ColorTherapy: Burgundy

Name: TH57 Burgundy
Brand: Ralph Lauren

For something different, why don't you try this: a dark color in the bathroom. Most people tend to defer to pale pastels for the bath for reasons unbeknownst to me. I think that bathrooms tend to be cramped, ugly spaces that we spend a lot of time in, and therefore require special attention to make them more appealing...

In my own bathroom, I’ve splashed murals of the Riviera across the walls, but that’s another column.

This dark color is slightly exotic in an Art Deco kind of way, and feels almost like installed leather panels. Even though this bathroom is small and uneventful, the color helps to suggest that it’s something more glamorous. And remember my secret: a warm color in the bathroom puts a rosy glow on your cheeks in the mirror!

- Mark Chamberlain, interior and decorative painter

Comments (9)

I totally agree! I have a dark grey on one wall of my bedroom that made it so dramatic and sensual and just love it! I just might have to try this in the bathroom as well... ;)

posted by Dre in Bklyn on December 4th 2007 at 7:06am
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Oh, such a good idea. Thanks for the inspiration, Mark; I think I'm going to go for a gray/slate color in my bathroom now...

posted by moira on December 4th 2007 at 7:23am
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My bathroom is dark brown, and I really like it. I like the airdryer in the picture: what brand?

posted by Francesca on December 4th 2007 at 7:35am
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I love your mirror. Wher did you get it?

posted by Sleek on December 4th 2007 at 8:03am
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I believe most people including myself paint there bathroom a light coloured paint because so many are windowless and small. That said, I'm gonna try this shade.

Coco

posted by coco on December 4th 2007 at 8:16am
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My best friend has her bathroom painted a very similar color and it is gorgeous. I think it works particularly well with white tile/trim and chrome fixtures. Barring any large expanse of unadorned wall, the color doesn't make the room feel smaller/darker at all.

posted by robyn on December 4th 2007 at 8:26am
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I painted my bathroom Audobon Russet-Benjamin Moore HC-51. When I decided to use this color my friends thought I was crazy. But now all I get is compliments!

posted by DD104 on December 4th 2007 at 8:28am
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Love the mirror!!

posted by anne on December 4th 2007 at 8:35am
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It may look good, but the lighting is essential. I've been in dark painted powder rooms and have not enjoyed it. The light is harsh and glares in a darkly painted small room.

posted by Alana in Canada on December 5th 2007 at 9:54am
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