Bold and bright accents: Generally, more color is being introduced into the bathroom nowadays. Bold and bright shades are not just suitable for other parts of the home, but they can be used effectively in bathrooms as well. Colors like wine, lemon yellow, and teal create a cheerful and attractive space that is energizing to enter into in the mornings. Some people like a more dramatic feel with bold colors covering the walls; others prefer to have bright accents like the shower curtain or rug in a neutral-toned bathroom.

Aqua blue, seafoam green, violet: The bathroom has always been an ideal place to go for a color palette that is evocative of a vast ocean or relaxing pool. Blues and greens are known to be both relaxing and refreshing. This season, these colors are combined in a bright aqua blue, deep violet, and soothing seafoam green. You will see these shades in glass and ceramic tiles, which are becoming more popular for bathroom decorating.

Blue and brown: Blue paired with brown is still a favorite for this season. Blue is a very popular and likeable shade, and its cool tone is warmed with a grounding brown. Different combinations of these colors can be used, like painting one wall brown and the others blue, or having brown cabinetry and countertops and blue tiles. Whereas darker chocolate browns have often been used, the trend is now towards lighter shades of brown, like cinnamon and caramel.

Blue and white: This color scheme is another classic for bathrooms. Crisp and breezy, blue and white is evocative of sailing boats and a clear sky. Think of blue and white stripes on towels and window treatments, or a band of glass tiles in different shades of blue on a white shower wall.

Neutrals: Greys, browns, and other neutral shades continue to be popular, since they have a more natural appearance and can complement any design scheme. With stone, slate, and river rock tiles catching on in shower areas and bathroom floors, texture is an important element that is brought out tastefully with a neutral-colored bathroom.

Softer white: As opposed to the stark white walls, tiles, and fixtures of the past, softer whites like cream and eggshell are perceived as more pleasant in the bathroom. A combination of different shades of white and some yellow or gold keeps the tone warm and comfortable.

Black and white: Sophisticated or fun, black and white never goes out of style. Think of white marble tiles and countertops with veins of black or black polka dots on a white wall. This season, the black and white scheme is updated with a punch of bold color like crimson or amethyst.

About the author

Design consultant Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com has more than twenty-five years experience with wall art sets and iron candle wall sconces.