The Power of Color
Choosing a color palette for your bathroom is one of the most transformative design decisions you can make. With just a coat of paint or new colorful tile, you can give your bathroom a whole new look and feel. The soothing blues of a spa-like retreat, the cheerful brightness of a beach house, or the sleek modernity of a hotel bathroom—it’s all possible with creative use of color.
Beyond aesthetics, color also has the power to make a space look larger or smaller, brighter or more intimate. For example, light cool colors like blues and greens will recede, making a small bathroom feel more spacious. Dark or warm colors like reds and browns will draw the walls in for a cozier effect. Glossy white tile will reflect light and create an airy openness.
Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of your color choices. Create a bathroom that reflects your personality and sets the right tone to start and end your day. With the transformative power of paint and tile, you can reinvent your space anytime.
At International Bath and Tile, we are your one-stop destination for a wide range of paint and tile options to suit any style or preference for your home.
Choosing the Perfect Color Palette
Thinking about color schemes will help set the tone and style of your bathroom with paint and tile. Complementary colors make the boldest statement, while monochromatic palettes have a more relaxed effect. Select hues that appeal to your personal taste.
Bathroom color trends come and go, but some classic shades seem to stand the test of time. Recently, we’ve seen a resurgence in the popularity of blues, greens, and neutral and even jewel tones that create a relaxing yet stylish atmosphere.
Cool blues are a top choice for those looking to cultivate a soothing spa-like bathroom. Shades like powder blue, sky blue, and navy blue pair beautifully with white details and natural materials like wood and stone. For a beachy feel, try pairing different blue hues on the walls and tile.
Earthy greens are also on-trend, bringing a sense of the outdoors inside. Sage green, jade, and muted olive tones feel both natural and elegant. Match green paint colors with marble, travertine or subway tiles for a luxe look. Neutral grout keeps the green tones as the focal point.
If you opt for more of a jewel tone in your bathroom, choose one dark color and one light color, such as deep purple and white, to generate visual interest through contrast. This high-contrast combo is classic yet contemporary.
Speaking of neutrals, they remain a versatile option for those who prefer a subtle, timeless aesthetic. Soft greys, warm taupes, and creamy whites never go out of style. Consider an all-white color scheme with touches of woodgrain for a spa-like vibe. Or opt for neutral walls with bold black and white floor tile as an elegant contrast.
The latest bathroom color trends offer lots of alluring options to match one’s personal taste and style. Whether aiming for a soothing spa, beach cottage, or contemporary vibe, strategic use of trending blues, greens, and neutrals can transform the space.
Impact of Paint
Painting the walls is one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your bathroom. Proper preparation is key for a smooth, professional finish.
When choosing paint, opt for interior latex paint formulated for bathrooms. Look for a mildew-resistant paint. Consider the sheen carefully – flat or matte paint will hide imperfections but be prone to moisture damage and stains. Eggshell is a nice compromise, offering a subtle sheen while still being fairly scrubbable. Semi-gloss is very durable and ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms but will show more imperfections.
Be sure to use painter’s tape for clean edges along trim, ceilings, and borders. Apply two coats of paint for the best coverage, allowing proper drying time between coats. With the right prep work and quality paint, you’ll achieve a smooth, fresh look that makes your bathroom feel brand new.
Elevating with Tile
Transforming your bathroom doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With some new paint or tiles on the walls and creative tile designs, you can give your bathroom an entirely new look and feel. Paint and tile are affordable and versatile options that allow you to customize the space to match your personal style. For tile, we’ll look at popular options like ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone along with the unique visual impact created by layout patterns and grout color. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can use paint and tile to create a bathroom that looks and feels brand new.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both very popular choices for bathrooms. The main differences come down to appearance, durability, and water resistance.
- Ceramic tile has a classic decorative look and comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and patterns. It’s softer and more porous than porcelain, making it less durable and more prone to staining and moisture damage over time.
- Porcelain tile is denser, less porous, and more water-resistant. It has excellent durability and stain resistance. The tradeoff is that porcelain has a more limited range of looks compared to decorative ceramic tile. Porcelain has a reputation for a more modern, sleek aesthetic.
Glass Mosaic
Glass mosaic tile adds a shimmering, luxurious look to any bathroom. Tiny glass tiles are combined into mesh sheets that form stunning patterns and images. Glass mosaic is most commonly used as an accent in the shower or on the bathroom floor rather than completely covering walls and surfaces. Advantages include the eye-catching beauty, while disadvantages are the higher cost and extra care needed in cleaning and maintenance.
Natural Stone
For an elegant, spa-like look, natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, and slate bring organic texture into the bathroom. Stone has a timeless, high-end appearance but requires extra sealing and maintenance to prevent staining, etching, and damage over time from moisture. Cost is another consideration, as natural stone tends to be more expensive, especially for rarer and more exotic varieties.
Creating Visual Interest:
When selecting tiles for your bathroom renovation, don’t forget to consider the overall layout pattern. Creative tile patterns can add visual interest, dimension, and personality to your space. Here are some popular tile pattern options to consider:
Herringbone
The classic herringbone pattern features rectangular tiles placed in an interlocking arrangement, resembling the bones of a fish. The zigzag design is eye-catching and works especially well on bathroom floors. Herringbone patterns can be achieved with rectangular subway tiles or parquet-style tiles. The interlocking rows create beautiful movement and texture underfoot.
Stacked
Stacking rectangular subway tiles vertically is an easy DIY-friendly pattern. The elongated rows draw the eyes up, which can help create the illusion of a taller space. Stacked tiles work well on walls and in shower stalls. Varying the grout color from the tile color adds contrast.
Subway
The subway tile pattern features rectangular tiles installed in a brickwork style. The tiles are set in straight horizontal and vertical rows, often offset by half a tile width to create a running bond. Subway tiles have a classic, clean look well-suited to small spaces. Use white grout with light tiles or dark grout with bold tiles for the most impact.
Hexagon
Hexagon tile shapes fit together in a honeycomb pattern, creating visual interest and texture. The interlocking six-sided tiles eliminate harsh lines and right angles. Hexagonal tiles come in various sizes from small mosaics to large-format tiles. The geometric shapes look modern and work in both traditional and contemporary bathrooms.
Expert Assistance at Our Showroom
We encourage you to visit International Bath and Tile’s showroom to explore the extensive selection of paint and tile options available. Our knowledgeable staff will be available to provide expert guidance and assist you in selecting the perfect color and tile combinations for your bathroom design projects.