Photography: Armelle Habib
White colour schemes are the go-to option for bathrooms, and it’s easy to see why. Versatile and timeless, white exudes classic style, especially in powder rooms where space is limited. However, when done right, colour can transcend trends to infuse a space with personality and flair. To prove it, we explore four stunning KWD bathrooms for inspiration. From wonderfully wild pink palettes to moody forest hues, here are some stylish bathroom looks that beautifully embrace colour.
1. Dark forest tones
Dark colours are often thought to make small spaces feel even smaller, but they can also create a sense of depth and dimension, as seen in this botanic-themed bathroom. Here, Dulux in Strong Olive was chosen to coat the space from floor to ceiling, complemented by board-and-batten style panelling that draws the eye upward for the illusion of height. Dark greens, like Dulux Strong Olive, can also act as a neutral backdrop to highlight other features, such as the vanity and tiles. Sophisticated yet earthy and calm, the green palette of this bathroom feels like an instant classic.
“Have a little fun with your powder room. Express yourself and showcase your style.”
Kate Walker, interior designer
2. Earthy neutrals
Choosing wallpaper in earthy neutrals is an easy way to infuse a powder room with classic elegance. In this powder room, Mulberry Home’s ‘Flying Ducks’ wallpaper serves as a charming accent piece, rather than covering the entire wall, beautifully contrasting with the white wainscoting. When combined with timeless fixtures such as brass tapware, earthy tones bring visual intrigue without dominating the space. For a classic cottage style, wallpaper featuring animal motifs is always a delightful choice.
“Storage is not so important in a powder room, unless it doubles as a guest bathroom.”
Kate Walker, interior designer
3. Brilliant jewel colours
When it comes to jewel tones, an all-or-nothing approach can deliver stunning results. This powder room is swathed in opulent pink hues paired with brass fixtures that will age beautifully over time. The key to achieving a timeless look is selecting a hero colour and using it in complementary shades, like the KWD&Co Cristallo Rosa Quartzite vanity surrounded by Ralph Lauren grasscloth fabric. Mixing too many jewel tones can make a powder room look dated and unbalanced, but focusing on one key colour creates a luxurious and cohesive atmosphere.
4. Wild wallpaper
In this powder room, colour takes flight in a harmonious blend of pink and white, with the ‘Heron’ wallpaper by Gucci taking centre stage. When placed away from wet areas, wallpaper can create a striking backdrop in bathrooms, especially with vinyl varieties that withstand humidity well. While this powder room is rich in colour, its charm lies in a restrained palette punctuated by occasional gold accents that catch the eye.
The Cosmopolitan quartzite and Rosso Verona marble flooring, both from KWD&Co, blend seamlessly with soft pink tones, while the Suzanne Kasler ‘Juliette’ lamp provides a subtle contrast. Best of all, natural light floods the space through a white arched door, enhancing the bright and airy feel.
“Be innovative with the type of tiles you choose, how you lay them and where you place them.”
Kate Walker, interior designer
Shop powder rooms
01
Dulux Strong Olive
$ $123.05, Dulux
Best for: Creating a contemporary cocoon
A powder room is the perfect place to channel nature’s embrace with the effortless elegance of the transformative properties of olive green. Combine the lush vibrance of a Mediterranean grove with the rich, earthy undertones of the forest floor to create a space that is at once invigorating, yet serene.
Size: 4L
08
‘Griffin’ double wall sconce
$479, Observatory Lighting
Best for: Mood lighting
This art deco-inspired wall sconce combines beauty with functionality, gently diffusing light through a glamorous ribbed glass shade. Enhanced by a brass finish and easy installation, this mid-century design sets the perfect mood for a relaxing soak in the tub.
Sizes: Double and single size sconces
Materials: Metal, glass and brass
05
Vintage fern print
from $29.75/8 x 10 inches, Capricorn Press
Best for: Connecting with nature
Bringing nature into your bathroom is an easy way to create a calming retreat, and this vintage 19th-century fern print ensures you never have to worry about watering plants. Available in five sizes on premium cotton paper, this art print adds a spa-like feel with its vibrant green tones.
Sizes: Up to 24 x 30 inches
Material: 100% Cotton paper
07
‘Alicante Brighton’ porcelain tile
$80 per sqm, The Blue Space
Best for: Style and durability
These Spanish tiles from The Blue Space combine traditional beauty with contemporary features, including glazed porcelain, cushioned edges and exceptional durability that’s suitable for bathrooms, laundries and other spaces. The design also comes in six different colourways and patterns in a matt finish.
Size: 316mm x3 16mm
Colours: Brighton, Derby, Eton, Heathcote, Kirkham and Shrewsbury
Material: Porcelain
02
‘Winchester Copenhagen’ door handle in Rustic Brass
$153, Zanda
Best for: Easy maintenance and care
Perfect for bathroom cabinets, this rustic handle has timeless appeal. Made in Italy from solid brass, it’s easy to install, coming with a lever and dummy fixing spindle. The warm tones of brass complement most bathroom styles, and best of all, they’re easy to maintain with a light polish.
Colour: Rustic Brass finish
Material: Solid brass
09
‘Grand Flying Ducks’ wallpaper in Emerald
$530 per roll, Mulberry Home
Best for: A country-style bathroom
Adorable ducks take flight in this stunning Mulberry Home wallpaper. Inspired by the original art design dating back to the 1920s, this wallpaper reimagines it in delightful contemporary colorways such as Emerald, Grey/Blue, Plum, Sage and Red. Whether for a farmhouse-style or modern country bathroom, this wallpaper is a charming addition.
Size: 10 metre rolls
Colours: Blue, Grey/Blue, Plaster, Plum, Red/Blue and Sage
Material: Paper
04
‘Mayer’ washstand in Chrome
$3159, Turner Hastings
Best for: A hint of classic style
This washstand by Turner Hastings features a beautiful Carrara marble top and raw brass frame that evoke true a heritage charm. It can also be customised to add a shelf beneath the basin for additional storage. With three different finishes to choose from, this washstand elevates the bathroom with simple elegance.
Size: 75cm x 55cm
Colours: Chrome, Brushed Nickel or Brushed Brass frame
Materials: Carrara marble, ceramic and raw brass
03
‘Heron’ wallpaper in Pink
$900/set of 2 3.5m rolls, Gucci
Best for: A show-stopping powder room
This ‘Heron’ wallpaper by Gucci is designed to make a statement. Drawing inspiration from Gucci’s ready-to-wear collections, the design features birds and dragonflies on a soft pink backdrop. Crafted in Italy, this wallpaper has a luxurious and captivating ambience perfect for a powder room.
Size: 3.5 metre rolls
Colour: Pink heron print
Material: Paper
10
‘Ripley’ wall light
$740, The Montauk Lighting Co
Best for: Simple sophistication
Need to brighten up your bathroom? This wall light from Montauk Lighting Co. features a Belgian linen shade and a rattan-wrapped arm, complemented by an aged brass finish. Whether mounted alone or beautifully flanking a bathroom mirror, this light exudes understated elegance.
Size: 47.6cm x 12.1cm x 17.2cm
Materials: Brass, rattan and Belgium linen
06
‘Loft’ soap dish in Snow
$49.95, Country Road
Best for: That luxurious bathroom feel
The small details always make a difference, and this soap dish ensures a feeling of luxury thanks to lovely solid marble. The corrugated design perfectly holds a soap bar while the marble complements most bathroom styles, from classic to contemporary. Simply add your favourite soap bar for a delightfully fragrant experience.
Size: 7cm x 12cm x 2cm
Colour: Snow
Material: Solid marble
11
‘Teardrop’ vase in Chalk White
$102.50, Marmoset Found
Best for: A burst of freshness
Fresh flowers instantly elevate a powder room, particularly when paired with an elegant vase. This teardrop vase has a simple, organic beauty with a subtle white colour that allows flowers to take centre stage. Hand-cast in ceramic, this vase only needs a few peonies or a bunch of daffodils to freshen up a space.
Size: Large
Colour: Chalk White
Material: Ceramic
12
‘Plaster’ wallpaper in Raspberry
$106 per roll, Metropolitan Stories Wallpapers
Best for: Bold and beautiful colour
This wallpaper’s vibrant raspberry colour immediately grabs attention, alongside its faux plaster look that adds an intriguing textural aspect to walls. The collection, inspired by the colours and textures of Tokyo, includes calming cherry blossom and koi fish patterns, as well as fabric and plaster textures, making for a captivating powder room.
Size: 10 metre rolls
Colours: Raspberry, Aqua, Cream, Grey, Pink
Material: Paper
13
‘Cromford’ basin wall set in Brushed Gold
$384, Phoenix
Best for: Timeless elegance
Drawing inspiration from 18th-century industrial design, this basin set in Phoenix’s Cromford collection features a luxurious Brushed Gold finish on a simple design honouring meticulous craftsmanship. Also included in the set are a screw-on spout, ceramic disc spindles and a flow aerator, making it ideal for bath installation.
Colour: Brushed Gold finish
Material: Brass
