Making a brilliant backdrop for fittings and fixtures that range from sculptural bathtubs to stunning taps, green – in absolutely every shade from mint to jade – is having a moment in the bathroom.
COMPILED BY Robyn Alexander PHOTOS AXor/Hansgrohe se, Nicolas Mathéus (Paris Apartment), Supplied, MEDIA/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA
The Essential Elements
A tranquil pale sage works wonders in a small space, combining with Tara tapware by Dornbracht in the brand’s Champagne finish – available locally via Flush Bathrooms – and a Sondo countertop basin by Alape to create an elegant, contemporary feel.
When it comes to bathroom colours, green absolutely rules. Even more popular in some international markets than white, green tiles, paint and even fittings and fixtures have a fresh appeal that adds clean-cut orderliness to a space. They’re also calm-inducing, contributing a sense of nature-inspired peace via shades that include everything from bright apple green to moody emerald and subtle eau de nil. Green works in contemporary as well as classic bathrooms, lending itself just as well to being combined with ultra-sleek baths and basins, for example, as it does to traditional-style brass tapware.
There are a couple of key styling tips when it comes to using green in the bathroom. One: resist combining several different shades of the colour in different elements or areas of the space, as this could result in a messy, amorphous look. Avoid using sage-coloured sanitaryware with jade green on floors or walls, for example; rather offset your chosen green pieces with white or another neutral colour to keep the look smart and modern.
And two: ensure you choose a shade that suits you, and the way you prefer to use the space. For example, bright greens will work for those who want a bathroom to perk them up every morning, while darker tones will result in a more glamorous feel.
Take the Plunge
Adding a bold colour – even one as tranquil and easy to live with as green – to a bathroom can seem daunting. Fortunately, there’s more than one way to express this trend in your space. If you’re the cautious type, consider a single wall clad in green tiles, of which we have many inspiring examples on these pages. From creatively laid subway tiles to classic squares and even green mosaic options, it’s likely you’ll find something out there in the right shade and format to suit your needs. As Cape Town-based industrial designer Elsjé Schonken of Schonken Interiors says, we’re currently seeing “a desire to create a harmonious blend in a bathroom, where the timeless charm of natural materials such as stone and wood coexists with the lively vibrancy of bold colours, creating an oasis within the space”.
Wood, in particular, looks beautiful paired with greens; white and beige will work well too. In the end, says Tammy Holmes, interior designer at Ivy Décor & Design in Johannesburg – in full agreement with most of the bathroom design experts we consulted during the process of creating this issue – it’s really all about your personal preference. “The room should serve your needs, and so should be designed and finished accordingly,” says Tammy. “You can get away with bolder, brighter colours and feature elements in a bathroom because you don’t spend enough time in there to get bored with the look – but always make sure that the room works for you.”
If you’re feeling bold – even if the space you have is small – consider the view of designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, who created the bathroom on the first spread of this section. “The tendency is oft en (particularly at the moment) to paint one wall in one colour, leave another wall in another colour, and have a big picture on a third wall,” Osgerby observes. “And in a compact space, it doesn’t really work.” As an alternative, the designers opted for all-over monochrome green tiles when creating their space. “In terms of colour theory, green is the most calming,” says Osgerby. “It’s a reference to nature. But at the same time, in this instance, it gives us the ability to have a single palette that unifies the entire space.” schonkeninterior.com | ivydecor.co.za | barberosgerby.com
Colour Confidence
Bilala Mabuza, founder and creative director at Cocoon Lifestyle in Joburg, says one of the major trends in bathrooms is a return to colour. “We went through a beige period for a long time, where everything was muted,” she says. “Now, people are using colour again and looking at how it can be applied in different ways.” She adds that it’s possible to introduce green – or any other strong colour – via extras and accessories rather than permanent fixtures. Colourful bath towels and mats will do the trick, for example.
Wall tiles are the ideal way to add colour to a bathroom, and the two Decobella varieties pictured above – also available from Ceramica locally – demonstrate the varied effects that can be generated with different shades, shapes and finishes. Select square Contemporary tiles in Forest to create an elegant, earthy look. Glam things up with Riviera subway tiles in Botanical Green, stacked vertically for up-to-the-minute appeal.
That said, you can also just paint a bathroom wall bright green, even if you’re renting. For a soft, minty pastel version, try Cape May (G5-B2-2) by Plascon – or consider a deep, evocative emerald shade such as Emeraude (049-6) by Duram. Be sure to use a type of paint that’s suitable for bathroom use, such as Plascon’s Velvaglo, and remember that you’ll probably need to return the wall to its original state when you move on.
Another easy, no-stress and budget-friendly way to add green visual interest to a bathroom is by investing in a few indoor plants. Ask your local nursery for advice on which greenery to choose, or check out the low-light planting suggestions at a specialist indoor plant store like Folha or Plantify. cocoonlifestyle.co.za | plascon.co.za | duram.co.za | folhashop.com | plantify.co.za
You’re a Green Dreamer if…
- Tenderstem broccoli is your favourite snack
- You aspire to being a collector of jade netsuke
- You’re convinced heaven looks like the Palm House at Kew Gardens
- You’ll never stop obsessing over Keira Knightley’s green dress in Atonement
- Your post-prandial tipple of choice is absinthe (weekends only!)
Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.
