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Tactile And Colourful Bathrooms

Harriet Goodacre

November 08, 2023

Rustic glossy wall tile paired with a dark walnut sink unit in a bright bathroom

Bathrooms have a bad reputation for being cold, clinical and boring and are generally unloved and yet we spend key moments in them throughout the day, our first port of call in the morning to a much-needed sanctuary at night. So, why aren’t we putting more effort into designing our bathroom space? Well now’s the chance! We’re exploring tactile and colourful bathrooms to help enliven this space and bring it in line with the rest of your home.

Texture and colour will add depth to the space whilst providing much needed interest, particularly important when a large proportion of the room needs to be practical to function effectively. So, how can we add these elements into a bathroom? As one doesn’t necessarily need the other, we explore texture and colour separately but of course you can introduce both depending on your taste!

Texture

More often than not you will have smooth, satin-shiny sanitary ware in your bathroom, unless you have an endless budget, so how can we make this work? Well actually, it’s quite easy as you already have the smooth so it’s all about creating a juxtaposition to this texture to create your depth and interest. So, matt, rough and natural surface textures should be the focus here. If you’ve chosen to go for a colourful suite then a juxtaposition in finish isn’t as key.

Walls

Depending on the overall look you want to achieve, there are two routes to take for wall tiles, super glossy or a soft matt.

A high gloss works well in a neutral colour scheme and smaller, darker bathrooms. Matts are great if you have a more open space and if you want to add more warmth, as colour usually appears more pigmented in a matt finish.

You can then play with size and finish to evolve your scheme. A small format or rustic finish will often feel more traditional whilst a larger smoother tile will feel more modern.

Floors

The bathroom floor is an easy place to add texture, using a tile with a textured finish often provides a level of slip resistant, perfect for a wet space. You can then soften this texture with your accessories and, for an added bonus, underfloor heating for cosy winters!

If you’ve got a smaller space then we’d recommend bringing your floor tile onto your walls, whether it’s a skirting piece or full wall, it will help blur the edges of the room, making it feel bigger.

Natural stone is a good option here as it will have a unique texture, however, not all stone is equal and it can be quite a bit of upkeep in wet areas. We’d advise choosing a top-quality porcelain effect tile that will replicate the look of the stone but also its texture, these are usually more expensive but not as expensive as the real thing.

Hardware and Accessories

Your fixtures will add another element of touch as the metal, regardless of finish, will hit differently in the light compared to the rest of the room. Make sure you pick a tone that harmonises with your wall and floor tiles, a shinier finish will feel contemporary and a brushed finish will feel aged and rustic.

If the scheme suits, also add in elements of wood, the natural grain will provide a new texture whilst its finish can provide a tactile warmth to break up the harder tile and metal.

Your accessories are also key in softening the space but the materials you used should be considered for your scheme. For example, a crisp linen finish will blend nicely with a rustic feeling bathroom whereas a bouncy cotton will feel more luxurious and suit a traditional or modern space better.

Terrazzo effect bathroom shower with gold fixtures and a reeded wood alcove accent

Colour

Similar to texture, colour can change the dimension of a room and create the perfect juxtaposition between surface finishes. What it is great at doing is connecting different spaces together as well as creating zones, perfect for oddly shaped bathrooms or simply to match your mood. Here’s three ways to use colour effectively in a bathroom.

Block

A block of colour can be used to create an accent or focal point and even to zone a space depending on how you use the bathroom. You can use bathroom tiles to create zones of colour to change your mood, for example, you could have a more serene and muted area around the bath and a pop of bold colour in the shower, pepping you up for the day and calming you at night.

Glossy teal square tile across a bathroom wall with a gold asymmetric mirror, wall taps and cement wall hung sink

Pattern

A patterned tile is a great way to introduce colour, as it usually features a mix of harmonious tones, it can feel less overwhelming in the scheme when compared to colour blocking. You can then pick some of the colour out of the tile to match to the rest of your scheme, whether that be your wall colour or your towels. The type of pattern you choose will help determine its style, not necessarily its colour. For example, a boldly coloured floral will still feel more traditional and feminine compared to a muted geometric design.

Don’t forget, a pattern doesn’t have to feel like a design, adding a heavily veined marble can have a similar effect, why not try a coloured faux marble for something a little different.

Black and white Torrano Marquina tile styled in a monochrome kitchen

Muted

Although muted, a pigment of colour can change the look of a room, similar to adding a natural texture like wood, the difference is subtle but it adds a touch of personality and warmth. You can also use a more muted colour like a neutral and use more of it around the room to create a seamless flow.

So, are you ready to transform your bathroom? Check out our bathroom tile range to get you inspired.

More to explore:

Bathroom Design

HomeTactile And Colourful Bathrooms

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