How To Use Colour in a Bathroom, with Lucy Glade-Wright

Embracing bold hues can elevate your bathroom from a purely functional space to a deeply personal and immersive retreat. Creative director of Hunting for George and interiors expert Lucy Glade-Wright shares her insights and tips on how to bring colour into your bathroom in a cohesive way that will stand the test of time.

Go Bold: Drench Your Bathroom in Colour

Lucy’s top recommendation? Don’t hold back.

“Tiles and paint are a great way to drench a bathroom in colour,” she says. “You can achieve a floor-to-ceiling treatment that feels immersive and intentional. The more confident the application, the better the outcome.”

Rather than limiting colour to a single feature wall, Lucy encourages applying it across the entire room, including the ceiling (yes, really!) for maximum impact. This technique, known as colour drenching, is gaining popularity for its ability to create a cohesive and enveloping atmosphere. Colour drenching blurs the lines between surfaces and creates a sense of calm and continuity.

Tips to Make Colour Work

Feeling unsure about how to pull it off? Lucy’s advice is simple: pick a colour and stick with it.

“Simplicity and consistency are key,” she says. “If you’re making a statement with bold colour, balance it with refined materials. Brushed nickel hardware, for example, pairs beautifully with vibrant tones.”

What We Can Learn from The Block

Lucy found plenty of inspiration in the current seasons of The Block, particularly in the bathrooms by contestants Emma and Ben.

“I loved the overwhelming sense of calm in their green ensuite,” she says. “The floor-to-ceiling gloss tiles were beautifully balanced by the earthy timber vanity. The proportions of the mirror cabinet and vanity were spot on, maximising storage without compromising style.”

Their main ensuite took things a step further with deep berry tones that created a more sensual atmosphere. “Subtle curves in the mirror, vanity and basin added softness, and the layered lighting brought everything together,” Lucy adds.

For the Colour-Cautious

If you’re nervous about using bold colour in your bathroom, Lucy suggests starting with a moodboard.

“Find inspiration and look at how other designers have used colour,” she advises. “Pay attention to how all the elements – tiles, paint, lighting, hardware – work together. Having a clear vision will help you feel more confident in your choices.”

What’s Next in Bathroom Design?

Looking ahead, Lucy predicts that colour-drenched bathrooms and curved accents will continue to dominate.

“Hopefully, we’ll see even more confident use of colour,” she says. “Curves are here to stay for a while; they add softness and elegance to what can often be a very angular space.”

Whether you're drawn to calming greens, rich berry tones, or something entirely unique, using colour in your bathroom is a powerful way to express your personal style. As Lucy Glade-Wright reminds us, confidence and consistency are key, so embrace colour drenching, balance bold choices with refined finishes, and let your bathroom become a space that inspires and delights every day.