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Help with avoiding a sterile bathroom look please!

10 years ago

I'm looking for ideas for paint color for our bathroom. The photo attached is similar to our design - we will have white subway wainscot and 1" statuary hex floors and shower. Our medicine cabinet has a white frame but we have antique brass sconces with 2 white pedestal sinks. All other period hardware is polished chrome. I've attached this image because I find it falls a little flat and a bit too stark. I want to keep a general white theme but picking the right white or light neutral shade seems like it could make or break the bathroom. I am scared of it ending up with a sterile look - especially since we went with the subway tiles. Help!

Comments (19)

  • 10 years ago
    I don't get the all white look and I don't get pedestal sinks in what I assume is a master(since you mentioned 2 sinks) where most of us really need storage and counter space, unless your space is really too tiny to accommodate a vanity. That said, if you are going with this look I'd do a nice saturated color on the wall, like a nice deep blue or maroon ... Something with color so it isn't sterile.
  • 10 years ago
    I hear what you're saying. In our case we have plenty of nearby recessed storage plus medicine cabinets. But yes, I do realize not everyone likes white bathrooms. Personally I think the look can be very pretty if done right so I'm hoping for some good advice to keep with our plan.
  • 10 years ago

    i think it looks great, maybe add a basket of colorful towels, a nice upholstered bench and throw rug, art on the wall,The room has good bones just layer it a little.

  • 10 years ago

    Agree either a strong paint color, or if you want to keep it as white as possible, then a medium tone with just enough strength to give some contrast (could be tan or gray, say).

    Wyndmoor Residence bathroom · More Info

    Classic Subway Tile Bathtub Surround · More Info


    Low Country Cottage · More Info

    But it's ok to keep everything white -- you can bring in one or more colors with your shower curtain, rug, and towels.



    Bath · More Info

  • 10 years ago

    Thanks for the ideas! I like the idea of an upholstered bench because we do have space for that beside the clawfoot tub. And thanks for all those photos acm. The tan paint and even that creamy white look great - I think I would lean on the lighter side of paint and maybe try and layer some shades.

  • 10 years ago

    Crystal Clear SW is a very light calming color.

    Paint · More Info

  • PRO
    10 years ago

  • 10 years ago

    Thanks Jillian. Very nice shade but it's very close to what we have in our kitchen. I considered BM Revere Pewter to try and add some warmth along with the aged brass sconces but I used that color elsewhere in the house as well. Maybe I should not be so worried about that? I'm not sure of the "rules"

  • 10 years ago

    Love that top pic Beverly! I'm starting to realize that I really need to wait until my tile is installed to decide on the color. I think pulling from whatever vein lines I end up with is the way to go. And then maybe as MOD said, start adding color in other ways if needed. We have a glass shower door though so maybe I need to think about a rug or artwork.

  • 10 years ago

    Using the same color in multiple rooms is a good thing. Really. Having a different color in every room -- - not so much.


    Revere Pewter would be a good choice.

  • 10 years ago

    The previous owners of our home put in pedestal sinks in all the bathrooms. Looks nice, but gives us zero storage. All these pretty pictures of pedestal sinks. I mean who needs counter space, lotion, soap, medication, a hair dryer, or even toothpaste when you can just place a whimsical vase of flowers on the tiny edge?

  • 10 years ago

    I think it's my husband who is most concerned about color repeat. Still, I could use Revere Pewter since that color supposedly changes a lot according to the lighting anyway.


  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I love a bathroom with a combo of brighter white(tile) and a very cream or pale yellow color(paint). Gives a kind of slightly old fashioned luxe feel and is very warm. Personally I'd prefer some contrast somewhere though.

  • 10 years ago

    Tems, I love Farrow & Ball's White Tie. Seems like a great creamy white. I was hoping to stumble upon a similar Ben Moore color to consider.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Here is a chart that matches F&B colors to B& M.

  • 10 years ago

    These are not exactly what you will have, but it gives you an idea..some brass here and there


    Selkirk Ledge · More Info


    Pelham Master Bath · More Info

  • 10 years ago
    I love white!!!!!! Don't be afraid of white.

    Just adding a plant or striped curtain can decorate a beautiful white bathroom. Example of curtain and plant:

    Traditional Bathroom · More Info


    Classic Informality · More Info
  • 10 years ago
    You guys are awesome! So fun having your help to think this through. Thanks for the great pics - and that chart is perfect!

    I wonder if linen white is really like FB white tie. Niveous seems like a great BM choice too.

    One thing I notice from the photos is that a little contrast is key - plus a paint shade that accents tile, fixtures, curtains, etc.
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