Red Is the Biggest Bathroom Color of 2024, According to Designers
Here's how to style the hue in your home.
Whether you're fine-tuning your meticulous, multi-step skincare routine or indulging in a warm, cozy bubble bath, it's safe to say that most bathrooms are synonymous with chilling out. (You know, a place where both dwellers and guests can take a beat from the hustle and bustle of their normal lives and just...well, be.) But while bathrooms are often available soothing neutrals or cool tones like blue and green, many designers are turning to an unexpected color: red.
Admittedly, the interior design industry's relationship with red is a little complicated. While we often think of red as for bright, bold moments like Mr. Big's iconic red wall in Sex and the City—as Carrie would say, a good idea in theory, but somehow it doesn't quite work—Tineke Triggs argues that red has more versatility than one might think.
"Yes, it pops with passion, energy, and vitality so it’s perfect for places like bathrooms where you kick off your day," the San Francisco-based designer explains." Imagine getting that surge of energy each morning from just stepping into your space—that's what red can do!" A red bathroom might be a pick-me-up in the morning—a visual cup of coffee, if you will—but she argues it can totally shift gears as you wind down for the day. "It can make your bathroom feel warm and cozy, a snug retreat to relax and let go of the day’s stress," Triggs adds.
Meanwhile, Ghislaine Viñas suggests the rise of red bathrooms is a symptom of a larger statement in the design scene. "[There's] a general shift toward breaking traditional design rules across all rooms in the home," the New York designer says. "Avant-garde is in, and people are free to express themselves without traditional rules of how a space should look. This may explain why we are seeing the most unlikely and unexpected colors rise in popularity, even for spaces like bathrooms."
Of course, let's not forget that red is not a one-shade-fits-all situation: Tomato and fire engine hues might be the most prolific, but you can also opt for a rich burgundy, earthy brick, or soft rose. If you're looking for some fiery ideas to bring some passion to your setup, keep scrolling for standout red bathroom ideas.
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