Color is a big deal when it comes to interior design – it sets the vibe you want in your space. While neutral tones are a safe bet since they look good with almost any style, HGTV star Erin Napier and her hubby say you shouldn’t be scared to use bolder, more eye-catching colors, even in small rooms. But Erin suggests starting small by pairing pops of color with grounding neutrals. In tiny spaces like bathrooms, Erin recommends going for soothing, spa-like shades like soft blues and warm greens. You could use these accent colors in the tile or on the vanity. Just be careful not to go overboard – experts say to avoid really dark or super-saturated colors in small bathrooms, as they can feel heavy and make the space feel even smaller. But there are exceptions, like the designer who used a rich olive paint in her powder room, proving that dark tones can work if the lighting is right.
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Erin Likes Bright Colors. Her Simple Ways to Keep Small Areas Fresh
Don’t avoid color, embrace it
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The trick with color in bathrooms or other small rooms is to not go overboard or use too many different shades. But a room without any color variation can feel blah too. Designers suggest aiming for one or two main colors plus one or two accent colors for the best look. “Adding a patterned tile backsplash or unique fixtures can liven up a boring bathroom,” say Erin and Ben Napier.
For example, in a 1950s bathroom reno on HGTV’s “Home Town,” the Napiers swapped the busy blue and yellow wallpaper and bright blue tile for softer sage green and cream. The floral wallpaper and vertical shower tile in those earthy tones looked so fresh. You could also try a subtle pop of color, like Erin did when she color-matched the bathroom door and trim to the wallpaper pattern. Or go bolder with a colorful vanity, like the pale green one she featured on her Instagram.
