Navigating the Tricky Terrain of Tiny Tubs
As a design enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experience tackling the challenge of small bathrooms. Most recently, I took on the task of revamping my dad’s windowless guest bathroom, and let me tell you, choosing the perfect paint color was no easy feat.
But fear not, my bathroom-beautifying friends! I’m here to share my hard-earned wisdom and guide you through the process of picking the perfect hue for your petite powder room.
Embracing the Darkness: Why Bright White Isn’t Always the Answer
Contrary to popular belief, bright white isn’t always the best choice for a small, windowless bathroom. In fact, it can sometimes make the space feel cold and dingy. I learned this the hard way when my dad’s bathroom initially felt a bit lifeless, despite the fancy fixtures and marble floors.
Instead, I opted for a warmer, mid-tone or dark color to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Dark paint colors have the magical ability to absorb light rather than reflect it, which can completely transform the feel of a room. Think of it as wrapping yourself in a cozy, color-drenched embrace.
Complementary Colors: Pairing Your Bathroom Palette
When it came to choosing the perfect paint color for my dad’s bathroom, I knew I wanted it to complement the “Boothbay Gray” shade I had selected for the adjoining guest room. After all, you don’t want your bathroom to feel like a completely separate and disconnected space.
I started by exploring the colors on the same paint swatch as “Boothbay Gray” and quickly fell in love with “Night Train,” a deep, moody blue-gray that I felt would be the perfect fit. But the options didn’t stop there. I also considered “Brewster Gray” and “Puritan Gray” before ultimately settling on “Brewster Gray” as the winner.
Lighting, Lighting, Lighting!
One important factor I had to consider when choosing the paint color was the lack of natural light in the bathroom. Without any windows to bathe the space in that beautiful, mood-setting glow, I knew I needed to compensate with ample artificial lighting.
My solution? Incorporating a gold sconce over the mirror, which not only added a touch of warmth and elegance but also helped to brighten up the room. And just like that, the once-dingy bathroom was transformed into a cozy, inviting oasis.
Mixing Metals for Maximum Impact
As a self-proclaimed design enthusiast, I’ve learned that mixing metals is the key to creating a truly dynamic and visually interesting space. And my dad’s bathroom was no exception.
While the existing fixtures were all sleek, silver chrome, I knew a little touch of gold would go a long way in warming up the overall aesthetic. So, in addition to the gold sconce, I opted for a gold towel ring, gold knobs on the vanity, and a smattering of other golden accents throughout the room.
Textural Touches: Elevating the Everyday
With the paint color and lighting sorted, it was time to turn my attention to the finer details – the textural elements that would really bring the space to life.
First up, a cozy, patterned rug to anchor the space and add a touch of warmth to those cold, marble floors. Next, a wooden towel rack to fill the empty wall space and introduce some natural, earthy vibes. And to top it off, a curved wooden shelf over the toilet, complete with rattan accents, for a touch of bohemian charm.
The Finishing Touches: Personalized Perfection
No bathroom transformation is complete without the finishing touches – the art, the accessories, the little details that make the space truly your own.
For my dad’s bathroom, I carefully curated a collection of artwork, ranging from abstract prints to vintage-inspired botanical sketches. I also incorporated a quirky, patterned wastebasket and a selection of luxurious, plush towels to elevate the overall aesthetic.
The Reveal: A Cozy, Sophisticated Sanctuary
And there you have it, folks – the transformation of my dad’s once-bland, windowless bathroom into a cozy, sophisticated sanctuary. Gone are the stark white walls, replaced by the warm, enveloping embrace of “Brewster Gray.” The metallic accents and textural elements add depth and character, while the carefully curated art and accessories bring a personal touch to the space.
The best part? This small-but-mighty bathroom now feels like a true retreat, a place where you can escape the stresses of the day and indulge in a little self-care. And that, my friends, is the power of paint and design.
So, the next time you’re tackling a tiny tub, remember: don’t be afraid to embrace the dark side, mix your metals, and let your personality shine through. With a little creativity and a whole lot of inspiration, you can turn even the smallest of bathrooms into a sanctuary worth savoring.
References
[1] The DIY Playbook. (n.d.). Paint color for bathroom with no windows. https://thediyplaybook.com/paint-color-for-bathroom-with-no-windows/
[2] Reddit. (2022). Tips for picking a color for a small windowless bathroom. https://www.reddit.com/r/InteriorDesign/comments/11uxfr1/tips_for_picking_a_color_for_a_small_windowless/
[3] Martha Stewart. (n.d.). Best paint colors for small bathrooms. https://www.marthastewart.com/8093262/best-paint-colors-small-bathroom
[4] Better Homes & Gardens. (n.d.). Small bathroom paint colors. https://www.bhg.com/small-bathroom-paint-colors-7556441
[5] The Spruce. (n.d.). Paint color ideas for small bathrooms. https://www.thespruce.com/paint-color-ideas-for-small-bathroom-797912
[6] Room for Tuesday. (n.d.). How to make a small bathroom look larger. https://roomfortuesday.com/how-to-make-a-small-bathroom-look-larger/
[7] Hana’s Happy Home. (n.d.). Choosing paint colors for a budget bathroom makeover. https://hanashappyhome.com/diy/paint-colors/choosing-paint-colors-for-a-budget-bathroom-makeover/
[8] The Grit and Polish. (n.d.). I used Rita Konig’s advice for picking a paint color. https://www.thegritandpolish.com/blog/i-used-rita-konigs-advice-for-picking-a-paint-color