As we head into 2025, sterile white and bland grey bathrooms are being left behind in favour of bold, personality-packed colour palettes. Homeowners and designers are embracing rich hues to transform bathrooms into vibrant sanctuaries. “Everything was very beige for a while there… that might be starting to come to an end and people are moving back to embracing colour in their bathrooms,” observes Australian interior designer Anna Wood. This shift isn’t just residential; restaurants, hotels, and offices are also using daring bathroom colours to wow guests.
In the words of New York designer Phillip Thomas, “Gone are the days of all-white, and slightly sterile, bathrooms… I have been seeing, and been asked to design, bathroom spaces with more colour and pattern!”. Colour is in, and it’s here to create bathrooms that are lively, luxurious, and uniquely personal.
Why 2025 Bathrooms Are Bursting with Colour
Several forces are driving this colour revolution. After years of minimalism, people crave spaces that reflect character and comfort. Colour has mood-boosting powers, it brings joy, personality, and a deep sense of connection to a space. Designers globally agree that bathrooms should be experiences, not afterthoughts. Bold hues, whether through paint, tiles or fixtures, help achieve that by infusing mood, warmth, and personality. Even small guest baths or powder rooms are becoming immersive environments with dramatic and moody colour palettes that leave a lasting impression.
Below we break down 2025’s boldest bathroom colour trends, from deep, inky blues to earthy terracottas, along with the vibe each colour brings and tips for incorporating them into both residential and commercial bathroom designs. Each hue offers a different way to turn a once-utilitarian room into a stylish retreat.
1. Deep Blues
When it comes to blue in 2025 bathrooms, designers are going darker and richer. Forget pale icy blues (those are considered dated and too cold, instead, cobalt and navy blue are stealing the spotlight. “Cobalt blue is a stunning color for bathrooms in 2025, offering a blend of vibrancy and tranquility. Its rich, deep tone brings a sense of luxury without overwhelming the space, making it perfect for a relaxing environment”. Blue’s natural association with sky and water makes it ideal for a spa-like calm.
How to use these blues? Consider a feature wall or tile inlay in the shower clad in glossy cobalt tiles, or a statement vanity painted in a saturated navy tone. Blue cabinetry is on-trend, for instance, a deep-blue vanity paired with warm brass hardware looks contemporary yet classic, adding just the right amount of drama. In fact, designers love pairing navy or cobalt with brushed gold fixtures or lighting to elevate the look with a bit of glam contrast. Crisp white porcelain sinks and tubs also “pair beautifully” with bold blue, tempering it so the room still feels airy. For a luxe twist, some high-end designs are even integrating real stone with blue tones, imagine a navy-blue marble countertop or a vanity top in blue sodalite stone. Whether used on painted walls, large-format tiles, or even a freestanding tub finish, rich blues bring a sense of peace and depth that both homeowners and spa-like commercial bathrooms are loving in 2025.
2. Natural Greens
Green has been a rising star in interior design, and in bathrooms it’s reaching new heights in 2025. From emerald and forest green to softer sages and olives, these hues bring the calming, refreshing aura of nature indoors. It’s a versatile colour that can feel like a lush garden sanctuary or a stylish speakeasy lounge depending on the tone. Olive or sage green walls will imbue a soothing, organic vibe, while emerald green accents add energy and opulence.
To incorporate green, draw inspiration from nature. Earthy sage tiles or paint create a soft backdrop that’s easy on the eyes, perfect for a relaxing home ensuite. For more drama, try glossy forest-green subway tiles in the shower, or an accent wall painted a deep jade.
3. Warm Earth Tones
Terracotta tiles bring warmth and character to a modern bathroom. One of the most significant shifts in 2025 is the resurgence of earthy, warm colours like terracotta, rust, and ochre. These sun-baked hues, think clay orange, burnt sienna, and desert spice, are replacing cool neutrals to make bathrooms feel grounded and inviting. “We’re waving goodbye to stark whites and harsh greys. In their place? A soothing palette of muted clay, terracotta, blush, sage, and oat,” notes Australia’s Tile Warehouse on emerging bathroom colour schemes. Of these, terracotta (and its cousin, rusty orange) stands out as a favourite for adding depth and warmth. For 2025, a warm terracotta is an excellent choice for bathroom spaces.
This earthy hue brings a cosy and inviting atmosphere, reflecting a growing trend towards nature-inspired designs. Terracotta pairs beautifully with natural materials like vanities made of wood and or sinks made of stone, creating a harmonious and grounded aesthetic that promotes relaxation.
4. Rich Reds & Plums
Deep on the other end of the spectrum, bold reds and purples are also making waves in 2025 bathrooms. We’re not talking fire-engine primary red, but rather the sumptuous tones of burgundy, maroon, and plum. These brooding, elegant colours are being used to craft moody jewel-box bathrooms and powder rooms with a high wow-factor. Indeed, a plum-colored wall or vanity immediately telegraphs luxury and a bit of daring. These hues have often been associated with boudoirs or dining rooms, but now they’re venturing into bathrooms to create cozy, luxurious feel, almost like a spa retreat right at home.
Because burgundies and plums are so rich, it pays to layer in complementary materials. These tones “pair beautifully with black fixtures [and] warm brass accents,” Tineke Triggs notes. Imagine a merlot-coloured vanity with a brushed brass faucet, instant glamour.
Marble is another great companion. To avoid a heavy look, ensure your burgundy or plum bathroom has adequate lighting (natural light or ample sconces) and balance the dark tones with some light elements (mirrors, white fixtures).
5. Playful Patterns & Color Combinations
Solid colours aren’t the only way to go bold, patterned wallpapers and colourful tile motifs are another huge 2025 trend, especially in powder rooms and commercial bathrooms. Designers are in a maximalist mood, mixing multiple colours and prints to create unforgettable spaces. A vibrant botanical or geometric wallpaper can feature many bold hues at once, think deep emerald leaves, golden ochre flowers, and touches of plum on a single mural, instantly transforming a simple bathroom into an artful jewel box. Restaurant owners have embraced this approach to craft “Instagrammable” bathrooms with loud, patterned wallpaper and funky tiles, and homeowners are following suit for their powder rooms.
Embracing Bold Colour: Tips for Implementation
Incorporating bold colours into a bathroom might feel intimidating, but designers have plenty of tips to do it effectively. Here are some strategies to infuse these trend colours into your space without regret:
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Start with an Accent or Feature: You don’t need to splash intense colour on every wall. Try painting one feature wall in your chosen hue or using coloured tile in a single zone (e.g. inside the shower or behind the vanity). This creates a focal point of color. For instance, a stripe of cobalt blue herringbone tile behind a mirror can be striking yet not overwhelming. Similarly, a freestanding tub in emerald green or a vintage dresser converted into a burgundy vanity lets the colour shine as a feature piece while the rest of the room balances it out.
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Balance Bold with Neutral: As a rule of thumb, pair bold colours with neutral or warm elements so the space still feels inviting. Designers often recommend warm whites, and beiges in conjunction with strong colours. If you have plum walls, maybe the floor is natural oak or the countertop is white marble to lighten the mood. Metallic accents can also act as neutrals, chrome or black fixtures for contrast, or brass/gold for warmth.
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Consider the Mood: Think about the emotional effect you want. If you desire a calming retreat, lean into the blues and greens or soft earth hues. For energising morning routines, maybe a dash of vibrant yellow or coral in a predominantly neutral bathroom will do the trick. Bold colours can be strategically placed: soft colour underfoot (like patterned tiles with hints of colour) grounds the room, while darker colour above waist level can create a cozy, enveloping feel. Designers often treat small bathrooms like jewel boxes, perfect for moodier colours, while keeping larger bathrooms lighter. Also pay attention to lighting; dimmer, warm lights will enhance the coziness of earthy and dark tones, whereas bright white lights can make bold colours appear more vivid (great for showcasing true colour but possibly too harsh if overdone).
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Use High-Quality Paint or Tile: Bold paint colors can show imperfections more readily than white. Using a bathroom-friendly paint finish (like semi-gloss or satin) will ensure durability and a bit of light reflection. If tiling in a bold colour, take time to choose grout colours wisely. Many tile manufacturers now offer muted versions of bold colours if you want to dip your toe in color without going fully saturated.
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Draw Inspiration and Consult Experts: If you’re unsure, look at examples in design magazines and showrooms. Australian publications often showcase real homes with daring bathroom palettes, providing ideas on what materials and fixtures pair best. Reputable design magazines and written articles can guide you on which combinations are timeless versus fleeting fads.
Finally, remember that personal preference trumps any trend. The goal of these bold colours is to make your bathroom delight you or your guests every day. If a certain hue speaks to you, even if it’s in or out, find a way to incorporate it. As Phillip Thomas wisely says, “Trends will come and go but ultimately, you have to live in and love your space… Create the environment you love, whether that be light and airy or dark and enveloping.” In 2025, the options are wide open to express yourself. Whether you paint your powder room a daring plum, clad your shower in sea-glass green tiles, or simply add a chunky cobalt blue rug and artwork, embracing these bold bathroom colour trends can elevate a humdrum space into something truly extraordinary, a daily dose of joy, luxury, or calm tailored just for you.
Austpek supports homeowners and designers in bringing their bathroom visions to life by incorporating vibrant colours and luxurious fixtures that enhance those hues. Austpek offer a wide range of products, whether you’re after bespoke pieces, bold and vibrant styles, or timeless luxury, there’s something in store for you.
Ready to make your bathroom vibrant and new? Browse our wide range of collections today at Austpek Bathroom’s website.
