I've always found monochrome schemes a little cold and flat for bathrooms, but Naomi Watts' former master bathroom stopped me in my scrolling tracks. When I spotted this masterful design punctuated with gold accent pieces, I was struck by how warm, rich, and inviting it looked, and it might just have completely changed my mind.
If you have the same reservations as I did about black and white bathroom ideas, Naomi Watts' Ashe Leandro-designed bathroom has proved that just a few carefully positioned accent pieces can entirely transform and enliven a monochrome scheme.
Morgan Carper, Interior Designer and Founder of Morgan Carper Designs, explains: 'Metallics keep a monochrome bathroom from feeling flat. I’m drawn to finishes with a living quality – unlacquered or aged brass, and bronzes – because they develop a patina and tonal variation over time, which makes the space feel richer and more collected. It’s far more timeless than a bright, brushed gold. I like to layer these metals across the key touchpoints – plumbing fixtures, lighting, and hardware.'
Below, you can shop the look of Naomi Watts' bathroom, including her exact statement McCarren Chandelier by Ralph Lauren (Lumens) – just be sure to seek advice from an electrician or have it professionally installed before placing a chandelier over a bath. The experts have also shared their advice on how to create warmth with metallic accents in a monochrome bathroom.
Shop Metallic and Monochrome Pieces Inspired by Naomi Watts' Luxe Bathroom
This elegant vintage-style mirror in the style of Naomi Watts' statement piece adds depth and character to a minimal scheme, transforming it from basic to boutique hotel luxe.
This is the actual piece from Naomi Watts' bathroom, designed by Ralph Lauren. It brings a modern twist to a traditional piece thanks to the aged brass finish, clean, curved lines and white glass orb shades.
The black and white stripe on Naomi Watts' accent chair – like these similar pieces – brings a dynamism to the monochrome space, while the antiqued gold woodwork gives the piece a luxe twist on traditional decor.
The mirror reflects the two gold-colored wall sconces on the opposite wall in Naomi Watts' bathroom which complement the bold chandelier. This ribbed wall sconce is subtle enough not to compete.
A leafy sprig or blossom branch adds a touch of freshness that instantly lifts a monochrome scheme bringing a spa-like quality to the space that feels luxurious and in tune with nature.
You can bring monochrome in subtly with light touches such as black trims or patterns. These 100% cotton towels come with piping in various colors to match your scheme and a handy hanging loop.
Leslie Ward, interior design expert at Raleigh Realty explains why this look works so well in bathrooms like Naomi Watts': 'Metallics in monochrome bathrooms serve as punctuation marks. They interrupt flatness and add depth without detracting from the cohesion of the color scheme.'
But, the key to mastering this bathroom design idea is to not overdo it. A metallic accent should be exactly that, an accent, not a dominant feature. Caron Woolsey, Founder and Principal Designer at CW Interiors, offers this advice: 'Where people go wrong is over-accessorizing. A bathroom doesn’t need a collection of metallic objects to make the point. One good mirror, a pair of sconces, and cohesive hardware will do more than ten small accents. Repetition should feel quiet and deliberate. You want continuity, not sparkle.'
The specific shade of metal is important, too. Decorating with silver or nickel can emphasise the coldness of a monochrome scheme, while gold and brass bring a welcome warmth. And sticking to a single tone will help to keep the look intentional. Leslie adds 'antique brass or aged gold tones add warmth to an all-white, all-black, or tonal gray color scheme. The secret to metallics in monochrome bathrooms is choosing two to three elements that repeat the metallic tone. This could be the faucet, mirror frame, and cabinet hardware. The metallic tone should be consistent to appear sophisticated instead of chaotic.'
There's also a practical reason to opt for brushed or antiqued finishes over high-gloss, says Robert D Puleo, Owner of Denver Bathtub & Tile Reglazing: 'Brushed or satin finishes are the most forgiving day to day because they hide fingerprints, watermarks, and limescale better than polished surfaces.'
Caron concludes: 'Metal works best when it supports the architecture instead of competing with it. If you notice the room first and the finish second, you’ve done it right. That’s what makes a monochrome space feel sophisticated instead of styled.'
For an easy way to enliven and warm up a cold or flat monochrome palette, bathroom hardware ideas are a good place to start. Go for a warm-toned, matte metal, such as brushed brass or antiqued gold, and layer in a few (but not too many) accent pieces, such as lighting and mirrors, to complete the look.
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