Want A Bathroom That Looks Expensive? Use These Stunning Colors

By design, bathrooms are often thought of as sanctuaries of self-care and relaxation. They evoke images of hot baths, essential oils, and face masks. And, because it's the room in the home where people go to feel luxurious, it should look the part, too. Although looking "expensive" can mean different things to different people, certain colors simply evoke opulence. Dark jewel tones are among the most notable examples. 

Thanks to their intensity and depth, dark colors, in general, are a fail-safe way to add a touch of sophistication to interiors, so this feeling can only be heightened by shades that channel precious and semi-precious gemstones. Found in the depths of the Earth, gemstones are carefully cut and polished into expensive jewelry, revered for their rarity, brilliance, and beauty. By reproducing this same look, bringing jewel tones into your bathroom is a small change that'll make your home feel more luxurious. Think amethyst purples, ruby reds, sapphire blues, onyx blacks, and emerald greens drenching your walls or highlighting the vanity of your dreams. These bold, saturated hues will make your space feel lavish, in the process making you feel like a million bucks, too. 

There are endless ways you can add dark jewel tones to your bathroom. For the braver, taking these colors to the walls will make the room feel elevated and intimate. When using paint, play with sheen to make your décor feel even more dramatic. Similarly, glossy tiles will help light bounce around the room, making it appear larger and lighter despite the strong colors. If you're not ready to commit to the color drenching painting trend, however, you can always create a striking dark jewel moment in a select area, such as the wall behind your vanity, the shower, or even take the color to the floor or ceiling. 

For an even more selective approach, choose a dark jewel tone statement piece. Colorful bathroom fixtures are coming back in style in a big way, so this is your chance to experiment with bold gemstone-inspired shades in a free-standing bathtub, sink, or toilet. Alternatively, a vanity in a darker jewel color can break up the monotony in a neutral bathroom. 

Because dark colors can be overwhelming, using details like mirrors, glass, layered lighting, and metallic, particularly brass, hardware can help open them up, making the room appear airier and more spacious. For color combinations, pairing your gemstone purples, reds, blues, greens, and blacks with whites and neutrals, such as lush slabs of marble, porcelain, or quartz, will bring contrast and a more balanced whole.