an instant update.
Bright Cabinetry
Vivid cabinetry makes a bold style statement. Try lacquered cabinets in emerald green, fire engine red or cobalt blue against neutral walls and flooring. Paint the insides a striking contrasting color for a fun surprise.
Colorful Mirror Frames
Framing out mirrors adds architectural interest while allowing you to accessorize with color. Try distressed wood frames in aqua or salmon. Or bold glossy frames in black, white or metallic.
Painted Ceiling
Looking up, a painted ceiling anchors the color scheme in an unexpected way. Try sky blue to mimic drifting clouds, warm yellow for sunshine, or coral pink for sunset skies.
Creative Storage and Organization
Clever bathroom storage provides function while offering opportunities to personalize with color and pattern.
Patterned Shelving
Open shelving lined with baskets, bins and boxes conceals clutter while displaying favorite decorative items. Use storage containers in an array of colors, patterns and materials like ceramic, wood, or woven textures.
Colored Cabinets
Cabinetry designed to conceal necessary toiletries can make a style statement with navy blue, red or green stained wood. Line interiors with patterned wallpaper or fabric for a pop of color when opened.
Woven Baskets
Incorporate natural textures like woven seagrass or colored rattan baskets to hold rolled towels and other essentials. The organic shapes and muted colors complement most color schemes.
Interesting Ladders
Ladders fitted with a towel bar and shelves or baskets provide vertical storage and display. Try a distressed wood ladder in robin’s egg blue or salvaged barn wood finished in glossy white.
Unexpected Containers
Repurposed vintage containers like silver milk pails, ceramic crocks, or galvanized buckets and bins offer quirky storage. Paint to coordinate or allow the original patina to show through.
Creative Touches and Accents
Even small details like artwork, flowers and decorative objects enliven a bathroom with personalized panache.
Gallery Wall
Cover one wall with an eclectic gallery arrangement of artwork, framed photos, mirrors and wall shelves. Mix different colors, sizes and frames for interest.
Fresh Flowers
A vase of fresh colorful blooms or a pot of green plants instantly brightens. Display flowers matching your color scheme, like orange orchids or purple tulips.
Framed Botanical Prints
Vintage botanical prints, ferns or flowers arranged in colorful frames tie into nature-inspired color palettes. Cluster in asymmetrical arrangements for impact.
Sculptural Soap Dishes
Elevate an everyday object by selecting a sculptural ceramic, glass or stone soap dish in harmonizing hues. Allow soaps to contrast or coordinate.
Decorative Ladder
For farmhouse flair, hang a short decorative ladder on one wall to display rolled towels or a colorful quilt. Try white for a crisp coastal feel or distressed wood for vintage charm.
15 Colorful and Patterned Bathroom Ideas
The following examples demonstrate how to effectively implement color and pattern into a cohesive bathroom design:
1. Blue and White Coastal
- Soft blue walls
- White paneled wainscoting trim
- White tub, sinks and toilet
- White and blue mosaic floor tile
- Weathered wood mirrors and wall shelves
- White woven shades
- Blue and white striped shower curtain
- White fluffy towels with embroidered blue anchor
The combination of blue and white evokes breezy coastal vibes, as the two colors connect to open water and clear skies. Crisp whites allow the soft blue to take center stage. Subtle nautical motifs on textiles reinforce the coastal theme.
2. Earthy and Natural
- Light beige walls
- Dark wood wainscoting
- Natural travertine tile shower floor
- Stone vessel sink atop wood vanity
- Rattan bins and baskets for storage
- TieredBranch mirror frame
- Woven roman shade with earthy stripes
- Organic cotton towels in shades of beige and brown
By relying on natural wood tones, ceramic, stone, and woven organic materials like jute and rattan, this bathroom takes on an earthy character. Neutral backgrounds allow the inherent colors and patterns of the materials to shine.
3. Tropical Paradise
- Kelly green walls
- Vibrant rainforest mural covering one wall
- White tub, sink and metals
- Coconut woven blinds
- Toucans and banana leaf shower curtain
- Oversize monstera-print towels
- Green orchids in clear vase
- Rattan storage baskets
- Carved wood mirror frame
Lush rainforest hues and motifs transport you to an exotic tropical paradise. Vibrant green walls contrast beautifully with white backgrounds, allowing the colorful accents to pop. Natural textures reinforce the organic vibe.
4. Moroccan Chic
- Neutral white and beige paint
- Colorful floral mosaic tile floor
- Metallic gold mirror frames
- Jewel-toned Turkish cotton towels
- Patterned roman blinds in raspberry pink
- Purple glass vessel sink
- Antique brass sconces
- Patterned side chair in teal and orange
Inspired by ornate Moroccan design, this bathroom features vibrant pops of color against neutrally painted walls. The variety of colors and patterns feels festive, like a bustling exotic bazaar.
5. Sophisticated Zen
- Light gray wood plank walls
- Dark charcoal tile wainscoting
- White tub and toilet
- Bamboo vanity painted black
- Neutral stone and glass vessel sinks
- Woven roman blinds in ecru linen
- Gray towels with thin white stripes
- Metallic silver fixtures
- Green succulents in gray pots
Serene and simple, this monochromatic bathroom relies on various shades of gray and natural wood tones to create a zen retreat. Crisp white provides contrast, allowing the various grays to harmonize elegantly.
6. Indigo Oasis
- Navy blue paint on walls
- Patterned blue and white floor tile
- White pedestal tub and wainscoting trim
- Chrome fixtures
- Striped woven blinds in shades of blue
- Vintage blue and white china vessels on open shelves
- White towels with embroidered blue monogram
- Blue pitcher filled with white flowers
Different tones of blue, from vivid navy to soft powder blue, cultivate a tranquil spa-like environment. Hints of white provide balance and expand the color palette. Blue and white ceramic accessories tie the scheme together.
7. Vintage Whimsy
- Robin’s egg blue walls
- Black and white harlequin-pattern floor
- Distressed white tub, sink and toilet
- Weathered wood open shelving
- Colored glass bottles for storage
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
- Baby blue vintage quilt hung as art
- Yellow and blue patterned roman shade
- Blue glass flower vase holding daisies
Soft powder blue walls let the playful black and white patterned floor shine as the focal point. Touches of yellow provide a fun pop of contrast, while weathered wood and vintage accessories lend quirky charm.
8. Scandinavian Simplicity
- Matte black wood vanity and wainscoting
- Plain white walls and ceiling
- Natural stone tile shower walls and floor
- Round mirror with thin matte black frame
- White towels and shower curtain
- Green fern in white planter
- Clear glass vase holding pink peonies
The crisp combination of white, black and natural wood generates a minimalist modern aesthetic reminiscent of Scandinavian design. Pops of green and pink foliage provide organic contrast to the neutral background.
9. Modern Glam
- Jet black walls and ceiling
- Bold hot pink lacquer vanity
- Mirrored storage cabinets
- White quartz countertops
- Glass and chrome fixtures
- Hot pink fur rug
- White flower bouquet in pink vase
- Large round mirror framed in pink
- Black and white abstract art
High contrast and reflective surfaces amp up the drama, creating modern glamour. The matte black backdrop lets the sleek hot pink vanity and mirror dazzle as the focal points. Abstract art introduces fluid shapes and patterns.
10. Spa Sanctuary
- Seafoam green walls
- White wainscoting and trim
- Tranquil water lily mural
- White stone vessel sink
- Chrome fixtures
- Woven blinds in sea glass green and white
- White quartz countertop
- Stack of towels in sage green and white
- Green orchids in clear vase
- Seagrass hamper and wastebasket
Soft seafoam green walls, calming water lily mural, and hints of sage green establish a soothing spa vibe. Crisp white adds lightness while fluid shapes create movement and interest against the static white backdrop.
11. Rustic Farmhouse
- Classic penny tile floor in black and white
- Wood plank walls in natural finish
- Vintage hardware in oil-rubbed bronze
- Farmhouse-style white tub and sink
- Woven roman shade in black and white buffalo check
- Open wood shelving to display collectibles
- Galvanized tin tub filled with rolled towels
- Simple white ceramic vessels at sink
- Dried flowers in amber glass bottle
Charming elements like wood plank walls, buffalo check fabrics, galvanized metal and worn finishes give this bathroom a cozy rustic personality. Natural tones keep the vintage vibe calm and uncluttered.
12. Hollywood Glam
- Glossy black lacquer walls and wainscoting
- Mirrored surfaces on vanity and shelves
- Round mirrors framed in gold
- White marble counters and tile
- Glass chandelier and sconces
- Metallic gold fixtures and hardware
- White tufted stool at vanity
- Gold vase with red roses
- Black and white abstract art prints
Sleek lacquered black provides a rich backdrop for the sparkling accents. Mirrored furniture doubles visual space while reflective light fixtures and metallic accents add silver screen sophistication. Pops of red roses and framed prints keep it unstuffy.
13. English Garden
- Robin’s egg blue walls with white trim
- Vintage floral wallpaper on one wall
- White porcelain tub and tile wainscoting
- Antique brass fixtures
- Pink rose patterned roman blinds
- White wood shelving with lace trim
- Wicker hamper and wastebaskets
- Small bouquet of pink peonies in white pitcher
- Ivory lace curtains around tub
Soft blues complemented by pink floral motifs create a charming English cottage vibe. Lacy touches, flower prints and natural wicker lend feminine flair, while white keeps things light and neutral.
14. Contemporary Color Block
- Glossy red lacquer vanity
- Bright white walls and tub surround
- Navy blue tile floors and shower
- Chrome fixtures
- Navy towels with red monogram
- Red vase with white tulips
- Framed navy and white abstract prints
- White window shades
- Glossy white shelves and baskets
This bold bathroom gets its personality from color blocking – separating surfaces into blocks of pure color. The crisp combo of glossy red, navy and white keeps the modern vibe energetic.
15. Eclectic Collector
- Dark gray grasscloth wallpaper
- Distressed white wood wainscoting
- Patchwork of vinyl floor tiles
- Rustic wood open shelving
- Mirror framed in multicolored tiles
- Woven blinds with black trim
- Collection of white porcelain vessels
- Gathering of monstera plants in white pots
- Artwork and photos clustered in gallery wall
Instead of following trends, this bathroom embraces an eclectic mix of the homeowners’ favorite pieces. White wainscoting and neutral walls allow the colorful collected objects to shine. The variety of textures and patterns feels curated.
Tying It All Together
When using bold color and patterns in the bathroom, consider the space as a whole. Choose a color scheme and select materials and accents that coordinate. Tie everything together with displays of plants, flowers and artwork sporting colors from the palette. Limit patterns to key focal points so the design does not become chaotic or overwhelming. With thoughtful planning and creative personalization, your dream bathroom oasis awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions about Personalizing Bathrooms with Color and Pattern
Here are answers to some common questions about adding color and pattern to bathroom designs:
How do I select a color scheme for my bathroom?
Consider the mood you want to create, the size of the space, and how much light it gets. Warm colors like reds and oranges make small dark bathrooms feel more inviting, while cool blues and greens are relaxing in airy bathrooms with natural light. Ultimately choose colors you find enjoyable.
What colors work best in a small bathroom?
Light colors help small bathrooms feel open, airy and larger. Try soft grays, airy blues and greens, or neutral beiges as the main wall color, then add small energetic splashes of darker colors through accessories.
How can I add color and pattern on a budget?
Select inexpensive accents like shower curtains, towels, baskets, wall art and flowers to infuse color and patterns. Or apply design techniques like stenciling, decals or removable wallpaper as affordable ways to add pops of color and prints to key areas without full-scale remodeling.
How do I mix patterns in a bathroom without it feeling too busy?
Limit patterns to one or two statement features, like floor tile and wallpaper or a shower curtain and towel sets. Choose patterns with similar colors for cohesion. Maintain solid color blocks between patterned elements and keep the background neutral.
Should floor and wall tile patterns match or coordinate?
It can go either way. Matching floor and wall tile patterns makes a continuous vibrant statement. Complementary but different patterns add interest through contrast. Just ensure colors coordinate between the patterns for a cohesive look.
How can I change up my bathroom’s color scheme over time?
Use color in inexpensive elements like accessories, towels, shower curtains and flowers that can easily rotate
