Design focus: How colour is being used to create unique bathroom designs

As colour continues to influence bathroom design, Nicola Hanley takes a look at the hottest hues and talks to the experts about how the market is evolving. 

For some time now, colour has been making its way into the bathroom as consumers continue to embrace more personalised interiors. “While white will always have a place in bathroom design, all-white schemes are making way for more colourful solutions, which allow homeowners to create spaces that better reflect their individual style,” says Ben Bryden, global specifications director at RAK Ceramics UK.

According to Lidia Kane, marketing manager at Multipanel, there are a variety of external influences at play, which are fuelling the trend. "Social media, boutique hotel design and wellness are all influencing homeowners to be bolder with their choices,” she says. “Colour adds warmth, character and a sense of individuality, which is particularly appealing in today’s interiors landscape.”

Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing for House of Rohl, agrees. “Manufacturers have caught on quickly, and there is a now a huge choice of coloured fittings and accessories,” he says.

So what colours are currently proving the most popular in the bathroom? According to the 2025 Houzz UK Emerging Trends Report, searches for ‘pink bathrooms’ rose by 114% during January - March 2025 versus the same period in 2024. “We're noticing a strong shift toward warmer, mood-boosting tones this season,” says Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Ideal Standard UK and Villeroy & Boch. “Soft greens, dusty pinks, and earthy terracottas are especially popular. Pantone’s Colour of the Year – a rich brown – reflects this trend, while the resurgence of soft greens aligns with the growing appeal of grounding, nature-inspired palettes.”

Lewis Neathey, leader, marketing & product management UK at Grohe UK, LIXIL Europe, has also seen brown become more sought after. “Deep, earthy browns are continuing to be a popular colour choice in bathrooms for 2025. These rich tones paired with lighter tiles create a warm atmosphere. This look can be enhanced with textured accessories like jute and striking patterns.”

“We’re seeing strong demand for nature-inspired tones – such as sage green, dusky pink, deep blue, and warm neutrals like sand and clay,” notes Multipanel’s Kane. “These colours create a calm, spa-like atmosphere and tie into wider trends around biophilic design.”

According to VitrA UK, there’s a retro revival taking off in the bathroom with bold splashes of colour being specified alongside warm metallic finishes. However, Ruth Davies, VitrA’s marketing director, also notes the trend for softer, more calming colours. “Earthy neutrals, serene blues and greens, and blush tones are proving popular in bathroom design, each chosen for a mix of emotional appeal, natural influence and timelessness,” she says. “These colours are proving a popular choice as they complement on-trend materials such as brass, wood, marble and terrazzo.”

For Roca, blues and greens are enduring favourites. “These colours evoke a calm, restorative atmosphere and draw from the natural world – something many of us crave in our daily lives,” says brand marketing manager Natalie Bird. "Whether you’re designing a sleek, modern ensuite or a more traditional family bathroom, these hues strike a beautiful balance between soothing and sophisticated. They’re timeless yet still feel fresh and on-trend.”

When it comes to sales, there’s a mix of of colourful products that are being chosen.“We’re seeing growing demand for bold statement pieces – think vanity units, brassware or even freestanding baths in unexpected tones,” continues Bird. “These elements invite homeowners to step outside the ordinary and create spaces that feel joyful, intentional and entirely their own.”

“The move towards colourful bathroom design has had a really big influence on the furniture and sanitaryware sectors,” says RAK Ceramics’ Bryden. “This is where you can get playful with the use of colour, introducing bold touches along with tactile textured finishes to make the bathroom an individual space.”

Deb Freeman, HiB’s head of brand and marketing, has seen interest in eye-catching basin designs grow. “Statement basins in shades like amber yellow, brick red, cobalt blue, concrete grey, dusky pink, spring green and soft beige are becoming standout features and turning formerly functional elements into artistic focal points. These subtle additions offer a refined way to energise the bathroom, adding some depth and individuality without the commitment of colour-drenching.”

The trend, it seems, is here to stay. "Once a choice is offered to designers, there is no going back! There is a long term trend in all areas of interiors towards greater personalisation, and colour will always be a part of that,” says House of Rohl’s Palmer.

Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard’s Toumba agrees: “We anticipate a continued evolution of colour use, along with layered textures, brushed metals, and soft ceramics to add depth and authenticity. Colour will remain a key player in bathroom design, particularly when used to balance timelessness with individuality.”