Julia’s bathroom revamp is sure to get you inspired

25 Jul 2023

When Julia Fowler and her family decided it was time for a home renovation, the bathroom was at the top of their list and with a love of Resene paints, Julia got to work in making this a moody and magnificent new space.  

Their house, built in the late 1990s, boasted all the modern conveniences of that time, such as a wall-hung toilet and a spacious built-in vanity. However, the monotoned beige colour scheme had grown tiresome, and they were eager to inject new life into the space.

With a limited budget, Julia sought to achieve maximum impact without undertaking a full renovation that would involve removing the existing bath, shower, and tiling. "We wanted to transform the bathroom without completely gutting it," Julia explained. "We wanted to retain some of the existing features while giving it a fresh and contemporary look."

Julia used the stunning moody shade of Resene Blue Bark painted on v-groove panelling on the walls, which now makes the dated sandy-toned tiles look more modern and chic.

To accomplish this, Julia decided to rely on a bold colour palette and strategic paint choices. She chose Resene Blue Bark, a dark green shade that she says possesses an intriguing ability to shift in colour from blue to black depending on the lighting conditions. "I wanted to create a moody atmosphere," she shared. "Resene Blue Bark provided the perfect blend of dark blue, dark green and charcoal tones, without veering too close to pure black."

To enhance the impact, she used v-groove panelling on the walls and used contrasting colours to elevate the space into captivating focal points. The wall behind the bath and shower is painted in Resene Black White, a crisp white shade that beautifully complemented the dark walls and the sandy-toned tiles already present in the space.

Near the bath, Resene Black White was used as the perfect contrast to the dark shade of Resene Blue Bark and the existing sandy-toned tiles.  

The contrast of the dark walls against the clean white backdrop and earthy tiles created a striking balance, and as Julia points out, helped to divert attention from the dated aspects of the bathroom while harmonising the colour palette.

Julia's role as an interior stylist significantly influenced the overall look of the bathroom. Her style, constantly evolving and inspired by her work, blends modern decor with antique furniture and vibrant artworks. In this particular space, she aimed to incorporate elements that would breathe new life into the existing design.

The bathroom, with its unique blend of contemporary features and vintage charm, has become one of Julia's favourite rooms in her house – which has had a few other restorations. "I think it has some real personality," Julia says.

As Julia explains, the shade of Resene Blue Bark changes throughout the day in different light, reflecting tones from blue, to green to black.

With her expertise and eye for design, Julia has successfully transformed her family's bathroom into a space that feels fresh, inviting, and brimming with personality. By harnessing the power of colour and embracing the existing elements, she has achieved an inspiring renovation that proves you don't always need a complete overhaul to make a significant impact.

colour selection: Julia Fowler, www.jfinteriorstyling.com   

Julia’s bathroom before the revamp:

Published: 25 Jul 2023