Going with a very neutral base in our master bath was very different than my original plan, as y’all know. While it’ll be in smaller ways than I first thought, I’m excited to add color into this room in small details and accessories.
I’ve considered a lot of different color combinations and there are so many ways I could go. I knew a colorful rug was my first step. I really wanted a long runner that would span the space in front of the tub and vanities, but I have two shorter runners already. Both of these that you’ll see in my options below are big enough to go in front of the tub only, but I think I may try that for awhile and see if I can use what I’ve got…at least for now.
Here are the four color options I’m considering right now. Remember, we’re talking about colors for the mirrors and barn lights. Once those main elements are decided, I’ll bring more color in through other elements as well.
These first two are with my red overdyed persian that you guys have seen pop up in many spaces over the years. I got it from eBay two years or so ago.
In Option 1, I would pull the blue out of the rug, but go lighter than the royal it appears. I’d go dusty blue on the barn lights and a very pale baby blue on the mirrors. I’m thinking I’d distress the mirrors and do the lights glossy. I love monochromatic looks like this where different shades of one color are paired together.
In Option 2, I’ve gone with a neutral light. I’d do the base of the barn lights brass and the “shade” part a glossy black. I think this would be a really pretty way to finish these lights. Then, I’d pull the pinky peach out of the rug with a very, very pale blush mirror. Think ballet pink or a “barely there” shade. My husband would hate this, I know. I would definitely go as light as possible, almost to where it looked neutral but just had a hint of blush.
I realized I liked both of these same color options above with the other rug as well, so here those are as Options 3 and 4. I found this rug for $15 on the Longest Yard Sale. I initially bought it for Rosie’s room when I was pregnant, but as that room took shape, it ended up not working.
I really thought that after I sat down and put this together I would have a clear favorite, but I don’t! I like something about each one of these. I think that the different rugs would give the room a very different feel. I think I’m going to lay both of them out in the room and try to decide that way. One thing I do love about both of these color options is if I ended up wanting a longer runner down the road, I know that I could find one that went with these basic color from what I’ve seen. Of course, I could always re-paint, but minimizing work down the road is nice.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have any other suggestions! I’ve considered shades of olive green, hunter green, and plum as well. And they may still make an appearance! I have other ways I’m going to bring color into this room for sure. These are just the main focal point. What’s your vote, friends?
I think the black and brass light option is great. I think it would look awesome with the tub and brass sink fixtures. Also, if they light is black and brass you could do blush or blue or any color really. The black fixture would be another neutral and if you change your mind down the road about the mirror color you only would have to paint the mirror not both.
Option 2! You’ve already painted blue on your chandelier, right? Go for the blush! It adds some femininity but is balanced by the black of the tub and lighting!
I like the black and brass fixture but why do you have to paint the mirror? I love the warmth of the wood.
Options 2 and 3 are my favorite! I love the unexpected feminine blush paired with the more masculine colors for the light fixture. The darker light should sway the hubs in favor of a girly-er mirror , right? 😉 Both rugs are beautiful! I think the first one is a more powerful statement, but if you want a bit more of a soothing environment, the second makes more sense! I know it’ll be incredible, whatever you decide.
I love the black and brass light but I like the light blue for the mirror better than the pale pink. Both rugs are great!
I second this: either rug, black and brass light, with blue mirror (you already get to have some blush in either of the rugs, so I wouldn’t do the mirror in pink if the hubs wouldn’t like it ;).. AND a barely there pink, or barely there any color, could dissappear into the white wall too much.. use this as an opportunity for statement and color pop!
My vote is for the first rug and the black and brass lights (to play off the chandelier) but I would just paint the mirrors either black or white. The Mirrors really aren’t the star of the show here… Your lantern and rug are so make those pop and let the other things stand as beautiful supporting pieces. (That’s just my take.,,do what feels right for you and your hubby!!!)
I love the idea of a cozy warm bathroom! I think the plum or olive green options you’ve considered would beperfect to achieve the look you’re after as well as working with the rest of your home
love the black/brass lights. have you considered a his-and-hers with one mirror the blush pink and the other in blue?
I love option 1 !!!
I loooove the blush with the black and brass lights if you can get your husband to be happy with it!!! Don’t feel you can go wrong with either choice though!
I love the black and brass. I think they play well with the lantern already in the room. The blush is unexpected and is one of pantone’s colors. I like the second rug.
Option one but I would not paint the mirrors. They look lovely in the original wood. I would only paint the barn lights but then again I may not paint anything at all and just go with the rug and other accents.
I like the idea of the black and brass light fixtures. Blue all the way on the mirrors. Chris would like that, and then see which rug goes best after all is said and done. Blush may fade against white. I repainted our bedroom recently in a lovely shade of pale blue, and we both love it. So serene and it will be a while before I tire of it. Decisions, decisions, decisions!!
Option 1! Love it!
Option 1 and do not paint the mirrors.
Number 3, number 3!!!!!
It would be very helpful to see pics of the rugs laid out on the floor. I think the blush options are best and I prefer the first rug.
Black and brass lights are definitely my favorite. My husband would not be a fan of the pale pink either so……. Just not sure about the rest. This I do know, I love the black and brass!
I love the black and blush combo… but I think I am just having a hard time picturing the blues, not that they wouldn’t also be pretty. Excited to see what you choose!
I also really like the black and brass light option! It would tie in nicely with the black tub and sink fixtures. I love the hexagon shape of the mirrors. It looks like the mirror frames have a raised trim piece in the middle of the frame (before it cuts in toward the mirror)… this is probably a weird thought… but could you paint only that raised part… almost like a stripe in the shape of the hexagon around the mirror? You could always try it, and if it didn’t look right, you could just paint the rest of it 🙂
Love the blog! I’ve been reading for years, but I decided to stop lurking from the shadows and start commenting today. Apparently about mirror stripes. Ha,ha.
Amanda, thank you for joining in and commenting! You are so sweet. I love the idea of stripes. I actually was planning to use stripes in here in another way and that didn’t work out. Sadly, the mirrors aren’t wood or I could do that, but maybe all-painted stripes of some sort?
I prefer #4 as my first choice, and #1 as my second choice. I think the blush/pink may be a little too feminine for a shared bath with your husband. You can always pull in blush with artwork or fresh flowers/candles if you use them, but I think the blues will pop nicely against the white walls and still look good with the wood vanities, which are awesome, BTW.
Ooh! That’s a tough choice! I’m definitely a fan of the black and brass lights. That’s one of my favorite combos! And I was leaning towards number 2 vs. number 3, even though I like both rugs. BUT! Then you mentioned hunter or olive green, so…..I think my vote is for the pink rug, with green mirrors! Choice number 2 is a close second though 🙂 good luck choosing! That’s a lot of good options to choose from!
I love the idea of black and brass for the lights, and black for the mirrors . . . and the lighter colored rug. I’d let the rug, and other textiles and accessories and artwork bring in the color, but leave the lamps and mirrors black like the tub.
My vote would be for the black & brass light with the pale pink mirror. I like it paired with the more red rug, feels unexpected and is bold. I was wondering if you would be putting up a backsplash because there seems to be room and that could change my decision on the color.
LOVE option three. They are all great though so I don’t think you could go wrong. I think the blush would be fun :]
could you strip the mirrors and stain them so they closely match the vanities? i kind of agree with others who like the cohesive wood look. can’t wait to see how you finish this pretty space! 🙂
I love both rugs, which is typical because I’m constantly rearranging my rugs! So I would keep both and just switch them with the seasons:) I still like the wood mirrors with the wood vanities. And as far as the lights (which I adore AS IS also, they match your silver exposed pipes), but if you are set on painting them, then I vote black and brass! Have fun, can’t wait to see what you decide!! ~Kim
Ooh I love that idea, kim! I love switching things out so why not switch?
I like the brass and black fixture and the bolder and darker rug. Normally I love more wood tones and can see why some suggest not painting the mirrors. The wood tone mirrors makes the vanities the focal point. Whereas if the mirrors receded and were lighter, the tub and lantern might stand out more. Personally I would highlight the tub in front of that window. Love!
Love the blush-so unexpected and beautiful!
I really like the bolder, darker rug and the black/brass lights, but I’m not sold on the blush or power blue. What if you went with a more navy blue. That color is in both rugs but it would add to this sophiscated space. Or you know, I’m really liking your peach color you were using in some of your designs recently. Could you try that one too?
Whatever you decide I know it will look great!
The Blues will perpetuate the calming and restful feel you’ve brought up several times, though the light fixtures can go either way. Keep in mind the way trends go, and related upkeep. If you’re ok with repainting in the next few years, that may change your mind one way or the other, sometimes it’s easy to repaint, other times it’s a game changer.
Regarding the rugs, can you have them cut and re-sewn to make a long runner? On older persian rugs, that’s a fairly common practice. You can even buy them patchworked. I don’t know the dimensions or pattern of yours in particular, or their state of wear, but it could look really well done. In “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Jim Williams talks about how the “old money” crowd often lets things go, or wear down naturally, and that’s really stuck with me when designing spaces. Certain elements of luxury, rugs and leather upholstery in particular, often look better a little mussed or stitched. Just a thought.
Clarification– I didn’t mean sew the two different patterns together, I meant, reshaping one rug into a longer runner.
Ahh, Sadie, thank you for clarifying. I immediately thought that’s what you meant haha! That’s definitely a good thought. I have seen some like that on eBay!
What color are your walls, ceiling, and trim in this room?
Hi Bethany! They’re all BM Chantilly Lace. We went with that throughout the house for a bright white finish 🙂
Was it a happy accident that the dusty blue and blush colors are also the 2016 Pantone colors of the year? I don’t think I saw anything mentioned that it was an intentional choice? 🙂
OH my goodness, Shaina, a happy accident, haha. I didn’t even know they’d picked those! I have been a little out of the loop :\ Too funny! I may not be going with either of those now, not sure, but they’re awesome colors! I see why they picked them!