What color would you paint this bathroom? (PIP)

[Susie]

This is our upstairs hall/kids bathroom; photo is from the RE listing:



I didn't plan to paint this room anytime soon, because of all the rooms in the entire house, all of which are this color, this is the one where I thought... yeah that looks completely fine.

But then this weekend we replaced the toilet in this bath and the master bath.  When we did, we needed to paint behind the toilet tank, because this is what we found:



and the new toilet tank didn't align exactly with the old one so it was visible.  So then we went digging through the basement for any leftovers, and good news we found it, but bad news we discovered that it's actually not paint.  They just used tinted primer on the entire house.  SMDH.

So now I feel like I need to paint this bathroom.  The master bath is already peeling from shower steam (was when we moved in), and I'm sure this bathroom is soon to follow.  It needs actual paint, and preferably a good quality bathroom paint.

The tile has some purplish tints to it, so I suggested that we lean into it and do a mermaid theme, and use some leftover Silver Peony (lavender) paint from DD's room.  That idea got voted off the island.  I don't love any of the blue/aqua paint chips I looked at.  I also don't like SW Worldly Gray (our main house color, which we're also using in the other two baths) in there, it's too warm.

Currently we have a white shower curtain, so the universe is open in terms of decor.  We are going to eventually redo this bath, but not right away.  In the meantime, WWYD for paint?

[deadwing]

I can highly recommend Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa paint for your bathroom. The drywall above my shower always gets misted when I shower and there are no water marks or spotting or signs of mold. I painted just before moving in 4.5 years ago.

As for a color... man, the countertop and floor tiles really limit your options. I think lavender was a great idea - the floor tile looks like it might have some pink or purple hues? I would avoid anything blue or teal to prevent clashing with the existing colors. I don't think I would go white or cream because your trim is white and the cabinets are cream. Maybe a very pale shade of green?

[orval]

Maybe a really light gray like it is? I have used Sherwin Williams Ice Cube. This page has a good representation of the color in a bathroom if you scroll. I used it on my bathroom ceiling and it looks white to me! But on my ds's walls it is a light gray.
www.simplehomesimplelife.com/blog/grey-paint-colours-to-outlast-the-trend

I was also thinking a creamy color like SW Greek Villa

[tacoflavoredkisses]

I love SW sea salt in bathrooms. We used it in both the kids bathroom and our primary bathroom.

I’m also obsessed with SW Silver Strand and SW krypton these days.

[sju]

I agree with going with a similar gray like the one you have. I think it looks nice.

My DD’s room is also silver peony. She is in middle school now and she still likes it. It’s such a pretty lavender.

[hazelden]

My parents have a teal tub, tile and toilet and I've been dreaming about how I can update their bathroom. I found this shower curtain at Target that I really like and would go with lots of color schemes. I'd suggest finding a fun shower curtain and then pulling inspiration/color from that.

One other suggestion is that we recently replaced the counter in our powder room. We got a piece of white marble look laminate and then a white vessel sink and faucet from Ikea. It was a very cheap refresh (probably about $300-$400 for your size space) that made a big difference.

Here's a pic of our counter and sink. I found the counter on clearance for $35 and the sink & faucet were about $150 for both. I'm planning on having DH do the same thing in our main bathroom in the fall.

[TR]

The color that came to mind was one Young House Love used in a bathroom makeover once. I looked it up and it's Benjamin Moore Hint of Violet. Might be slightly less purple than the Silver Peony and more likely to pass inspection?

[fryjack2]

I’d do a pearly white and make the shower curtain the centerpiece of the space by finding a loud/fun/colorful print.

[Pilsy]

I like the idea of a really fun shower curtain! In that case, I'd go really plain with the walls - pearly white sounds good - and just add colorful accents (e.g., bath mat, soap dispenser, etc.) coordinating with the curtain.

I'd also be tempted to try one of those countertop paints. Low risk since it's the kids' bath and you're doing to redo it anyway. If the countertop were more neutral, it would give you so many more options.

If you really want some color on the walls, since - again - kids, what about something in the yellow-orange-red family? Bright or muted, I think that would actually complement the greenish-blue, and it would definitely appeal to the kids. I'm not personally a fan of those colors, but in a kids' bath, I could get on board with colors and combos I wouldn't use elsewhere.

[Susie]

Hmm, maybe I'll look around and see if there are any pretty shower curtains that would go with all the teal before I make a final decision.  West Elm has some pretty ones, but it'll take just the right one for this color scheme.  Otherwise I think the grays are the right idea though, maybe a gray with lavender undertones. 

I really have no interest in spending any more than I need to, so new counters, sinks, faucets... off the table for the moment.  This bathroom needed a new toilet, and now it needs paint to keep the walls in good condition, but other than that -- it's my 2 and 5 year olds' bath.  It's constantly covered in pink bubble gum flavor toothpaste and duck bath toys, lol.  There are approximately 46,000 other places in the house that need a little investment, and this one is way down the list, even if a new counter isn't "that" expensive.  When the kids are older/taller, then we'll redo the bath.  Not luxury finishes, but more/better storage, taller vanity, bigger sink, solid surface counter, etc.  I would prefer to just leave it aesthetically alone until then.  I wouldn't have picked it, but at least as a general matter I like teal.

[ssmjlm]

Is it the kid bathroom? I would probably go fun with the color/curtain.

[TR]

Who vetoed your lavender idea??

[sb]

Especially since you don't really care about this room aesthetically, I would let the kids pick the color (and maybe adjust how deep the color is or undertones depending on what they pick).

[Deleted]

I really like SW Opaline, it's a super light grey that actually looks white in the paint can and in certain light can even read a bit blue. I think it would like great with what you have in the room as far as fixtures, and it's neutral enough that you could really bring in a lot of fun color with the shower curtain.

[majesty318]

Popping in to say we have Silver Peony in our master bath and it looks nothing like a mermaid. I'll add pics if you are still trying to convince whoever vetoed it.

[Susie]

Jul 14, 2021 10:51:15 GMT -5 TR said:

Who vetoed your lavender idea??

Nobody except DD liked the idea -- H and my dad gave it the thumbs down, DS is 2 and doesn't care.  My dad (when he's here) and DS share the bathroom with DD, and my dad was afraid that if we painted it to match her room, she'd view it as an extension of her room and monopolize the space.  Or something.  Whatever.  

If the leftover Silver Peony was Emerald line paint, I'd probably just do it, and figure if they dislike it that badly they can initiate the discussion about changing it themselves (they won't).  But it's SuperPaint, and I'm not sure whether that would be good enough in a humid a bath?

I think I should paint a swatch on the wall and just see how we like it.  $0 for the info, since we already have the paint.

We'll see.  This is definitely to be continued.  It could look so good! (for what this bathroom is)  How cute would lavender be with this shower curtain?


or this one?

[TR]

Don't have to sell me, I'm on board with lavender all the way! lol

[majesty318]

Jul 14, 2021 13:16:39 GMT -5 Susie said:

Jul 14, 2021 10:51:15 GMT -5 TR said:

Who vetoed your lavender idea??

Nobody except DD liked the idea -- H and my dad gave it the thumbs down, DS is 2 and doesn't care.  My dad (when he's here) and DS share the bathroom with DD, and my dad was afraid that if we painted it to match her room, she'd view it as an extension of her room and monopolize the space.  Or something.  Whatever.  

If the leftover Silver Peony was Emerald line paint, I'd probably just do it, and figure if they dislike it that badly they can initiate the discussion about changing it themselves (they won't).  But it's SuperPaint, and I'm not sure whether that would be good enough in a humid a bath?

I think I should paint a swatch on the wall and just see how we like it.  $0 for the info, since we already have the paint.

We'll see.  This is definitely to be continued.  It could look so good! (for what this bathroom is)  How cute would lavender be with this shower curtain?


or this one?

We have Super Paint in our half bath because it was a last-minute decision to paint it and we had already spent so much $$$ on other paint. It took like 3 coats (though granted it is a much darker color than Silver Peony, called Mature Grape). When water spots get on it and I try to dry them off, it kind of smears, vs. the Emerald we have in the other baths that just cleans right up. But it has held up despite bathroom moisture. The shower curtains are super cute and if you have the paint already, it's a small area, no one will REALLY fight you over it - just do it and save the money. 

[bridge5]

Just agreeing with the lavender idea! And I love that turtle curtain. Maybe go one shade lighter than silver peony so it's a little less *whatever the guys aren't liking. I think SW Cloud Nine (6546) would be good!

[hbomdiggity]

I would keep it simple with a white or light grey.

While it may not apply to the planned users, light and bright is best for makeup etc.

[expectantsteelerfan]

I know you said your ds is 2, but how long might it be before you'd want to repaint again? I'm all for non-gender norms, but when my ds was about 6 he went through a phase where he wouldn't use ANYTHING that was a 'girly' color even though I tried my best to tell him anyone can use/like any color. But cups/bowls/bags etc. in pink and purple became a fight that I just ignored and made him get whatever he wanted for himself. But I can't imagine what it would have been like if he decided he wouldn't use a purple bathroom. Even though the shower curtains you posted are great, and totally neutral, I would steer towards something both your kids might enjoy down the line (unless you plan to paint again in the near future.

[af1212]

Ducks!!

Paint the walls a pale yellow, and get a duck shower curtain. Duck soap dispenser and toothbrush holder, duck cabinet handles, etc. Go all in!!

Can put up a little shelf and line up all of those free ducks you get everywhere.

[atarianna]

We painted a countertop in a previous home because it was a bright red and I didn’t want to replace it at the time. The process was fine and two layers of a light gray covered the red just fine.

As for the bathroom I like the idea of a neutral paint and a loud curtain.

[texasharleygirl]

Jul 14, 2021 13:16:39 GMT -5 Susie said:

Jul 14, 2021 10:51:15 GMT -5 TR said:

Who vetoed your lavender idea??

Nobody except DD liked the idea -- H and my dad gave it the thumbs down, DS is 2 and doesn't care.  My dad (when he's here) and DS share the bathroom with DD, and my dad was afraid that if we painted it to match her room, she'd view it as an extension of her room and monopolize the space.  Or something.  Whatever.  

If the leftover Silver Peony was Emerald line paint, I'd probably just do it, and figure if they dislike it that badly they can initiate the discussion about changing it themselves (they won't).  But it's SuperPaint, and I'm not sure whether that would be good enough in a humid a bath?

I think I should paint a swatch on the wall and just see how we like it.  $0 for the info, since we already have the paint.

We'll see.  This is definitely to be continued.  It could look so good! (for what this bathroom is)  How cute would lavender be with this shower curtain?


or this one?

I MUST have that turtle shower curtain!   I would honestly go white and accessorize with the colors so that if you get tired of one color, you can change to another shade or shower curtain, etc. 

[pierogigirl]

I love the turtle shower curtain. I agree with PP about doing a white paint and colorful accessories.

[Susie]

So I painted a swatch of silver peony below the window and… it’s feeling like a win to me.

[pumpkin]

Jul 18, 2021 21:09:40 GMT -5 Susie said:

So I painted a swatch of silver peony below the window and… it’s feeling like a win to me.

I think that looks perfectly acceptable and like you said if they want something different they can discuss and do it. Also, I love the turtle shower curtain.

[TR]

Jul 18, 2021 21:09:40 GMT -5 Susie said:

So I painted a swatch of silver peony below the window and… it’s feeling like a win to me.

Yessssssss I love it!

[mrsukyankee]

I love that swatch. I think it's a great colour.

[mellym]

It looks so good! Where did you find the turtle shower curtain?