So, I've been thinking about re-painting the guest bathroom for the past six months or so, and I've committed to do it this weekend. The only problem is that I can't quite seem to make a decision on the actual color. The bathroom has classic, simple white furnishings--but there's definitely a catch: the tile around the tub is light pink, edged with maroon.
Initially, I considered going light: a soothing taupe or beige to keep the room neutral. But now I'm hankering to make the bathroom a bit more dramatic with a dark hue, and I initially considered painting the room a rich espresso. However, after some consideration, I'm worried that with the pink tiles and white sink and tub, the bathroom will look like Neapolitan ice cream. A friend of mine suggested that I try a dark grey instead: "I think it'll go well with all the white pedestal sink and vintage style hardware. Keep the trim white, paint the walls grey, and then you can play with a wide range of pink and reds as accent colors."
What do you think of dark grey bathrooms? Here's a few photos from Living Etc.:



(Images: Living Etc.)
The floor color/material isn't mentioned but, based on the info provided, I think gray would work for the walls.
view mirandabee's profile
I spent the weekend in Belgium, and little girls were all dressed in dark grey linen (jackets, skirts) with pale blush pink (tees, tights...).
It is a pretty combination, but the maroon ruins it. Would it be possible to get rid of the maroon tiles?
view mschatelaine's profile
Wow I just love how streamlined and modern, but still classy and approachable the color is, especially when paired with that great hard wood floor and orange accent.
However, not sure how long the hard wood would last in a bathroom..at least in my house. I'd probably replace the wood with a creamy nice tile, or even some terra cotta style in a dark color?
view maybeamezzo's profile
The dark grey makes everything pop!
view jeffnyc's profile
A grey with a warm cast (like photo #3) would work great -- the white bath furnishings would definitely pop against it. And it'd cast a flattering light, always good in a bathroom!
view ursamin*r's profile
I have two pink bathrooms and dark grey is totally my fix-it color. I think it would work for most color-dated bathrooms: you can salvage the original tile color by just putting in a slate floor.
view home body's profile
That grey in #3 is an awesome color. All those undertones of je ne sais quoi. Very cool.
view JoanneM's profile
My husband and I just recently did exactly this! I was inspired by the color of a toy battleship. I thought it would be fun to paint the bathroom a dark color like that. It turned out great!
view redbeard's profile
love the 1st 2 rooms. not sure how it work in my cave of an apt, but great stuff.
view greybreaks's profile
Hi, Grace!
I'm wondering if we live in the same building, because my bathroom is exactly as you described - pink tile, maroon edging, and white fixtures. I was considering dark grey, too, but I'm worried the maroon will muddle it.
view bfootnovellista's profile
i have a dark grey bathroom, and it's great
be careful: there are so many greys, and they change with the daylight
view sunan's profile
I love the dark greys. It definitely relays a sense of cool (not so much the hipper than thou cool, but calm cool) - I hope that makes sense???
We did our tiny bathroom in a lighter shade of grey (textured tiles rather than paint). Offset with custom warm walnut for the vanity. It was definitely a fun project - a lot of learnings too!
http://donkeehouse.com/?p=74
view bitdot's profile
I personally like grey a lot. I you are worried about the pink and maroon clashing with the grey on the wall, then I would paint it a more unsaturated grey.
For my bathroom renovation I was thinking of a lighter grey béton ciré (dove or maybe even a mossy grey) with white walls and blond wood.
http://newangles.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/beton-cire/
view Menno's profile
The grey is beautiful - especially with the orange accents in the first photo. And that wallpaper in the last photo is killer!
view aperfectpeach's profile
Very inspiring. I especially love the cork, saarinen and bone inlay furniture used in a bathroom. Sigh, I wish my bathroom had enough space for furniture.
view EasilyAmused's profile
Great post! I just tiled my guest bath in an awsome two toned grey tile and came to a dead stop at complimentary paint colors. Great ideas!
view cliokitty's profile
If you're looking for colors, Benjamin Moore's Stonewall Brown is a perfectly cozy warm grey. It made my bedroom much more 'cavern-like'. Love the idea!
view takeanightdrive's profile