The Outdated Bathroom Color That's Making A Design Comeback

A relaxing color scheme is one of the main things you need to create the perfect spa-like bathroom. Though many people choose cool whites and blues to summon tranquility, a warmer hue can make your bathroom feel more inviting. To achieve a supreme state of comfort and calm, consider cozy brown tones. According to some interior decorating experts, brown bathrooms are making a comeback in 2025, along with other retro design trends such as wood paneling.

Why brown now? Because homeowners want nods to Mother Nature in their interiors, says Grazzie Wilson of luxury tile brand Ca' Pietra. In an interview with Homes & Gardens, she highlighted a growing "obsession with nature and bringing it into our homes" and the "many natural shades of brown to be found in the great outdoors." These hues range from rich cocoas to neutral tans. Wood-inspired colors that evoke ease — think walnut and chestnut — are also popular choices.

Mocha Mousse, Pantone's 2025 color of the year, also reflects this newfound appreciation for soft and luxurious browns. Laurie Pressman, the Pantone Color Institute's vice president, links this hue to health and gratitude. She told CNN that Mocha Mousse "reaches into our desire for comfort and wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others." In other words, it can turn an ordinary bathroom into a rejuvenating retreat.

Painting the walls brown is the most straightforward way to add nature-inspired warmth to your bathroom. For a decorative twist, opt for botanical wallpaper with contrasting browns such as pale taupe and dark umber. Textured wallpaper in a rich, soil-inspired hue is another option. Also consider a brown color palette for tiles and trim. To play up the nature factor, you could choose warm, brownish-gray stone tiles for your floors, showers, or backsplash.

Layers of browns and neutrals also work well in many bathrooms. For instance, paler neutrals can keep a brown bathroom with limited natural light from becoming cavelike. Try pairing brown walls with cream-colored ceramic tiles to brighten up the space. If a window lets plenty of light into your bathroom, you can team brown with darker neutrals such as charcoal and black.

A wood or faux wood vanity is another way to enhance your bathroom with natural browns and tans. Adorned with slender slats for a fresh and modern look, the Modway Render 36-inch bathroom vanity comes in a range of finishes, including walnut and oak. A dark wood piece such as the Rustown dark walnut fluted bathroom wall cabinet can bring an appealing contrast to a bathroom adorned with sandy beige and Pantone's Mocha Mousse. Smaller items featuring natural materials and a brown-based palette — perhaps a tan wicker wastebasket or a Youdenova cotton rope laundry basket — will tie the room together.

To supercharge your nature-inspired aesthetic, couple brown with green. Humidity-loving houseplants or a shower curtain with a green leaf print can breathe life into a brown bathroom. Introduce more texture with fluffy emerald hand towels and bath mats. Or select green for your walls, then use brown for your accents. Searching for inspiring light green paint colors? Try moss or evergreen for forest vibes, or consider pale olive, which reads as warm thanks to a hearty dose of yellow.

If you're into retro references, look at trending 1970s colors when deciding how to design your bathroom. Earth tones from this decade can deliver outdoor energy to your space, and they're great companions for a range of browns. A little goldenrod or burnt orange can go a long way, so consider these colors for mirror frames, plant pots, and toiletry trays. Small bathroom storage items are also ideal for adding a pop of earthy color. For instance, you could incorporate burnt orange with the Jhlaykg four-piece ceramic bathroom accessory set, which includes a toothbrush holder, a liquid soap dispenser, a dish for bar soap, and a handy tumbler.

Want a more modern color scheme? Look for a palette that revolves around sage green with yellow undertones. Warm but relatively muted, this color can blanket your bathroom in cheery calm. It pairs nicely with soft whites and a range of wood tones. Try it with light brown bathroom furniture such as the Viagdo tall bathroom cabinet with shutter door and three-tier shelves. Made of eco-friendly bamboo, this versatile piece is big enough to hold towels, cosmetics, and even a potted plant.