Dowsing & Reynolds

Designing with Colour: A Confident Approach to Bathroom Décor

Bathrooms are often thought of as purely practical spaces, but they’re actually a great opportunity to introduce colour, texture and detail – a room you can have a bit of fun with.

Created in collaboration with BC Designs, this bathroom décor mock-up is a great example of how adding some colour can completely transform your space. It’s confident and characterful, but if it feels overwhelming, start small – the downstairs cloakroom or the guest bathroom is a great space to experiment with colour and pattern before diving into the larger rooms.

Start with your guest bathroom

In this design, rich burgundy tiles bring warmth and depth while the lighter pink tones lift the scheme and keep it feeling approachable with a touch of playfulness. Clean lines and simple forms help balance the colour, creating a space that feels calm, comfortable and quietly confident while remaining interesting.

“Guest bathrooms don’t need to do everything. They don’t have to accommodate daily routines, large amounts of storage or the changing needs of a family – and this makes them so much more fun to design.”

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder, Dowsing & Reynolds

Why Bolder Looks Work in Smaller Spaces

Smaller bathrooms often benefit from easier decisions – with less room to work with, every element plays a more obvious role, which can actually make the design process simpler.

Using a stronger tile colour or a more sculptural basin works well in compact spaces because the impact is contained.

Rather than fighting for attention in a room with lots of elements, just one or two bolder choices in a smaller space gives it focus and the result feels deliberate, not busy.

This approach also allows you to concentrate your budget on fewer elements, choosing a couple of pieces that bring quality and character without needing to completely redo the entire space.

Image courtesy of @theeastldnstylist, photographed by @felixspeller for Livingetc

“Guest bathrooms are often smaller, more self-contained spaces, which makes them ideal for experimenting with colour. You can be bolder here than you might be elsewhere in the home, rich tones, statement walls or unexpected contrasts all work beautifully without overwhelming the overall interior.”

Keeley Sutcliffe, Brand Manager, BC Designs

Colour Confidence: Burgundy with Soft Pink

Burgundy is a colour that adds depth without feeling harsh. It sits comfortably between red and brown, bringing warmth and a sense of richness that works particularly well in bathrooms.

Paired with softer pinks and warm neutrals, the overall effect feels balanced rather than heavy. These lighter tones help soften the look, while antique brass finishes tie the palette together.

If you’re new to using stronger colours, this kind of combination is a good place to start. Try just the burgundy and neutral to start with – see how that sits with you, then introduce the more playful accents.

The Details That Pull Everything Together

What gives this bathroom décor its character is the attention to detail. Wall-mounted lighting creates a softer, more even glow and helps define the basin area without cluttering it.

A coloured tap adds interest without committing the whole scheme to one tone. Even the smaller elements like the silver topped soap bottles have been chosen to sit comfortably within the overall palette.

These are the kinds of decisions that subtly change how a bathroom feels. Nothing is competing for attention, but everything just blends seamlessly without being too ‘matchy’.

lit brass mike led external light on black wall

“When it comes to finishing touches, it’s easy to think everything has to match. Try choosing a dominant metal finish (here it’s the antique brass shaver socket and bulkhead lights), then choose a secondary metal finish to add interest (here it’s the silver in the soap bottles). It will really elevate the design from good to great.”

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder, Dowsing & Reynolds

A Considered Approach to Bathroom Décor

This look isn’t about following trends or making dramatic statements. It’s about choosing colour, materials and details that you love and that all come together.

Whether you’re updating a guest bathroom or simply gathering ideas, it’s a reminder that small, thoughtful changes can have a real impact.

Explore the look on Instagram and enter the Dowsing & Reynolds x BC Designs giveaway for your chance to win a £200 D&R voucher, plus £500 to spend at BC Designs.

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