An all-white bathroom looks fresh and airy, but there is much to be said for a dark, sophisticated wet room that oozes style. 

When it comes to a bathroom renovation, it’s very easy to fall back on the tried and tested neutral colour palette. At Balnei & Colina, we recognise that each client has their own unique style. We encourage you to embrace your individuality so that your newly renovated spaces reflect your personal taste and the outcome is something you will enjoy for years to come. 

If that means heading to the ‘dark side’ for your bathroom remodel, we are here to make it happen for you!

Perhaps your vision is of an all-black space soaked from ceiling to floor in layers of lush dark finishes and fittings, or you have your sights on a monochromatic scheme that balances black highlights with crisp white. Either way, in this month's B&C Home Journal, our guide on how to nail a dark bathroom design will give you the confidence to take that leap. 

Robert Fonti

Director, Balnei & Colina

 

Balnei & Colina | Bathroom Renovation Sydney

Myth Debunked

First up, we need to address a common misconception. Contrary to popular belief, dark colours won’t necessarily make a bathroom feel cramped and small. Moody tones like jet black, deep charcoal or an inky navy have the effect of blurring the room’s boundaries. Think about the feeling of staring up at the night sky - it feels vast and boundless. 

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Balnei & Colina | Bathroom Renovation Sydney

Layout basics

If you are looking to create a bathroom renovation featuring a dark colour scheme and your bathroom is on the petite side, clever space planning will allow you to maximise the square meterage and harness any natural light. The goal is to create a layout that feels spacious and open, which could mean the inclusion of a walk-in shower, effective window or skylight placement, or custom joinery that delivers loads of storage while still looking sleek and streamlined.

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Balnei & Colina | Bathroom Renovation Sydney

Light it right 

Soft light is a perfect match to a moody space, but you still need to be able to see yourself clearly in the mirror! Highlight the sophistication of a dark bathroom with an expertly crafted lighting scheme that ensures the ambience is maintained without sacrificing functionality. Learn more via our expert guide to bathroom lighting here 

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Combine different finishes 

A winning all-black bathroom design will look anything other than flat and uninspiring. The real design magic happens when a combination of textures and finishes creates a dark bathroom space with depth and a welcoming ambience. Gloss and matt black finishes positioned side by side will create a subtle but eye-catching contrast. At the same time, the natural variation in marble, slate or travertine will add pattern and a touchable quality. 

Designer tip: If practicality is at the top of your bathroom renovation brief, keep in mind that fingerprints and water streaks will be more obvious on smooth gloss finishes compared to matt or undulating surfaces. 

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Balance it out with timber

Add warmth and character to a dark bathroom design scheme with timber and natural accents. We picked it as a bathroom design trend for 2021, and we believe it’s a look with longevity. Whether you choose a timber veneer vanity or a timber-look porcelain tile, the contrast in tone and texture will add depth and an organic feel. 

Design tip: Choose waterproof timber accents that are suitable for wet areas. A Baleni & Colina bathroom renovation expert can advise you on this, giving you the confidence that your new bathroom will be built to last. 

 

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Master monochrome 

The classic colour combination of black and white is an enduring look that will never go out of style. Your dream bathroom design may lean toward the glamour of 1920s Art Deco, or perhaps a raw industrial look is more your thing. Regardless of your design inspirations, a black and white scheme is versatile and dynamic. 

Create a sophisticated and polished look with dark accents in an almost all-white bathroom. Black tapware, a black-framed shower screen or a bold tile feature may be all you need to achieve a bathroom design with just the right amount of visual drama. 

Design tip: Consider a high-contrast grout to elevate the look of a simple tile. Take a white tile in a subway, hexagon or penny round shape, and use black grout for a considered and stylish finish. 

Still unsure how to create your stylish dark design scheme for your dream bathroom renovation?  Leave it to the renovation experts at Balnei & Colina renovations in Sydney. 

Book a bathroom design consultation today on 1300 450 320 or send us your project details via this contact form. You can also email us direct via info@balneiandcolina.com.au. 

Visit us at balneiandcolina.com.au and connect with us via Facebook or Instagram to keep up with the latest bathroom design inspiration and trends.

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