Renovation tip: The benefits of ‘colourful’ bathrooms

Chromatherapy, also known as colour therapy, is defined simply as a technique to stimulate feelings, restore balance and enhance positive mood.

Different colours are associated with different emotions and effects to well-being, such as:

• Yellow: energy, enthusiasm, mind and muscular improvement
• Orange: counters tiredness and depression
• Green: calm, encouraging, serene, natural
• Magenta: regulates blood pressure, improves vitality
• Blue: tranquil, serene, peaceful
• Indigo: creative, inspired
• Purple: inspires imagination

By utilising changing colours in spaces that are often used, such as the bathroom, the residents are expected to enjoy a more habitable and “healing” environment in the comforts of their own home.

All-white versus colourful

White has long been one of the most popular colour choices for bathrooms, and for a good reason.

This classic colour scheme is naturally refreshing as it brightens the space and reflects light. For this reason, white is deemed the most sensible option for homes where natural light doesn't reach the bathroom due to lack of windows. The brighter space also makes the room appear bigger.

Due to its simplicity, an all-white bathroom is considered timeless and, therefore, more sellable. Tenants and buyers alike may be attracted to the opportunity to play with a “blank canvas” and add their own style to the space as they occupy the home, all without going into too much trouble.

Finally, since white tiles, products and equipment are widely available, they are often more affordable than coloured items.

On the other hand, a colourful bathroom does not only provide a more relaxing experience but also positively impacts the user’s physical and mental well-being.

Coupled with controlled temperature, the 'regenerative lighting' is believed to influence moods and temperaments and inspire positivity and relaxation.

Aside from mental stimulation, chromatherapy also supports circulatory and nervous functions by affecting vitality and body temperature and strengthening veins and arteries.

Some colours are associated with to inducing sleep, eliminating localised fat, activating internal tissues, alleviating asthma and bronchitis, treating lymphatic disorders and indigestion, purifying skin, reducing blood pressure and overall regeneration.

Chromatherapy in the bathroom

Aside from interior design, such as coloured tiles, basins and sinks, chromatherapy can also be implemented through several bathroom equipment, like LED installations in the entire space, in the showers or on shower heads. Homeowners often have the option to pick still lights or changing hues.

Changing LED lights on tubs and shower heads often come in six different colours, including red, purple, green, blue, orange and white. More options are available depending on the homeowner’s preference. Complicated contraptions may require higher costs.

Experts in the modern bathroom trend recommend combining different colours to achieve harmony. Pay attention to the whole room, from the ceilings to the vanities, instead of just playing around with showers or the tubs.

The combination of cold, calm colours and warm, revitalising shades is believed to be just the right balance.

However, interior designers warn homeowners that too many colours as it could make the room look cluttered and induce stress or claustrophobia rather than relaxation.

Before ultimately implementing chromatherapy on your bathroom, plan the overall design scheme for the room and engage professionals, where appropriate, to help you visualise and implement your plans.

Investors are advised to engage experienced builders and professional handymen when installing lights, shower heads and other equipment to ensure high-quality work and avoid extra costs due to repairs and other issues.

This information has been sourced from Handyman Home, Inside Out, Fresh Home and Noken.