One of our friends is painting a bathroom and wanted some quick color advice. They would like to update the bathroom, but prefer to leave certain things in place. For example, the bathroom has existing purple blinds and modern (but woody) fixtures. Both the doors and trim are in a natural wood finish, but painting over all of those details is not feasible (and not desirable if you like the look of wood). So, how can they freshen up the bathroom with little effort?

My 2-step fix is (1) a simple paint job and (2) a new light fixture over the vanity. Check out the existing bathroom:

In this room, your palette should include the purple of the blinds, the brown of the wood trim, and the creamy white of the fixtures.

Purple can be hard to match, particularly when it’s in the venetian blinds. I wouldn’t use any color too bright, for fear of looking like a circus. Also, this bathroom belongs to a couple, so I wouldn’t opt for anything too frilly or girly either. Step 1: My first thought is gray. A mature, neutral classic (see it in the mini-palette). Step 2: Add a simple modern sconce in brushed nickel. Check out Bathroom Lighting Universe, where I found a huge variety of lighting styles.

Purple and navy are bold and and regal, but grounded by the brown wood.

Blue and purple make for a calm and cool analogous color scheme. In other words, they are neighbors on the color wheel and coordinate well without too much drama. Step 1: Navy blue adds stability to the regal, and sometimes touchy-feely, purple. Step 2: A classic sconce reinforces the preppy navy blue vibe.

Purple becomes the accent color in an otherwise neutral earthy palette.

Lastly, I opted for something a little more earthy. It’s tempting to keep bathrooms in a fresh white color, but rich dark walls recede into the background, actually making the room feel a little bigger (contrary to what most people think). Step 1: Rich brown walls do a nice job of highlighting both the pretty tile fixtures and the wood trim. Step 2: A geometric sconce adds interest above the mirror.

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