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Home Beautiful
Home Beautiful
Lisa Easey

4 powder rooms that prove colour is key to timeless style

White colour schemes are the go-to option for bathrooms, and it’s easy to see why. Versatile and timeless, white exudes classic style, especially in powder rooms where space is limited. However, when done right, colour can transcend trends to infuse a space with personality and flair. To prove it, we explore four stunning KWD bathrooms for inspiration. From wonderfully wild pink palettes to moody forest hues, here are some stylish bathroom looks that beautifully embrace colour.

1. Dark forest tones

Dark colours are often thought to make small spaces feel even smaller, but they can also create a sense of depth and dimension, as seen in this botanic-themed bathroom. Here, Dulux in Strong Olive was chosen to coat the space from floor to ceiling, complemented by board-and-batten style panelling that draws the eye upward for the illusion of height. Dark greens, like Dulux Strong Olive, can also act as a neutral backdrop to highlight other features, such as the vanity and tiles. Sophisticated yet earthy and calm, the green palette of this bathroom feels like an instant classic.

A forest green powder room with a mosaic tiled floor.
With handsome Dulux Strong Olive from floor to ceiling, this powder room from KWD is an enveloping space. The organic appeal is complemented by the vanity from RH and a framed botanic print from Cromwell. (Photography: Armelle Habib)

“Have a little fun with your powder room. Express yourself and showcase your style.”

Kate Walker, interior designer

2. Earthy neutrals

Choosing wallpaper in earthy neutrals is an easy way to infuse a powder room with classic elegance. In this powder room, Mulberry Home’s ‘Flying Ducks’ wallpaper serves as a charming accent piece, rather than covering the entire wall, beautifully contrasting with the white wainscoting. When combined with timeless fixtures such as brass tapware, earthy tones bring visual intrigue without dominating the space. For a classic cottage style, wallpaper featuring animal motifs is always a delightful choice.

A classic style powder room with a pedestal basin and flying ducks wallpaper.
Bring the outdoors into your interiors like KWD did here with the use of Mulberry Home ‘Flying Ducks’ wallpaper in Taupe, available through Elliott Clarke Textiles. White wainscoting contrasts underneath. (Photography: Armelle Habib)

“Storage is not so important in a powder room, unless it doubles as a guest bathroom.”

Kate Walker, interior designer

3. Brilliant jewel colours

When it comes to jewel tones, an all-or-nothing approach can deliver stunning results. This powder room is swathed in opulent pink hues paired with brass fixtures that will age beautifully over time. The key to achieving a timeless look is selecting a hero colour and using it in complementary shades, like the KWD&Co Cristallo Rosa Quartzite vanity surrounded by Ralph Lauren grasscloth fabric. Mixing too many jewel tones can make a powder room look dated and unbalanced, but focusing on one key colour creates a luxurious and cohesive atmosphere.

A pink powder room with a quartzite slab vanity.
This small space has a big personality, thanks to the playful pinks in KWD&Co’s Cristallo Rosa Quartzite vanity and the Ralph Lauren grasscloth fabric from Phillip Jeffries. (Photography: Armelle Habib)

4. Wild wallpaper

In this powder room, colour takes flight in a harmonious blend of pink and white, with the ‘Heron’ wallpaper by Gucci taking centre stage. When placed away from wet areas, wallpaper can create a striking backdrop in bathrooms, especially with vinyl varieties that withstand humidity well. While this powder room is rich in colour, its charm lies in a restrained palette punctuated by occasional gold accents that catch the eye.

A classic pedestal basin and pink heron wallpaper.
In this powder room, Kate creates an avian theme with ‘Heron’ wallpaper by Gucci. (Photography: Armelle Habib)

The Cosmopolitan quartzite and Rosso Verona marble flooring, both from KWD&Co, blend seamlessly with soft pink tones, while the Suzanne Kasler ‘Juliette’ lamp provides a subtle contrast. Best of all, natural light floods the space through a white arched door, enhancing the bright and airy feel.

“Be innovative with the type of tiles you choose, how you lay them and where you place them.”

Kate Walker, interior designer
A powder room with large pink heron wallpaper and checked marble flooring
The earthy pink hue continues in the vanity of Cosmopolitan quartzite and the Rosso Verona marble flooring, both from KWD&Co. (Photography: Armelle Habib)

Shop powder rooms

Dulux Strong Olive

$ $123.05, Dulux

Best for: Creating a contemporary cocoon

A powder room is the perfect place to channel nature’s embrace with the effortless elegance of the transformative properties of olive green. Combine the lush vibrance of a Mediterranean grove with the rich, earthy undertones of the forest floor to create a space that is at once invigorating, yet serene.

Size: 4L


‘Griffin’ double wall sconce

$479, Observatory Lighting

Best for: Mood lighting

This art deco-inspired wall sconce combines beauty with functionality, gently diffusing light through a glamorous ribbed glass shade. Enhanced by a brass finish and easy installation, this mid-century design sets the perfect mood for a relaxing soak in the tub.

Sizes: Double and single size sconces

Materials: Metal, glass and brass


Vintage fern print

from $29.75/8 x 10 inches, Capricorn Press

Best for: Connecting with nature

Bringing nature into your bathroom is an easy way to create a calming retreat, and this vintage 19th-century fern print ensures you never have to worry about watering plants. Available in five sizes on premium cotton paper, this art print adds a spa-like feel with its vibrant green tones.

Sizes: Up to 24 x 30 inches

Material: 100% Cotton paper


‘Alicante Brighton’ porcelain tile

$80 per sqm, The Blue Space

Best for: Style and durability

These Spanish tiles from The Blue Space combine traditional beauty with contemporary features, including glazed porcelain, cushioned edges and exceptional durability that’s suitable for bathrooms, laundries and other spaces. The design also comes in six different colourways and patterns in a matt finish.

Size: 316mm x3 16mm

Colours: Brighton, Derby, Eton, Heathcote, Kirkham and Shrewsbury

Material: Porcelain


‘Winchester Copenhagen’ door handle in Rustic Brass

$153, Zanda

Best for: Easy maintenance and care

Perfect for bathroom cabinets, this rustic handle has timeless appeal. Made in Italy from solid brass, it’s easy to install, coming with a lever and dummy fixing spindle. The warm tones of brass complement most bathroom styles, and best of all, they’re easy to maintain with a light polish.

Colour: Rustic Brass finish

Material: Solid brass


‘Grand Flying Ducks’ wallpaper in Emerald

$530 per roll, Mulberry Home

Best for: A country-style bathroom

Adorable ducks take flight in this stunning Mulberry Home wallpaper. Inspired by the original art design dating back to the 1920s, this wallpaper reimagines it in delightful contemporary colorways such as Emerald, Grey/Blue, Plum, Sage and Red. Whether for a farmhouse-style or modern country bathroom, this wallpaper is a charming addition.

Size: 10 metre rolls

Colours: Blue, Grey/Blue, Plaster, Plum, Red/Blue and Sage

Material: Paper


‘Mayer’ washstand in Chrome

$3159, Turner Hastings

Best for: A hint of classic style

This washstand by Turner Hastings features a beautiful Carrara marble top and raw brass frame that evoke true a heritage charm. It can also be customised to add a shelf beneath the basin for additional storage. With three different finishes to choose from, this washstand elevates the bathroom with simple elegance.

Size: 75cm x 55cm

Colours: Chrome, Brushed Nickel or Brushed Brass frame

Materials: Carrara marble, ceramic and raw brass


‘Heron’ wallpaper in Pink

$900/set of 2 3.5m rolls, Gucci

Best for: A show-stopping powder room

This ‘Heron’ wallpaper by Gucci is designed to make a statement. Drawing inspiration from Gucci’s ready-to-wear collections, the design features birds and dragonflies on a soft pink backdrop. Crafted in Italy, this wallpaper has a luxurious and captivating ambience perfect for a powder room.

Size: 3.5 metre rolls

Colour: Pink heron print

Material: Paper


‘Ripley’ wall light

$740, The Montauk Lighting Co

Best for: Simple sophistication

Need to brighten up your bathroom? This wall light from Montauk Lighting Co. features a Belgian linen shade and a rattan-wrapped arm, complemented by an aged brass finish. Whether mounted alone or beautifully flanking a bathroom mirror, this light exudes understated elegance.

Size: 47.6cm x 12.1cm x 17.2cm

Materials: Brass, rattan and Belgium linen


‘Loft’ soap dish in Snow

$49.95, Country Road

Best for: That luxurious bathroom feel

The small details always make a difference, and this soap dish ensures a feeling of luxury thanks to lovely solid marble. The corrugated design perfectly holds a soap bar while the marble complements most bathroom styles, from classic to contemporary. Simply add your favourite soap bar for a delightfully fragrant experience.

Size: 7cm x 12cm x 2cm

Colour: Snow

Material: Solid marble


‘Teardrop’ vase in Chalk White

$102.50, Marmoset Found

Best for: A burst of freshness

Fresh flowers instantly elevate a powder room, particularly when paired with an elegant vase. This teardrop vase has a simple, organic beauty with a subtle white colour that allows flowers to take centre stage. Hand-cast in ceramic, this vase only needs a few peonies or a bunch of daffodils to freshen up a space.

Size: Large

Colour: Chalk White

Material: Ceramic


‘Plaster’ wallpaper in Raspberry

$106 per roll, Metropolitan Stories Wallpapers

Best for: Bold and beautiful colour

This wallpaper’s vibrant raspberry colour immediately grabs attention, alongside its faux plaster look that adds an intriguing textural aspect to walls. The collection, inspired by the colours and textures of Tokyo, includes calming cherry blossom and koi fish patterns, as well as fabric and plaster textures, making for a captivating powder room.

Size: 10 metre rolls

Colours: Raspberry, Aqua, Cream, Grey, Pink

Material: Paper


‘Cromford’ basin wall set in Brushed Gold

$384, Phoenix

Best for: Timeless elegance

Drawing inspiration from 18th-century industrial design, this basin set in Phoenix’s Cromford collection features a luxurious Brushed Gold finish on a simple design honouring meticulous craftsmanship. Also included in the set are a screw-on spout, ceramic disc spindles and a flow aerator, making it ideal for bath installation.

Colour: Brushed Gold finish

Material: Brass



This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.

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