Yes, You Can Use Bold Pattern and Color in Small Spaces – Vanessa Carlton's Brave Bathroom Decor is Proof, But Only if You Follow This One Key Rule
The singer's bathroom is a whimsical delight and is inspiring us to experiment with the most audacious patterns and hues
Wallpaper in a bathroom might not seem an obvious choice of wall treatment, but when we saw this image of Vanessa Carton's striking bathroom decor, we were bowled over. And there was one element we noticed, which is the key to this look feeling designed, rather than thrown together.
Along with the help of her designer, Hamilton Gray Studio, the singer has stuck to a limited color palette that has been picked out from the bold print on the wall (the exact wallpaper she used is Dinosauria wallpaper in Plaster from House of Hackney).
Shop Decor Inspired by Vanessa Carlton's Bold Bathroom
Dinosaur motifs might not be your first choice when it comes to statement wallpaper, but we absolutely love this design in Vanessa Carlton's bathroom and the pared back palette keeps it feeling more chic than childish.
We love the drama created by the tassels on Vanessa Carlton's shower curtain and while this one isn't the perfect match for her distinctive olive shade, the fringing is such a fun detail.
Vanessa Carlton's bathroom is punctuated by flashes of aged bronze hardware, from the shower head to the curtain rod. A warm metallic like this adds a touch of understated luxe.
Vanessa Carlton's bathroom is given a traditional twist with some chequerboard monochrome floor tiles. You don't need to fork out for real marble as these porcelain ones look just as good.
Opt for towels and bath mats in matching shades, picked out in your wallpaper (such as the rose pink and olive green in Vanessa Carlton's bathroom). These towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton.
Not convinced by the dinosaur print Vanessa Carlton used in her bathroom? Try this safari-inspired print from Katie Kime instead, which incorporates a sinmilar pink and green color palette.
The distinctive palette used in Vanessa Carlton's bathroom is an unexpected color combination that actually works – the powdery rose pink and olive green bring a really elevated feel to the space, showing that it pays to be a little experimental.
Sarah Smallwood, Designer and Founder of Roam & Reside, agrees: 'The wallpaper might bring the drama, but it’s the color story that brings it all together. It’s what makes the room feel designed, not just decorated. That’s where your color palette comes in. You can pull the most dramatic hue from the print and really go for it. Wrap it around the trim, bring it into your towels, even paint the ceiling.'
We recently wrote about Martha Stewart's pink bathroom tiles, which had a subtle elegance, but the stronger shade of pink in Vanessa Carlton's bathroom is a bolder choice, but it's toned down by the earthy yellow-green.
Other elements, such as the classic chequerboard flooring, lean into a traditional townhouse aesthetic, which, rather than jarring, lends a sense of authenticity and character. Meanwhile, the incorporation of subtle metallic accents adds a touch of sophisticated luxe, keeping it on the chic side of playful.
Of course, you don't have to go for an eccentric print wallpaper like Vanessa Carlton – look to botanical or abstract art-inspired prints in any complementary shades you prefer.
The way Vanessa Carlton's bathroom takes a bold print into a small space and makes it feel chic and intentional is so inspired. It's the perfect example of how to do maximalism in a small room. Just remember the rule of sticking to a limited color palette if you decide to give it try.
