Name: Coral Reef 012
Brand: Benjamin Moore
I wish I had “before and after” photos on this project. The tile in this bathroom is oatmeal-colored, and the previous paint color was Ace bandage, such that you felt like collapsing from depression every time you washed your hands.
On a whim, I proposed this: a bright coral color for the walls, which I for some reason imagine looks like Paris in the 30s, though I was never there then. I love how this color trumps the ugly tile, and dances with the colors in the bird prints on the wall. The whole thing makes me smile—the exact opposite effect of the previous décor.
This normally wouldn’t have been my first color choice, yet it’s the most enchanting room in the apartment. And ladies, here’s one last tip from my arsenal of secrets: everyone looks good reflected in the mirror of a warm-toned bathroom. It somehow puts a blush in your cheeks.
- Mark Chamberlain, interior and decorative painter
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Love the color! What's that hanging over the small window? It looks like small colored pieces of cloth or something? Anyway, great color (thanks for the tip!)
Cielos, those look like Tibetan prayer flags.
I don't normally like coral as a main color, but this looks really lovely! Delish!
Your line about collapsing from depression every time you washed your hands made me laugh out loud -- yes, color can be that potent, though it seems surprising how few folk realize it.
Our bathroom has (what I think is hideous) 12 inch "slate look" tiles. I'd love to have a bathroom in coral and alabaster, but the tiles aren't getting replaced anytime soon. So, alas, no warm colors for me, unless I use mustard (blech) or wine (so 1986). Le sigh.
Mark, not only do I love seeing what you do with color, I so look forward to reading what you have to say about it. I wouldn't in a million years choose this color, but I very much like it here. You are a very gifted designer. And witty! :)
I love paintings hung in the bathroom. Gives it such a cozy feel. For a small bathroom like this, I think you did a great job. The bird pictures really go great with the coral. It's got a warm something that reminds me of a powder room/lounge.
Mark,
This reminds me "Old Florida" colors. Very warm, without overpowering.
BTW, I recently painted our small dressing room BM Deep Ocean Blue (pearl finish) after reading your "French Blue" posts. It came out great.
We recently purchased an 60's contemporary and all the rooms are either painted off-white and a couple still have cheap wood paneling (yechh).
All this to say, I constantly am looking to AT and your posts for inspiration-thanks!
Best,
Bruce