Stunning bathroom and powder room ideas – plus our top tips!

Bathrooms and powder rooms are more than just functional spaces – they’re areas of your home that can make a big design statement. Whether you want a relaxing retreat or a bold showstopper, decorating these smaller rooms with the right colours, patterns and finishes is key. We’ve got some striking designs, from both homeowners and designers, using various Resene paints and wallpapers to give you some inspiration, so you can transform your bathroom into an elegant sanctuary or your powder room into a charming corner that leaves an impression. 

Colour schemes that shine 

When decorating bathrooms, it’s important to choose colours that not only reflect your style but also enhance the space. Neutrals and soft shades like Resene Sea Fog and Resene Quarter Tea are timeless options, perfect for creating a calm and soothing environment. These light shades reflect natural light beautifully, making smaller bathrooms feel airy and spacious. 

If you want to add a contemporary twist, however, consider deeper tones such as Resene Foundry or Resene Coast. Dark colours add depth and drama, creating a chic, moody atmosphere, especially when paired with modern fixtures and sleek tiles. To prevent darker shades from feeling overwhelming, use them on feature walls, on lower or upper areas of walls, or in contrast with lighter colours on trims and doors.  

For something more in the middle, consider gentle tones like Resene Half Lemon Grass, Resene Emerge and Resene Pattens Blue. Pair your chosen colour with other décor or shades present in tiles to create a harmonious look.  


This bathroom, designed by Carlene Duffy of Cedar and Suede, features a delicate pearl grey, Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, creating a personal oasis for relaxation. The ceiling is painted in Resene Black White. Image by Mindi Cooke. 


Resene Half Duck Egg Blueadorns these bathroom walls, with complementing cool toned speckled tiles and Resene Black White on the ceiling and trims. Design by Box™ - The Architect Builder, image by Sophie Heyworth. 


A blue-grey slate with hints of summer sky, Resene Lazy River, was used in this bathroom. The warm speckled tiles, natural flooring and warm shade of Resene WhitePointer on the trims and ceiling help to warm up the space for a cosy feel. Design by Abbie Chapman, image by Amber-Jayne Bain. 


This powder room is painted in striking Resene Coast. The room transforms into a realm of luxury and drama. Despite its modest dimensions, the bold colour scheme commands attention, diverting focus from size to style. Design by Box™ - The Architect Builder, image by Sophie Heyworth. 


In this exquisite master ensuite, Resene Fuscous Grey was used on the vanity to harmonise with the dark marble and charcoal feature tiles. The ceiling is painted in Resene Alabaster. Design by Katie Scott of Sticks + Stones Design, image by Mark Scowen. 

Patterns with purpose 

Wallpaper is a great way to add personality and texture to bathrooms and powder rooms. Resene’s extensive wallpaper range offers options that can suit any style, from elegant florals to bold geometric patterns. For a powder room, where you can afford to go a bit more playful, consider a Resene wallpaper with metallic accents or a striking tropical print. Metallic touches in wallpaper not only add glamour but reflect light, keeping the space from feeling too closed in. And who says a powder room can’t be fun? Test out those bold and colourful designs you’ve always wanted to try in your smallest room of the house!  

In contrast, bathrooms also benefit from more subtle patterns, like soft florals or watercolour effects that add interest without overwhelming the space. When paired with neutral tones, these patterns create a spa-like vibe, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day. 


Homeowner Maureen’s powder room transformation is striking. Using Resene Wallpaper Collection MR70100 she created a moody, sophisticated space, using a black vanity and rose-coloured tiles to enhance the pattern. “The light reflects the silver in the wallpaper giving it interest, and the quirky pink birds take your eye straight to them,” she says. 


Lauren struggled with the fact that her powder room, like many, had no natural light, so she chose Resene Wallpaper Collection 1703-109-05 for its light reflective qualities when the light shines on it. She achieved her theme of ‘old glamour’ with luxurious fixtures, while painting the walls in Resene Quarter Stack. 


Resene Wallpaper Collection IF2-024 is the perfect mix of tranquil blues and glamourous geometric patterns. In this minimalist bathroom it adds just the right amount of colour and interest.  


Lisa’s goal was to lighten and brighten her once dark home and include some unexpected pops and surprises. She has succeeded in her bathroom, with a vibrant design on the upper wall, Resene Wallpaper Collection 91173, paired with Resene Half Merino on walls, doors and the ceiling.  


This 1970s home had a dated powder room that desperately needed a makeover. Homeowner Roseanne decided to paint it in a classic white, Resene Alabaster, and add a feature wall using tropical Resene Wallpaper Collection 220125. 

Our top tips 

Contrasts and finishes: Playing with finishes can dramatically impact the final look of your bathroom. High-gloss finishes, like Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel, are ideal for bathroom trims or cabinetry, as they add a polished shine while being easy to clean. For the walls, opt for a durable low sheen finish, such as Resene Zylone Sheen or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, which offer a sophisticated look that’s moisture-resistant, ideal for humid environments. 

Protecting wet areas: Opt for the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom range which combines the durability and easy cleanability of a waterborne enamel with added anti-bacterial silver protection and the mould protection of Resene MoulDefender to minimise bacteria and mould growth. 

Prepping: Make sure you treat any moss and mould before you repaint, using Resene Moss & Mould Killer.  Otherwise, if you just paint over the mould it can grow through your new paint finish. Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated before you start repainting. A well-ventilated bathroom is best for your health, your paintwork and all the accessories in your bathroom. 

Bathrooms and powder rooms may be small, but with the right colour and design, they can have a big design impact. If you need help with your colour choices or the right products to use, head in to your local Resene ColorShop for some friendly advice, or Ask a Resene Paint Expert online or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online for help.  

Published: 25 Sep 2024

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.

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Resene Quarter Tea

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Resene Half Lemon Grass

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Resene Pattens Blue

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Resene Quarter Foggy Grey

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Resene Black White

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Resene Half Duck Egg Blue

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Resene Fuscous Grey

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Resene Quarter Stack

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Resene Half Merino

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