In days gone by, white bathrooms were the standard choice. But now, there’s a clear shift from the most classic neutral hues to those that inject these functional rooms with warmth and design interest.
And so, we asked interior designers and color experts what the go-to color is for bathrooms right now, and it’s all about variations of earthy, plaster pinks. Striking the perfect balance between neutral and colorful, earthy pinks have a lot to offer and make an incredibly stylish alternative to white.
As we seek to create homes where each room feels cozy and personality-led, it’s no surprise to see designers embrace this earthy bathroom color trend, and we expect it to dominate paint ideas next year.
Why is earthy pink replacing white in bathrooms?
‘In bathrooms, historically, everything has been quite white,’ says Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design and Color Psychologist at Lick. ‘So your bath, your sink… it’s very white-dominant.’
Noticing a shift away from this once-popular color scheme, Tash is seeing more and more people embrace pink across bathroom color ideas. But not the nostalgic lively shades of pink, it’s all about earthy plaster pinks, from terracotta to subtle blush tones. ‘Colors that I’m seeing more and more people move towards is anything that has that natural Moroccan style; so terracotta,’ Tash adds.
(Image credit: Dunn-Edwards)
While white bathrooms can feel sterile and bland, delicate pink paints create a more cozy, lived-in feel, while they appear fairly neutral and won’t overwhelm the space.
‘Earthy pinks are a fantastic alternative to classic white in bathrooms,’ agrees designer Darla Bankston May of Bankston May Associates. ‘Their warmth creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, and they tend to be especially flattering on a variety of skin tones.’
It’s not just designers embracing the move toward earth tones in bathrooms, but paint brands too. Dunn-Edwards 2025 Color of the Year was recently revealed as Caramelized, a brown-toned terracotta that suggests we’re going to see a lot more appeal for earthy pinks next year.
‘Swapping out classic whites for subtle pink tones allows for a gentle touch of color that complements neutrals, unlacquered brass, and organic wood textures beautifully,’ adds designer Sarah Hargrave of The Collective Dallas.
‘Bathrooms are opportunities to have a bit of fun since they’re tucked away and smaller in size,’ continues Sarah. ‘Muted mauve, orchid, or blush is the perfect, conservative step into color – it satisfies the desire for a playful accent while staying neutral and calm, making it an easy choice for a polished yet personal look.’
How to style earthy pink bathrooms
With designers championing this color trend for the year ahead, you may be wondering how best to incorporate it into your own home. Earthy pinks are a fairly forgiving color choice, providing much of the versatility of neutrals, but there are a few things to bear in mind before refreshing your own space.
Read on to learn designers’ top tips on decorating with earthy pinks in bathrooms – a welcomed shift away from decorating with white.
1. Choose the right shade of pink paint
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
The first, and arguably most important part of decorating with pink in a bathroom is finding the right shade of pink paint.
While there are lots to choose from to suit your specific space and lighting conditions, plaster pinks like Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink are a good introduction to this color trend. Muted and earthy, you don’t need to worry about this shade feeling too ‘pink’.
‘Everyone looks amazing against an earthy pink like Sulking Room Pink and they are such a great way to give depth and lift to a tiny powder room,’ says Kathryn Murphy of Kathryn Murphy Interiors. ‘Paired with a vintage mirror and brass fixtures they really level up a space.’
‘My tip is to order swatches before you commit to painting the whole room because pink shades change so much under natural or different artificial light,’ adds designer Soledad Alzaga. ‘If painting the walls or doing the tile in pink feels like a huge commitment, incorporate the color in towels, accessories, and even light fixtures.’
Sulking Room Pink, Farrow & Ball
Described by Farrow & Ball as a ‘muted rose’, Sulking Room Pink is a moody take on plaster pinks, adding plenty of warmth and depth to your bathroom.
2. Color drench for a cohesive look
(Image credit: David Hunt Lighting)
When decorating with earthy pink paint in your bathroom, the best approach is to embrace color-drenching ideas, according to Tash Bradley.
‘Color drench a bathroom,’ Tash suggests. ‘It’s too small a space to leave a ceiling white because then you’re just drawing attention to the ceiling. Paint your door, your walls, your woodwork, everything. It makes the bathroom way more calm.’
Lick’s Pink 08 is a recommended paint color by Tash that would look great drenched throughout the whole room. Described as a ‘dusty pink’, Pink 08 has warm brown undertones so it’ll make your space feel cozy and snug, a stylish alternative to lighter neutrals.
Color drench with Lick’s Pink 08 for a cozy feel that avoids any harsh contrasts with white.
3. Pair earthy pinks with natural materials
(Image credit: STUDIO KEETA, photography Austin Leis)
Since plaster pinks are known to have an earthy quality, you can enhance this further by pairing pink walls with natural materials throughout the space. Instead of the predictable white fixtures and fittings commonly found in bathrooms, opt for wooden materials and natural accessories.
‘An earthy pink shade can create a really nice backdrop for additional accessories such as natural plants and textured linens,’ says interior designer Jenny Luck.
This is demonstrated perfectly in this bathroom of STUDIO KEETA’s Glendale Spanish project, which features Portola Paints’ Oatmeal across the walls and earthy pink tiles. Teamed with a wooden vanity unit and rustic decor, the space is full of character and cozy appeal.
Complement your pink color scheme with this woven tray – a functional yet stylish way to order your space.
Made from 100% cotton, these towels come in a range of sizes and will help add texture to your bathroom.
This linen shower curtain is a simple way to lean into the earthy and organic look.
If your bathroom is in need of a refresh, why not try out earthy pinks? Whether you’re a color lover or prefer a neutral feel, this color trend caters to so many decorating styles, and you’ll soon see just how flattering it is.
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